Tangled Up Tour

infobox concert tour
concert_tour_name = Tangled Up Tour 2008
Supporting_Album = Tangled Up


image_caption= Girls Aloud performing 'Call The Shots' during the May 17th gig at London's O2 Arena
artist = Girls Aloud
start_date = 03 May 2008
end_date = 14 September 2008 (scheduled)
end_date = 29 August 2008
cancelled_shows = 2
number_of_legs = 2
number_of_shows = 35 (scheduled)
support = Gabriella Cilmi
The Saturdays
last_tour = (2007)
this_tour = Tangled Up Tour
(2008)
next_tour =

The Tangled Up Tour is Girls Aloud's third arena-based concert tour and their fourth tour overall. The tour began on 3 May 2008 in Belfast, with the final show on 4 June in Birmingham. They will also perform ten open air concerts over the summer. The twenty-four arena dates and ten summer shows make the tour their longest yet.

Cheryl Cole and Nicola Roberts announced during the tour that the sixth studio album, "Out of Control", had just been started.

History

The first dates were announced by various news sources towards the end of November 2007. Pre-sale tickets were offered on Girls Aloud's official website on 22 November, 2007. [ cite web | url=http://entertainment.aol.co.uk/girls-aloud-relaxing-ahead-of-tour/article/20080327091009990015 | title=Girls Aloud relaxing ahead of tour | publisher=AOL Entertainment | date=2008-03-30 | accessdate=2008-04-04 ] Initially, there was one date per venue, but the demand caused extra tour dates to be scheduled.

In March 2008, Girls Aloud signed a deal to front an ad campaign for a new low-calorie KitKat bar called "Senses". The chocolate bar manufacturer will also sponsor the tour. [ cite web | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article885999.ece | title=Girlband get million pound payout from KitKat | publisher=The Sun | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-07 ] These chocolate bar were handed out for free at the arenas.

The show reportedly cost an estimated £3 million to stage, with £250,000 worth of pyrotechnics. cite web | url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=146092&in_page_id=7 | title=Material Girls Aloud | publisher=Metro.co.uk | date=2008-05-05 | accessdate=2008-05-09 ] The stage outfits were designed by Welsh designer Julien MacDonald. [ cite web | url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/vogue_daily/story/story.asp?stid=52342 | title=Girls in sparkle | publisher=Vogue.co.uk | author=Jessica Bumpus | date=2008-05-08 | accessdate=2008-05-08 ] Luigi Masi, Billiam and new girl group The Saturdays provide support for Girls Aloud on the tour. [ cite web | url=http://www.girlsaloud.com/site.php | title=Luigi Masi and Billiam support the Girls! | publisher=Girls Aloud | date=2008-05-02 | accessdate=2008-05-02 ]

The announcement of the tour helped to stop rumours that the band were splitting up. The stories surfaced after Nadine Coyle pulled out of a reality television show for the second time.cite web | url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music-gigs/news/article3179776.ece | title=Nadine tangled up in band split rumours (again) | publisher=The Belfast Telegraph | author=Maureen Coleman | date=2007-11-21 | accessdate=2008-04-04 ] It was widely reported in April 2008 that Cheryl Cole was working on solo material with T2. [ cite web | url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/16042008/415294/cheryl_cole_s_solo_plans | title=Cheryl Cole's solo plans | publisher=MTV News | author=Tom Thorogood | date=2008-04-16 | accessdate=2008-04-22 ] [ cite web | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article1045507.ece | title=Girls Aloud star Cheryl plans solo music career | publisher=The Sun | author=Gordon Smart | date=2008-04-16 | accessdate=2008-04-22 ] These accusations were quickly denied, with Cole saying that she "had been in tour rehearsals everyday." [ cite web | url=http://girlsaloud.co.uk/site.php | title=A Message From Cheryl | publisher=GirlsAloud.co.uk | date=2008-04-18 | accessdate=2008-04-22 ] The band put a further stop to these rumours at their London show, by announcing that they would be recording a new album. [ cite web | url=http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/celebrity/girls-aloud-thrill-london-.html | title=Girls Aloud thrill London | publisher=MyParkMag.co.uk | date=2008-05-19 | accessdate=2008-06-08 ] Kimberley Walsh told press that the band was "really excited about the tour" and had "loads of things planned." [ cite web | url=http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5itzhTPZa8snd_u0dgv89XfpNZhDw | title=Girls Aloud relaxing ahead of tour | publisher=Press Association | date=2008-03-31 | accessdate=2008-04-04 ] Sarah Harding said that "over the years it gets bigger and more elaborate." [ cite web | url=http://music.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1401196.php/Girls_Aloud_plan_for_spectacular_tour | title=Girls Aloud plan for spectacular tour | publisher=Monsters and Critics | date=2008-04-22 | accessdate=2008-04-22 ]

During the show, Girls Aloud perform various covers. During their ballad section, they perform a stripped-down cover of Robyn's "With Every Heartbeat". [ cite web | url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-arts/2008/05/31/girls-aloud-echo-arena-64375-21002423/ | title=Girls Aloud/Echo Arena | publisher=Liverpool Daily Post | author=Emma Johnson | date=2008-05-31 | accessdate=2008-06-08 ] They originally performed the song for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, a recording of which is available on the "Can't Speak French" single. [ cite web | url=http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;-1;-1;-1&sku=778186 | title=Can't Speak French | publisher=HMV | accessdate=2008-06-08 ] The group also performed a cover of Salt-n-Pepa's "Push It". [ cite web | url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2008/05/19/girls-aloud-91466-20930651/ | title=Review; Girls Aloud | publisher=South Wales Echo | author=Katie Bodinger | date=2008-05-19 | accessdate=2008-06-08 ] Additionally, Cheryl Cole sang a "quick incerpt" of Kelis' "Trick Me" at the end of "Control of the Knife". [ cite web | url=http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/05/24/girls-aloud-and-proud-of-pop-classics/ | title=Girls Aloud and proud of pop classics | publisher=Express & Star | date=2008-05-24 | accessdate=2008-06-06 ] which tabloids reported was directed to her cheating lover Ashley Cole.

Girls Aloud will additionally play at Pop in the Park and 2008's V Festival. cite web | url=http://admin.vfestival.com/index.html?pid=3413 | title=2008 Line Up | publisher=VFestival.com | accessdate=2008-04-04 ] They previously performed in 2006 with a shortened set of their Chemistry Tour.

On August 16 2008, the girls performed at the V Festival in the afternoon and then travelled to Peterborough for a show that evening, which meant that they performed 2 shows in less than 24 hours.

Critical response

Many reviews focused on Girls Aloud's provocative attire, comparing it to Madonna's "Erotica" era. cite web | url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/3am/2008/05/05/girls-aloud-launch-tangled-up-tour-with-raunchy-performance-89520-20405787/ | title=Girls Aloud launch Tangled Up tour with raunchy performance | publisher=The Mirror | date=2008-05-05 | accessdate=2008-05-05 ] [ cite web | url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/36912/Attack-of-the-cones/ | title=Attack of the cones | publisher=Daily Star | author=Kim Dawson | date=2008-05-04 | accessdate=2008-05-05 ] [ cite web | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-catch-all/2008/05/05/girls-get-into-the-groove-86908-20405694/ | title=Girls get Into the Groove | publisher=Daily Record | author=Beverley Lyons and Laura Sutherland | date=2008-05-05 | accessdate=2008-05-10 ] The Mirror called it "the most sexually-charged performance of their career". The Independent gave the show four stars, saying that "even their between-song chatter is amusing". Although low points were noted, the review continued that "Girls Aloud remain confidently the only pop show in town." [ cite web | url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/first-night-girls-aloud-secc-glasgow-823132.html | title=First Night: Girls Aloud, SECC, Glasgow | publisher=The Independent | author=David Pollock | date=2008-05-08 | accessdate=2008-05-08 ] The Daily Record said they "pulled out all the stops." [ cite web | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-catch-all/2008/05/08/you-know-when-you-ve-been-tangled-86908-20409664/ | title=You know when you've been Tangled | publisher=Daily Record | author=Beverley Lyons and Laura Sutherland | date=2008-05-08 | accessdate=2008-05-08 ]

The Times only gave the show two stars. "The songs varied wildly in quality. While upbeat belters... tapped into the hedonistic rush of classic gay disco, too much of the set felt graceless and flat." cite web | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/live_reviews/article3896376.ece | title=Girls Aloud at SECC,Glasgow | publisher=The Times | date=2008-05-09 | accessdate=2008-05-12 ] The critique even said "the famous five could easily have been interchangeable Stepford androids."

etlist

hidden
headercss = background: #ccccff; font-size: 100%; width: 65%;
contentcss = text-align: left; font-size: 100%; width: 75%;
header = Arena Setlist
content = Sci-Fi: Black, Blue and White PVC Outfits
* Sexy! No No No...
* Girl Overboard
* Sound of the Underground
* Close To Love

Caberet: Black Cabaret Outfits
* Can't Speak French
* Love Machine
* Black Jacks
* Biology

