I had the tapes the day after each one. The ones on o connel bridge were a copy. Mine were on "chrome 90" (that takes me me back) as I asked for good copies and supplied my own tapes.

OirishKev said:

I had the tapes the day after each one. The ones on o connel bridge were a copy. Mine were on "chrome 90" (that takes me me back) as I asked for good copies and supplied my own tapes.

Those were serious beasts and damn expensive to boot, excuse the pun. I indulged on those only on very special occasions.

Think i am going to drive up today... worth it??

Sounds like a great gig. Glad he came through for everyone with a tremendous gig.

Interesting to speculate as to what he might do next. I think he fully intended to charge £70 for ticket entry last night, there are a few reasons he could have switched back, the general negativity towards the ticket price going up, especially after he made a point of telling the media £10 earlier. I think he dropped the price to ensure the venue filled to capacity.

Been a Prince fan for a lifetime (like a lot on here) and the one thing Prince can't stand are empty seats.

Especially with high profile media gigs like these. The idea that people were still getting in after the show had started is mind boggling (but amazing for fans). This may change his tactic/approach to these hit and run gigs though. He can't play a similar size venue or SB again and charge £70 now. So that means more of the same or a complete cahnge in capacity and ticket price?

Maybe the next one will be ticketed? Maybe some advance notice to make sure it's filled?

james said:

My complaint is only that he has better "rock" tracks... Peach, Fury, The Ride, Undertaker, Let's Work, When You Were Mine, Electric Chair.

All a matter of personal taste though !

Hmm, yes, but still valid and nice suggestions.

How could we put those under mr P's nose?

Rorywan said:

Sounds like a great gig. Glad he came through for everyone with a tremendous gig.

Interesting to speculate as to what he might do next. I think he fully intended to charge £70 for ticket entry last night, there are a few reasons he could have switched back, the general negativity towards the ticket price going up, especially after he made a point of telling the media £10 earlier. I think he dropped the price to ensure the venue filled to capacity.

Been a Prince fan for a lifetime (like a lot on here) and the one thing Prince can't stand are empty seats.

Especially with high profile media gigs like these. The idea that people were still getting in after the show had started is mind boggling (but amazing for fans). This may change his tactic/approach to these hit and run gigs though. He can't play a similar size venue or SB again and charge £70 now. So that means more of the same or a complete cahnge in capacity and ticket price?

Maybe the next one will be ticketed? Maybe some advance notice to make sure it's filled?

One reviewer from last night says the stewards told him the price was always £10 but they were instructed to say £70 until the last minute. As a way of keeping the crowds down this makes perfect sense and more likely than a panic reduction of £60 because they might not get capcity.

The question is how will they police things now with the building hype? If they said £70 again would you believe them?

Hopefully, they may start switching to ticketing.

tintin said:

Rorywan said:

Sounds like a great gig. Glad he came through for everyone with a tremendous gig.

Interesting to speculate as to what he might do next. I think he fully intended to charge £70 for ticket entry last night, there are a few reasons he could have switched back, the general negativity towards the ticket price going up, especially after he made a point of telling the media £10 earlier. I think he dropped the price to ensure the venue filled to capacity.

Been a Prince fan for a lifetime (like a lot on here) and the one thing Prince can't stand are empty seats.

Especially with high profile media gigs like these. The idea that people were still getting in after the show had started is mind boggling (but amazing for fans). This may change his tactic/approach to these hit and run gigs though. He can't play a similar size venue or SB again and charge £70 now. So that means more of the same or a complete cahnge in capacity and ticket price?

Maybe the next one will be ticketed? Maybe some advance notice to make sure it's filled?

One reviewer from last night says the stewards told him the price was always £10 but they were instructed to say £70 until the last minute. As a way of keeping the crowds down this makes perfect sense and more likely than a panic reduction of £60 because they might not get capcity.

The question is how will they police things now with the building hype? If they said £70 again would you believe them?

Hopefully, they may start switching to ticketing.

As expected really, the panic reduction in price theory never made any sense. No idea what's going to happen in future though, surely they need to do tickets now? The thing is, I'd happily pay £70 for a ticketed show.

onlymatt said:

Think i am going to drive up today... worth it??

.

I wouldnt bother, cant see anything happening tonight.

Chops said:

Prince has never been predictable. He has always divided opinion. He is also a genius. All 3 of these aspects have played out in recent days. Sat here at 1.50 am on Monday morning I am still shaking my head in amazement at the day that has played out.

I missed out on the opening events of Prince in London earlier this week and was determined to be a part of this weekend. I was in the car en route to London inside 30 minutes of his announcement to play shepherds Bush Empire that came just before midday. Unfortunately hit and run means there are casualties – not enough time to sort the kids and take the wife so she missed out. Again. We will get there one day I promise!

Micra's are not designed to be driven the way I drove mine and I fear my car will never quite recover. I might not either. My bladder isn't designed to withstand large periods of time without emptying so they both got a good workout today!

