Prittypriss....Today is the Day

Can't wait to hear from you and your report 4 both shows

[Edited 4/14/16 23:20pm]

Sweet shows. I went to both and difficult to separate them perfectly in my mind, but they were very different overall. But I'll just post this review in both threads.

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I hadn't seen Prince since the last time he played Atlanta, I think, so maybe 10 years? I'm not really sure but it's been a long, long while. I've seen him about 35 times overall, but half of those were on Lovesexy Tour. But anyway, I was pumped for this show and bummed that I missed MPLS a few months ago. This didn't make up for that mistake, but made me feel a little better (maybe).

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For those getting tickets for future shows, here's a MAJOR tip. The piano faces to the left of the stage (from audience point of view). I had orchestra pit seats for both shows, but first show was on the far right and and I ended up looking at the back of Prince's head for most of the show. He would turn his head some and he walked around a bit, but his big fro blocked most of his face during most of it. So always go for a seat in the middle to the left side if you are going to be up front or even in the first 20or 30 rows I would say.

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The excitement started while waiting in line to be let in the venue and suddenly hear sirens and police motorcycles go by trailed by 3 or 4 black SUVs. People start to yell and Prince is waving to everyone out the window. I didn't get a good glimpse at him but could see his hand and his fro...but was exciting.

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Both shows had a lot of piano jams...I am glad P didn't just pack the shows with "the hits" and seemed to pick some more obscure songs that he would enjoy playing and also just play around on the piano a bit. I didn't recognize a couple of songs, which means must be from his latest album or unreleased or just him improvising.

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Before the show started, one of his people came out and put an Ipad on the piano and during the show, you would see him swiping that to get to the lyrics of whatever song he wanted to do next. It was laying flat on the top of the piano, so you couldn't really see it.

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And I can't describe his outfit much, but he did have these white shoes with heels, but the heels were clear and there were multicolored lights in there that would go off when he moved his foot moved and hit the ground. He kept his vest/jacket on the entire first show but took it off during the second and just had a long sleeve shirt under it...nothing that memorable but I think it's in some of the pics in the tourbook.

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Ok will try to remember some of the setlist. Forgive me with what is incomplete, but I'll do the best I can:

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The main songs he did in both shows were:

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Little Red Corvette/Dirty Mind medley

I Would Die 4 U / Baby I'm a Star (long jam)

Nothing Compares 2 U

Diamonds and Pearls (just a snippet)

Peanuts (Charlie Brown) song...the one from https://www.youtube.com/w...QybajU2GNk

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In the first show, he did

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Controversy (great jam)

Joy in Repetition

Adore

Pop Life

Black Sweat

Elephants and Flowers

Never Take the Place of your Man

U Got the Look

Muse 2 the Pharoah

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

A Case of U(very intense). He walked off the stage afterwards and came back and said something like he forgets how these songs can affect him. .. He said "Get it together, Prince".

Kiss

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And one point he says "Let me tell you about myself. I'm from Minneapolis and my father taught me how to play piano. He couldn't sing, but would do this.". (heavily paraphrased) and started to make some funky gutteral sounds into the mic while playing a funky jam on the piano. I thought the show would have more autobiographical content but that was it.

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2nd show:

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Opened with

When Will We Be Paid

The Max

Black Sweat

Ballad of Dorothy Parker

Muse to the Pharoah

Cream

If I was your Girlfriend

Dark (great emotional version)

I Love you but I can't trust you anymore

Sometimes it snows in April

How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore

ended with medley of Purple Rain with Beautiful Ones in there and something else I forget.

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So many highlights, but at during one jam, he started talking about "make that funky face...Make me look like Edward G Robinson".

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He apologized at the start of both of the shows for having to cancel. He said "I was under the weather...but I'm here now"..

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He talked a lot about relationships and referenced the movie, "The Way We Were" and then there was a big picture of Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand on the screen. He said that he breaks up with her in the movie and she calls him, because he's her only friend. That tied in with If I Was Your Girlfriend.

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But he did do a lot of sad, heartbreak type songs and he even said at one point "Ok got that out of my system" after doing 2 or 3 of them in a row.

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At one point, he referenced Dr Fink in an unusual way. He was saying something about the piano while playing a funk groove and said something like "What...Fink.. What doo you mean F I N K? No it's F U N K for funk." Very poor paraphrasing of this, but he said "Fink" about 3 times and mabye was saying he didn't need him because he could play the keyboard/piano himself or was an odd tribute to Dr. Fink. I dunno, but was definitely notable and he didn't mention any other band members in either show.

