Madonna in Moscow Draws Protests

As Madonna prepares for her first ever show in Moscow, the controversial Confessions Tour has attracted the attention of several religious groups that are threatening to protest the concert.

Since Madonna’s European leg of the Confessions Tour began, the much-hyped tour has been met by a flurry of protests and heated controversy due to religious themes featured in the show. With the Moscow concert slated for today, September 12, The Washington Post reports that the Russian Orthodox Church has mentioned that there may be protest activity if Madonna doesn’t tone down the religious visuals accompanying her songs, most notably an image of Madonna crucified on the cross. The spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church, Rev. Vsevolod Chaplin recently revealed, “This lady ... plays with religious symbols, and I think it's not only a matter of financial advancement of her production but it's also a kind of attempt to justify and sanctify her message and her sins, using something holy.” The church did seemingly manage to win a small victory when it persuaded organizers to push back the original September 11th date one day out of respect for the victims of 9/11 and the fact it was a day celebrating the Feast of St. John the Baptist, a church holiday.

The religious protests are a source of major concern for the concert organizers and a security issue for Madonna. With that in mind, Madonna’s Moscow debut will feature an unprecedented security presence for the event. According to RIA Novosti, the Tuesday concert, which is expected to attract 50,000 fans, will also include 7000 lawmen. A spokesman for the Moscow police told RIA Novosti, “Moreover, security measures also involve 45 dog handlers with especially trained dogs to find explosives and 45 mounted police officers. In addition there will also be, “About 600 OMON [riot police] and 300 police operatives will be in reserve.” Security looks to be tight, as memories of a double suicide bombing that killed 17 people at an outdoor rock concert back in 2003 are still fresh in minds of many Muscovites.

Around the wires, Reuters reports that even with the security issues and protests, Madonna’s Moscow concert will not be altered. Anton Atrashkin, the press chief for Madonna’s Russia concert, asserts, “This will be absolutely the same show as Madonna has performed in other European capitals.” In recent days, the church has sounded off on the issue, but fans are just now beginning to express their thoughts on the matter. Igor Antipov, a 27-year-old Madonna fan, put it this way, “It's misunderstood. It's pop music and modern art. The Church is another part of our life. I'm an Orthodox believer and I can see the distinction.”

Madonna's 'Confessions' tour, in support of her Confessions On a Dance Floor album, kicked off in Los Angeles on May 21st after she played the Coachella Festival in Indio, California. Madonna's European leg included dates in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Hanover, Dusseldorf, and Horsens. Madonna, now 48, rose to fame throughout the 80s, 90s with huge hits, including such number one singles as "Like A Virgin", "Papa Don't Preach", "Open Your Heart", " Like A Prayer", "Vogue", "Justify My Love". Her most successful albums include such best sellers as Like a Virgin, Like a Prayer, The Immaculate Collection, Evita, Ray of Light, Music, and American Life. Her new album, Confessions on a Dance Floor has gone to number one in 40 countries and the first single "Hung Up" recently shot to top spot in 41 countries. The Guinness Book of World Records also lists Madonna as the Most Successful Female Solo Artist, having sold 120 million albums worldwide as of November 2000.

[Additional Sources: Washington Post, RIA Novosti, Reuters]