Drowned World Tour

2025-09-01T13:39:27Z

86.9.198.92: Price was known as an elctronic artist at the time, if we are going to say anything say that

{{Short description|2001 concert tour by Madonna}}
{{Redirect|Drowned World Tour 2001|the video release|Drowned World Tour 2001 (video)}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Infobox concert
| image = Madonna - Drowned World Tour (poster).png
| image_caption = Promotional poster for the tour
| image_size = 220px
| border = yes
| artist = [[Madonna]]
| location = {{Flatlist}}
* Europe
* North America
{{Endflatlist}}
| albums = {{Flatlist}}
*''[[Ray of Light]]''
*''[[Music (Madonna album)|Music]]''
{{Endflatlist}}
| start_date = {{Start date|2001|06|09}}
| end_date = {{End date|2001|09|15}}
| number_of_legs = 2
| number_of_shows = 47
| gross = US$76.8 million{{efn|US${{Formatnum:{{Inflation|US|76.8|r=2|2001}}}} million in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars.{{Inflation-fn|US}}}}
| last_tour = [[The Girlie Show (Madonna)|The Girlie Show]] (1993)
| this_tour = '''Drowned World Tour''' (2001)
| next_tour = [[Re-Invention World Tour]] (2004)
}}
The '''Drowned World Tour''' (billed as '''Drowned World Tour 2001''') was the fifth [[concert tour]] by American singer [[Madonna]], launched in support of her seventh and eighth studio albums, ''[[Ray of Light]]'' (1998) and ''[[Music (Madonna album)|Music]]'' (2000). It began on June 9, 2001, at the [[Palau Sant Jordi]] in [[Barcelona]] and concluded on September 15 at the [[Crypto.com Arena|Staples Center]] in [[Los Angeles]]. It marked the singer's first tour in eight years, following [[The Girlie Show (Madonna)|the Girlie Show]] of 1993. Originally planned for 1999, the tour was postponed due to Madonna's involvement in the film ''[[The Next Best Thing]]'', her marriage to British director [[Guy Ritchie]], and the birth of their son Rocco.

With just three months to prepare, Madonna assembled a creative team that included choreographers [[Jamie King]] and [[Christian Vincent (actor)|Christian Vincent]], and designer [[Jean Paul Gaultier]], who crafted costumes reflecting different phases of her career. The show was divided into four thematic acts —''[[Punk rock|Rock 'n' Roll]] [[Cyberpunk|Punk Girl]]'', ''[[Geisha]] Girl'', ''[[Cowboy#Cowgirls|Cyber Cowgirl]]'', and ''[[Culture of Spain|Spanish Girl]]/[[Bling-bling|Ghetto Girl]]''— and featured a [[set list]] focused on ''Ray of Light'' and ''Music'', with only two pre-1990s hits: "[[Holiday (Madonna song)|Holiday]]" (1983) and "[[La Isla Bonita]]" (1987). Critics praised the production and staging, though some were dissatisfied with the absence of her earlier hits. Grossing $76.8 million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|76.8|r=2|2001}}}} million in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}) and drawing over 730,000 attendees, it was the highest-grossing solo tour of 2001. A performance filmed in Michigan aired live on [[HBO]] and was later released on VHS and DVD as ''[[Drowned World Tour 2001 (video)|Drowned World Tour 2001]]''.

== Background ==
Following the release of her seventh studio album ''[[Ray of Light]]'' (1998), Madonna initially planned to tour in 1999 after filming ''[[The Next Best Thing]]'', but those plans were postponed due to her focus on motherhood and film commitments.<ref>{{cite web |last1=King |first1=Larry |author1-link=Larry King |title=Interview: Madonna reviews life on ''Larry King Live'' |url=http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9901/19/madonna.lkl/ |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010727045052/http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9901/19/madonna.lkl/ |archive-date=July 27, 2001 |date=January 19, 1999}}</ref><ref name=Guilbert76>{{harvnb|Guilbert|2002|p=76}}</ref> By 2000, she was in a relationship with British film director [[Guy Ritchie]], gave birth to their son Rocco, and released ''[[Music (Madonna album)|Music]]'', her eight studio album.<ref name=Guilbert76 /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lumley |first1=James |title=Madonna, Guy Ritchie divorce approved by U.K. court (update3) |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/ne |publisher=[[Bloomberg Television]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024122553/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aZUOJ_MvDaRI&refer=europe |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> That November, she stated, "I've already got ideas of stuff I'd like to do for a big tour. I feel like it's time".<ref>{{cite web |title=Madonna's secret to making ''Music'' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/10/wb.madonna.album/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011215153717/https://edition.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/10/wb.madonna.album/index.html |archive-date=December 15, 2001 |date=November 10, 2000}}</ref> In April 2001, she officially announced plans for a world tour.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Angulo |first1=Sandra P. |title=Madonna announces tour and ties the Beatles |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/04/05/madonna-announces-tour-and-ties-beatles/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927122023/https://ew.com/article/2001/04/05/madonna-announces-tour-and-ties-beatles/ |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |date=April 5, 2001}}</ref> Drowned World became Madonna's first concert tour in eight years and came together in just three months.<ref name=OBrien356>{{harvnb|O'Brien|2008|p=456}}</ref>

The singer personally oversaw dancer auditions in New York alongside choreographer [[Jamie King]] and dancer [[Christian Vincent (actor)|Christian Vincent]].<ref name=OBrien356 /><ref name="Hola">{{cite web |title=Las cuentas del Drowned world tour |url=https://www.hola.com/musica/2001070438255/musica/madonna5/madonna5/ |work=[[¡Hola!]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029112343/https://www.hola.com/musica/2001070438255/musica/madonna5/madonna5/ |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |language=es |date=July 4, 2001}}</ref> King, who was appointed the tour's [[creative director]] and official choreographer, later described the experience as so intense that he became physically ill.<ref>{{harvnb|Metz|Benson|1999|p=67}}</ref> Madonna, who had begun taking guitar lessons in 2000 with musician [[Monte Pittman]], performed several numbers on both [[acoustic guitar|acoustic]] and [[electric]] guitar during the show.<ref name="Hola" /><ref name="ElMundo">{{cite web |title=Madonna arranca hoy en Barcelona su gira mundial |url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2001/06/07/cultura/991940567.html |work=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010609121454/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2001/06/07/cultura/991940567.html |archive-date=June 9, 2001 |language=Spanish |date=June 9, 2001}}</ref> Pittman also joined her on stage as part of the band. Her core team included longtime vocalists [[Niki Haris]] and [[Donna De Lory]], along with electronic music producer [[Stuart Price]] on bass and keys.<ref name="Hola" /><ref name="MTV1">{{cite web |last1=Reimer |first1=Courtney |title=Madonna Taps Les Rythmes Digitales Mastermind For Tour |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1443207/madonna-taps-les-rythmes-digitales-mastermind-for-tour/ |publisher=[[MTV]] |access-date=26 August 2021 |date=April 26, 2001 |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826180311/http://www.mtv.com/news/1443207/madonna-taps-les-rythmes-digitales-mastermind-for-tour/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rehearsals ran five days a week, thirteen hours a day. "I don't see the point of doing a show unless you offer something that is going to mind-boggle the senses," Madonna explained, emphasizing that for her, live performance is "all about theatre and drama and surprises and suspenses."<ref name="clerk">{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=172}}</ref>

