40 years ago today, Madonna performed ‘Like a Virgin’ for the very first time at Keith Haring’s birthday party
Madonna gave an elite group of friends a preview of two of her biggest hits months ahead of their release at a party honoring one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century.On May 16, 1984, the future Queen of Pop performed “Dress You Up” and “Like a Virgin” live for the very first time at a birthday party for her good friend, artist and queer activist Keith Haring.Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.Keith Haring’s enduring influence serves as an inspiration for future generations to break barriers and create positive change through artistic expression and activism.Haring’s 26th birthday extravaganza, dubbed the “Party of Life,” was held at the groundbreaking NYC nightclub Paradise Garage amid some of the downtown scene’s hippest denizens and celebs like Diana Ross, Andy Warhol, and music producer Nile Rodgers.The night was capped off by Madonna’s two-song set that featured the pop diva wearing a pink Stephen Sprouse suit painted with Haring’s unmistakable graffiti images and symbols.Iconic.Lucky Me…..i got to sing Like a Virgin in this dope Ass outfit designed by Keith Haring… https://t.co/PYgmaYoTRU pic.twitter.com/WOV1Sho4YNMay 16, 1984 – Dressed by her friend, Madonna attends Keith Haring’s Birthday party at The Paradise Garage in New York, also performing ‘Dress You Up’ during the bash.#keithharing #dressyouup #madonnastory pic.twitter.com/TXCHTpCwyOAccording to video artist Courtney Harmel, who recorded scenes from the party on VHS, Madonna initially came out on a big brass bed in the middle of the club’s stage wearing a bustier, rosaries and the infamous “boy toy” belt.Four months before she would make history for rolling around the floor in a wedding dress at the inaugural MTV VMAs, Madonna gave a glimpse of the pop juggernaut she was about to unleash.The world was not ready.Madonna performing 'Like A Virgin' at Keith Haring's birthday party (1984) ?.