Feathers: Multi-coloured Dresses
* Whole Lotta History
* With Every Heartbeat (Robyn Cover)
* I'll Stand By You

Glamour: Gold Shimmering Dresses
* Fling
* Push It (Salt N Pepa Cover)
* Wake Me Up / Walk This Way
* Control of the Knife/ Trick Me (Kelis Cover)
* Call The Shots
* Jump

Encore: Neon Lycra Leotards
* Something Kinda Ooooh

hidden
headercss = background: #ccccff; font-size: 100%; width: 65%;
contentcss = text-align: left; font-size: 100%; width: 75%;
header = Summer Festival Setlist
content = Act 1: Black, Blue and White PVC Outfits
* Sexy! No No No...
* Girl Overboard
* Sound of the Underground
* Close To Love

Act 2: Gold Dresses
* Can't Speak French
* Love Machine
* Black Jacks
* Biology
* Whole Lotta History
* With Every Heartbeat (Robyn Cover)
* I'll Stand By You
* Push It (Salt N Pepa Cover)
* Wake Me Up
* Walk This Way
* Control of the Knife/ Trick Me (Kelis Cover)
* Call The Shots
* Jump
* Something Kinda Ooooh

hidden
headercss = background: #ccccff; font-size: 100%; width: 65%;
contentcss = text-align: left; font-size: 100%; width: 75%;
header = V Festival Setlist
content = Black Body Suits
* Sexy! No No No...
* Sound of the Underground
* Can't Speak French
* Love Machine
* Biology
* With Every Heartbeat (Robyn Cover)
* Push It (Salt N Pepa Cover)

* Wake Me Up/Walk This Way
* Call The Shots
* Jump
* Something Kinda Ooooh

Costumes

ci-Fi:

All the girls had black, blue and white pvc suits. Each suit had a different design. Each girl wore boots up to the knee with silver sparkly heels. Kimberley and Cheryl wore dark black tights, while Sarah, Nadine and Nicola, wore clear fishnet stockings.

The girls performed "Sexy! No No No...", "Girl Overboard", "Sound of the Underground" and "Close To Love" in these costumes.

Cabaret

All the girls wore black caberet suits. Each girl wore gloves which came up to the elbow, and black stockings up to the knee. Each girl also had feathers over their bum.

The girls performed "Can't Speak French", "Love Machine", "Black Jacks" and "Biology" in these costumes.

Feathers

"Nadine:" Orange boob tube, mettalic blue belt and shocking pink skirt.

"Cheryl:" Orange boob tube, dark blue belt and yellow skirt which rises at the front to show some orange.

"Nicola:" Metallic blue and pink boob tube and light pink feather skirt.

"Sarah:" Metallic pink and blue boob tube and dark blue dress.

"Kimberley:" Pink halter neck, gold belt and orange skirt.

The girls performed "Whole Lotta History", "With Every Heartbeat" and "I'll Stand By You" in these costumes.

Glamour

Each girl had a gold sparkly mini dress. Each girl had a differently designed dress.

The girls performed "Fling", "Push It", "Walk This Way", "Wake Me Up", "Control of the Knife/ Trick Me", "Call the Shots" and "Jump" in these costumes.

Encore

"Nadine:" Orange swimsuit and purple belt and leg warmers.

"Cheryl:" Pink swimsuit and yellow belt and leg warmers.

"Nicola:" Blue swimsuit and pink belt and leg warmers.

"Sarah:" Purple swimsuit and blue belt and leg warmers.

"Kimberley:" Yellow swimsuit and orange belt and leg warmers.

The girls performed "Something Kinda Ooooh" in these costumes.

Broadcasts and recordings

The tour was recorded on 17 May at the O2 Arena and shown live across 50 Vue cinemas up and down the country. [cite web | url=http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=girls-aloud-gig-to-be-screened-live-at-vue&method=full&objectid=20853817&siteid=50020-name_page.html | title=Girls Aloud gig to be screened live at Vue | publisher=icCheshireOnline | author=Phil Robinson | date=2008-05-02 | accessdate=2008-05-02 ] The tour is also due to be released on DVD on the 27th of october 2008, as stated on amazon.

Some clips of Cheryl on the tour were shown in a small montage during Nikk Mager's audition on the first episode of X Factor Series 5, and during the intro of the second episode.

The performance at the V Festival in Chelmsford was also recorded. Highlights of their set, including performances of Sexy! No, No,No, Love Machine, Call The Shots and Jump were shown on 4 Music and Channel4.

Tour dates

Strike-through text Indicates that the show had to be cancelled because of weather problems at the venue.

References