The tour launched on June 9, 2001, at [[Barcelona]]'s [[Palau Sant Jordi]] and concluded in September at [[Los Angeles]]' [[Crypto.com Arena|Staples Center]].<ref name="ElMundo" /><ref name=CNNTickets>{{cite web |title=More Madonna shows after UK sell-out |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/UK/04/26/madonna.concert/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010429222947/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/UK/04/26/madonna.concert/index.html |archive-date=April 29, 2001 |date=April 26, 2001}}</ref> It was originally scheduled to begin with two shows in [[Cologne]], but those dates were canceled due to technical issues, resulting in 35,000 refunded tickets.<ref name="News24Cologne">{{cite web |title=Madonna cancels Cologne concerts |url=https://www.news24.com/xArchive/Archive/Madonna-cancels-Cologne-concerts-20010504 |work=[[News24 (website)|News24]] |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029112237/https://www.news24.com/xArchive/Archive/Madonna-cancels-Cologne-concerts-20010504 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |date=May 6, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Metz|Benson|1999|p=89}}</ref> Another show in [[New Jersey]] was canceled due to illness, reducing the total number of performances from fifty to forty-seven.<ref name=Meadowlands>{{cite web |title=Madonna, citing illness, cancels Meadowlands show |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/madonna-citing-illness-cancels-meadowlands-show |publisher=[[Fox News]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029071558/https://www.foxnews.com/story/madonna-citing-illness-cancels-meadowlands-show |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |date=August 4, 2001}}</ref><ref name="tara90">{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2002|p=90}}</ref>

== Development ==
=== Conception ===
The tour took its name after [[J. G. Ballard]]'s 1962 [[The Drowned World|novel]] and Madonna's 1998 [[Drowned World/Substitute for Love|single]].<ref name="EW1">{{cite magazine |last1=McAlley |first1=John |title=Madonna launches her ''World'' tour |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/06/22/madonna |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117041849/https://ew.com/article/2001/06/22/madonna-launches-her-world-tour/ |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |date=June 22, 2001}}</ref><ref name="SlantDWT">{{cite magazine |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Madonna (New York, NY – July 25, 2001) |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/madonna-new-york-ny-july-25-2001/ |magazine=[[Slant Magazine]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |date=July 26, 2001 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901012958/https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/madonna-new-york-ny-july-25-2001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Liz Rosenberg stated that it would be her "grandest spectacle to date".<ref name="MTVEvita">{{cite web |last1=D'Angelo |first1=Joe |title=Madonna to revisit Evita, Geisha Girl, Cowgirl personas for tour |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1444306/madonna-to-revisit-evita-geisha-girl-cowgirl-personas-for-tour/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=26 August 2021 |date=June 6, 2001 |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024004225/http://www.mtv.com/news/1444306/madonna-to-revisit-evita-geisha-girl-cowgirl-personas-for-tour/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was structured around four distinct thematic acts —''[[Punk rock|Rock 'n' Roll]] [[Cyberpunk|Punk Girl]]'', ''[[Geisha]] Girl'', ''[[Cowboy#Cowgirls|Cyber Cowgirl]]'', and ''[[Culture of Spain|Spanish Girl]]/[[Bling-bling|Ghetto Girl]]''— each representing a different phase of Madonna's evolving persona.<ref name="NYMag">{{cite magazine |last1=Brown |first1=Ethan |title=Immaterial Girl |url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/5022/ |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070307113802/https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/5022/ |archive-date=March 7, 2007 |date=August 6, 2001}}</ref><ref name="MTVEvita" /> She envisioned the show as a theatrical fusion of influences like [[martial arts]], [[flamenco]], [[Punk subculture|punk]], and [[circus]] performance.<ref name="ElMundo" /> The [[set list]] focused primarily on songs from ''Music'' and ''Ray of Light'', with only "[[Holiday (Madonna song)|Holiday]]" (1983) and "[[La Isla Bonita]]" (1987) representing her pre-1990s catalog.<ref name="MTVHits">{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Corey |title=Few hits, many costumes at Madonna tour launch |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1444414/few-hits-many-costumes-at-madonna-tour-launch/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=August 26, 2021 |date=June 11, 2001 |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225032006/http://www.mtv.com/news/1444414/few-hits-many-costumes-at-madonna-tour-launch/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=ABC>{{cite web |title=Madonna performs swimmingly at first Drowned World Tour show |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertaint/story?id=104226&page=1 |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |date=June 11, 2001 |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826191904/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertaint/story?id=104226&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', this was a deliberate choice by Madonna, who didn’t want the concert to be a "hit parade".<ref name=NYPost>{{cite web |last1=Recchia |first1=Phillip |title=Madonna rises again: The Material Girl's return puts New York fans in a frenzy |url=https://nypost.com/2001/07/22/madonna-rises-again-the-material-girls-return-puts-new-york-fans-in-a-frenzy/ |work=[[New York Post]] |access-date=December 29, 2021 |date=July 22, 2001 |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229012134/https://nypost.com/2001/07/22/madonna-rises-again-the-material-girls-return-puts-new-york-fans-in-a-frenzy/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The tour's poster and logo were created by Chase Design Group, who aimed to reflect the show's ethereal and multi-layered nature. Founder Margo Chase described the concert as a "multilayered musical and spiritual journey through diverse worlds", which inspired the team to design a custom icon and typography that captured its unique atmosphere. At Madonna's request, the final design incorporated Arabic and Hebrew elements as a nod to her interest in [[Kabbalah]]. Several posters were proposed, but the singer ultimately chose the one that featured a [[close-up]] from her "[[What It Feels Like for a Girl]]" video.<ref>{{harvnb|Dougher|Berger|2008|p=84}}</ref>

=== Stage and technical setup ===
{{multiple image
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| image1 = An original Madonna's Drowned World concept sketch by production designer Bruce Rodgers.jpg
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| image2 = DWTscene.png
| width2 = 214
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| footer = The images depict two sketches created of the stage.
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Drowned World was described by production manager Mark Spring as the most complex project he had ever worked on, calling it a "machine on the move".<ref name="Independent">{{cite web |last1=O'Hagan |first1=Simon |title='This is Madonna. Her show is perfect. There can be no mistakes' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/this-is-madonna-her-show-is-perfect-there-can-be-no-mistakes-9231769.html |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029112235/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/this-is-madonna-her-show-is-perfect-there-can-be-no-mistakes-9231769.html |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |date=July 1, 2001}}</ref> The scale was massive —two [[Boeing 747]]s transported the show from Europe to the US, and over 300 cargo vehicles carried more than 100 tons of equipment.<ref name="Hola" /><ref name="ElMundo" /> The stage, the size of three [[tennis court]]s, featured a vast overhead grid of [[truss]]es, motors, and video screens, along with props like a [[mechanical bull]] and aerial rigging.<ref name="Independent" />

