[Edited 7/31/11 5:35am]

Great gig. He did some stuff that really made it shine. His little dance number was very impressive. I haven't seen him doing that for years. And Gold was just amazing. He really did play the hits for the audience, one after another. But somehow that felt right last night. It was what the audience wanted. It was a pretty great overall experience though, great athmopshere and he was really sharp.

I thought the sound was great, the pit was excellent. The only negative thing I could say would be, if I got seated tickets I would be very pissed off, they were way too far back from the stage. Nice to hear him apologise (in sorts) for the croke park fiasco.

"Ireland, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get here"

Anyway, so where do you think he is gonna play tonight?

I think he will.

jaawwnn said:

Dream show for a casual fan, obviously a bit of a disappointment for anyone on here, setlist-wise, but... not complaining. Great gig overall.

Very abrupt ending, mind.

[Edited 7/31/11 5:30am]

I'm the furthest thing from a 'casual' fan but I thouroughly enjoyed it. It's a major show in Dublin with hordes of 'casuals' attending. I hardly expected him to play The Rainbow Children from start to finish (although that would have been cool).

I could never be disappointed watching Prince tear up the stage, no matter what the setlist is.

Rorywan said:

Great gig. He did some stuff that really made it shine. His little dance number was very impressive. I haven't seen him doing that for years. And Gold was just amazing. He really did play the hits for the audience, one after another. But somehow that felt right last night. It was what the audience wanted. It was a pretty great overall experience though, great athmopshere and he was really sharp.

I thought the sound was great, the pit was excellent. The only negative thing I could say would be, if I got seated tickets I would be very pissed off, they were way too far back from the stage. Nice to hear him apologise (in sorts) for the croke park fiasco.

"Ireland, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get here"

Anyway, so where do you think he is gonna play tonight?

I think he will.

You reckon he's gonna do a club show TONIGHT? How do we even know he's still in Dublin???? You're gonna make me hop on a bus back up there with all this talk....!

[Edited 7/31/11 5:54am]

Mace said:

Mozart of Minneapolis makes Malahide his own

Sunday July 31 2011

James Brown used to be introduced on stage thus: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is star time. Are you ready for star time?" Last night at Malahide Castle, 30,000 people were treated to two-and-a-half hours of star time courtesy of Prince Rogers Nelson. He starts as he means to go on with a rollicking version of All That Glitters Ain't Gold. And the audience can already barely contain their excitement. Or their dancing. They got even more excited later to Raspberry Beret and particularly on Lets Go Crazy. The enigmatic singer, who has changed the landscape of music over the course of his 30 years of recording, was something to behold. I'm not just talking about the peculiar white poncho he wore. Sometimes he seemed lost in his own private ecstasies; other times he appeared like he was communicating directly with the gods. Either way, the 53-year-old gave a show that won't be forgotten for all the right reasons for a long time to come. The little man was a revelation from the moment he sashayed onstage at Malahide Castle at 8.10pm like Joan Collins in Dynasty. He offers up something between sin and salvation to the truly gobsmacked crowd. His very special band did some amazing work around Prince's idiosyncratic playing, not least on If I Was Your Girlfriend and 1999, which had everyone in the audience up and bopping. He is an old-fashioned band leader like Duke Ellington. Everything -- every sound -- revolves around him. He is the consummate performer. In person, Prince is absolutely inscrutable ; I interviewed him for LIFE magazine three weeks ago and he gives very little away. Onstage, he is an open book of artistic expression. It was special to watch a musician of Prince's stature work a show, an audience and a band. His band gave Prince the razor-sharp precision he demanded, following him wherever he takes the song -- Kiss is looser than a rubberband; Raspberry Beret funkier than a disco in a cheese factory. Between each declaration of passion, Prince does more than enough to hold the audience in their place lest they faint from what must by then have been a steamy night. The rain kept away and Prince kept going all night. Fifty-three or not, he does jumps and kicks in the air to the beat; shuffles in his heels; winks at the crowd, then kicks off into Kiss. "You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on," he sings, and the words are soaringly sweet and clear as Prince dances across the stage, the imp of perverse. It becomes the mantra for the night. He has that look -- immaculately androgynous, nosebleed-inducing high kitten heels. With a seeming boundless energy, the Mozart of Minneapolis propelled himself into two-and-a-half hours of jazz, funk and pop jams of mind-boggling versatility. This was not just a greatest hits show. It was a greatest artist currently living show. I saw U2 at Glastonbury last month and they were nowhere near as potent as Prince was last night in Dublin. "We want to show our love and respect to Miss Sinead O'Connor," he says, launching into Nothing Compares 2U. Cue general crowd ecstasy. But nothing compares to Prince in this kind of form. He is the most exciting starman and showman alive, with a stagecraft that would make James Brown seem lazy and unimaginative. As he goes from Purple Rain into Creem, nothing prepares you for the breathtaking reach of Prince's impeccable voice -- falsetto one minute, river-deep the next. That's a voice. And with that same voice he told the crowd: "I'm sorry it took so long to come to you." Those lucky enough to be at the show were not to be disappointed courtesy of an authentically exhilarating show of bona fide soul. Come back soon. - BARRY EGAN

