Tour by Janet Jackson | |
Associated album | Discipline |
---|---|
Start date | September 10, 2008 |
End date | November 1, 2008 |
Legs | 1 |
No. of shows | 16 |
Box office | US$11.7 million ($16.56 million in 2023 dollars [1] ) |
Janet Jackson concert chronology |
Rock Witchu Tour was the fifth concert tour by American singer Janet Jackson, in support of her tenth studio album Discipline (2008), and her first in nearly seven years, following a total blacklist of the singer's music, due to the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy. The tour began on September 10, 2008, in Vancouver, Canada, and was scheduled to conclude in Fukuoka, Japan, on February 22, 2009. However, several North American dates were cancelled due to Jackson's vertigo, and the upcoming Japanese leg was scrapped, following the 2009 economic crisis and another bout of illness for the singer. [2] [3] The tour officially ended on November 1, 2008, in New York City, resulting in only sixteen shows. Still, the tour received rave reviews, and at the end of 2008, was placed 78th on Pollstar's "Top 100 North American Tours", grossing $11.7 million. [4]
After releasing her eighth studio album, Damita Jo (2004), Janet dealt with criticism with the massively controversial Super Bowl incident, resulting to a blacklist of Jackson's subsequent singles and music videos from several conglomerates, including Viacom's MTV and CBS and various subsidiaries, which largely affected Jackson's airplay on many radio formats and music channels worldwide. [5] Due to that, Jackson did not go on tour to support Damita Jo, and instead recorded her ninth studio album during 2005–2006. The album, entitled 20 Y.O. , was released in September 2006, and it was announced that Janet was prepping a worldwide tour to promote the album. [6] [7] However, the unnamed tours were canceled abruptly when Jackson began recording new material. [8] Jackson stated:
"I was supposed to go on tour with the last album [...] We were actually in full-blown tour rehearsals at that point ... learning numbers, getting everything together, set designs [...] I had to kind of shut everything down and go into the studio." [8]
In early 2008 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show , Jackson announced that she would go on tour. The audience was given free tickets to her show at the Staples Center. While planning the tour, Jackson started a phone line where fans could call in and request songs to be performed. Jackson was set to perform all of her memorable hits, including those from her pre- Control days. [9]
According to Janet herself, "It will definitely be a big production but it will definitely also be something that I've never done before, that people have never seen from me before." [8] The title of the tour, "Rock Witchu Tour", was named for a song of the same name on her latest album, Discipline . [8] The tour was set to be worldwide, with Janet stating, "It's been a while so I really want to make my rounds. I haven't been to Australia in a very long time; I can't wait to go there. There are a lot of places where I really want to stop off at, and that's the idea, that's the goal with this tour." [8]
In April 2008, the singer claimed, "I'm still promoting the new album (Discipline) right now, but we'll be getting into rehearsals in about a month and then start touring," Jackson says. [10] For Janet, "My true goal is to try at least do every single that I’ve ever had. So, I’ve got to figure out a way to fit this in two hours, and yet give them enough of each song so that they don’t feel hungry for more of that song in particular." [11] The two and a half hour show kicked off in Vancouver on September 10, 2008, to rave reviews. [12] [13]
For two hours, the show sees Janet performing nearly 40 hits, complete with theatrics, costume changes and a few surprises. [14] According to Janet, the tour features a set list that was directly influenced by her fans. [9] The setup of the stage includes a giant square-shaped catwalk surrounding the first several front rows of seats, reaching out to the center of the arena where fans could see Jackson from any level of seating. Rows of seating inside the catwalk were exclusively designed for those with purchased fan club memberships. There are three video screens that take on the stage, including the biggest one being in the center where video clips are shown throughout songs to take place for effects and in-between costume change breaks. Other special staging includes movable staircases, steel cages, pyrotechnics, and other special pieces.