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And during How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore, he was saying "why don't you call me. I don't call you because that deep voiced brother answers..the one with the big shoes under the bed. I don't want to fight. Little guys run...and come back with someone." (again heavily paraphrased but was funny).

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The Atlanta crowd gave Prince a lot of love...you could tell the house was packed with hardcore fans. The higher ticket prices probably help ensure this. But Prince seemed to enjoy the adoration and seemed genuinely touched and appreciative of it. Maybe when he doesn't do shows every night, the ones he does do are more special...or I could be projecting but that was my take on it.

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Also near the end of both shows, Prince walked along the front of the stage and grabbed a lot of hands of people in the front rows. I could have reached and probably done it, but didn't and now thinking I should have but no big deal.

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There was a good amount of tour merchandise. T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, posters programs. The program is really nice. I'm sure some will be on ebay soon, if not already from Oakland. On the back of the tour program, it says "IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN L NELSON PKA PRINCE ROGERS 4 ALL HE TOUGHT HIS MUSICAL SON."

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Ok I know I'm forgetting a lot, and could say a lot more but that will have to do for now. But so, so good sharing a room with Prince and feeling all that positive energy and love in the room. I may have to fly and see him if he does another US city if I can get good tix and it's some place I want to visit. This is special tour for sure and get to a show if you can.

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[Edited 4/15/16 1:40am]

Here's another good review:

http://funkatopia.com/fun...e-atlanta/

[Edited 4/15/16 1:41am]

Your report was incredible!!! I really appreciated your seating suggestions...that's the kind of information that makes the reviews so important and so valued😋

The positive electric feel of the concerts, the sweet but crazy hot ambiance, the feeling of personalization and intimacy, celebration of music, delicious spirit and salute to romance/ love made my heart soar and smile in appreciation... And if I'm blessed participation. You build up the anticipation factor too

The loving homage to his dad was delightful and moving. You painted the picture right down to the concert paraphernalia...lovely just lovely✨🌟✨

Thank you for highlighting the delightfully quirky eclectic surprisingly rare concert performed songs and brief but well placed levity was wonderful to have included in your insightful review.

You highlighted many areas of the concert that gave me, as a non attendee, the pleasure, joy and sensation of observing second hand some of the extraordinary beauty and gifts of Prince through the "3rd eye." view point. I smile knowing true Prince euthestics and newer fans alike had a phenomenal experience!!!

Oh Yeah...I love hearing about the attendees receptiveness of the concert. You we're able to capture that candidly, openly and descriptively. I could almost feel the audience's love and respect for Prince. You wove that concept throughout your uplifting sharing.

That most people, that had the blessing of enjoying those concerts, were aware and appreciated that these concerts we're something sensational and possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Sooooo... thank you for all your nuances, idiosyncrasies, delightful memories and personal touches that made your review smile inducing. I praise God you all had a fabulous time and so glad our Prince is feeling better.

Nice detailed rockin overviews...U sooooo rock man

So..

Who was there?

Two questions aftre looking at http://www.princevault.co...ril_2016-1

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What was the unrecognised instrumental like? Not taped but...?

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And the chopsticks tune? Like https://www.youtube.com/w...M5fjgiFrxg ?

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Anyone, please?

[Edited 4/15/16 6:31am]

Graycap23 said:

Please do note the hand-like symbol visible above the car...

[Edited 4/15/16 8:51am]

Ta for the updates

Graycap23 said:

That is awesome! That is just what I saw of course, although a bit farther down the block. How did you get your phone on camera mode so quickly? Nice skillz there. But I am saving this pic for sure and adding it to my little album. Thanks much.

[Edited 4/15/16 12:52pm]

http://music.blog.ajc.com/2016/04/14/concert-review-prince-enchants-at-intimate-fox-theatre-show/

My review:

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https://onevoice4peace.co...-2-heaven/

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10 PM show to follow. Still very tired! Got in around 3:30 AM and had to work all day today, but want to get my thoughts down before getting some sleep.

[Edited 4/15/16 18:24pm]

prittypriss said:

My review:

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https://onevoice4peace.co...-2-heaven/

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10 PM show to follow. Still very tired! Got in around 3:30 AM and had to work all day today, but want to get my thoughts down before getting some sleep.