The production involved three set-building companies and a crew of over 100 professionals, including lighting techs, sound engineers, dancers, and stylists.<ref name="Independent" /> Madonna's perfectionism shaped every detail; she personally noticed audio imperfections, leading engineers to experiment with cutting-edge techniques like 14 kHz frequencies and isolated amplifiers.<ref name="young2">{{harvnb|Young|2004|p=110}}</ref> [[Front of House|FOH]] engineer Dave Kob highlighted the show's technical demands and musical diversity —from [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] to flamenco— and praised Madonna for singing live throughout, despite the intense choreography. "She's a hard worker," he noted, "and she expects the same from everyone else."<ref name="young">{{harvnb|Young|2004|p=107}}</ref>

=== Fashion ===
Designer [[Jean Paul Gaultier]] was enlisted to create the tour's costumes, blending [[Punk fashion|punk]], [[Highland dress|Scottish]], [[geisha]], [[Western wear|cowboy]], and Spanish influences to match each themed act.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Out 100 Styles |journal=[[Out (magazine)|Out]] |date=December 2001 |volume=107 |issue=6 |page=77 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=smIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77 |access-date=26 August 2021 |issn=1062-7928 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524140234/https://books.google.com/books?id=smIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Orgill|2001|p=109}}</ref><ref name="ABC" /> His designs included torn shirts and zippered pants as a nod to Madonna's early years, geisha-inspired wigs and makeup from "[[Nothing Really Matters]]" (1999), leather [[chaps]] over jeans reminiscent of "[[Don't Tell Me (Madonna song)|Don't Tell Me]]", and outfits that merged elements from "La Isla Bonita" and ''[[Evita (1996 film)|Evita]]'' (1996).<ref name="MTVEvita" /> The DSquared2 duo, [[Dean and Dan Caten]], contributed "ghetto fabulous" looks reflecting Madonna's then-current aesthetic.<ref name="MTVEvita" /> Longtime stylist [[Arianne Phillips]] supervised the wardrobe, designing some pieces herself and collaborating with Gaultier on others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Palac |first1=Lisa |title=Three who style the stars |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-aug-19-tm-35738-story.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629190326/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/aug/19/magazine/tm-35738 |archive-date=June 29, 2009 |url-status=live |date=August 19, 2001}}</ref> For each segment, three identical versions of Madonna's outfits were made, while dancers had two duplicates of each costume.<ref name="Hola" />

== Concert synopsis ==
{{multiple image
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| footer = Madonna performing "[[Impressive Instant]]" (''left'') and "[[Frozen (Madonna song)|Frozen]]" (''right'').
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The show opened with "[[Drowned World/Substitute for Love]]", as Madonna emerged through a cloud of [[dry ice]] atop a rising platform wearing punk-inspired attire that included a [[tartan]] [[kilt]]. She launched into the high-energy "[[Impressive Instant]]", surrounded by dancers in gas masks and black mesh. She played electric guitar for "Candy Perfume Girl", then performed "[[Beautiful Stranger]]" alongside Haris and De Lory, amid psychedelic visuals from ''[[Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me]]''. The segment closed with an energetic rendition of "[[Ray of Light (song)|Ray of Light]]".

The mood shifted with a video of Madonna as a geisha set to "Paradise (Not For Me)", accompanied by nearly nude dancers hanging upside down from above the stage. The singer then appeared in a black wig and [[kimono]] with long red sleeves to perform "[[Frozen (Madonna song)|Frozen]]". The opening notes of "[[Open Your Heart (Madonna song)|Open Your Heart]]" (1987) led into "Nobody's Perfect", where Madonna portrayed a symbolic act of self-sacrifice. "Mer Girl" transitioned into a fast-paced [[ninja]] battle for "[[Sky Fits Heaven]]", ending with Madonna grabbing a shotgun and pretending to shoot a dancer. The segment closed with a remix of "[[What It Feels Like for a Girl]]," as dancers in anime-inspired costumes flew across the stage, and the screen displayed visuals from [[Satoshi Kon]]'s 1997 film ''[[Perfect Blue]]'', and [[hentai]] anime ''[[Urotsukidōji]]''.

"I Deserve It" opened the ''Cyber Cowgirl'' act. Madonna —dressed in chaps and a cowgirl hat— sat on a bale of hay and played acoustic guitar. She followed with "[[Don't Tell Me (Madonna song)|Don't Tell Me]]", featuring choreographed [[line dancing]] similar to the song's music video. "[[Human Nature (Madonna song)|Human Nature]]" introduced [[bondage (BDSM)|bondage]]-themed choreography with a [[lasso]], ending with Madonna riding a mechanical bull. Adopting a mock Southern accent, she playfully addressed the audience before singing "The Funny Song", a satirical piece about [[Human cannibalism|cannibalism]]. She again played guitar for "[[Secret (Madonna song)|Secret]]", set against visuals of riverside baptisms, [[Sufism|Sufi]] [[dervish]]es, and Buddhist prayers. The segment closed with a stripped-down take on "Gone", which was replaced by "[[You'll See]]" on some American concerts.

[[File:DWTlosangeles4.jpg|thumb|The closing performance of "[[Music (Madonna song)|Music]]".]]

The final segment, ''Spanish Girl/Ghetto Girl'', opened with a [[tango]] performance set to an instrumental of "[[Don't Cry for Me Argentina#Madonna version|Don't Cry for Me Argentina]]", with candles lining the stage. Madonna appeared atop a rotating leather podium to sing "Lo Que Siente La Mujer", dressed in black trousers and a backless dress. She then played guitar for "[[La Isla Bonita]]" accompanied by flamenco dancers. A [[mashup (music)|mashup]] of "[[Holiday (Madonna song)|Holiday]]" and [[Stardust (band)|Stardust]]'s "[[Music Sounds Better With You]]" (1998) followed, performed with Haris and De Lory. The show closed with "[[Music (Madonna song)|Music]]", featuring the full cast of dancers, confetti raining from above, and a montage of Madonna's past music videos on the screens. "The End" flashed onscreen to signal the concert's conclusion.

During the European leg, an additional video played after the concert ended, featuring [[Ali G]] humorously telling the audience, "[Madonna] ain't comin' back, so go on, piss off", and taking a jab at the [[Backstreet Boys]], quipping that they were performing next and "none of us want to be around for that".<ref name=Tara2018>{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2018}}</ref> The final Los Angeles shows were adjusted in response to the [[September 11 attacks]]. Madonna opened the show wearing an [[American flag]] kilt as a tribute, the staged shooting in "Mer Girl" was replaced with a gesture of reconciliation, "The Funny Song" was removed from the set list, and all dancers joined for "Holiday".<ref name="fouz">{{harvnb|Fouz-Hernández|Jarman-Ivens|2002|p=133}}</ref>

== Critical response ==
[[File:DWTlosangeles3.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''{{'}}s Phil Gallo considered "[[Don't Tell Me (Madonna song)|Don't Tell Me]]" to be "the most impressive number of the night".<ref name="VarietyDWT" />]]
Critical reviews towards Drowned World were generally positive, with praise given to Madonna's stage presence and the show's theatricality. Rafael Estefanía from [[BBC Mundo]] described the opening night in Barcelona as "one of the best shows in a long time", noting that her stage presence remained "as explosive as ever", while ''[[El País]]'' called it "spectacular" and "shocking".<ref name="BBCMundo">{{cite web |last1=Estefanía |first1=Rafael |title=Madonna voló en Barcelona |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/misc/newsid_1381000/1381372.stm |publisher=[[BBC Mundo]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011030152535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/misc/newsid_1381000/1381372.stm |archive-date=October 30, 2001 |language=es |date=June 10, 2001}}</ref><ref name="ElPaís">{{cite news |title=Madonna conquista Barcelona |url=https://elpais.com/diario/2001/06/10/cultura/992124001_850215.html |work=[[El País]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |language=es |date=June 10, 2001 |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829141138/https://elpais.com/diario/2001/06/10/cultura/992124001_850215.html |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref> [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] highlighted Madonna's aerial stunts, and ''The Independent''{{'}}s Simon O'Hagan wrote that her desire to craft a full spectacle "extended the boundaries of what a rock'n'pop concert can achieve", calling it her most daring tour up to the time.<ref name="ABC" /><ref name="Independent" /> Other praise came from ''[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarin]]'', ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', and ''[[NME]]'', who commended her work ethic and declared that few artists could match her longevity and influence in pop music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Madonna reinó en Barcelona |url=https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/madonna-reino-espana_0_SJjZ31_xCtg.html |work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarin]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724044102/https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/madonna-reino-espana_0_SJjZ31_xCtg.html |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |language=es |date=June 11, 2001}}</ref><ref name="VarietyDWT">{{cite web |last1=Gallo |first1=Phil |title=Review: 'Madonna' |url=https://variety.com/2001/music/reviews/madonna-4-1200469978/ |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818083935/https://variety.com/2001/music/reviews/madonna-4-1200469978/ |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |date=September 10, 2001}}</ref><ref name="NMEAlex">{{cite web |last1=Needham |first1=Alex |title=Madonna: London Earl's Court |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-5359-328579 |work=[[NME]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |date=September 12, 2005 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512124052/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-5359-328579 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Critics widely celebrated the tour's technical sophistication. Outlets like ''El País'', ''[[musicOMH]]'', and ''The Independent'' admired the "shapeshifting" stage, striking visuals, and "superb" lighting.<ref name="ElPaís" /><ref name="MusicOMH">{{cite web |last1=Hubbard |first1=Michael |title=Madonna @ Earl's Court, London |url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/live/madonna-earls-court-london |work=[[musicOMH]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928011021/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/live/madonna-earls-court-london |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |date=July 4, 2001}}</ref><ref name="Independent2">{{cite web |last1=Price |first1=Simon |author1-link=Simon Price |title=Madonna, Earls Court, London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/madonna-earls-court-london-9231764.html |work=The Independent |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029115302/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/madonna-earls-court-london-9231764.html |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |date=July 9, 2001}}</ref> [[MTV]] emphasized the importance of costume and theatrics in enhancing the concert experience, while ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' called the show “technically flawless” and a testament to Madonna's perfectionism.<ref name="MTVHits" /><ref name="SlantDWT" /> However, some critics, including Rafael Estefanía and ''Entertainment Weekly'', noted that the elaborate technology at times overshadowed the music.<ref name="BBCMundo" /><ref name="EW1" /> Praise also came for Madonna’s energy and creative drive. Writers from ''NME'', ''Variety'', and ''[[The Guardian]]'' noted her innovation and ability to stay ahead of musical trends, with [[Alex Petridis]] concluding that the production "befits the world's most famous woman".<ref name="NMEAlex" /><ref name="VarietyDWT" /><ref name="TheGuardian">{{cite web |last1=Petridis |first1=Alex |author1-link=Alex Petridis |title=Madonna: Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/jul/05/artsfeatures.popandrock |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228164854/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/jul/05/artsfeatures.popandrock |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |date=July 5, 2001}}</ref>

Not all responses were glowing. Argentinean newspaper ''[[La Nación]]'' criticized the lack of spontaneity and crowd interaction, calling the show too tightly scripted, while ''[[The New York Times]]''{{'}} [[Jon Pareles]] praised her stronger vocals but criticized her "arrogance" and detachment, remarking that Madonna seemed to disdain the audience.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Armendáriz |first1=Alberto |title=Madonna volvió, cantó...y arrasó |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/musica/madonna-volvio-cantoy-arraso-nid328347/ |work=[[La Nación]] |access-date=25 December 2021 |language=es |date=August 18, 2001 |archive-date=December 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225193415/https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/musica/madonna-volvio-cantoy-arraso-nid328347/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TNYTimes">{{cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |author1-link=Jon Pareles |title=POP REVIEW: Madonna and the Wiles of Willfulness |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/26/nyregion/pop-review-madonna-and-the-wiles-of-willfulness.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405204811/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/26/nyregion/pop-review-madonna-and-the-wiles-of-willfulness.html |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |date=July 26, 2001}}{{subscription required}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' noted the absence of a coherent narrative, and ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine found performances like "Nobody's Perfect" and "I Deserve It" underwhelming.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Clover |first1=Joshua |title=La Dolce Ciccone: Madonna, Fila Forum, Milan, Italy, June 14 2001 |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date=September 2001 |volume=17 |issue=9 |page=105 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PCPpNtEu0GgC&pg=PA105 |access-date=February 4, 2023 |issn=0886-3032}}</ref><ref name="NYMag" /> Ethan Brown described Madonna as a "frustratingly small stage presence", more often still than commanding.<ref name="NYMag" /> The harshest critique came from ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''{{'}} Rafael Esparza, who compared the show unfavorably to [[Janet Jackson]]'s [[All for You Tour]], mocking Madonna's "cheap [[karate]], country-western karaoke, wheel-chair-paced choreography", lack of audience interaction, and "tacky" wardrobe.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Esparza |first1=Rafael |title=Let Jackson's Energetic Beat Go On |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-06-ca-53988-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404070442/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-06-ca-53988-story.html |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |date=October 6, 2001}}{{subscription required}}</ref>

{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = LaIslaBonitaDionisio.jpg
| width1 = 212
| alt1 =
| caption1 =
| image2 = HolidayDionisioWeiland.jpg
| width2 = 210
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| footer = Madonna performing "[[La Isla Bonita]]" (''left'') and "[[Holiday (Madonna song)|Holiday]]" (''right''), the only two pre-1990s songs she included on the tour. The lack of her 1980s material left some critics dissatisfied.
}}
A recurring point among critics was Madonna's decision to omit most of her "classic" 1980s songs. [[VH1]]'s Christopher Rosa called the lack of classics a disappointment and noted that Madonna "seemed icier than ever".<ref name="VH1">{{cite web |last1=Rosa |first1=Christopher |title=Ranking 30 years of Madonna's tours: Which one is the greatest? |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/35yroa/ranking-madonna-tours-2 |publisher=[[VH1]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306005249/http://www.vh1.com/news/55223/ranking-madonna-tours-2/ |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |url-status=live |date=September 4, 2015}}</ref> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Caroline Sullivan criticized the exclusion of earlier hits, writing that, "no right-thinking person would rather hear 'Candy Perfume Girl' than '[[Like a Virgin (song)|Like a Virgin]]'."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Caroline |title=Top tracks you won't hear at Madonna's concert |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/jul/04/artsfeatures.madonna |website=The Guardian |access-date=5 March 2022 |date=July 4, 2001 |archive-date=March 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305232121/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/jul/04/artsfeatures.madonna |url-status=live }}</ref> David Nielsen from the ''[[San Angelo Standard-Times]]'' questioned the logic of skipping signature tracks after such a long touring hiatus.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nielsen |first1=David |title=Bad attitude, high prices, late start mar Madonna show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/790967346/ |newspaper=[[San Angelo Standard-Times]] |page=12 |via=[[Ancestry.com#Newspapers.com|Newspapers.com]] |access-date=March 3, 2025 |date=August 16, 2001}}{{subscription}}</ref> However, several critics defended the move. ''Slant Magazine''{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani argued that the deeper cuts translated into "edgier numbers", while Alex Petridis praised the defiance of expectations, calling it a gesture "no other stadium-filler could match –imagine [[the Rolling Stones]] only playing songs from their last two albums and try not to shudder".<ref name="SlantDWT" /><ref name="TheGuardian" /> Joel Selvin from the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' wrote that the material itself was "irrelevant" to the show's impact.<ref name="SFGate">{{cite web |last1=Selvin |first1=Joel |title=Enter Madonna's temple / Pop superstar puts on spectacle for the devoted |url=https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Enter-Madonna-s-temple-Pop-superstar-puts-on-2881632.php |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |access-date=May 17, 2023 |date=September 6, 2001}}</ref>

At the 2001 [[Pollstar|''Pollstar'' awards]], Drowned World received nominations for Major Tour of the Year and Most Creative Stage Production, though both honors ultimately went to [[U2]]'s [[Elevation Tour]].<ref>{{cite web |title="Pollstar Awards Archive – 2001 – Pollstar Live!" |url=https://www.pollstar.live/AwardsArchive/awards2001.htm |work=[[Pollstar]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428200626/https://www.pollstar.live/AwardsArchive/awards2001.htm |archive-date=April 28, 2019}}</ref> Years later, in a 2024 ranking of Madonna's twelve tours, Sal Cinquemani placed Drowned World fifth, praising its embrace of multimedia innovation and artistic ambition. He noted that, with few older songs included, the tour showcased Madonna's focus on the present and future of her craft.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Every Madonna tour, ranked |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-madonna-tours/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406014221/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-madonna-tours/ |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |date=April 5, 2024}}</ref>

== Commercial performance, broadcast and recording ==
{{Main|Drowned World Tour 2001 (video)}}
The Drowned World Tour was limited to Europe and the United States, notably skipping [[Canada]] for the first time in the singer's career, due to scheduling conflicts in [[Toronto]].<ref name="tara90" /><ref name="Daily">{{cite journal |last1=Sebastian |first1=Alexander |title=Madonna stampede! Chaos as 500 fans rush box office for tour tickets |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-73699638.html |journal=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828170241/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-73699638.html |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |date=April 27, 2001}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Sponsored by [[AOL]], the tour offered early ticket access to its subscribers before the general sale.<ref>{{cite web |title=America Online to sponsor the 'Madonna Drowned World Tour 2001' |url=https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2001/05/03/america-online-to-sponsor-the-madonna-drowned-world-tour-2001 |publisher=[[WarnerMedia|Warner Media Group]] |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029113842/https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2001/05/03/america-online-to-sponsor-the-madonna-drowned-world-tour-2001 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |date=May 3, 2001}}</ref> Demand was massive: in London, the initial show at [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre]] sold out in just fifteen minutes, prompting five additional dates that also sold out within six hours.<ref name="ciccone">{{harvnb|Ciccone|Leigh|2008|p=297}}</ref><ref name=CNNTickets>{{cite web |title=More Madonna shows after UK sell-out |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/UK/04/26/madonna.concert/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010429222947/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/UK/04/26/madonna.concert/index.html |archive-date=April 29, 2001 |date=April 26, 2001}}</ref> With over a million hits on Madonna's official website in the first ten minutes and more than 30 million attempted ticket hotline calls —handled by 265 operators— the London dates became some of the fastest-selling shows in UK history.<ref name="NMETickets">{{cite web |title=Cone again? |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-563-1393382 |work=NME |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326033515/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-563-1393382 |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |date=April 26, 2001}}</ref><ref name="BBCViews">{{cite web |title=Madonna concert: Your views |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1422348.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306123306/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1422348.stm |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |date=July 5, 2001}}</ref> In the US, all dates sold out quickly, including four Los Angeles shows that were gone in just seventeen minutes.<ref name="aguilar">{{harvnb|Aguilar|2010|pp=76–78}}</ref><ref name="ciccone" /><ref name="tara90" /> With 47 shows and over 730,000 tickets sold, and a gross of $76.8 million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|76.8|r=2|2001}}}} million in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}), Drowned World was the highest-grossing solo tour of 2001 and the fourth overall, behind U2's Elevation, [[NSYNC]]'s [[PopOdyssey]], and the Backstreet Boys' [[Black & Blue Tour]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Widerhorn |first1=Jon |title=U2, 'NSync, Backstreet top list of 2001's biggest concert grossers |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451603/u2-nsync-backstreet-top-list-of-2001s-biggest-concert-grossers/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=August 28, 2021 |date=December 21, 2001 |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702114228/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451603/u2-nsync-backstreet-top-list-of-2001s-biggest-concert-grossers/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Petruolongo |first1=Silvio |title=Madonna's 'Confessions' tour sets record |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57197/madonnas-confessions-tour-sets-record |magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704212703/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57197/madonnas-confessions-tour-sets-record |archive-date=July 4, 2013 |date=September 10, 2006}}</ref>

The August 26 concert at [[The Palace of Auburn Hills]] was filmed and broadcast live on [[HBO]] as ''Madonna Live: The Drowned World Tour'', marking Madonna's third collaboration with the network after the [[Blond Ambition World Tour Live|Blond Ambition]] and [[The Girlie Show: Live Down Under|Girlie Show]] broadcasts.<ref name=HBOrelease>{{cite web |title=HBO lands the event of the summer when Madonna Live: The Drowned World Tour airs live Aug. 26 |url=https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2001/05/23/hbo-lands-the-event-of-the-summer-when-madonna-live-the-drowned |publisher=Warner Media Group |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808055112/https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2001/05/23/hbo-lands-the-event-of-the-summer-when-madonna-live-the-drowned |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |date=May 23, 2001}}</ref><ref name=MTVHBO>{{cite web |last1=Schumacher-Rasmussen |first1=Eric |title=Madonna bringing Drowned World to HBO |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1444026/madonna-bringing-drowned-world-to-hbo/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=August 28, 2021 |date=May 24, 2001 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113020351/http://www.mtv.com/news/1444026/madonna-bringing-drowned-world-to-hbo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Directed by [[Hamish Hamilton (director)|Hamish Hamilton]] and produced by [[Marty Callner]], the special drew 5.7 million viewers, becoming HBO's third-highest-rated concert broadcast since 1997.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dempsey |first1=John |title=Madonna turns to HBO for live show |url=https://variety.com/2001/music/news/madonna-turns-to-hbo-for-live-show-1117799946/ |work=Variety |access-date=August 29, 2021 |date=May 23, 2001 |archive-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828235311/https://variety.com/2001/music/news/madonna-turns-to-hbo-for-live-show-1117799946/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ciccone" /> It received two [[Primetime Emmy]] nominations and won Best TV Concert at the 2002 [[AOL]] TV Viewer Awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Madonna Live: The Drowned World Tour |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/madonna-live-drowned-world-tour |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828225752/https://www.emmys.com/shows/madonna-live-drowned-world-tour |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=America Online members name Pamela Anderson's V.I.P the Best Guilty Pleasure in the second Annual AOL TV Viewer Awards |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/America+Online+Members+Name+Pamela+Anderson%27s+V.I.P+the+Best...-a092808954 |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |date=September 17, 2002 }}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The special was released on VHS and DVD under the title ''[[Drowned World Tour 2001 (video)|Drowned World Tour 2001]]'' on November 13 —the same day as Madonna's second [[compilation album]] ''[[GHV2]]''.<ref name=Billboardannouncement>{{cite magazine |last1=Trust |first1=Gary|title=Madonna's 'Drowned' comes to home video |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78099/madonnas-drowned-comes-to-home-video |magazine=Billboard |access-date=28 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707115409/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78099/madonnas-drowned-comes-to-home-video |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |date=December 10, 2001}}</ref> Featuring cover photography taken by [[Rosie O'Donnell]], the video was praised for its sound but criticized for its visual format. It went on to top ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Billboard charts|Top Music Videos]] chart, and was certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for shipment of more than 100,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Music Video Sales |url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2001-12-01/music-video |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607020901/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2001-12-01/music-video |archive-date=June 7, 2015 |date=December 1, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Grein |first1=Paul |title=Week ending Sept. 15, 2013. Albums: The week with two #1 albums |date=September 18, 2013 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-15-2013-albums-upset-1-153719701.html |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120135816/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-15-2013-albums-upset-1-153719701.html |archive-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gold & Plartinum: Madonna, Drowned World Tour 2001 |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Madonna&ti=Drowned+World+Tour+2001#search_section |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=August 28, 2021 |date=February 21, 2002 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522165027/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Madonna&ti=Drowned+World+Tour+2001#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Set list ==
Set list, samples and notes adapted per Madonna's official website, the notes and track listing of ''Drowned World Tour 2001'', and additional sources.<ref name=DWTdates>{{cite web|title=Madonna.com > Tours > Drowned World Tour|url=http://www.madonna.com/tour/index/tour/id/4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227054509/http://www.madonna.com/tour/index/tour/id/4|archive-date=December 27, 2014|access-date=18 September 2019|via=Icon: Official Madonna website}}</ref><ref name=AVNotes>{{Cite AV media notes |title=[[Drowned World Tour 2001]]|others=Madonna |year=2001 |type=DVD |publisher=Warner Music Vision |id= 7599-38558-2}}</ref><ref name="NYMag" />

'''Act 1: ''Rock 'n' Roll Punk Girl'''''
# "[[Drowned World/Substitute for Love]]" {{small|(Contains elements of "[[Don't Tell Me (Madonna song)|Don't Tell Me]]", "[[Frozen (Madonna song)|Frozen]]", "[[Music (Madonna song)|Music]]", "[[Human Nature (Madonna song)|Human Nature]]", "[[Ray of Light (song)|Ray of Light]]", and "[[Impressive Instant]]")}}
# "[[Impressive Instant]]"
# "Candy Perfume Girl"
# "[[Beautiful Stranger]]" {{small|(Contains elements of "[[Soul Bossa Nova]] (Dim's Space-A-Nova)")}}
# "[[Ray of Light (song)|Ray of Light]]" {{small|(Ends with a reprise of "Drowned World/Substitute For Love")}}
'''Act 2: ''Geisha Girl'''''
# <li value="6">"Paradise (Not for Me)" {{small|(Video interlude)}}
# "[[Frozen (Madonna song)|Frozen]]"
# "Nobody's Perfect" {{small|(With "[[Open Your Heart (Madonna song)|Open Your Heart]]" swell)}}
# "Mer Girl" {{small|(Part 1)}}
#"[[Sky Fits Heaven]]"
# "Mer Girl" {{small|(Part 2)}}
# "[[What It Feels Like for a Girl]]" {{small|(Remix; video interlude)}}
'''Act 3: ''Cyber Cowgirl'''''
#<li value="13"> "I Deserve It"
# "[[Don't Tell Me (Madonna song)|Don't Tell Me]]"
# "[[Human Nature (Madonna song)|Human Nature]]"
# "The Funny Song"
# "[[Secret (Madonna song)|Secret]]"
# "Gone"
'''Act 4: ''Spanish Girl/Ghetto Girl'''''
# <li value="19">"[[Don't Cry for Me Argentina#Madonna version|Don't Cry for Me Argentina]]" {{small|(Instrumental; dancers interlude)}}
# "Lo Que Siente La Mujer" {{small|(Spanish version of "What It Feels Like for a Girl")}}
# "[[La Isla Bonita]]"
# "[[Holiday (Madonna song)|Holiday]]" {{small|(Contains elements from "[[Fate (Chaka Khan song)|Fate]]", and "[[Music Sounds Better with You]]")}}
# "[[Music (Madonna song)|Music]]" {{small|(Contains elements from "[[Trans-Europe Express (song)|Trans-Europe Express]]")}}

'''Notes'''
* "[[You'll See]]" (1995) was performed instead of "Gone" on certain US concerts.<ref name="DVDMg">{{cite web |last1=Jacobson |first1=Colin |title=Madonna: ''Drowned World Tour 2001'' (2001) |url=http://www.dvdmg.com/drownedworldtour.shtml |publisher=Warner Music Vision|via=DVD Movie Guide |access-date=28 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719161951/http://www.dvdmg.com/drownedworldtour.shtml |archive-date=July 19, 2021}}</ref>
* Following the [[September 11 attacks]], "The Funny Song" was removed from the set list.<ref name="fouz" />

== Shows ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of concerts<ref name=DWTdates /><ref name="NewYorkLondonParisLasVegasMichigan">{{cite magazine |title=Top 25 Boxscores |magazine=Billboard |date=December 29, 2001 |volume=113 |issue=52 |page=148 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-12-29.pdf#page=148 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628201019/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-12-29.pdf#page=148 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>North American box score data:
*{{cite magazine |title=Boxscore Top 10 Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |date=August 25, 2001 |volume=113 |issue=34 |page=14 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-08-25.pdf#page=!4 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829013601/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-08-25.pdf#page=!4 |url-status=live }}
*{{cite magazine |title=Boxscore Top 10 Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |date=September 1, 2001 |volume=113 |issue=35 |page=18 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-09-01#page=18.pdf |access-date=August 29, 2021 |issn=0006-2510 }}
*{{cite magazine |title=Boxscore Top 10 Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |date=September 22, 2001 |volume=113 |issue=38 |page=14 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-09-22.pdf#page=14 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829014259/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-09-22.pdf#page=14 |url-status=live }}
*{{cite magazine |title=Boxscore Top 10 Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |date=September 29, 2001 |volume=113 |issue=39 |page=14 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-09-29.pdf#page=14 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829014303/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-09-29.pdf#page=14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="col" style="width:12em;"| Date (2001)
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| City
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Country
! scope="col" style="width:16em;"| Venue
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Attendance (Tickets sold / available)
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Revenue
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 9
|rowspan="2"|[[Barcelona]]
|rowspan="2"|Spain
|rowspan="2"|[[Palau Sant Jordi]]
|rowspan="2"|36,136 / 36,136
|rowspan="2"|$2,039,112
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 10
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 13
|rowspan="3"|[[Milan]]
|rowspan="3"|Italy
|rowspan="3"|[[Mediolanum Forum|FilaForum]]
|rowspan="3"|36,100 / 36,100
|rowspan="3"| $3,926,815
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 14
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 15
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 19
|rowspan="4"|[[Berlin]]
|rowspan="4"|Germany
|rowspan="4"|[[Max-Schmeling-Halle]]
|rowspan="4"| 43,455 / 43,455
|rowspan="4"|$2,864,786
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 20
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 22
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 23
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 26
|rowspan="4"|[[Paris]]
|rowspan="4"|France
|rowspan="4"|[[Accor Arena|Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy]]
|rowspan="4"| 68,000 / 68,000
|rowspan="4"| $4,443,155
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 27
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 29
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |June 30
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 4
|rowspan="6"|[[London]]
|rowspan="6"|England
|rowspan="6"|[[Earls Court Exhibition Centre]]
|rowspan="6"| 107,415 / 107,415
|rowspan="6"| $8,734,149
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 6
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 7
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 9
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 10
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 12
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 21
|rowspan="2"| [[Philadelphia]]
|rowspan="28"| United States
|rowspan="2"| [[Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)|First Union Center]]
|rowspan="2"| 31,128 / 31,128
|rowspan="2"| $3,382,485
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 22
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 25
|rowspan="5"| [[New York City]]
|rowspan="5"| [[Madison Square Garden]]
|rowspan="5"| 79,401 / 79,401
|rowspan="5"| $9,297,105
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 26
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 28
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 30
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |July 31
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 2
|[[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]]
|[[Meadowlands Arena|Continental Airlines Arena]]
|16,457 / 16,457
|$1,842,155
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 7{{efn|The August 7 show in Boston was originally scheduled to take place one day earlier but was postponed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barron |first1=James |author1-link=James Barron (journalist) |title=Madonna loses voice; some fans lose hope |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/04/nyregion/madonna-loses-voice-some-fans-lose-hope.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306220316/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/04/nyregion/madonna-loses-voice-some-fans-lose-hope.html |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |date=August 4, 2001 |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref>}}
|rowspan="2"| [[Boston]]
|rowspan="2"| [[TD Garden|FleetCenter]]
|rowspan="2"| 29,886 / 29,886
|rowspan="2"| $3,503,520
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 8
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 10
|rowspan="2"| [[Washington, D.C.]]
|rowspan="2"| [[Capital One Arena|MCI Center]]
|rowspan="2"| 32,061 / 32,061
|rowspan="2"| $3,472,148
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 11
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 14
|rowspan="2"| [[Sunrise, Florida|Sunrise]]
|rowspan="2"| [[Amerant Bank Arena|National Car Rental Center]]
|rowspan="2"| 31,572 / 31,572
|rowspan="2"| $3,603,573
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 15
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 19
|rowspan="2"| [[Atlanta]]
|rowspan="2"| [[State Farm Arena|Philips Arena]]
|rowspan="2"| 29,617 / 29,617
|rowspan="2"| $3,553,444
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 20
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 25
|rowspan="2"| [[Auburn Hills, Michigan|Auburn Hills]]
|rowspan="2"| [[The Palace of Auburn Hills]]
|rowspan="2"| 35,407 / 35,407
|rowspan="2"| $4,127,533
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 26
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 28
|rowspan="2"| [[Chicago]]
|rowspan="2"| [[United Center]]
|rowspan="2"| 33,725 / 33,725
|rowspan="2"| $3,743,830
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |August 29
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 1
|rowspan="2"| [[Las Vegas]]
|rowspan="2"| [[MGM Grand Garden Arena]]
|rowspan="2"| 29,587 / 29,587
|rowspan="2"| $6,503,950
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 2
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 5
|rowspan="2"| [[Oakland, California|Oakland]]
|rowspan="2"| [[Oakland Arena|The Arena in Oakland]]
|rowspan="2"| 31,195 / 31,195
|rowspan="2"| $3,351,320
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 6
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 9
|rowspan="4"| [[Los Angeles]]
|rowspan="4"| [[Crypto.com Arena|Staples Center]]
|rowspan="4"| 61,464 / 61,464
|rowspan="4"| $8,303,165
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 13
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 14
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |September 15{{efn|The show of September 15 in Los Angeles was originally scheduled to take place on September 11, but was postponed due to the [[September 11 attacks|terrorist attacks]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Madonna's concert among events rescheduled, canceled |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-14-ca-45577-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228015039/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/14/entertainment/ca-45577 |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |url-status=live |date=September 14, 2001}}{{subscription required}}</ref>}}
|-
!colspan="4"|Total
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |'''731,606 / 731,606 (100%)'''
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" |'''$76,792,245'''
|}

