Cyndi Lauper Knows We Just Want to Have FUNdamental Rights

Few musical artists left as big of a mark in the ’80s as Cyndi Lauper. The trailblazing musician gave us some of the most iconic songs from the era, most notably “Time After Time,” “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “True Colors,” and “All Through The Night.” Her unique and colorful fashion style also set her apart from her contemporaries. Since 2024, Lauper has been embarking on the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. Lauper is not officially retiring from performing; however, she wanted to do one more arena tour while she is still at the top of her game.

It is the final leg of Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. “All my tours are special, but this one definitely is hitting home,” she comments. “The fans have been so awesome and involved, dressing up and singing along. I’ve come to tears almost every night. I’m just so grateful.”

Fans can expect to hear beloved classics, deep cuts, some of the earliest songs from her career, and some of her newest material. “I worked really hard on the set list and making sure it spanned my career,” states Lauper. “The pacing and the costume changes are very intentional. The slow ones are very poignant, and the fast ones are always fun. It’s fun to see different reactions from everyone.”

The farewell tour features the stunningly immersive visual art of many artists, including Yayoi Kusama, Daniel Wurtzel, and Christian Siriano. “I am a big fan of living art and living in my art,” says Lauper. “Performing, the visuals, the clothing, the lighting, what you’re seeing on stage: it’s all part of the journey.”

Supporting Lauper on the final leg is Jake Wesley Rogers. “He’s such a special talent,” she says. “So happy to have him tour with me and get to see him live. He is a wonderful performer. He’s doing good in the world and is a great person.”

In the ‘80s, Lauper was one of the biggest pop stars in the world, becoming a fashion icon, selling out numerous shows, and having multiple worldwide hit songs. Her debut album, She’s So Unusual, was one of the best-selling albums of the ‘80s. “It didn’t always go as planned,” she reflects. “They don’t make a How To Be Famous For Dummies. One day, you’re trudging along, and the next minute (10 years later), you find yourself with a huge debut album. Nothing can prepare you for that. I’m still such a regular person, though; I think I am, at least. It’s a really special experienc—both great and humbling.”

Lauper has several songs that have a life of their own, including “True Colors” and “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” “True Colors” has become an LGBTQ+ anthem and a beloved song in the LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” has become an anthem for female empowerment. “I have always wanted to write that one song that could stand the test of time,” she shares. “I was able to write and perform more than one. It’s pretty surreal. But I always stayed true to who I am and what I believe in, and luckily, that’s what people have taken from my music. I found my people.”

Lauper has also worked on Broadway musicals. She wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots, for which she won a Tony Award for Best Original Score. Currently, she is working on Working Girl. “Harvey Fierstein called me up and brought me into this world,” she recalls.  “He and Jerry Mitchell, everyone on their teams, really took me through the process. It’s completely different than writing for yourself. You have others to answer to. You have the characters to be true to. You have the story to answer to—Am I being honest and true to the story? How can we take these messages and elevate them, make them universal, and try to touch some hearts.”

Later this year, Lauper will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. This achievement is very special for her. “It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and my team fighting for me,” she shares. “We don’t do this for the accolades, but it is really nice when they come. I’m grateful.”

With a fantastic career like Lauper’s, there are many unforgettable moments that she will cherish forever. “This career has taken me to some great places—The Great Wall Of China, all around the world, into hallowed recording studios, on stages with the best of the best,” she reflects. “I’ve made such great friends along the way. Cher really looked out for me. Patti LaBelle sang at my wedding, and Little Richard performed the ceremony. The sheer amount of talent in that room for ‘We Are The World.’ Then there are all the Pride events that I’ve been lucky to have been a part of. Speaking at the White House for Marriage Equality. Testifying in front of Congress for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Too many moments to name. I have been really blessed.”

Along with her music career, Lauper has always been a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. She has performed at multiple Pride events, been involved with numerous LGBTQ+ charities, spoke at the White House for Marriage Equality, founded True Colors United—a nonprofit organization that addresses the issue of youth homelessness in the United States, with a particular focus on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. The LGBTQ+ community has always been and will always be very important to Lauper. “I’m friends and family, first of all,” she says. “Even if I wasn’t, I really believe the old adage, no one is free until everyone is free. I can’t stand to see people mistreated, especially if it’s just for being who they are. I had to say something. If I don’t use my platform, my voice, to fight for others, then what is the point of being in this position?”

Lauper’s Girl Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour is one tour you do not want to miss out on. Be sure to check out one of these extraordinary live shows. 

Cover photo by Ruven Afanador