[Edited 4/15/16 18:24pm]

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And for those that don't want to go to the link:

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One Way Ticket to Heaven

Last night (April 14, 2016) Prince performed 2 shows at the beautiful Fox Theatre in Atlanta, 7 PM and 10 PM, and I had a ticket to see both performances. I had done my best to not read about previous performances, with the thought that (hopefully) he would find his way down south and I would be able to experience them myself without any preconceived expectations. Prince was originally scheduled to perform on April 7th, but had postponed those shows due to a case of flu. Knowing that it would be rescheduled when he felt better, I hung on to my tickets. I would wait however long it took him to recover, not expecting it to be the following week, because mortals tend to take much longer to recover from the flu. Though, I am grateful for the wait because the shows were out of this world!

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Getting to the venue was a bit of a challenge, as I had to work the day of the shows doing social worker thingies, and it had taken longer than I hoped. I had a 2 hour drive from where I was, which was going to put me getting into Atlanta at 4:30. Plenty of time to meet some other fans, make new friends, and enjoy the general vibe of a shared fellowship that always seems to permeate Prince concerts. However, on the drive to Atlanta traffic suddenly stopped. Getting through the traffic took about an hour, so that pushed me back to a 5:30 arrival. Okay, still enough time to enjoy fellowship with The Rainbow Children. All the way down, I listened to "Around The World In A Day", "Art Official Age" (can't get "Way Back Home" out of my head), and "Graffiti Bridge". All excellent albums and highly recommended. What I didn't plan on was Atlanta traffic!

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Getting through Will Call was an extremely smooth experience. I was very impressed with the venue and the staff. The beauty of this theatre is breath-taking. This added to my excitement and energy. I wanted to bring my camera in to take pictures of the venue, but I knew the "no camera" policy would be strictly enforced, so out of respect for Prince, I had left even my cell phone in the car. Once inside, I saw everyone taking pictures on their cell phones of the venue and the stage prior to the start of the concert. I met a wonderful couple, Robin and his wife Jan, who sat beside me and they were a delight and sent me some pictures of the stage, so I would have them for myself, including the image that brought me to tears and that I really wanted a picture of. (Thank you so much!)

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The image that I really wanted was an artist's rendition of Prince, eyes closed, and 3rd eye wide open. That image sent chills up and down my spine, but even more so when other images of Prince's incarnations over the years began to appear as the 3rd eye image began to fade away. It was as though Prince were saying, "Here I am, now" and as the image of Prince with his open 3rd eye began to fade way and the other images began to appear, my tears began, because it was as though he was saying, "I am complete." Incredible and beautiful. The image of all other incarnations suddenly disappeared and the stage is backlit with a sudden golden color, and there is the silhouette of Prince, larger than life. The crowd went crazy! I'm already in tears from the previous image, but this ... this is an energy that has to be experienced to be truly understand. Prince is loved and he loved us right back.

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7 PM show

Prince walked ... no... he strutted around that stage, taking in the energy the crowd was sending him. He began by apologizing for having to cancel the previous week's show and hoped Atlanta would forgive him. I don't think a single person in the theatre was holding any resentment towards Prince for having cancelled, because he was here, right here and now, and that was all anyone was focused on. The crowd forgave him, the crowd loved him.

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He began his set with a mix of Little Red Corvette / Dirty Mind. When he began to play Little Red Corvette, the crowd went nuts! (I did, too.) The segues between the songs were done beautifully, seamlessly. It was a perfect mix. After the crowd roared their pleasure of this mix, he began to play Linus & Lucy (Vince Guaraldi cover). He then moved on to The Beautiful Ones. This song is simply sublime and Prince soloing on a piano - pure heaven. Prince moved on to Nothing Compares to U and once again, the crowd was putty in Prince's hands. Then Prince began to play Chopstix while talking about his father and how his father taught him to play the piano, and then said slyly, "But not this, I taught myself how to play this one." He tickled those ivories and everyone in the house.

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Prince then went on to speak of "Funk is space" and he showed us exactly what he meant. He had a groove going that made me feel out of time, out of space, and completely present. THEN, he played Joy in Repetition. I'd never heard this song live, and since I'd been listening to Graffiti Bridge on my way to the venue, I was ecstatic. The whole 1st show just fit with the entire vibe I'd been digging recently of Prince's extensive catalog. From Graffiti Bridge to The Rainbow Children, Prince played Muse 2 the Pharaoh. Do you get yet that this whole first set was very spiritually involved.

