Cyndi Lauper
United Center, Chicago IL
December 5, 2024
Performance review: Morgan Clifton
Photos: Roman Sobus
Cyndi Lauper made a stop in Chicago on December 5th for her “Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour.” At 71 years old, Cyndi proved that girls can rock! Kicking off the set with “She Bop,” Lauper and her band played in front of a brightly colored backdrop. The nearly 2 hour show included many stories and photos from her career.
Prior to performing a song, Lauper would give some background the crowd about how the song came to be. She spoke in dept about her times performing in Chicago, several times becoming emotional knowing this was her farewell. The set list included songs from across Cyndi’s over 40 years in music. Prior to “Sally’s Pigeons,” she told the story of a childhood friend who had an abortion in a back alley and lost her life. While performing the song, a sheer, white, cloth danced over a stage in the center of the floor. At several points during the performance, Lauper spoke about women’s rights and body autonomy, a topic she obviously feels strongly about.
Looking out in the crowd, many wore colorful wigs purchased from the merch booths. Cyndi recognized this and thanked everyone as part of the proceeds would go toward her charity, Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights. Cyndi donned various wigs and outfits throughout the night and ended her set with “Money Changes Everything.” After a short break, Lauper returned to the stage to kick off her encore with “Shine.” To finish the encore, Cyndi walked along the aisles of screaming fans to the stage in the center of the floor. She held a colorful cloth that danced in the air around her while she sang “True Colors.” Of course, no Cyndi Lauper show can go without her breakthrough hit, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Joined on the stage by her opener Gayle, Cyndi and the crowd danced and sang along to every word to end the night and what might well be her last time performing in Chicago.