As I drove into the area of shepherds bush I noticed a bus queue that just seemed to go on and on. The penny dropped – that the Prince queue. Am I too late already?

I hit the queue and quickly started chatting with some great people. There was a lot of love and a lot of newbie's there – Prince's fan base has always been eclectic – tonight no different although it felt an older audience to me!

2.30 – 7.00 was breeze to be honest especially when security secured our spots with a somewhat old fashioned ticketing system that involved scribbling our number onto our hands in magic marker pen. I was 620. That meant a guaranteed spot downstairs – great.

I was more than happy to shell out the £70 notes that was being quoted. Whether it was a giant publicity stunt or it was the work of the 2 guys that initiated the 10 pound prince campaign I don't know but in the end it was a tenner to get in. The tickets said £70. Prince provided hot chocolate too. For free.

Doors at 7 – start at 8 and it pretty much did. 3rd eye girl came on asked everyone to be nice and not record. Then Pretzel Body language the new tune came over the PA system. Then it all went off!

Some 2 hours and 40 minutes later, after 5 (I think) encores' and a run through of maybe 30 different tunes it was over. For tonight at least.

The default setting was definitely Rock – P opened with Lets go crazy reloaded and continued in the same vain through tunes like She's always in my hair, Guitar and a slower I could never take the place of your man. There was a ton of songs from Classic albums, Purple rain got a good look in with Lets go crazy, The beautiful ones, when doves cry, purple rain itself and even u rare outing for I would die for you. Whilst Rock was the default and the first set almost entirely there was time for a beautiful nod to the One night alone Tour with a piano medley that included How come you don't call me, the beautiful ones, diamonds and pearls, purple rain and adore. There was a lot of sign of the times material Hot thing, sign of the times and a funky Forever in my life in there. A bit of glamorous life and the most beautiful girl in the world were nodded to, nothing more.

In the crowd I thought I saw Larry Graham although he looked like he really let himself go – turns out it was George Clinton who Prince propped at the teacher – I never seen George look so smart.

Back to the funk endorphin machine got a playout. Play that funky music was in there as was a great Something in the water does not compute. Bambi was insane. There is no other was to describe it. Prince kept coming back 'You expecting an awful lot for 10 dollars. I got a big black hat out back I'm gonna pass round'. He just did not stop. It was thunderous and triumphant. There was I like it there and chaos and disorder thrown in for good measure.

Whatever you think about Prince and the way he has conducted himself this time round he was a delight on stage tonight. Funny, funky and with more energy than I have seen since about 1995. Straight up. This band works like a charm for him and I hope as many people as possible, including my wife, get a chance to see him before he heads home. A stunning night!

He's funky funny man!

james said:

rolyateel said:

tintin said:

Easier said than done for a lot of folks on here.

Remove the word"objections" and replace with "commitments"

Hey sh*t happens ...I hope all of you get a chance to get to a gig....P is in top form, missed out by a few hours yesterday ....that's life..

KeithyT said:

james said:

My complaint is only that he has better "rock" tracks... Peach, Fury, The Ride, Undertaker, Let's Work, When You Were Mine, Electric Chair.

All a matter of personal taste though !

ooh nice list James. At one point last night I thought we were in for Peach.

I thought so to, when he started Endorphin Machine.... I like that he did that track though. Not heard it live since the Gold tour I think !

Peach would have been a great final encore. Bit of stage diving...

[Edited 2/10/14 4:20am]

Well, what can I say - Im insanely jealous that I missed such a great dam gig but really happy for all you that risked it especially those who dont live in london! Congratulations all! And thanks for all the updates, pics and reviews too. This is what makes the ORG such an awesome place with all the fams.

I know there's a lot of moaning about how this has all been done so far but you know what...this way - if you did risk missing work/babysitters whatever just for the off chance P might do a gig - thats what makes the gig 10 times more bloody awesome!!!! I was and still am in the same boat. I couldnt get off work for the EB shows, and I was planning on come to SBE yesterday but I couldnt just stretch to the £70...my problem.

Still - great to hear all the happiness round here for a change, and positivity. I've now taken today off JUST in the HOPE theres another gig tonight. What are the chances?

dewmass said:

When we got in the queue at 6.30 the stewards were telling every one it was £70 in. When was it changed? Couldn't believe it when I was only asked for a tenner at the booth. Surely it must have been a ruse all along to encourage people mad enough like me to risk the journey Btw had a lovely curry just round the corner so didn't leave area while 1am and the gear was all being loaded onto trucks

pumbationz said:

I've now taken today off JUST in the HOPE theres another gig tonight. What are the chances?

Not looking great right now. The annoucement had been made by this time yesterday.

That said, they told the £70 fib to keep the crowds away. Perhaps they'll move to even shorter notice announcements as crowd control.

I'm thinking nothing until Tues/Weds though.

Clare said:

dewmass said:

When we got in the queue at 6.30 the stewards were telling every one it was £70 in. When was it changed? Couldn't believe it when I was only asked for a tenner at the booth. Surely it must have been a ruse all along to encourage people mad enough like me to risk the journey Btw had a lovely curry just round the corner so didn't leave area while 1am and the gear was all being loaded onto trucks

If loading gear onto trucks doesn't point to a gig back there tonight.

Unless it is a security measure. Or they are playing at a different venue tonight. One can always hope.. and I am not alone in that - I have never seen so many people online on the org ever! I guess we are all waiting for the clue to the next gig

TheEnglishGent said:

tintin said:

One reviewer from last night says the stewards told him the price was always £10 but they were instructed to say £70 until the lastminute. As a way of keeping the crowds down this makes perfect sense and more likely than a panic reduction of £60 because they might not get capcity.

The question is how will they police things now with the building hype? If they said £70 again would you believe them?

Hopefully, they may start switching to ticketing.

As expected really, the panic reduction in price theory never made any sense. No idea what's going to happen in future though, surely they need to do tickets now? The thing is, I'd happily pay £70 for a ticketed show.

Me too!!

tintin said:

pumbationz said:

I've now taken today off JUST in the HOPE theres another gig tonight. What are the chances?

Not looking great right now. The annoucement had been made by this time yesterday.

That said, they told the £70 fib to keep the crowds away. Perhaps they'll move to even shorter notice announcements as crowd control.

I'm thinking nothing until Tues/Weds though.

Yeh - Im just hoping that was a one off announcement just for radio press. I can also understand the whole £70 fib and it did work, unfortunately it worked on me too whos not just a casual fan lol. I'm sure however messed up their plans are, they do have a plan....

Whenever it will be I'll be there on my own so hope I'll be meeting some new and old friends soon!

Oh and I would happiliy pay the £70 too, just had too many outlays earlier on this month. Priorities eh? lol

[Edited 2/10/14 4:57am]

I'm still all a blur as to exactly what happened. But what ever it was, it was extraordinary.

When it comes to tickets, no one can no for sure (which is part of the fun!) but I do have an educated guess.

It seems very likely that Prince is doing these gigs based on where the team can get in at short notice. The lack of leaks from ANY location suggest that they are booking venues in days and not months.

To open Sheperd's Bush with little notice would be very expensive. Staffing, set up, security, licencing, clean up etc means that £70 a ticket does seem reasonable to cover the costs.

If we are to look at the real takings on the night:

£10 x 1,800 = £18,000

Bar takings = low, as Prince came on quickly, no support act, no breaks (really) no one wanting to move incase they miss anyone. Lets assume it's 2 beers per person, that's another £18,000.

Mech = I'd say £20k based on the same logic.

If I could hire Shepherd's Bush for under £60k, including cut of the bar and mech, then I would be a VERY happy man. IE, it's impossible.

The set was long, tight and all facilities were open. No corners seemed to have been cut. No sponsorship, no broadcast cameras, no real way to make back that revenue.

So - there is no doubt in my mind that 'they' made a significant loss and made a snap decision. 'They' are not the venue (they tweeted 'we don't set the price' and this makes sense, Shepherd's Bush don't care, they'll provide a dry hire, it's up to the promoter how much they charge.)

My bet? They saw the back lash brewing, spoke to Prince, he asked how much, they said £100,000, he put his hand in his own pocket.

Prince paid for you to party last night. Pure and simple. That's what makes him the greatest live act in the world today - caring about music and experience over profit. And that's why people keep going back to see him.

What a night.

aiden said:

Militant said:

Zoomed down to London this afternoon from Birmingham, and saw the greatest show of my life. Absolutely mind blowing.

Thought I saw you there, you took a big risk and it paid off

Should have said helo mate, always nice to meet orgers! As for it paying off, that's an understatement if ever I heard one! What a show!!!!

I'm seriously considering to jump on a plane from Barcelona, direction London. But knowing myself, Prince will take a break during the days I'm actually there. In case anyone knows a bout any rumours, pm me please!

[Edited 2/10/14 5:21am]

[Edited 2/10/14 5:22am]

LouLou1981 said:

My contribution to the rumour mill: Motorhead have cancelled 19 Feb 2014 a

[Edited 2/10/14 5:21am]

[Edited 2/10/14 5:22am]

That is meant to say: at Brixton Academy. Worth keeping an eye...

Prince, if you're reading this Wednesday night is good for me.

tintin said:

Prince, if you're reading this Wednesday night is good for me.

for me tonight or Friday night would be better - the other nights are going to be affected by the bloody inconsiderate cronies of Bob Crowe

I have next week off. I was supposed to be tiling the bathroom, but I'd much rather be painting London purple.

smoo said:

tintin said:

Prince, if you're reading this Wednesday night is good for me.

for me tonight or Friday night would be better - the other nights are going to be affected by the bloody inconsiderate cronies of Bob Crowe

Those toerags are striking again?!! Dammit.

Prince, stick with Wednesday. I'll take the Boris Bike instead.

SquirrelMeat said: