Beastie Boys Reflect on Opening for Madonna’s ‘Virgin Tour’ in 1985
A Unique Opportunity
In 1985, the Beastie Boys, consisting of Adam "Ad Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond, had the opportunity to open for none other than pop sensation Madonna on her ‘Virgin Tour’. This was a remarkable experience for the up-and-coming band, who had yet to release their debut album. At the time, Madonna had just released her self-titled debut album and the hit single "Like a Virgin".
Madonna’s Rise to Fame
By the time the ‘Virgin Tour’ kicked off, Madonna was already a household name, thanks to the massive success of her debut album and its subsequent follow-up, "Like a Virgin". The tour was a huge commercial success, with many concerts being moved to larger venues to accommodate the overwhelming demand from fans.
Beastie Boys’ Perspective
In a recent interview on the "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend" podcast, Mike D reflected on the experience, saying, "It was a huge deal and totally absurd that we got asked to do that tour. She booked the tour and she was playing like theaters. And by the time the tour was actually happening, she was so beyond selling out a theater in terms of stature."
A Clash of Cultures
The Beastie Boys were still relatively unknown at the time, and their punk-rock vibe contrasted starkly with Madonna’s pop-oriented sound. However, Ad Rock notes that they were not as out of place as one might think, "We used to play at the same clubs in New York. No one ever talks about that part of the story."
A Terrible Idea?
In a previous interview, Horovitz described Madonna’s decision to take them on tour as a "terrible idea". However, in the conversation with O’Brien, Ad Rock seemed more gracious about the experience, pointing out that it was not as crazy as it seemed.
The Tour’s Success
The ‘Virgin Tour’ was a massive success, with many of the concerts selling out quickly. Madonna’s popularity had grown exponentially since the release of "Like a Virgin", and her shows were filled with energy and excitement. The Beastie Boys, meanwhile, were able to reach a wider audience and gain valuable exposure.
Aftermath
The experience left a lasting impact on both parties. Madonna would go on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time, while the Beastie Boys would go on to release a string of successful albums and become one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Conclusion
The ‘Virgin Tour’ was a groundbreaking experience for both Madonna and the Beastie Boys. It was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and showcase the incredible talent of both artists. Today, the experience remains a fascinating chapter in the careers of two of the most iconic artists of the 1980s.
FAQs
Q: What was the Beastie Boys’ debut album?
A: The Beastie Boys had yet to release their debut album at the time of the ‘Virgin Tour’. They would eventually release "Licensed to Ill" in 1986.
Q: What was Madonna’s popularity like before the ‘Virgin Tour’?
A: Madonna was still a relatively new artist at the time of the ‘Virgin Tour’, having released her debut album in 1983 and follow-up "Like a Virgin" in 1984. However, she had already gained a significant following and was becoming a household name.
Q: Did the Beastie Boys enjoy their experience opening for Madonna?
A: Mike D has spoken positively about the experience, noting that it was a huge opportunity and a chance to reach a wider audience. However, Horovitz has also spoken about how they were initially hesitant to join the tour.
Q: What impact did the ‘Virgin Tour’ have on the Beastie Boys’ career?
A: The ‘Virgin Tour’ helped to expose the Beastie Boys to a wider audience and set the stage for their future success.