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However, Prince decided to give the crowd another treat and played "You Got the Look". Once, again, the crowd were on their feet, screaming. I think we blew the roof off that joint. Ah, but he brought us back down and played "Pop Life" and I was satisfied, since I had just recently blogged about that particular song and what it meant to me. But the song of this first set that really got to me was "Elephants and Flowers". Graffiti Bridge is one of my favorite albums and "Elephants and Flowers" is one of my favorite songs on that album. It's a gospel and the passion, beauty, and humility in the way Prince sings it, can bring me to my knees every time. When Prince sang, "Strip down" he said, "talking about your inhibitions tonight" and more waves of energy crawling up and down my spine. It's our inhibitions that keep us from being free and we cling too tightly to them. This song is just incredible, and was made even more incredible and special after seeing him do it in person. I'll never be able to listen to this song again, without remembering the energy from last night.

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After that, Prince moved on to "Never Take the Place of Ur Man" and a lady behind me began to yell, "Oh yes you can!" lol Prince knows what he does to the women and cheeky fellow that he is, he loves it, and so do the women!

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The highlight of this first show for me was the cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of U". It was very poignant and there are no words to describe this song as performed by Prince last night. When the song ended, he got up and walked off stage, with the crowd roaring for more. He was only gone for what seemed like a minute (or less) when he came back on to stage and said, "I forget how emotional these songs can be." He definitely touched me with that performance. After he regrouped, he went on to sing "I Feel 4 U" and all I can say is, "We feel for you too, Love."

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Prince, then went into Controversy. Hearing this song, live, on a piano, perfection. He then performed "Most Beautiful Girl". I think every girl in the theatre felt like Prince was singing to them and them alone. Or at least wishing he were! And then, my song, "I Would Die 4 U". There is so much to this song that every time I hear it, I get those chills running up and down my spine, and last night was no exception.

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I apologize that I can't tell you where the encores began or ended, because I was just in the moment. Completely present. But Prince then sang "Baby, I'm a Star", and he is most definitely that. Prince then segued into a cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" and it was a beautiful tribute. Prince then did a mix of Diamonds and Pearls/Adore/The Beautiful Ones. 3 songs, a love like that knows no bounds. It makes the heart expand and makes one humble, but not so humble that one can't next say, "Do Me Baby", and all the women yelled "YES". I may have yelled a 'yes' or two myself. *embarrassed grin* But then he told us, "I Want 2 B Ur Lover" and he ended it with a "Kiss".

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This entire first show was beyond words in the depth of feel. Behind Prince on the screen a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors, shaping and reforming, alive with the energy Prince brought to Atlanta. A scent of incense in the air and candles helped to set the mood. The vibe of this show was very peaceful, loving, graceful. The vibe was what I wanted and needed to feel, but it in no way prepared me for what was to come next. In this first show, I didn't realize that when I purchased my ticket I was buying a one way ticket to heaven, but I ain't coming back! Prince done got me in the groove and I am here.

[Edited 4/15/16 19:06pm]

^^ Great report!! Thanks. Especially like the detail Looking forward to no. 2

After the show.... http://www.tmz.com/2016/0...y-landing/

Thanks all for such wonderful detailed reports. I'm emjoying the ride on this tour & haven't been to a single show.

[Edited 4/16/16 14:31pm]

[Edited 4/16/16 14:31pm]

prittypriss said:

My review:

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https://onevoice4peace.co...-2-heaven/

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10 PM show to follow. Still very tired! Got in around 3:30 AM and had to work all day today, but want to get my thoughts down before getting some sleep.

[Edited 4/15/16 18:24pm]

Great review. I loved that image of all the incarnations of Prince throughout the years as well and so cool how it slowly faded in from the first big image. But I was emotionally moved by it as well, just like you were. It's been a long journey that we've taken with Prince, throughout these many years, fo rsure.

Muse 2 the Pharaoh! It's exciting that he chose to play a song from TRC.

Edited: Also it sounded great! 'Thinking that keys on Prince's piano be just fine'... Perfect song for this tour.

[Edited 4/19/16 4:43am]

thisisreece said:

Muse 2 the Pharaoh! It's exciting that he chose to play a song from TRC.

Edited: Also it sounded great! 'