Okay...a couple days' reflection has given me some perspective on this show. While I was disappointed at that moment, I now think I was probably unduly harsh in my characterization of the first show as a "shit sandwich."

Overall, I think it was probably a pretty decent show - especially for people who haven't seen Prince on the regular. With the exception of the encore fiasco (more on that in a minute), I think people who haven't seen Prince since his last Chicago tour (Musicology in 2004) probably had a great time.

People were totally digging the Vanguard Award Jam (We're A Winner/I Never Loved A Man/Satisfied/I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing/Housequake/The Jam/The Bird/Jungle LoveGlamorous Life/Get On The Boat), but I had heard it before (about a zillion times, since I taped it back in 2005). This was a bit of a letdown, for me - especially after song after song from it came up and I realized he was going to do that mother from start to finish - but minus The Time and Sheila.

I understand why he has other people do some singing during the show - it helps him to pace himself over a multi-night stand. (Prince isn't getting any younger - and neither are his vocal chords.) But he needs to balance it better. Angel went on waaaayyyyyyy too long. I didn't want to hear Shelby's version of that yet again, so that's when I took my bathroom break. I walked to the restroom, peed, washed my hands, re-applied my lipstick, and climbed back to my seat. Not only was it still Angel when I got back, it went on for a good 'nother three minutes! Lord - give it a rest, already!

And Shelby, Liv and Elisa together? (I think we were still on Angel at that point - or maybe it was Nothing Compares To U. Whatever.) Great Caesar's ghost - I have never heard caterwauling like that. Prince called it "church" - it was enough to turn me into an atheist.

And then, he brought Andy up for Take Me With U. That was pretty much the point at which he permanently lost me. I could not contain the

And no guitar solo in Purple Rain? Again, disappointing. We just enjoyed the confetti cannon and contented ourselves with catching its purple-and-gold output.

There were some fun moments, though. The first was when he came up through the floor of the stage in that amazing black-and-white suit he wore for all but the final encore. I mean...Dude was even wearing a black boot on the black side and a white boot on the white side. And the dual colors were done very artfully - it wasn't just split straight down the middle, it followed the contours of his body. Sweetie said to me, "That is a bad muthafucka" and I about wet myself laughing. He was still talking about that suit the next day.

Hearing Old Friends 4 Sale was amazing. And believe it or not, I thought the sampler set was actually sort of fun.

And we did not fall for the encore "psych." When they brought the lights up and people started leaving, Sweetie said to me, "Well, what do you want to do?" I pointed at the stage and said, "His guitar is still there. I don't leave 'til his guitar tech takes it away. And look - all the soundboard personnel is still at the ready." So we stayed - and actually moved down into seats that had been vacated closer to the stage. Sure enough - a few minutes later, the band came back in and started playing, then lit into the intro for 1999. And there came Prince - in a gray suit with a bedazzled 'do rag - to do that song, followed by Little Red Corvette. Even after he left again, we stayed until they started unplugging shit. My mama didn't raise no fool.

The sound at the show was, as others have reported - terrible. They simply have to have a better handle on things like that. When my right ear is still ringing on Thursday from a Monday night show, you know it was too loud. (Part of that is on me for not bringing earplugs, but still.) And the mix was horrendous. It was clear that that was why he didn't play his guitar very much.

So I would give Monday night's show a "gentleman's C." It wasn't great - but it wasn't unremittingly awful. I am damn glad we didn't go to the afterjam that night, though - my review would have been much different if we'd paid for that mess.

daPrettyman said:

Genesia said:

Definitely not the best show I've ever seen. For a while, I thought I had stumbled into a meeting of the Chicago chapter of Oversingers Anonymous. Way too much time and attention given to the back-up singers. The sound was terrible, which I suspect is why Prince barely touched his guitar.

Tee hee hee.

Thanks everyone for the read

I wish I could see a video of Monday's show.

This will be a bit long, but I want to give a proper review for Monday's show because what I have realized after talking to different people who attended it and reading reviews is that a lot of the reaction to this show has to do with the type of music that people like and the amount of exposure people have had to Prince’s live performances. I have found that people who like R&B, Soul and Funk had a wonderful time on Monday night. However, people who prefer Rock and Pop were disappointed. I have also found that people who do not watch or listen to every bit of Prince concert footage they can find had a great time Monday as well.

I like all types of music and I do not confine a Prince concert to my fantasy setlist, so I had a great time. While Monday was not Prince’s best show ever, it was still a damn good show. As I stated in another thread, even on his worst night (which Monday was not) Prince is better than just about everyone out there at giving a live performance. The major issues with Monday were the sound. At times his vocals were buried in the mix. However, the biggest sound issue was with Prince’s guitar. The sound issues with the guitar caused Prince to basically abandon his axe, which was unfortunate. That is the only thing that hurt the show to me. Prince without his guitar is like Rapunzel without his hair. So, I did feel bad for the people who did not get to see him wail on the Hohner. As one of my friends put it, the show was good and she couldn’t complain about what she saw, but she just wanted more Prince. She said she felt that she didn’t get all of him. I think the guitar was the “more” that she wanted. She also wanted to hear “Adore” and “Strollin’,” but as the Stones sang, “you can’t always get what you want.”