I have just woken from a 13 hour sleep, I was so exhausted after the concert. What can I say, it was my 17th time seeing Prince live and this show was the best I have seen ever. Prince was in high spirits, the band were fantastic, the audience loved every minute of it.

Though heavy on hits, as someone said earlier, it felt right on the night. My favourite past of the show had to be the funk section when he did Musicology, Funky Music etc - you could see he loved the jamming section and friends with me mentioned afterwards that is where his genius shined though - playing guitar with one jand, keys on the other while singing, dancing, and smiling.

My personal highlights were Gold, what an opening !!! - Hot Thing and When Doves Cry. Controvery was phenomenal.

If there was one criticism, I would have held Purple Rain until later in the set. Its timing felt pre-mature and it was very bright when it was played... but no big deal.

The reviews are starting to flow in and you can see The Sunday Independent having given it glowing reviews - and this newspaper and the excllent Barry Egan are tough critics !!!

Prince & Band, thank you for coming to my home town, you have made my week. Brilliant incredible show, wonderful sounds, fantastic band and great people in the ORG aswell.

Peace & Get Wild

tribe said:

Rorywan said:

Great gig. He did some stuff that really made it shine. His little dance number was very impressive. I haven't seen him doing that for years. And Gold was just amazing. He really did play the hits for the audience, one after another. But somehow that felt right last night. It was what the audience wanted. It was a pretty great overall experience though, great athmopshere and he was really sharp.

I thought the sound was great, the pit was excellent. The only negative thing I could say would be, if I got seated tickets I would be very pissed off, they were way too far back from the stage. Nice to hear him apologise (in sorts) for the croke park fiasco.

"Ireland, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get here"

Anyway, so where do you think he is gonna play tonight?

I think he will.

You reckon he's gonna do a club show TONIGHT? How do we even know he's still in Dublin???? You're gonna make me hop on a bus back up there with all this talk....!

[Edited 7/31/11 5:54am]

Hi Rorywan,

Thanks for the tip off on the org last night about the potentail Tripod after show, we headed in but alas - nothing happened. I would love an aftershow tonight and anything is possible but I am doubting it for the following two reasons;

• There is some huge event taking place at Tripod tonight according to security guy I spoke with at the tripod last night. Prince show there is not possible...but there are other venues in town.
• I understand 7 crew members were sacked after Germany and he is working with a brand new crew - Malahide was their first concert and hence the 2.30 > 6.30 sound check. I reckon all are exhausted and their key concern right now is getting to Oslo and making sure everything is in working order for those shows on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Anyway, I will be checking AndyAllo.com and the POD facebook page during the day for updates https://www.facebook.com/...1104159561

Fingers Crossed !!!

tribe said:

dazsowild said:

Rorywan said:

Mace said:

