Madison Beer photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
Madison Beer not having a show in my town (Phoenix, AZ) wasn’t going to stop me from seeing her live for the first time and hearing one of my favorite albums of 2021. So I decided to drive to the next closest tour stop: San Diego.
I arrived to the House of Blues in the late evening, where in a short few hours the Long Island native would be performing her debut album “Life Support”. To eager fans (who do not have a fan name yet- she mentioned at soundcheck- and would love some help with that). I got soundcheck so I was guaranteed to be up close and personal.
Madison Beer photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
Madison galloped into soundcheck wearing grey sweats, a grey basketball sweater, and her hair in a tight ponytail. She looked rather comfortable and effortlessly (one of my favorite songs by her) flawless, might I add. A majority of fan questions she answered revolved around her next album, which she hinted at early 2022. Another major takeaway from the Q&A was that she wants to go to college in the future and major in psychology. We love a queen who wants an education!
After soundcheck, the general admission fans were granted access into the venue. Many GA fans attempted to sneak up closer to the stage, which caused extreme tightness and even pushing amongst myself and other fans. Regardless, we all stayed positive with each other and told ourselves we were here for Madison. The girl next to me was also from Arizona (if you see this, hey!!) so it was nice having someone in the same shoes as me who wanted to see Madison as much as I did.
Madison Beer photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
The show exceeded expectations with numerous pre-recorded footage, props (a swing attached to a fake tree), and animation on the screen. Every single fan in that venue knew the words to her songs, which is one of the best feelings as a fan: people who understand love for music.
She did not engage much with the crowd during the show, but I oddly didn’t mind it. I think it was because her setlist and show told a story- and in a story, you do not talk to the audience. Madison Beer has been through a lot being under the spotlight since 13 years old. One of my favorite lyrics of hers is “Been 21 since 17, thanks to all the magazines.” She has proved herself to me more than just an “Instagram Model” (how most people know her) and rather a superstar.
Article + Photos by Lanie Kapsalis