The show begins with an echo of words being said in the distance of the arena, such as "Janet", "Rock Witchu", "Dance", and "Discipline". As the words speed up, the show lights come on and several dancers dressed as astronauts appear on the stage, with two standing beside two big glittery "J"'s (representing Janet's name.) The "J"'s move back and forth on the center of the stage with stars appearing on the center video screen (a representation of Space). [14] Pretty soon, fog appears in front of the audience and a bang of pyrotechnics blasts, thus beginning the opening of the show. Jackson appears on the upper center section of the stage in a gold hyperspace dance suit singing "The Pleasure Principle", as well as "Control", when 13 dancers join her, emerging from underground in various positions around the massive stage, and "What Have You Done for Me Lately", on the "Control Medley", and later moving on to "Feedback". [14] She then performed "You Want This", "Alright" and "Miss You Much." Afterward Janet did a brief costume change and returned to the stage in a sultry red dress to perform a string of ballads including "Come Back to Me", "Again" and "Let's Wait Awhile." [15] After another wardrobe change, she came back out to perform a mixture of old and new songs including "So Excited", "Together Again", "Nasty", "Escapade", "That's the Way Love Goes", "Luv" and "Rhythm Nation". [15]
Her duets with Nelly, Q-Tip and Dave Navarro had the musicians appearing on a pre-recorded video and performing their verses while Janet sang on stage. [15] Other notable performances of the night include the Pre-"Control" medley, in which Jackson performs songs she has never done before live from her first two albums Janet Jackson and Dream Street , as well as an S&M display on-stage with a lucky audience member to perform the title track off Jackson's tour supporting album, Discipline . [16] During the performance, she had her dancers pull up a male audience member and strap him into a harness; he was then suspended midair as Jackson teased him with a highly suggestive set of moves and the breathy soft-core porn of the track. [17] For the finale of the show, Jackson and her dancers perform "Luv" and Jackson's top-five hit, "Runaway". [12]
The tour was met with rave reviews from critics, who praised the show’s production and choreography and commended Jackson’s dancing and showmanship. Tim Henley of NewsOK wrote that, "Despite the fact that she is 42-years-old, Janet still gave a high energy performance from start to finish. She danced during the entire show, and her choreography was on point. She put Britney, Beyoncé and Usher to shame. Janet has officially solidified herself as the queen.” [15] Marsha Lederman of The Globe and Mail claimed that "The most memorable moment of the Vancouver show came almost halfway through, when Jackson, dressed in a gold and black glam hip hop-inspired track suit (and one gold glove), stopped on the catwalk after her hit 'Together Again', listened to the crowd roar its approval, and became emotional – really emotional." [13] Lederman called the show, "a fun, glitzy choreographed experience worthy of a woman who's been in show business longer than most of the people in the audience have been alive. Bravo." [13] Rap-Up magazine wrote that, "There are few artists in 2008 who can pack arenas and put on a spectacle the way Janet Jackson can, and last night was proof that Janet's fans still remain loyal to the icon." [18]
Denise Sheppard of Rolling Stone gave the tour a positive review, writing that Janet "put together a show that was less extravagant in terms of outfits and stage props, attempting instead to bring the bang with pyro and mini-explosions." [9] However, Sheppard criticized "the inclusion of nearly nonsensical video vignettes designed to create a space-age good vs. evil battle", calling it "bizarre". [9] Jason Bracelin of Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote that, "It was a night of sweaty performance art as it was a larger-than-life pop show, with Jackson taking the stage alone at first, without the oversized backing band that most contemporary singers employ to lard up their tunes live." [19] Ann Powers of Los Angeles Times review the Staples Center concert, writing that "Jackson has crafted a spectacle meant to help her finally recover from that Super Bowl incident and prove to those who say she's washed up that, at 42, she still deserves serious attention." However, Powers criticized that, "The elaborate set also made it hard to focus on the charisma of the night's star", saying that its narrative "was painfully unclear and the worst part of the show." [17]
American singer Britney Spears stated the show inspired the choreography for her "Womanizer" video, after attending the concert in Los Angeles. Rehearsals for "Womanizer" were shown on the documentary Britney: For the Record , with Spears saying "I like how it's close together. In Janet's show that's what they did a lot. She did a lot of close stuff like that with the dancers, and it was so powerful". [20] Spears also hired Janet's stylist from the tour for The Circus Starring Britney Spears. [21]
During the sound check for the show in Montreal, Jackson "got suddenly ill" and had to be rushed to the hospital. [22] She was later discharged two hours later. [23] After postponing her Montreal show due to an unspecified illness, Jackson also canceled her show in Boston and Philadelphia. According to The Associated Press, Jackson's publicist sent out an e-mail stating that the singer was postponing shows in Greensboro, Atlanta, and Sunrise, stating, "Janet was hoping to resume her tour in an effort not to disappoint her fans. However, after arriving in Greensboro, it became evident that she is not fully recovered. A local doctor advised that she not perform tomorrow." [24] Finally, in November 2008, the postponed dates, along with shows in Uncasville and Verona, were ultimately cancelled due to migraine-associated vertigo. [25] The opening act LL Cool J also announced that he has dropped off the bill due to unspecified "scheduling conflicts." [26]
This section needs additional citations for verification .(June 2023) |
The following set list is obtained from the September 10 show in Vancouver. It is not intended to represent all dates throughout the tour.