One other thing is that though it was not a major issue, I will concede that the backup singers did get too much time on Monday. The girls are great, but combined I think they took lead or co-lead on about three or four songs.

Other than that, everyone was in fine form, especially for an opening night. Anyone who has regularly attended live events should know that there are always snafus on opening night. The late start was an issue for some, too. However, that was also probably related to opening night issues. It happens in live theatre, dance, music concerts, etc. Often, opening night is seen as a live rehearsal because it is a time for the performers and tech people to work out the kinks in the actual moment instead of rehearsals. Prince hasn’t performed for months, so Monday’s UC show was like the kick-off of a tour. For most artists, the first day or so of a tour is not the best show. It is not specific to Prince. It takes a lot to put on a big live production like a Prince concert. Everyone involved, including Prince, is only human. That said, no issue was big enough for people to refer to Monday’s show as “shit” or “crap” or “terrible” and call for refunds. I just don’t get that at all. One drunk at the HOB afterjam said the UC show was terrible because she didn’t know any of the songs. Really? Whose fault is that? He did so many hits on Monday that even the most casual of fans should know the songs he did. So is a concert contingent upon you knowing the songs or the quality of the musicianship and overall performance? No one can say that Monday’s overall performance was low in quality regardless of the setlist or sound issue. Prince and the band put on a hell of a show, period!

Highlights

• It was just one big old school soul-funk party!
• Starting with DMSR was killer! Set the mood and got the party started!
• Prince and the band looked great – I was so happy he put some curls in his hair and ditched the fro. The tailored black and white suit was super bad ass. I LOVED IT!
• Prince was dancing his butt off all night and walking that stage to get the whole arena involved – not an easy task. He WORKED it!
• The overall energy was just electric.
• He performed a solid setlist – Pop Life and OF4S with the horns were real treats for me. He did a nice mix of hits. I liked that he did Musicology, too. I wasn't expecting it. It fit the party feel.
• Despite sound issues, he was an excellent showman and bandleader. Although I prefer the guitar solo on PR, it was a real display of professionalism to call for the sax solo when he realized the guitar wasn’t right.
• The sampler set was a lot of fun – It was my first time experiencing it and I dug it. The people around me did, too.
• The Vanguard Jam was great for an old school Chicago crowd. The old heads around me LOVED it! So did I. I have never seen this live. Unlike some, I do not endlessly watch or listen to Prince concert boots. Therefore, I do not blame Prince for not changing the setlist to meet my expectations. It’s like expecting the cast of a Broadway show to change an act because I’ve gone to countless performances and watched video at home a gazillion times. It is not fair to the performers to judge a show based on my overdosing on it. Most of the people I talked to who were seeing Prince for the first time or for the first time in a long while loved the show. Outside of Prince, I don’t think I will ever get to hear Curtis Mayfield’s “We’re a Winner” live in an arena. I love that song. My brother, who is a casual fan, loved hearing JB’s “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing.” Judging by the people around me, the crowd did too, because folks were working it out in the aisles on that one.
• The crowd - the people in my section were fantastic (116, Row G). Everyone was up singing and dancing the whole show.

The last thing that I want to comment on is the encore situation. First off, the man did two encores, which is more than most people do at a concert. Most artists come back for one song and leave. Prince did several. After the second encore, it appeared that Prince was really done. He was probably preparing for the HOB show as well as giving the sound crew a piece of his mind. We later found out that personnel changes were made during that time. It is not Prince’s fault that people would not go home. He had changed his clothes. He was done. He had to pace himself. He intended to perform six times in three nights. That is for anyone. This isn't 1982, it's 30 years later. However, many in the crowd would not leave the arena. In what I think was a heartfelt gesture to appease the crowd, he returned to the stage after all of that time. He first sent the band to play an instrumental jam, then returned and did two more songs. Afterward he said he really had to go.

I think him returning combined with the personnel changes threw off the time for HOB as well. However, even with the HOB situation, he came out and said he was there and ready to perform. I was at the soundboard area and his guys were still there. Then a member of HOB management came out and told the cameraman to cut off the camera and told the lady working the soundboard to shut it down. I am sure Prince felt bad about this, which is why he tried to make things right by offering the comp tickets for Wednesday’s show. It is a shame that he has been vilified the way he has for the encore and the HOB situation because it seems he cannot win for losing. Yes, he made some mistakes and needs to manage his time better, but it wasn’t all his fault. In the end, he really tried to make it right.

If I had to assign a grade to the three W2C United Center shows, they would look like this

• Monday, 9/24 = B
• Tuesday 9/25 = A+
• Wednesday 9/26 = A

In my opinion, Prince earned his money every night. I don’t regret attending any of the three UC shows. Each one had its own unique feel to it. I am satisfied.

[Edited 9/28/12 14:29pm]

bellanoche said:

This will be a bit long, but I want to give a proper review for Monday's show because what I have realized after talking to different people who attended it and reading reviews is that a lot of the reaction to this show has to do with the type of music that people like and the amount of exposure people have had to Prince’s live performances. I have found that people who like R&B, Soul and Funk had a wonderful time on Monday night. However, people who prefer Rock and Pop were disappointed. I have also found that people who do not watch or listen to every bit of Prince concert footage they can find had a great time Monday as well.

