MrPurple said:

Realtor said:

If any group of people should be privy to seeing Prince at his best, it should be members of prince.org. Why would I not try to inspire them to have this type of experience?

Cause it leaves less tickets for the rest of us.

micv said:

Realtor said:

If any group of people should be privy to seeing Prince at his best, it should be members of prince.org. Why would I not try to inspire them to have this type of experience?

I think the tone doesn't come off as very inspiring... You make it sound like if we never see Prince perform in a setting like the Troubadour we've somehow failed or not put in a worthy effort. We're already envious of those who got to be there last night... it's not necessary to make the arena shows sound like a waste of our time. I personally feel blessed every time I'm in the Forum.

Interpreting tone through written words in a forum usually is pretty difficult...therefore, I don't try; I just take people literally. So, don't assume "how I sound," just ask. If you don't see Prince in a setting like the Trobadour, you will not see him at his best. That's what I said...because, that's what I meant, no more, no less...just hardcore direct communication. I've attended 9 Forum shows and I will attend about 9 more this year, so your suggestiong that I'M THE ONE saying the arena shows are "a waste of our time" is..........I'll let you feel in the blank. You are among the billions of people that try to connect one point and make it fit with something else...and then feel bad about something that isn't even real. I'm talking about the Troubadour show in the Troubadour thread....Okay?

I was able to get into the 7PM show through the standby line.. and the show was simply AMAZING. I had seen Prince previously 4 times (3 Forum shows and one Forum Club aftershow (2 hour set)). I was in awe the entire time, and it was amazing to be able to make true eye contact with him like that as well. These intimate shows are truly something else. I also waited a long time in the standby line for the 2nd show, but left when Troubadour folks apologized and said they were full. I did however hear that a diehard eventually got in with an hour and 25 minutes left when some guest-list folks exited the venue (he said he still paid face-value, as with first show). Simply AMAZING (I actually got a drum stick from the 2nd encore, I'm the really tall 16 year old that jumped for the drum stick for those who were there haha)

dylanreich said:

I was able to get into the 7PM show through the standby line.. and the show was simply AMAZING. I had seen Prince previously 4 times (3 Forum shows and one Forum Club aftershow (2 hour set)). I was in awe the entire time, and it was amazing to be able to make true eye contact with him like that as well. These intimate shows are truly something else. I also waited a long time in the standby line for the 2nd show, but left when Troubadour folks apologized and said they were full. I did however hear that a diehard eventually got in with an hour and 25 minutes left when some guest-list folks exited the venue (he said he still paid face-value, as with first show). Simply AMAZING (I actually got a drum stick from the 2nd encore, I'm the really tall 16 year old that jumped for the drum stick for those who were there haha)

did you get in for free??

InternationalLover82 said:

dylanreich said:

I was able to get into the 7PM show through the standby line.. and the show was simply AMAZING. I had seen Prince previously 4 times (3 Forum shows and one Forum Club aftershow (2 hour set)). I was in awe the entire time, and it was amazing to be able to make true eye contact with him like that as well. These intimate shows are truly something else. I also waited a long time in the standby line for the 2nd show, but left when Troubadour folks apologized and said they were full. I did however hear that a diehard eventually got in with an hour and 25 minutes left when some guest-list folks exited the venue (he said he still paid face-value, as with first show). Simply AMAZING (I actually got a drum stick from the 2nd encore, I'm the really tall 16 year old that jumped for the drum stick for those who were there haha)

did you get in for free??

No, it was the $100 cash at the door. Definitely worth it IMO

Willierose71 said:

1ststatestereo said:

Is anyone else sick to their stomach that they didn't see this show?

Yes, especially because I had a ticket in my cart 3xs, but Ticketfly would say my CC info was wrong. By the time Ticketfly responded to tell me it was because my CC also works as a debit card, the tickets were gone.

That's terrible; I'm sorry that that happened to you. When Prince had the fan club site and sold tickets that way, that happened to me one time and I was so upset. I even talked to GDB about something like that last night. What I did (I think it was about 8-10 years ago, really don't remember) when that happened was went to the venue, anyway. I told them what happened, provided my ID and CC and they allowed me into the show. It was stressful and an inconvenience, but at the end of the day, I was able to get in and enjoy the show.

Willierose71 said:

1ststatestereo said:

Is anyone else sick to their stomach that they didn't see this show?

Yes, especially because I had a ticket in my cart 3xs, but Ticketfly would say my CC info was wrong. By the time Ticketfly responded to tell me it was because my CC also works as a debit card, the tickets were gone.

does this mean one can't use a debit card?

Realtor said:

Willierose71 said:

Yes, especially because I had a ticket in my cart 3xs, but Ticketfly would say my CC info was wrong. By the time Ticketfly responded to tell me it was because my CC also works as a debit card, the tickets were gone.

