DOES MADONNA SUFFER FROM PANIC ATTACKS?

In a 70-page interview/photo tribute to the world’s greatest performer, here’s an excerpt that shows even the most seasoned pros have their panic moments:

D&C:  Do you feel vulnerable or invincible on stage?

Madonna: Both.

D&C: Can you describe some of the emotions that run through your mind during your shows?

Madonna:  I have moments where I feel incredibly invincible and know that I have the audience in my hand — I know that everything is absolutely perfect…and then I have panic attacks, where I feel like everyone is breathing my air and I cannot live up to everybody’s expectations, and I might just die on stage.

D&C: What do you do to pull yourself through?

Madonna: I normally try to turn my back to the audience, take a deep breath and remind myself that it’s all temporary.

D&C: So, it doesn’t matter if you fuck up?

Madonna: I’m not worried about fucking up — I really have a panic attack that everyone else is breathing my air.  It’s hard to describe.  When you have panic attacks you cannot rationalize them, obviously there’s enough oxygen for me but that never happens outdoors, it’s normally in indoor sports arenas that feel very close…suddenly, I feel claustrophobic.  It’s not a fear of performing.