Obviously Lady Gaga has gained in popularity over the last 8 months or so, but even back when she was going to do the Fame Kills combo tour with Kanye West, she was seen as a legitimate draw…but then Kanye pulled out and she toured on her own, visiting smaller venues. This year she blew up, selling out arenas on her own. Having gone to both, I definitely prefer the smaller shows where everyone is up close and personal with the performer. Even more weird though, the staging and effects were twice as good at the smaller show, on the smaller stage, than they were at the larger dome show. Better effects, and an awesome 3D video backdrop (it’s hard to describe, but it was fantastic) definitely won out over what they put together for the bigger show. Go figure.

We’ve got two images from each event after the break - have a preference? Let us know in the comments.

SMALL 800 SEAT CONCERT HALL

TACOMA DOME