That's terrible; I'm sorry that that happened to you. When Prince had the fan club site and sold tickets that way, that happened to me one time and I was so upset. I even talked to GDB about something like that last night. What I did (I think it was about 8-10 years ago, really don't remember) when that happened was went to the venue, anyway. I told them what happened, provided my ID and CC and they allowed me into the show. It was stressful and an inconvenience, but at the end of the day, I was able to get in and enjoy the show.

Just thought I'd mention, TicketFly seems to *suck*! We (My Mom and I, (I'm 16, I need some sort of chaperone (: )), had tickets in cart multiple times and it kicked us before we could even put credit card info in. It seemed as if their servers were overloaded. But we probably would have had problems anyway since her credit card serves as a debit card as well... Sorry that happened to you Will I'm just glad that I was lucky enought to get in through the standby line.

GDB said:

Realtor said:

THIS was the time to see Prince up close and personal. All these people that CLAIM to be going to the Forum saying "Oh, I was sitting 4 feet away from Prince" need to STFU and know the difference between an ARENA show and an intimate show. In the Forum, the place that I have seen Prince perform NINE times this year and FOURTEEN overall, you CANNOT be four feet away from Prince. You can barely be FORTY feet away. It is a stage production. All this "Prince was staring at me, Prince and I had a thing going, blah, blah, blah." So the first people I thought about last night as I STOOD THREE feet away from Prince FOR THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE was "Where are all these people at, that want to be so close to Prince?" Now I'll proceed: I went to the midnight show; thanks for filling me in on the earlier performance GDB, two entirely different shows. The late show was a flat-out 10. Bambi: flawless. She's Always In My Hair: flawless. Crimson and Clover: flawless. Prince and Mike Phillips: incredible. Endorphinmachine: flawless. Anotherloverhole: flawless. Peach: great. I Like It There: great. Misty Blue: very good. Same Page: fun. Free...it was I Want to Be Free from Ohio Players, not Free by Prince: very good. Musicology: very good. Brown Skin: good. The other five songs were very good. THIS night and ONLY this night did Prince demonstrate he hasn't lost anything. He played to his strengths: guitar and orchestrated his 3-4 piece band and then Renato and Morris. There was NO holding back when he ripped into his guitar, choruses, chants, screams and deep passion he has for music. Yes, I wish this show was filmed, because it would open a door for people that don't really understand the versatility and talent that Prince truly has. But he continues to choose to restrict photos and film as much as he possibly can and he has that right, though I disagree with it, I abide by his wishes. Will you be able to see it at the Forum? NO. Not like this, not even close. So...I'm not generally the type that offers recommendations; I'm more the "to each his own" type of person. But I'm here to tell you, when Prince (or someone) announces that he is doing an intimate show, STOP what you're doing, if you're within 1000 miles, get on the phone, get on the computer and SECURE TICKETS!!!!!!! Take off work, tell the fam you'll be back, but DO NOT MISS PRINCE THE NEXT TIME HE DOES THIS......and it will be soon. Now, I've done my civic duty for the org, I will be back at the Forum on Friday and I will enjoy those shows, too. But again, if you don't see Prince like this, YOU WILL NEVER ACTUALLY see Prince.

[Edited 5/12/11 15:06pm]

[Edited 5/12/11 15:08pm]

The closest equivalent I have had to last night's show was the Tower Records appearance five years ago the night 3121 dropped. They differed in that the retail outlet really was not ideal for live performance and that it was a free promotional event and not a concert in the strictest sense. They were similar in that each showcased Prince in an environment without any of the encumberances of a "show," which freed him up to do the thing that he is better at than anything else: play music and make people groove to it.

My friend Realtor and I have had several conversations about P today as compared to years past. We have enjoyed several shows in the past, including most of the shows on this current Forum residency and they have all had their merits and high points, some more than others. But Realtor's point has always been that while the shows are good, some very good...they aren't the same as having the ultimate experience with him...which tend to be the smaller, more intimate private and one-off gigs. After being in the house last night I now understand.

These are just my opinions & personal thoughts. Prince's occupation is entertainer and performing/recording artist. But that is not what Prince IS. Prince is a musician. He doesn't need a lighting rig, costume changes, background singers, laser show, purple confetti, motorized trap doors, fake entrances and encores...don't misunderstand where I am saying. All of those things are part of the SHOW, and when he is on, he puts on a show like no other. A helluva performer. But last night's gigs took place in a space the size of a large living room with a stage the size of an elementary school cafeteria lunch table and it was all he needed to craft a masterpiece...not just once but twice. He played two full concerts last night each spanning around two and a half hours. Length is not a factor in determining quality, but it speaks to what a happening that was. I wasn't expecting anything like that...

My first thought as I read reports of the second show's setlist was that was the show I would have preferred...but as I reflected upon it I realized that you couldn't really compare the two experiences. Best way that I can describe my experience was that I was an observer as an artist was in a space of creation. As an artist myself (professional illustrator), I can appreciate how intimate an experience that is. The soundscape is his canvas, the band is his palette, the guitar is his brush...it was amazing to witness the manner in which he directed the band as they created on the spot...eyes were locked on Prince because with a gesture or expression he directed each one where he needed them to go. If he dug it, you knew it. If one flubbed a change or note, you knew that too. It wasn't canned, choreographed or orchestrated...the element of risk contributed to the excitement of the payoff. And this re-enforces why opening night of the LA stand was so special...it was the closest Prince has come to THIS level of craft and artistic expression while giving a concert performance maybe ever. That may sound hyperbolic but after last night, I now understand exactly why that night was so unique and why so many people were affected by it. We all want to believe that OUR concert, OUR experience, was special...and in their own way they are. But to Realtor's point about the "I was four feet away from P in the VIPs...he looked right at me! It's the only way to see him" responses...yeah, no. Not so much.

But that doesn't mean that the Forum concerts, or any other arena shows are worthless or meaningless. Far from it. As stated, I've done eight of ten and will do more. For most people, those shows are enough. I'm not talking to those people. I'm talking to the ones to whom you don't have to explain the difference; they GET it.

Some may have wanted more recognizable songs or less jamming but I appreciate so much the opportunity to have witnessed that act of creation in such an intimate environment, right in front of the stage. And that, I believe, is the point...this environment is the only way to see what Prince is really all about, what he is capable of, what turns him on. That man loves music more than any musician I have ever seen...he doesn't just play it, it's what he is. That's why he doesn't appear to care about business, or politics, or in some ways money doesn't appear to be a major motivation...the man is only about the music.

[Edited 5/12/11 18:50pm]

Great illustration that provides a thorough, clear picture of the experience. I wish I would have attended both shows, because they seem to be a continual, organic musical expression from Prince. We all like Prince's music here and should share in our experiences. I have now seen him over 80 times, but the reality is the ones I FULLY remember of HIM, are the intimate shows...the Parish Room at House of Blues, the surprise Glam Slam performances, small clubs in Portland, Houston, Seattle, and Las Vegas...and of course....at Paisley Park. But most definitely, I'm going to continue to go to the big shows, but I mean one shouldn't really argue about what's better between going to a fancy restaurant with their favorite dish on the menu or having Grandma's cooking, should they?

[Edited 5/13/11 18:12pm]

well... I... wow well maybe in the next lifetime..

oh well what can I say, life goes on right

this sucks!!!

my mind hurts.. yes my mind, it hurts.. I was too busy doing homework and sleeping because I was too depressed to stay awake because I couldn't go.

its ok... Ill be alright.. .... I think...

I think I'm gonna

[Edited 5/12/11 21:33pm]

I found this review of the show online:

http://www.hollywoodrepor...iew-188009

it's just some more about how rad the show was...

veronikka said:

Willierose71 said:

Yes, especially because I had a ticket in my cart 3xs, but Ticketfly would say my CC info was wrong. By the time Ticketfly responded to tell me it was because my CC also works as a debit card, the tickets were gone.

does this mean one can't use a debit card?

As long as your debit card has a credit card logo,either visa or master card, it should always work for any credit card transaction.

craighead said:

The pick Prince finished the 11pm set with.

Wow, that's a great piece to have from a very special show, congrats!

versiongirl said:

I found this review of the show online:

http://www.hollywoodrepor...iew-188009

it's just some more about how rad the show was...

Great review, thanks for posting it!

craighead said:

InternationalLover82 said:

Anybody at the show make eye contact with him??

I did.

As I said in an earlier post...

I was 1st in line for the 11pm show. When me and my girlfriend got inside, Prince was casually milling about the stage and said to me "Hurry up, come on. Let's get this started". He smiled at me said "Stay on this side. It's where I do most of my solos and I play piano over here". I was speechless.

As more people came in he went backstage/upstairs.

He handed me his guitar after the main set was over but a roadie took it back a few minutes later

Dang, you really had a special night and ended up with one of his guitar picks, that's awesome!

Just more proof what an asshole Prince is to his fans, right?

craighead said:

InternationalLover82 said:

Anybody at the show make eye contact with him??

I did.

As I said in an earlier post...

I was 1st in line for the 11pm show. When me and my girlfriend got inside, Prince was casually milling about the stage and said to me "Hurry up, come on. Let's get this started". He smiled at me said "Stay on this side. It's where I do most of my solos and I play piano over here". I was speechless.

As more people came in he went backstage/upstairs.

He handed me his guitar after the main set was over but a roadie took it back a few minutes later

That was you? I was directly to your left in front of the mic. You were holding the guitar & I reached over to strum the neck. Hilarious. You were gripping that thing like a baby clutching his blanket. Thanx for bogarting all the guitar picks by the way...

I'm realizing now the real reason I would have loved to somehow make this show:

Prince concert without the Twinz.

Farfunknugin said:

craighead said:

I did.

As I said in an earlier post...

I was 1st in line for the 11pm show. When me and my girlfriend got inside, Prince was casually milling about the stage and said to me "Hurry up, come on. Let's get this started". He smiled at me said "Stay on this side. It's where I do most of my solos and I play piano over here". I was speechless.

As more people came in he went backstage/upstairs.

He handed me his guitar after the main set was over but a roadie took it back a few minutes later

That was you? I was directly to your left in front of the mic. You were holding the guitar & I reached over to strum the neck. Hilarious. You were gripping that thing like a baby clutching his blanket. Thanx for bogarting all the guitar picks by the way...

Haha! Yeah, that was me. I thought people were going to strip the guitar from me so I put the strap on. I actually had deliusions that I was going to be allowed to keep the guitar. Rats.

I actually only got one pick. I gave another away to the girl behind me. I did get a drum stick though.

arkmay said:

I'm realizing now the real reason I would have loved to somehow make this show:

Prince concert without the Twinz.

They were in attendance, does that count?

arkmay said:

I'm realizing now the real reason I would have loved to somehow make this show:

Prince concert without the Twinz.

They were there meeting people after the show and being very sweet. I don't mind them at all.

vegascleopatra said:

Colonized Mind! Would love 2 hear that song live. Those r some lucky ppl.

It was insane. An almost 10 minute version i believe. Mike phillips did a beautiful solo & there was masterful interplay by prince on guitar & mike on the horn. The vocal delivery was different too.

Farfunknugin said:

vegascleopatra said:

Colonized Mind! Would love 2 hear that song live. Those r some lucky ppl.

It was insane. An almost 10 minute version i believe. Mike phillips did a beautiful solo & there was masterful interplay by prince on guitar & mike on the horn. The vocal delivery was different too.

OK, now I am crying.... I need to stop reading this thread...

LOVEVERY1 said:

Hi all, I know the last 48 hrs have been soooo crazed, but now u can get up close a lil more for this evening!!! Lil intimate set 4 ya, enjoy.

(("don't be so quick 2 believe gossip w/out knowing the facts"))

[Edited 5/11/11 16:34pm]

WHAT! when was this announced? I had no clue

for all of us who were left out in the freezing emptiness of the didnt get to go cuz noone gave us a heads up. .... Ill get u my pretty n ure lil secrecy dog to ... in my best wicked witch tone #*&^errr ... im so f'n jazzed he jammed at our troubydoobeedour.. thats one joint i havent been to sad to say ..

Seriously tho im so happy for those who got in, whatta kewl experience, love reading the posts thnx for them all keep em coming, : )

definately feeln better n wonderfull .. my thoughts lookin up

[Edited 5/14/11 11:42am]

Hey, so here's my story..

After waiting by the computer all day Tuesday for the goose chase, On wednesday I had a few things to take care of and left the house for only an hour or so and by the time I got home the following had taken place

1) Announcement Made

2) Tix on Sale

3) Tix Sold Out

4) I have a breakdown

9.30 p.m Read the posting about possible tix being sold at the door (a million thanks Craighead!)- Finish listening to the stream and head down

10.15 So I bolt to the car, get down there and talk to the guy at the door - he says 'Join the main queue and see what happens. No Promises. In the line for a while and at 11.15ish the cue starts moving. It was chaos out there with ppl trying all sorts of antics. I got to the door and said 'I'm here to buy'

Her response "Get out of the line'

So I hang around for a bit and the door people start to get bombarded - I lay low and eventually get in a few minutes after it starts....

.....Pure magic. Everyone has posted how good this was..The Kid Was In Rare Form

I'm assuming that Irish guy was there, wotshisname? DogBreath? no that's not it...FoxHunt? No...um anyhoo the one who knows all the club security heads in LA and around the globe. He was there wasn't he? lol!

GDB said:

jgreco7 said:

GDB said:

I'm talking to the ones to whom you don't have to explain the difference; they GET it... to see what Prince is really all about, what he is capable of, what turns him on. That man loves music more than any musician I have ever seen...he doesn't just play it, it's what he is....the man is only about the music.

[Edited 5/12/11 18:50pm]

Thank U 4 these comments and your insight. U have managed 2 put in2 words what I felt at the Roosevelt Hotel aftershow and until now felt couldn't b captured with words. well said GDB, WELL DONE! Thank U

Thanks and you're welcome. Were you there at the Troubadour? Envious that you saw him during the Roosevelt run...what was that experience like?

Anyone know where "Same Page" was taken from? Is that a chorus they just lifted or an actual track?