=== Cancelled dates ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of cancelled concerts<ref name="News24Cologne" /><ref name=Meadowlands />
|-
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Date (2001)
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| City
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Country
! scope="col" style="width:16em;"| Venue
! scope="col" style="width:12em;"| Reason
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;| June 5
|rowspan="2"|[[Cologne]]
|rowspan="2"|Germany
|rowspan="2"|[[Lanxess Arena|Kölnarena]]
|rowspan="2"|Technical problems
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;| June 6
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;| August 3
|East Rutherford
|United States
|Continental Airlines Arena
|Illness
|}

=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}

== Personnel ==
Adapted from the ''Drowned World Tour 2001'' program.<ref name=DWTBook>{{cite book|last=Reagan |first=Kevin|title=Madonna: Drowned World Tour 2001|date=2001|publisher=Boy Toy, Inc., Sire Records Merchandise}}</ref>
{{Div col}}

=== Band ===
*Madonna – creator, vocals, guitar
*[[Niki Haris]] – vocals
*[[Donna De Lory]] – vocals
*[[Stuart Price]] – musical director, keyboards, guitar
*Michael McKnight – programmer, keyboards
*Marcus Brown – keyboards
*[[Monte Pittman]] – guitar
*Ron Powell – percussions
*Steve Sidelnyk – drums

=== Dancers ===
*[[Christian Vincent (actor)|Christian Vincent]] – head dancer
*Ruthy Inchaustegui – dancer
*Nito Larioza – dancer
*[[Tamara Levinson]] – dancer
*Marlyn Ortiz – dancer
*Anthony Jay Rodriguez – dancer
*Jamal Story – dancer
*Kemba Shannon – dancer
*Eko Supriyanto – dancer
*Jull Weber – dancer
*Addie Yungmee- dancer

=== Choreographers ===
*[[Jamie King]] – choreographer
*[[Alex Magno (choreographer)|Alex Magno]] – choreographer
*Kelly Parker – assistant choreographer
*Debra Brown – aerial choreographer
*Leslie DeWhurst – assistant aerial choreographer
*Stefanie Roos – associate choreographer
*Taimak Guerreillo – Martial arts coordinator
*Ho Sung Pak – assistant to Martial arts coordinator

=== Wardrobe ===
*[[Jean Paul Gaultier]] – designer
*[[Arianne Phillips]] – designer
*[[Dean and Dan Caten]] – designer

=== Crew ===
*[[Hamish Hamilton (director)|Hamish Hamilton]] – broadcast director
*Jamie King – stage production director
*Joyce Fleming – creative technical consultant
*Tif'nie Olson – assistant to director
*[[William Orbit]] – engineer
*[[Mirwais Ahmadzaï]] – engineer
*Pat McCarthy – engineer
*[[Spike Stent|Mark "Spike" Stent]] – engineer
*Caresse Henry – artist management
*Shari Goldschmidt – business management
*Richard Feldstein – business management
*LeeAnn Hard – business management
*Liz Rosenberg – publicist
*Chris Littleton – tour manager
*Arianne Phillips – stylist
*Luigi Murenu – stylist
*Rita Marmo – stylist
*Klexius Kolby – make-up
*Julie Harris – make-up
*Joseph kale – art director
*Peter Morse lighting director
*Jake Davies – sound design
*Carol Dodds – video director
*Edwin Stern – yoga instructor
*[[Kevin Reagan]] – tour book design
*[[Rosie O'Donnell]] – cover photo
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Literary sources ==
*{{Cite book
|last=Aguilar
|first=Marcela
|title=Domadores de historias: Conversaciones con grandes cronistas de América Latina
|language=Spanish
|publisher=RIL Editores
|year=2010
|isbn=978-956-284-782-7
}}
*{{Cite book
|last1=Ciccone
|first1=Christopher
|author-link1=Christopher Ciccone
|last2=Leigh
|first2=Wendy
|title=[[Life with My Sister Madonna]]
|publisher=[[Simon Spotlight Entertainment]]
|year=2008
|isbn=978-1-4165-8762-0
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Clerk
|first=Carol
|title=Madonnastyle
|publisher=[[Music Sales Group|Omnibus Press]]
|year=2002
|isbn=978-0-7119-8874-3
}}
*{{Cite book
|last1=Fouz-Hernández
|first1=Santiago
|first2=Freya
|last2=Jarman-Ivens
|title=Madonna's Drowned Worlds
|publisher=[[Ashgate Publishing]]
|year=2002
|isbn=978-0-7546-3372-3
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Guilbert
|first=Georges-Claude
|title=Madonna as postmodern myth
|publisher=McFarland
|year=2002
|isbn=978-0-7864-1408-6
}}
*{{Cite book
|last1=Metz
|first1=Allen
|first2=Carol
|last2=Benson
|title=The Madonna Companion: Two Decades of Commentary
|publisher=Music Sales Group
|year=1999
|isbn=978-0-8256-7194-4
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=O'Brien
|first=Lucy
|author-link=Lucy O'Brien
|title=[[Madonna: Like an Icon]]
|publisher=[[Bantam Press]]
|year=2008
|isbn=978-0-593-05547-2
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Orgill
|first=Roxanne
|title=Shout, Sister, Shout! Ten Girl Singers who Shaped a Century
|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]
|year=2001
|isbn=0-689-81991-9
}}
*{{Cite book
|last1=Dougher
|first1=Sarah
|last2=Berger
|first2=Joshua
|title=100 Habits of Successful Graphic Designers
|publisher=Rockport Publishers
|year=2008
|isbn=978-1-56496-977-4
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Taraborrelli
|first=J. Randy
|author-link=J. Randy Taraborrelli
|title=[[Madonna: An Intimate Biography]]
|publisher=Simon & Schuster
|year=2002
|isbn=978-0-425-18669-5
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Taraborrelli
|first=Randy J.
|title=Madonna: An Intimate Biography of an Icon at Sixty
|publisher=[[Macmillan Publishers]]
|year=2018
|isbn=978-1509842797
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Young
|first=Clive
|title=Crank It up: Live Sound Secrets of The Top Tour Engineers
|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]
|year=2004
|isbn=0-87930-778-1
}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Drowned World Tour}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100102040046/http://www.madonna.com/tour/index/tour/id/4 Madonna.com > Tours > Drowned World Tour]

{{Madonna}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Madonna concert tours]]
[[Category:2001 concert tours]]
[[Category:Concert tours of the United States]]
[[Category:Concert tours of Canada]]
[[Category:Concert tours of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Concert tours of Germany]]
[[Category:Concert tours of Italy]]
[[Category:Concert tours of France]]
[[Category:Concert tours of Spain]]

Vero - Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Drowned World Tour