Mozart of Minneapolis makes Malahide his own

Sunday July 31 2011

James Brown used to be introduced on stage thus: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is star time. Are you ready for star time?" Last night at Malahide Castle, 30,000 people were treated to two-and-a-half hours of star time courtesy of Prince Rogers Nelson. He starts as he means to go on with a rollicking version of All That Glitters Ain't Gold. And the audience can already barely contain their excitement. Or their dancing. They got even more excited later to Raspberry Beret and particularly on Lets Go Crazy. The enigmatic singer, who has changed the landscape of music over the course of his 30 years of recording, was something to behold. I'm not just talking about the peculiar white poncho he wore. Sometimes he seemed lost in his own private ecstasies; other times he appeared like he was communicating directly with the gods. Either way, the 53-year-old gave a show that won't be forgotten for all the right reasons for a long time to come. The little man was a revelation from the moment he sashayed onstage at Malahide Castle at 8.10pm like Joan Collins in Dynasty. He offers up something between sin and salvation to the truly gobsmacked crowd. His very special band did some amazing work around Prince's idiosyncratic playing, not least on If I Was Your Girlfriend and 1999, which had everyone in the audience up and bopping. He is an old-fashioned band leader like Duke Ellington. Everything -- every sound -- revolves around him. He is the consummate performer. In person, Prince is absolutely inscrutable ; I interviewed him for LIFE magazine three weeks ago and he gives very little away. Onstage, he is an open book of artistic expression. It was special to watch a musician of Prince's stature work a show, an audience and a band. His band gave Prince the razor-sharp precision he demanded, following him wherever he takes the song -- Kiss is looser than a rubberband; Raspberry Beret funkier than a disco in a cheese factory. Between each declaration of passion, Prince does more than enough to hold the audience in their place lest they faint from what must by then have been a steamy night. The rain kept away and Prince kept going all night. Fifty-three or not, he does jumps and kicks in the air to the beat; shuffles in his heels; winks at the crowd, then kicks off into Kiss. "You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on," he sings, and the words are soaringly sweet and clear as Prince dances across the stage, the imp of perverse. It becomes the mantra for the night. He has that look -- immaculately androgynous, nosebleed-inducing high kitten heels. With a seeming boundless energy, the Mozart of Minneapolis propelled himself into two-and-a-half hours of jazz, funk and pop jams of mind-boggling versatility. This was not just a greatest hits show. It was a greatest artist currently living show. I saw U2 at Glastonbury last month and they were nowhere near as potent as Prince was last night in Dublin. "We want to show our love and respect to Miss Sinead O'Connor," he says, launching into Nothing Compares 2U. Cue general crowd ecstasy. But nothing compares to Prince in this kind of form. He is the most exciting starman and showman alive, with a stagecraft that would make James Brown seem lazy and unimaginative. As he goes from Purple Rain into Creem, nothing prepares you for the breathtaking reach of Prince's impeccable voice -- falsetto one minute, river-deep the next. That's a voice. And with that same voice he told the crowd: "I'm sorry it took so long to come to you." Those lucky enough to be at the show were not to be disappointed courtesy of an authentically exhilarating show of bona fide soul. Come back soon. - BARRY EGAN

Wow. Reading this gave me chills.

Hi all, just home from Dublin and all i can say is WOW....It was an amazing night, fantastic from start to finish..... just going through my photos and videos i will treasure these for ever, he really was in great form everything about the night was perfect, we were in the pit, was so happy to see him so close up, he looks amazing. The kiss dance was the highlight of the show for me sexy or what!!!!!!!! How cool was it that he brough people from the crowd up on stage! Brilliant! Only downside is that its over Hope he comes back again soon, we will wait in hope! xx

Rorywan said:

Rorywan said:

You are probably right! But I'm gonna keep an ear to the ground just incase!

Also do you know what event is on in Tripod? Could it be a purple event?

Nah, definitely not. There's something called Freaks On Friday listed for the Tripod tonight....some sort of Dance event....poster is on the Tripod site. POD is also down for having an all day event today called Mongo. Again, Dj's etc.

Soooo...anywhere else he could play?

Hope these work, they are links to photos I took last night

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

Also if anyone is interested this is a Prince group for UK & Ireland based Prince Fans http://launch.groups.yaho...oup/NPGUK/

Mayte319 said:

Hope these work, they are links to photos I took last night

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

Also if anyone is interested this is a Prince group for UK & Ireland based Prince Fans http://launch.groups.yaho...oup/NPGUK/

Great pics! I was about two feet away from you guys.....so the pictures really capture pretty much the same vibe and view I had. That was your friend who went up on stage?? Damn..how lucky! That was a magic part of the show....as much as I (and loads of people around me) were dead jealous and wanted to be up there too....it was wonderful to watch fellow fans living such a dream! You could just see how much they were enjoying it!!!!!!

tribe said:

Mayte319 said:

Hope these work, they are links to photos I took last night

Also if anyone is interested this is a Prince group for UK & Ireland based Prince Fans http://launch.groups.yaho...oup/NPGUK/

Great pics! I was about two feet away from you guys.....so the pictures really capture pretty much the same vibe and view I had. That was your friend who went up on stage?? Damn..how lucky! That was a magic part of the show....as much as I (and loads of people around me) were dead jealous and wanted to be up there too....it was wonderful to watch fellow fans living such a dream! You could just see how much they were enjoying it!!!!!!

Thank you I am glad you like them! Yes Nath aka Organgrinder on here went up on stage and high fived Prince, I was over the moon for him. Fantastic night!

Great pics, what a fantastic memory to be up on stage with Prince...

My hubby and me are staying at the Westbury and can tell you that PRINCE did not stay here last night - the backing group did they arrived back at about 1.00 am but the hotel have told us that PRINCE went straight to the airport after the show. Don't see any reason why they would lie to us but who knows.

Been to more than 30 concerts and would say last night's was brilliant - so glad we decided to book our flights and hotel and go for it - great night.

Prince reigns at Malahide Castle

Prince wowed the fans with a hits-packed show at Malahide Castle last night.

RONAN McGREEVY (Irish Times)

Prince came, saw and funked out in front of an adoring fanbase at Malahide Castle last night.

“I’m sorry it has taken so long,” was as close as he came to an apology or an explanation for his cancelled concert in Croke Park in 2008 which ended up in the Commerical Courts.

It did not matter to his fans who have long forgiven his eccentricities in favour of his brilliance.

Fans were delayed entering the castle grounds for over an hour as Prince carried out an extended sound check after describing the sound at a concert in Cologne during the week as “indefensible”.

His two hours and 10 minutes set was a bit shy of the three hours he was billed to play, but it was, as he had promised, a love parade through his greatest hits.

Songs like Let’s Go Crazy, 1999, Little Red Corvette, If I was your Girlfriend and Kiss were interspersed with well known covers Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough/ C.O.O.L from The Time and Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry while his female backing band did a version of Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love from Dylan’s Time Out of Mind album.

He was joined on stage by fans during Play That Funky Music including by one who played his guitar and a female fan who stole a kiss.

It was not quite the glorious summer’s evening as had been forecast earlier in the week, but the light drizzle coloured purple by the flashlights added atmosphere to Purple Rain .

He shoe-horned three of his best known songs Sign O' the Times/Alphabet Street/When Doves Cry into a medley during the encore. “I’ve too many hits,” he complained half-heartedly.

Afterwards he posted a short tweet on his official Twitter account. “Dublin, we made history.”

"official Twitter account"

Mayte319 said:

Hope these work, they are links to photos I took last night

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

Also if anyone is interested this is a Prince group for UK & Ireland based Prince Fans http://launch.groups.yaho...oup/NPGUK/

Great pictures! Thank you for sharing them, and I'm so happy you had a good time.

What an amazing gig.We were in the pit just to the right of the stage and it was a thrill to be so close.

Opening with "Gold" was awesome and set the tone for an amazing night.I dont think I've ever seen "Purple Rain" done better. "The Bird" and "Jungle Love" were brilliantly done.I have to give huge praise to his band, they were incredible and when the girls got together to sing "To make you feel my love" they absolutely smashed it outta the park.

Prince more than made up for the cancelled Croke Park gig and hoprfully he will return to Ireland soon

Mark

Mayte319 said:

Hope these work, they are links to photos I took last night

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

http://www.facebook.com/m...amp;type=1

Also if anyone is interested this is a Prince group for UK & Ireland based Prince Fans http://launch.groups.yaho...oup/NPGUK/

I have been told I MUST join NPGUK by someone I met at the hotel.

Just got home and have to say I am shattered and feel flat, need another purple high. Last night was great, all the hits for the crowd, it really was a crowd pleaser of a show. He had a point to prove last night and that point was most definitely proven.

Listened to the almost 3 hour sound check, and you just knew he wanted it perfect, and him arriving on stage at 8.10pm was a huge shock for me.

Gold, whilst great to hear live, should IMO not be an opener, and Lets Go Crazy, I personally thought he has some issue with the guitar, it sounded far too loud and I struggled to hear him sing.

Purple Rain was the best I have ever heard live, the energy from him and the crowd was a joy to witness. I was stood with all the 'massive' Prince fans, who as soon as Sometimes it Snow in April started, just looked at each other as if to say, what is this.

Loved hearing The Bird and Jungle Love, and him plucking those 2 little kids out was fantastic.

Malahide rocked, and we had a great afternoon in Gibneys too.

newfonk said:

Mayte319 said:

Hope these work, they are links to photos I took last night

Also if anyone is interested this is a Prince group for UK & Ireland based Prince Fans http://launch.groups.yaho...oup/NPGUK/

I have been told I MUST join NPGUK by someone I met at the hotel.

Just got home and have to say I am shattered and feel flat, need another purple high. Last night was great, all the hits for the crowd, it really was a crowd pleaser of a show. He had a point to prove last night and that point was most definitely proven.

Listened to the almost 3 hour sound check, and you just knew he wanted it perfect, and him arriving on stage at 8.10pm was a huge shock for me.

Gold, whilst great to hear live, should IMO not be an opener, and Lets Go Crazy, I personally thought he has some issue with the guitar, it sounded far too loud and I struggled to hear him sing.

Purple Rain was the best I have ever heard live, the energy from him and the crowd was a joy to witness. I was stood with all the 'massive' Prince fans, who as soon as Sometimes it Snow in April started, just looked at each other as if to say, what is this.

Loved hearing The Bird and Jungle Love, and him plucking those 2 little kids out was fantastic.

Malahide rocked, and we had a great afternoon in Gibneys too.

Oooh would love to know who told you "u MUST join", but yes u should

Thank u Prince - Am so glad I booked Malahide, cannot believe it has been 4 years since my o2 21 nights summer adventure but oh boy it was so worth the wait. It was sheer joy just to lose myself for a couple and a bit hours last night, I had forgotten how his music and seeing him live makes me feel, I sang, danced and cried (happy tears) so much that today I have no voice, but will be on a high for quite a while.

It was quite spooky after he played Purple Rain it did stop raining and there was a patch of pinky/purple in the sky 4 a while

There were so many highlights last nite for me, Prince - Please don't leave it another 4 years b4 you come back to England/Ireland

Great show last nite, Malahide Rocked, met some fab fans. (If anyone found Prince Symbol shades at the bus stop in Northwood Park please keep as I know they have gone 2 a good home).

Was fantastic 2 c the North East fans & Hi 2 the lasses taken fotos of my Prince bag, tats & various other Prince merch we had. (Merch at show not to good compared to South Carolina).

Mayte319 said:

newfonk said:

I have been told I MUST join NPGUK by someone I met at the hotel.

Just got home and have to say I am shattered and feel flat, need another purple high. Last night was great, all the hits for the crowd, it really was a crowd pleaser of a show. He had a point to prove last night and that point was most definitely proven.

Listened to the almost 3 hour sound check, and you just knew he wanted it perfect, and him arriving on stage at 8.10pm was a huge shock for me.

Gold, whilst great to hear live, should IMO not be an opener, and Lets Go Crazy, I personally thought he has some issue with the guitar, it sounded far too loud and I struggled to hear him sing.

Purple Rain was the best I have ever heard live, the energy from him and the crowd was a joy to witness. I was stood with all the 'massive' Prince fans, who as soon as Sometimes it Snow in April started, just looked at each other as if to say, what is this.

Loved hearing The Bird and Jungle Love, and him plucking those 2 little kids out was fantastic.

Malahide rocked, and we had a great afternoon in Gibneys too.

Oooh would love to know who told you "u MUST join", but yes u should

. Well just waiting to be approved and I am there.

newfonk said:

Mayte319 said:

Oooh would love to know who told you "u MUST join", but yes u should

. Well just waiting to be approved and I am there.

I have just approved the latest batch now at 450 some newbies may remain moderated until after their first post (just wanna check they are real UK & Ireland Prince fans and not some one in china wanting to sell us crap lol)

We are nice friendly bunch, the whole point is trying to make it locally relevant

siobhan said:

Great show last nite, Malahide Rocked, met some fab fans. (If anyone found Prince Symbol shades at the bus stop in Northwood Park please keep as I know they have gone 2 a good home).

Was fantastic 2 c the North East fans & Hi 2 the lasses taken fotos of my Prince bag, tats & various other Prince merch we had. (Merch at show not to good compared to South Carolina).

"Knock Knock!"..."who's there??"

Siobhan!

Siobhan who??

Siobhan yer knickers, yer mother's comin'!

[Edited 7/31/11 13:00pm]

eireboy34 said:

siobhan said:

Great show last nite, Malahide Rocked, met some fab fans. (If anyone found Prince Symbol shades at the bus stop in Northwood Park please keep as I know they have gone 2 a good home).

Was fantastic 2 c the North East fans & Hi 2 the lasses taken fotos of my Prince bag, tats & various other Prince merch we had. (Merch at show not to good compared to South Carolina).

"Knock Knock!"..."who's there??"

Siobhan!

Siobhan who??

Siobhan yer knickers, yer mother's comin'!

[Edited 7/31/11 13:00pm]