Date | City | Country | Venue | Opening act | Attendance | Revenue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North America [27] | ||||||
September 10, 2008 | Vancouver | Canada | General Motors Place | Hedspin | 8,941 / 11,074 | $928,936 |
September 13, 2008 | Oakland | United States | Oracle Arena | Nelly | 9,430 / 12,282 | $809,478 |
September 17, 2008 | Los Angeles | Staples Center | LL Cool J | 12,109 / 13,025 | $1,181,045 | |
September 19, 2008 | Las Vegas | Mandalay Bay Events Center | — | 8,085 / 8,168 | $1,027,602 | |
September 20, 2008 | San Diego | San Diego Sports Arena | 4,844 / 9,678 | $518,595 | ||
September 25, 2008 | Rosemont | Allstate Arena | LL Cool J | 9,519 / 11,541 | $792,139 | |
September 28, 2008 | Toronto | Canada | Air Canada Centre | 8,202 / 12,000 | $927,130 | |
October 15, 2008 | Washington, D.C. | United States | Verizon Center | — | 9,720 / 10,389 | $1,077,846 |
October 17, 2008 | East Rutherford | Izod Center | 10,865 / 14,247 | $883,472 | ||
October 19, 2008 | Atlanta | Philips Arena | 7,503 / 9,698 | $665,775 | ||
October 21, 2008 | Houston | Toyota Center | LL Cool J DJ Playboy | 7,090 / 7,470 | $548,039 | |
October 22, 2008 | Dallas | American Airlines Center | 7,729 / 11,640 | $532,393 | ||
October 24, 2008 | Kansas City | Sprint Center | — | 7,108 / 8,226 | $382,427 | |
October 26, 2008 | Tulsa | BOK Center | 5,355 / 6,208 | $231,690 | ||
October 28, 2008 | Auburn Hills | The Palace of Auburn Hills | 7,733 / 9,687 | $441,578 | ||
November 1, 2008 | New York City | Madison Square Garden | DJ Juan | 9,955 / 12,029 | $799,083 | |
Total | 134,188 / 166,492 (80%) | $11,747,228 | ||||
Date | City | Country | Venue | Reason |
---|---|---|---|---|
September 29, 2008 | Montreal | Canada | Bell Centre | Migraine-associated vertigo [28] |
October 1, 2008 | Boston | United States | TD Banknorth Garden | |
October 2, 2008 | Philadelphia | Wachovia Center | ||
October 4, 2008 | Greensboro | Greensboro Coliseum | ||
October 7, 2008 | Sunrise | Bank Atlantic Center | ||
October 11, 2008 | Uncasville | Mohegan Sun Arena | ||
October 13, 2008 | Verona | Turning Stone Event Center | ||
February 14, 2009 | Saitama | Japan | Saitama Super Arena | Illness and 2009 economic crisis. [2] |
February 15, 2009 | ||||
February 17, 2009 | Osaka | Osaka-jō Hall | ||
February 19, 2009 | Nagoya | Nagoya Rainbow Hall | ||
February 22, 2009 | Fukuoka | Marine Messe Fukuoka |
Gil Duldulao (Choreographer), Ed Moore (Choreographer), Jillian Meyers, Laurel Thompson, Nick Bass, Teddy Forance, Cassidy Noblett, Josh Ortiz, Victor Rojas, Whyley Yoshimura, Anthony Garza (Swing Dancer)
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV, enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content that focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.
"Control" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album of the same name (1986). The song was written by Jackson, James Harris III and Terry Lewis, and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was released as the album's fourth single on October 17, 1986, by A&M Records. Its arrangement, built upon complex rhythmic tracks, showcased state-of-the-art production. The song is about Jackson wanting to finally take control of her life.
"The Pleasure Principle" is a song recorded by American singer Janet Jackson for her third studio album, Control (1986). A&M Records released it as the sixth single from Control on May 12, 1987. Written and produced by Monte Moir, with co-production by Jackson and Steve Wiese, the song is an "independent woman" anthem about taking control of a personal relationship by refusing to settle for loveless materialism. Musically, "The Pleasure Principle" is an R&B song built around a dance-pop beat. The photograph for the single cover was shot by David LaChapelle. The song has been included in two of Jackson's greatest hits albums, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).
"Escapade" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was released on January 8, 1990, by A&M Records as the third single from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). "Escapade" became the third of the historic seven top-five singles released from the Rhythm Nation 1814 album, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
"Black Cat" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the sixth single from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). The song was written by Jackson, who produced it with Jellybean Johnson. In a departure from her standard of industrial-based dance-pop, "Black Cat" is a hard rock, pop rock, dance-rock, heavy metal and glam metal song with arena rock influences. Its lyrics speak of substance abuse and gang violence. It was the final song recorded for the album, after Jackson, along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, composed its main riff when desiring a rock song to complete the record.
"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson and was composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Janet recorded the song for her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was released as the seventh commercial single from the album by A&M Records on October 2, 1990. In 1991 it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, becoming the fifth number-one hit of her career and the fourth number-one single from Rhythm Nation 1814. On both the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts, the single peaked in the top five. It also peaked within the top 40 in several countries. It is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of 500,000 units in the US alone.
"If" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson from her fifth album, Janet (1993). Jackson co-wrote and co-produced "If" with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with Harvey Fuqua, John Bristol and Jackey Beavers receiving songwriting credits for the sampling of their composition "Someday We'll Be Together", performed by Diana Ross & the Supremes. "If" was released as the album's second single on July 13, 1993, by Virgin Records. It fuses various genres, including rock, trip hop and industrial music, with elements of new jack swing and hip hop.
"I'm a Slave 4 U" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her third studio album, Britney (2001). Written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, it was released on September 25, 2001, by Jive Records as the lead single from the album. Marking a transition for Spears from the teen pop sounds of her previous singles, "I'm a Slave 4 U" is a dance-pop track with urban pop and R&B influences. The lyrics describes the plea of a young woman to be liberated and feel independent.
"Boys" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her self-titled third studio album (2001). It was written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. A version of the song titled "The Co-Ed Remix" and featuring guest vocals from Williams was released as the fifth single from Britney on June 24, 2002. The new version also served as the second single from the soundtrack of Austin Powers in Goldmember. "Boys" is a R&B and hip hop song, including funk influences. The remix carries a slower tempo than the album version, and both versions were noted by critics to be reminiscent of music by American artist Janet Jackson. Some critics praised Spears and Williams' chemistry, as well as the production on the track, while others did not think the song worked well.
"Nasty" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was released on April 15, 1986, by A&M Records as the album's second single. It is a funk number built with samples and a quirky timpani melody. The single peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and remains one of Jackson's signature songs. The line "My first name ain't baby, it's Janet – Miss Jackson if you're nasty" has been used in pop culture in various forms. According to musicologist Richard J Ripani, Ph. D, the single is one of the earliest examples of new jack swing music.
The Onyx Hotel Tour was the fifth concert tour by American entertainer Britney Spears. It showcased her fourth studio album, In the Zone (2003), and visited North America and Europe. A tour to promote the album was announced in December 2003. Its original name was the In the Zone Tour, but Spears was sued for trademark infringement and banned from using the name. Spears felt inspired to create a show with a hotel theme which she later mixed with the concept of an onyx stone. The stage, inspired by Broadway musicals, was less elaborate than her previous tours. The setlist was composed mostly by songs from In the Zone as well as some of her past songs reworked with different elements of jazz, blues, and Latin percussion. Tour promoter Clear Channel Entertainment marketed the tour to a more adult audience than her previous shows, while sponsor MTV promoted the tour heavily on TV shows and the network's website.
The Dream Within a Dream Tour was the fourth concert tour by American entertainer Britney Spears. It was launched in support of her third studio album, Britney (2001). The tour was promoted by Concerts West, marking the first time Spears did not tour with Clear Channel Entertainment. On September 21, 2001, a North American tour was announced that kicked off exactly two months later after various dates were postponed. In February 2002, Spears announced a second leg of the tour. It was directed and choreographed by Wade Robson, who explained the main theme of the show was Spears's coming of age and newfound independence. The stage was designed by Steve Cohen and Rob Brenner and was composed of a main stage and a B-stage, united by a runway. Inspired by Cleopatra's barge, a flying device was developed so Spears could travel over the audience to the B-stage. The setlist was mostly composed by songs from the supporting album, as Spears felt they were more reflective of her personality. Songs from her previous two studio albums were also included in remixed form by Robson.
"Young Love" is a song by American recording artist Janet Jackson from her self-titled debut album (1982). It was written and produced by René Moore, Angela Winbush, with additional production by Bobby Watson. It was released as Jackson's debut single on July 7, 1982, by A&M Records. Prior to her rise to fame, the singer had no interest in pursuing a musical career. Despite this, she was motivated to pursue a career in entertainment, and considered the idea after recording herself in the studio. After acting in the variety show The Jacksons, she began starring in several TV series and commenced recording her debut album.
"All Nite (Don't Stop)" is a song recorded by American singer Janet Jackson for her eighth studio album, Damita Jo (2004). It was written and produced by Jackson and Swedish duo Bag & Arnthor (consisting of Anders Bagge and Arnthor Birgisson), with additional writing from Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Tony "Prof T" Tolbert. Virgin Records released the song to contemporary hit radio in the United States on May 17, 2004, as the album's third and final single. A So So Def remix featuring Elephant Man was also issued. "All Nite (Don't Stop)" is an electro-funk and house song that contains elements of samba, Latin, dance-pop, and dancehall. Jackson sings the song in a breathy falsetto, while lyrically it discusses being addicted to dancing in a club setting.
The Velvet Rope Tour was the third concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. Launched in support of her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope (1997), the tour visited Europe, North America, Japan, New Zealand, Africa, and Australia. Jackson was inspired to create an autobiographical show using elements of Broadway theatre, portraying her struggle with depression and self-esteem. The tour's stage production was developed as a storybook setting, allowing spectators to cross beyond her "velvet rope" and experience her life story through the evolution of her musical career. It consists of twenty-six songs, several band interludes, and intense choreography along with nine costume changes and four sets. Jackson depicts themes such as burlesque and domestic violence among the show's complex production of pyrotechnics and theatrics.
The All for You Tour was the fourth concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson, in support of her seventh studio album All for You (2001). The show was designed by Mark Fisher and Jackson. It was originally scheduled to start in Vancouver, Canada, but due to problems transporting technical equipment across the Canada–United States border, the first show took place in Portland, Oregon. The tour trekked through North America throughout the summer and ended with a final show in Honolulu, Hawaii which was broadcast by HBO.
"Rock with U" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her tenth studio album, Discipline (2008). It was written by Ne-Yo, Jermaine Dupri, and Eric Stamile, and produced by the last two. The song was released as the album's second single on February 5, 2008, by Island Records. "Rock with U" is a pop, Eurodisco, and house song that was recorded with the gay community in mind, as Jackson felt the necessity to do something for her gay fans, as well as the wider community members.
Discipline is the tenth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on February 22, 2008, by Island Records. It is her only album released with the record label after her five-album deal with Virgin Records was fulfilled with the release of 20 Y.O. (2006). Jackson worked with producers such as Darkchild, Ne-Yo, Shea Taylor, Stargate, Johntá Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Tricky Stewart, and The-Dream on the album. Jackson's long-time producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis did not contribute to the project. The album was executive produced by Island Urban president Dupri and Jackson. The album experimented with the electropop, house, and dance-pop genres and also contained R&B and hip hop-oriented tracks.
The Circus Starring Britney Spears, commonly referred to as the Circus Tour, was the seventh concert tour by American entertainer Britney Spears. It was launched in support of her sixth studio album, Circus (2008). Rumors of a tour arose as early as October 2007, however, nothing was confirmed until December 2008, when the tour was officially announced, with North American and European dates revealed. The stage was composed of three rings and set in-the-round to resemble an actual circus. Fashion designers Dean and Dan Caten created the costumes. A giant cylinder screen was set above the stage to showcase videos and backdrops. Effects were provided by Solotech. Magician Ed Alonzo joined Spears during the second act. The setlist was composed generally from her albums In the Zone, Blackout and Circus. Spears announced she would tour Australia for the first time in June 2009.
Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour was the sixth concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. It showcased her sophomore compilation album, Number Ones and visited Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Jackson traveled to thirty-five different cities selected by fans, one chosen for each of her number one hits. The tour took an organic and intimate approach, excluding the elaborate theatrics and pyrotechnics her concerts have become infamous for, focusing on her musicality and choreography. Jackson explained the tour to be "different from anything I have ever done", adding, "These concerts are not about special effects. This is a love affair between me and those of you who have supported me and my work for all these years." Jackson dedicated an individual song to the audience during every show to commemorate each city.
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