I like all types of music and I do not confine a Prince concert to my fantasy setlist, so I had a great time. While Monday was not Prince’s best show ever, it was still a damn good show. As I stated in another thread, even on his worst night (which Monday was not) Prince is better than just about everyone out there at giving a live performance. The major issues with Monday were the sound. At times his vocals were buried in the mix. However, the biggest sound issue was with Prince’s guitar. The sound issues with the guitar caused Prince to basically abandon his axe, which was unfortunate. That is the only thing that hurt the show to me. Prince without his guitar is like Rapunzel without his hair. So, I did feel bad for the people who did not get to see him wail on the Hohner. As one of my friends put it, the show was good and she couldn’t complain about what she saw, but she just wanted more Prince. She said she felt that she didn’t get all of him. I think the guitar was the “more” that she wanted. She also wanted to hear “Adore” and “Strollin’,” but as the Stones sang, “you can’t always get what you want.”

One other thing is that though it was not a major issue, I will concede that the backup singers did get too much time on Monday. The girls are great, but combined I think they took lead or co-lead on about three or four songs.

Other than that, everyone was in fine form, especially for an opening night. Anyone who has regularly attended live events should know that there are always snafus on opening night. The late start was an issue for some, too. However, that was also probably related to opening night issues. It happens in live theatre, dance, music concerts, etc. Often, opening night is seen as a live rehearsal because it is a time for the performers and tech people to work out the kinks in the actual moment instead of rehearsals. Prince hasn’t performed for months, so Monday’s UC show was like the kick-off of a tour. For most artists, the first day or so of a tour is not the best show. It is not specific to Prince. It takes a lot to put on a big live production like a Prince concert. Everyone involved, including Prince, is only human. That said, no issue was big enough for people to refer to Monday’s show as “shit” or “crap” or “terrible” and call for refunds. I just don’t get that at all. One drunk at the HOB afterjam said the UC show was terrible because she didn’t know any of the songs. Really? Whose fault is that? He did so many hits on Monday that even the most casual of fans should know the songs he did. So is a concert contingent upon you knowing the songs or the quality of the musicianship and overall performance? No one can say that Monday’s overall performance was low in quality regardless of the setlist or sound issue. Prince and the band put on a hell of a show, period!

Highlights

• It was just one big old school soul-funk party!
• Starting with DMSR was killer! Set the mood and got the party started!
• Prince and the band looked great – I was so happy he put some curls in his hair and ditched the fro. The tailored black and white suit was super bad ass. I LOVED IT!
• Prince was dancing his butt off all night and walking that stage to get the whole arena involved – not an easy task. He WORKED it!
• The overall energy was just electric.
• He performed a solid setlist – Pop Life and OF4S with the horns were real treats for me. He did a nice mix of hits. I liked that he did Musicology, too. I wasn't expecting it. It fit the party feel.
• Despite sound issues, he was an excellent showman and bandleader. Although I prefer the guitar solo on PR, it was a real display of professionalism to call for the sax solo when he realized the guitar wasn’t right.
• The sampler set was a lot of fun – It was my first time experiencing it and I dug it. The people around me did, too.
• The Vanguard Jam was great for an old school Chicago crowd. The old heads around me LOVED it! So did I. I have never seen this live. Unlike some, I do not endlessly watch or listen to Prince concert boots. Therefore, I do not blame Prince for not changing the setlist to meet my expectations. It’s like expecting the cast of a Broadway show to change an act because I’ve gone to countless performances and watched video at home a gazillion times. It is not fair to the performers to judge a show based on my overdosing on it. Most of the people I talked to who were seeing Prince for the first time or for the first time in a long while loved the show. Outside of Prince, I don’t think I will ever get to hear Curtis Mayfield’s “We’re a Winner” live in an arena. I love that song. My brother, who is a casual fan, loved hearing JB’s “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing.” Judging by the people around me, the crowd did too, because folks were working it out in the aisles on that one.
• The crowd - the people in my section were fantastic (116, Row G). Everyone was up singing and dancing the whole show.

The last thing that I want to comment on is the encore situation. First off, the man did two encores, which is more than most people do at a concert. Most artists come back for one song and leave. Prince did several. After the second encore, it appeared that Prince was really done. He was probably preparing for the HOB show as well as giving the sound crew a piece of his mind. We later found out that personnel changes were made during that time. It is not Prince’s fault that people would not go home. He had changed his clothes. He was done. He had to pace himself. He intended to perform six times in three nights. That is for anyone. This isn't 1982, it's 30 years later. However, many in the crowd would not leave the arena. In what I think was a heartfelt gesture to appease the crowd, he returned to the stage after all of that time. He first sent the band to play an instrumental jam, then returned and did two more songs. Afterward he said he really had to go.

I think him returning combined with the personnel changes threw off the time for HOB as well. However, even with the HOB situation, he came out and said he was there and ready to perform. I was at the soundboard area and his guys were still there. Then a member of HOB management came out and told the cameraman to cut off the camera and told the lady working the soundboard to shut it down. I am sure Prince felt bad about this, which is why he tried to make things right by offering the comp tickets for Wednesday’s show. It is a shame that he has been vilified the way he has for the encore and the HOB situation because it seems he cannot win for losing. Yes, he made some mistakes and needs to manage his time better, but it wasn’t all his fault. In the end, he really tried to make it right.

If I had to assign a grade to the three W2C United Center shows, they would look like this

• Monday, 9/24 = B
• Tuesday 9/25 = A+
• Wednesday 9/26 = A

In my opinion, Prince earned his money every night. I don’t regret attending any of the three UC shows. Each one had its own unique feel to it. I am satisfied.

[Edited 9/28/12 14:29pm]

I could not disagree with your review more. If an artist is not ready for the first night of a gig, then do ore rehearsing. I paid the same for my tickets as the people did for Wednesday's show. I didn't get a discount for bearing with a run through. I've seen more complex shows than this go way more smoothly. (Roger Waters, The Wall for example).

As far as the encore...it's ok for the audience to have to wait through a staff meeting? If you want people to go home, you turn on house lights...that's how concerts work. Been that way since Elvis left the building.

The sound was bad...bad enough to detract from the performance. It's probably why he barely played guitar. You didn't miss that?

The lighting was bad...How about when Prince was at the piano..where were his lights?

Video was terrible-he was off screen much of the time. Video is inportant with center stages since he has his back to the audience half the time.

A 'B" grade for this show is generous to say the least.

jeffwow7 said:

bellanoche said:

This will be a bit long, but I want to give a proper review for Monday's show because what I have realized after talking to different people who attended it and reading reviews is that a lot of the reaction to this show has to do with the type of music that people like and the amount of exposure people have had to Prince’s live performances. I have found that people who like R&B, Soul and Funk had a wonderful time on Monday night. However, people who prefer Rock and Pop were disappointed. I have also found that people who do not watch or listen to every bit of Prince concert footage they can find had a great time Monday as well.

I like all types of music and I do not confine a Prince concert to my fantasy setlist, so I had a great time. While Monday was not Prince’s best show ever, it was still a damn good show. As I stated in another thread, even on his worst night (which Monday was not) Prince is better than just about everyone out there at giving a live performance. The major issues with Monday were the sound. At times his vocals were buried in the mix. However, the biggest sound issue was with Prince’s guitar. The sound issues with the guitar caused Prince to basically abandon his axe, which was unfortunate. That is the only thing that hurt the show to me. Prince without his guitar is like Rapunzel without his hair. So, I did feel bad for the people who did not get to see him wail on the Hohner. As one of my friends put it, the show was good and she couldn’t complain about what she saw, but she just wanted more Prince. She said she felt that she didn’t get all of him. I think the guitar was the “more” that she wanted. She also wanted to hear “Adore” and “Strollin’,” but as the Stones sang, “you can’t always get what you want.”

One other thing is that though it was not a major issue, I will concede that the backup singers did get too much time on Monday. The girls are great, but combined I think they took lead or co-lead on about three or four songs.

Other than that, everyone was in fine form, especially for an opening night. Anyone who has regularly attended live events should know that there are always snafus on opening night. The late start was an issue for some, too. However, that was also probably related to opening night issues. It happens in live theatre, dance, music concerts, etc. Often, opening night is seen as a live rehearsal because it is a time for the performers and tech people to work out the kinks in the actual moment instead of rehearsals. Prince hasn’t performed for months, so Monday’s UC show was like the kick-off of a tour. For most artists, the first day or so of a tour is not the best show. It is not specific to Prince. It takes a lot to put on a big live production like a Prince concert. Everyone involved, including Prince, is only human. That said, no issue was big enough for people to refer to Monday’s show as “shit” or “crap” or “terrible” and call for refunds. I just don’t get that at all. One drunk at the HOB afterjam said the UC show was terrible because she didn’t know any of the songs. Really? Whose fault is that? He did so many hits on Monday that even the most casual of fans should know the songs he did. So is a concert contingent upon you knowing the songs or the quality of the musicianship and overall performance? No one can say that Monday’s overall performance was low in quality regardless of the setlist or sound issue. Prince and the band put on a hell of a show, period!

Highlights

• It was just one big old school soul-funk party!
• Starting with DMSR was killer! Set the mood and got the party started!
• Prince and the band looked great – I was so happy he put some curls in his hair and ditched the fro. The tailored black and white suit was super bad ass. I LOVED IT!
• Prince was dancing his butt off all night and walking that stage to get the whole arena involved – not an easy task. He WORKED it!
• The overall energy was just electric.
• He performed a solid setlist – Pop Life and OF4S with the horns were real treats for me. He did a nice mix of hits. I liked that he did Musicology, too. I wasn't expecting it. It fit the party feel.
• Despite sound issues, he was an excellent showman and bandleader. Although I prefer the guitar solo on PR, it was a real display of professionalism to call for the sax solo when he realized the guitar wasn’t right.
• The sampler set was a lot of fun – It was my first time experiencing it and I dug it. The people around me did, too.
• The Vanguard Jam was great for an old school Chicago crowd. The old heads around me LOVED it! So did I. I have never seen this live. Unlike some, I do not endlessly watch or listen to Prince concert boots. Therefore, I do not blame Prince for not changing the setlist to meet my expectations. It’s like expecting the cast of a Broadway show to change an act because I’ve gone to countless performances and watched video at home a gazillion times. It is not fair to the performers to judge a show based on my overdosing on it. Most of the people I talked to who were seeing Prince for the first time or for the first time in a long while loved the show. Outside of Prince, I don’t think I will ever get to hear Curtis Mayfield’s “We’re a Winner” live in an arena. I love that song. My brother, who is a casual fan, loved hearing JB’s “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing.” Judging by the people around me, the crowd did too, because folks were working it out in the aisles on that one.
• The crowd - the people in my section were fantastic (116, Row G). Everyone was up singing and dancing the whole show.

The last thing that I want to comment on is the encore situation. First off, the man did two encores, which is more than most people do at a concert. Most artists come back for one song and leave. Prince did several. After the second encore, it appeared that Prince was really done. He was probably preparing for the HOB show as well as giving the sound crew a piece of his mind. We later found out that personnel changes were made during that time. It is not Prince’s fault that people would not go home. He had changed his clothes. He was done. He had to pace himself. He intended to perform six times in three nights. That is for anyone. This isn't 1982, it's 30 years later. However, many in the crowd would not leave the arena. In what I think was a heartfelt gesture to appease the crowd, he returned to the stage after all of that time. He first sent the band to play an instrumental jam, then returned and did two more songs. Afterward he said he really had to go.

I think him returning combined with the personnel changes threw off the time for HOB as well. However, even with the HOB situation, he came out and said he was there and ready to perform. I was at the soundboard area and his guys were still there. Then a member of HOB management came out and told the cameraman to cut off the camera and told the lady working the soundboard to shut it down. I am sure Prince felt bad about this, which is why he tried to make things right by offering the comp tickets for Wednesday’s show. It is a shame that he has been vilified the way he has for the encore and the HOB situation because it seems he cannot win for losing. Yes, he made some mistakes and needs to manage his time better, but it wasn’t all his fault. In the end, he really tried to make it right.

If I had to assign a grade to the three W2C United Center shows, they would look like this

• Monday, 9/24 = B
• Tuesday 9/25 = A+
• Wednesday 9/26 = A

In my opinion, Prince earned his money every night. I don’t regret attending any of the three UC shows. Each one had its own unique feel to it. I am satisfied.

[Edited 9/28/12 14:29pm]

I could not disagree with your review more. If an artist is not ready for the first night of a gig, then do ore rehearsing. I paid the same for my tickets as the people did for Wednesday's show. I didn't get a discount for bearing with a run through. I've seen more complex shows than this go way more smoothly. (Roger Waters, The Wall for example).

As far as the encore...it's ok for the audience to have to wait through a staff meeting? If you want people to go home, you turn on house lights...that's how concerts work. Been that way since Elvis left the building.

The sound was bad...bad enough to detract from the performance. It's probably why he barely played guitar. You didn't miss that?

The lighting was bad...How about when Prince was at the piano..where were his lights?

Video was terrible-he was off screen much of the time. Video is inportant with center stages since he has his back to the audience half the time.

A 'B" grade for this show is generous to say the least.

Did you read my review? Please look at the bolded parts. I commented on both the sound issues and lack of guitar. I have been attending all types of live performances for 30 years. I have seen worse than the technical issues Prince had on Monday. So your example of Roger Waters does nothing for me. His shows are technically complex with props and lighting but lack the musicality and showmanship of Prince's shows. When I go to a concert, I want a live music show. I don't care about set designs and backdrops. A huge wall does nothing for me. Waters' voice does not sound anywhere near as good as Prince's - bad sound mix or not. Also, you can see clips on Youtube from Waters' O2 performance where the sound/effects on his guitar are off. Waters kept playing with that jacked up sound. Prince had the presence of mind to change it up, because he is that good! So, gimme a break. Technical issues happen all the time.

As I said, I admitted that there were sound issues, but they did not ruin the show for me. Perhaps it was because of where I was seated. I was seated at the front of the stage, so I did not have to rely on the video either. I saw him up close all night. I agree that the cameraman was off, but I don't know whose fault that was. To his credit, Prince walked that entire stage all night to make sure everyone got a view of him no matter where they were sitting, which is one of the benefits of doing a show in the round. I also remember a time when there were no video screens at arena shows. You watched the concert from where ever you were seated and enjoyed the show without having to see the artists' nose hairs because you were there for the live music, anyway.

Yes, I missed the guitar, but again that did not ruin the show for me. I don't want a refund if Prince can't play guitar. Unlike most artists he is not a one-trick pony. The guitar sound was jacked so he switched gears like a true professional. I love him on piano. He didn't play much piano the whole three nights, but again I enjoyed the shows that I got. He is allowed to experiment with different types of shows, isn't he? After all, he is an artist.

Finally I am sick of people whining about the final encore. He did not force anyone to leave or stay. My friend said she thought the lighting people missed their cue as they had all night. If you chose to go home, you chose to go home. Others enjoyed the show and wanted more. It was apparent to me that he did not plan to do that third encore, as I stated before. I thought it was an attempt to appease the thousands who wanted more. I have seen Prince 30 times and I know that if people don't go home, though he is done he will come back out and do something more for the ones who didn't leave. Don't whine because you left. The people who stayed willed him back on the stage. He didn't make you wait during personnel changes. The people who stayed chose to wait during personnel changes. They didn't know what was going on. They just wanted to keep the party going and were willing to wait. You had the freedom to go. To me, it appeared he was done. I was there talking to people and chilling. I was in no rush to leave since I was headed to the aftershow, but he returned because so many people wanted him to. So, I got to enjoy three more songs. He did the same thing in NJ when I saw him in 2010. He was done. The house lights WERE ON and people still DID NOT LEAVE. So, after about 15 or 20 minutes or so, he came out and performed four more songs with the lights on the entire time. The people who stayed got a treat, those who left didn't. That's life.

Your comments are like so many of the other negative ones that I have read about this show. I cannot figure out how the technical issues warrant feelings of being ripped off. Those of you who complain really say nothing about the actual performance. The band and Prince were in top form, he played hits, covers and lesser known cuts like he always does and he was an excellent showman despite the problems. I have agreed that there were some technical problems with the show and it was not as good as the other shows because of them. However, it was nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be. When I look at a show it's 90% performance and 10% everything else. That is why I gave the show a B.

What weight do you assign to technical aspects of a show? How much is the actual performance worth? What is your letter grade, taking everything into account?

Genesia said:

Okay...a couple days' reflection has given me some perspective on this show. While I was disappointed at that moment, I now think I was probably unduly harsh in my characterization of the first show as a "shit sandwich."

Overall, I think it was probably a pretty decent show - especially for people who haven't seen Prince on the regular. With the exception of the encore fiasco (more on that in a minute), I think people who haven't seen Prince since his last Chicago tour (Musicology in 2004) probably had a great time.

People were totally digging the Vanguard Award Jam (We're A Winner/I Never Loved A Man/Satisfied/I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing/Housequake/The Jam/The Bird/Jungle LoveGlamorous Life/Get On The Boat), but I had heard it before (about a zillion times, since I taped it back in 2005). This was a bit of a letdown, for me - especially after song after song from it came up and I realized he was going to do that mother from start to finish - but minus The Time and Sheila.

I understand why he has other people do some singing during the show - it helps him to pace himself over a multi-night stand. (Prince isn't getting any younger - and neither are his vocal chords.) But he needs to balance it better. Angel went on waaaayyyyyyy too long. I didn't want to hear Shelby's version of that yet again, so that's when I took my bathroom break. I walked to the restroom, peed, washed my hands, re-applied my lipstick, and climbed back to my seat. Not only was it still Angel when I got back, it went on for a good 'nother three minutes! Lord - give it a rest, already!

And Shelby, Liv and Elisa together? (I think we were still on Angel at that point - or maybe it was Nothing Compares To U. Whatever.) Great Caesar's ghost - I have never heard caterwauling like that. Prince called it "church" - it was enough to turn me into an atheist.

And then, he brought Andy up for Take Me With U. That was pretty much the point at which he permanently lost me. I could not contain the

And no guitar solo in Purple Rain? Again, disappointing. We just enjoyed the confetti cannon and contented ourselves with catching its purple-and-gold output.

There were some fun moments, though. The first was when he came up through the floor of the stage in that amazing black-and-white suit he wore for all but the final encore. I mean...Dude was even wearing a black boot on the black side and a white boot on the white side. And the dual colors were done very artfully - it wasn't just split straight down the middle, it followed the contours of his body. Sweetie said to me, "That is a bad muthafucka" and I about wet myself laughing. He was still talking about that suit the next day.

Hearing Old Friends 4 Sale was amazing. And believe it or not, I thought the sampler set was actually sort of fun.

And we did not fall for the encore "psych." When they brought the lights up and people started leaving, Sweetie said to me, "Well, what do you want to do?" I pointed at the stage and said, "His guitar is still there. I don't leave 'til his guitar tech takes it away. And look - all the soundboard personnel is still at the ready." So we stayed - and actually moved down into seats that had been vacated closer to the stage. Sure enough - a few minutes later, the band came back in and started playing, then lit into the intro for 1999. And there came Prince - in a gray suit with a bedazzled 'do rag - to do that song, followed by Little Red Corvette. Even after he left again, we stayed until they started unplugging shit. My mama didn't raise no fool.

The sound at the show was, as others have reported - terrible. They simply have to have a better handle on things like that. When my right ear is still ringing on Thursday from a Monday night show, you know it was too loud. (Part of that is on me for not bringing earplugs, but still.) And the mix was horrendous. It was clear that that was why he didn't play his guitar very much.

So I would give Monday night's show a "gentleman's C." It wasn't great - but it wasn't unremittingly awful. I am damn glad we didn't go to the afterjam that night, though - my review would have been much different if we'd paid for that mess.

This really made me laugh, great review...thanks!

Ok, so for the past few weeks, I have checked up on this site regularly without being a member. It was only after I read the horrid comments about this show that I felt compelled to join and give my opinon, and then it took me daysss to be able to make a post /i'm glad it took a couple of days tho, because I was very angry and I guess that gave me some time to cool down. If I had said what I truly initially wanted to say, it probably wouldn't be very pretty lol. Anyhow, I have been a P fan all of my life (26 years), and yes, I could not enjoy the thrill of his Purple Rain/ Lovesexy shows in person obviously so I had no greatness to compare this show too. I saw P once with Ta'mar in 2006 and I was more than satisfied with just seeing him a couple feet away on guitar, and teasing us with "Partyman." Nevertheless, this was my first P show, and honestly I could not have had more fun. It made me so sad to see how his "fans" reacted so negatively to his performance. I coud understand some people being disappointed after seeing him live countless times, but by no means angry! Who do u think u are?! I didn't even notice the shortage of the guitar, mostly because his vocals and the band were so powerful and distracting, in a good way of course. Not to mention his dancing! The man still dances around like it's nobody's business and is looking great!! That outfit! That face! Lol I am even more upset because he did his best to satisfy the annoying casual fans by performing nearly the entire Purple Rain soundtrack! What more did u want?! A personal seranade?! I am baffled! Lol I guess you can't please everybody. It seems that the people that had the worst things to say about the show were just mad because they ran out, talking shit and fighting for nachos instead of taking the show in and being patient. Yes, I caught the encore because I was in no rush to leave, and ohmygoodness I'm so blessed that I did. For anyone that was there, I'm sure we could all agree that it was nothing short of amazing! I can guarantee you that everybody who was there felt special, and honestly loved by the man himself! It's been days later and I can't get the show out of my head! I cannot understand how a "Fan" could become so bitter after such a great show! Show some appreciation!

You have witnessed the greatest entertainer in the world live! Who can put on a better show than this man?!? LOL and some of u have the NERVE to compare him to Madonna and B SPringsteen LMAO I'm not even going to go there....I had the time of my life, so sorry if you didn't. This concert has been one of the top 3 moments of my life, right up there next to the births of my two children.

Nevermind what you hear <3

Cindeecee said:

Ok, so for the past few weeks, I have checked up on this site regularly without being a member. It was only after I read the horrid comments about this show that I felt compelled to join and give my opinon, and then it took me daysss to be able to make a post /i'm glad it took a couple of days tho, because I was very angry and I guess that gave me some time to cool down. If I had said what I truly initially wanted to say, it probably wouldn't be very pretty lol. Anyhow, I have been a P fan all of my life (26 years), and yes, I could not enjoy the thrill of his Purple Rain/ Lovesexy shows in person obviously so I had no greatness to compare this show too. I saw P once with Ta'mar in 2006 and I was more than satisfied with just seeing him a couple feet away on guitar, and teasing us with "Partyman." Nevertheless, this was my first P show, and honestly I could not have had more fun. It made me so sad to see how his "fans" reacted so negatively to his performance. I coud understand some people being disappointed after seeing him live countless times, but by no means angry! Who do u think u are?! I didn't even notice the shortage of the guitar, mostly because his vocals and the band were so powerful and distracting, in a good way of course. Not to mention his dancing! The man still dances around like it's nobody's business and is looking great!! That outfit! That face! Lol I am even more upset because he did his best to satisfy the annoying casual fans by performing nearly the entire Purple Rain soundtrack! What more did u want?! A personal seranade?! I am baffled! Lol I guess you can't please everybody. It seems that the people that had the worst things to say about the show were just mad because they ran out, talking shit and fighting for nachos instead of taking the show in and being patient. Yes, I caught the encore because I was in no rush to leave, and ohmygoodness I'm so blessed that I did. For anyone that was there, I'm sure we could all agree that it was nothing short of amazing! I can guarantee you that everybody who was there felt special, and honestly loved by the man himself! It's been days later and I can't get the show out of my head! I cannot understand how a "Fan" could become so bitter after such a great show! Show some appreciation!

You have witnessed the greatest entertainer in the world live! Who can put on a better show than this man?!? LOL and some of u have the NERVE to compare him to Madonna and B SPringsteen LMAO I'm not even going to go there....I had the time of my life, so sorry if you didn't. This concert has been one of the top 3 moments of my life, right up there next to the births of my two children.

Nevermind what you hear <3

Possibly time to re-evaluate priorities? lol

Cindeecee said:

Ok, so for the past few weeks, I have checked up on this site regularly without being a member. It was only after I read the horrid comments about this show that I felt compelled to join and give my opinon, and then it took me daysss to be able to make a post /i'm glad it took a couple of days tho, because I was very angry and I guess that gave me some time to cool down. If I had said what I truly initially wanted to say, it probably wouldn't be very pretty lol. Anyhow, I have been a P fan all of my life (26 years), and yes, I could not enjoy the thrill of his Purple Rain/ Lovesexy shows in person obviously so I had no greatness to compare this show too. I saw P once with Ta'mar in 2006 and I was more than satisfied with just seeing him a couple feet away on guitar, and teasing us with "Partyman." Nevertheless, this was my first P show, and honestly I could not have had more fun. It made me so sad to see how his "fans" reacted so negatively to his performance. I coud understand some people being disappointed after seeing him live countless times, but by no means angry! Who do u think u are?! I didn't even notice the shortage of the guitar, mostly because his vocals and the band were so powerful and distracting, in a good way of course. Not to mention his dancing! The man still dances around like it's nobody's business and is looking great!! That outfit! That face! Lol I am even more upset because he did his best to satisfy the annoying casual fans by performing nearly the entire Purple Rain soundtrack! What more did u want?! A personal seranade?! I am baffled! Lol I guess you can't please everybody. It seems that the people that had the worst things to say about the show were just mad because they ran out, talking shit and fighting for nachos instead of taking the show in and being patient. Yes, I caught the encore because I was in no rush to leave, and ohmygoodness I'm so blessed that I did. For anyone that was there, I'm sure we could all agree that it was nothing short of amazing! I can guarantee you that everybody who was there felt special, and honestly loved by the man himself! It's been days later and I can't get the show out of my head! I cannot understand how a "Fan" could become so bitter after such a great show! Show some appreciation!

You have witnessed the greatest entertainer in the world live! Who can put on a better show than this man?!? LOL and some of u have the NERVE to compare him to Madonna and B SPringsteen LMAO I'm not even going to go there....I had the time of my life, so sorry if you didn't. This concert has been one of the top 3 moments of my life, right up there next to the births of my two children.

Nevermind what you hear <3

Sweetie, go have a seat.

Cindeecee said:

Ok, so for the past few weeks, I have checked up on this site regularly without being a member. It was only after I read the horrid comments about this show that I felt compelled to join and give my opinon, and then it took me daysss to be able to make a post /i'm glad it took a couple of days tho, because I was very angry and I guess that gave me some time to cool down. If I had said what I truly initially wanted to say, it probably wouldn't be very pretty lol. Anyhow, I have been a P fan all of my life (26 years), and yes, I could not enjoy the thrill of his Purple Rain/ Lovesexy shows in person obviously so I had no greatness to compare this show too. I saw P once with Ta'mar in 2006 and I was more than satisfied with just seeing him a couple feet away on guitar, and teasing us with "Partyman." Nevertheless, this was my first P show, and honestly I could not have had more fun. It made me so sad to see how his "fans" reacted so negatively to his performance. I coud understand some people being disappointed after seeing him live countless times, but by no means angry! Who do u think u are?! I didn't even notice the shortage of the guitar, mostly because his vocals and the band were so powerful and distracting, in a good way of course. Not to mention his dancing! The man still dances around like it's nobody's business and is looking great!! That outfit! That face! Lol I am even more upset because he did his best to satisfy the annoying casual fans by performing nearly the entire Purple Rain soundtrack! What more did u want?! A personal seranade?! I am baffled! Lol I guess you can't please everybody. It seems that the people that had the worst things to say about the show were just mad because they ran out, talking shit and fighting for nachos instead of taking the show in and being patient. Yes, I caught the encore because I was in no rush to leave, and ohmygoodness I'm so blessed that I did. For anyone that was there, I'm sure we could all agree that it was nothing short of amazing! I can guarantee you that everybody who was there felt special, and honestly loved by the man himself! It's been days later and I can't get the show out of my head! I cannot understand how a "Fan" could become so bitter after such a great show! Show some appreciation!

You have witnessed the greatest entertainer in the world live! Who can put on a better show than this man?!? LOL and some of u have the NERVE to compare him to Madonna and B SPringsteen LMAO I'm not even going to go there....I had the time of my life, so sorry if you didn't. This concert has been one of the top 3 moments of my life, right up there next to the births of my two children.

Nevermind what you hear <3

When they came out and did the encore, Did Shelby sing the 1st line of the female part of "I Was Dreaming When I Wrote This Excuse Me If It Goes Astray"???

Diana80 said:

Cindeecee said:

Diana80 said:

Sweetie, go have a seat.

Honey, do you see these pumps?! Please! [Edited 10/3/12 15:05pm] [Edited 10/3/12 15:12pm]

a lot of great points made C, I would also add importantly that it looked like P was having a great time. He seemed very relaxed and happy. I think if it was not for the encore/noncore, people would not be so angry. They may feel cheated that they missed one of the best parts of the show.

Emancipation89 said:

ufoclub said:

Prince actually looked like he had more mass to his face last night, and some of that had to do with the hair sash/band/scarf.

[img:$uid]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8025625739_1b23bf5c24.jpg[/img:$uid]

Prince looked SMOKING HOT with his hair band thingy (I don't know what exactly it's called on guys either) Of all things happened on Monday night, I thought this was the one thing everyone would agree on? lol

His new look instantly reminded me of "The Future" from the batman era!

Conclusion: Prince can NEVER go wrong with a hairband

That Hairband looks alot better than the Do Rag he wore to the Super Bowl performance!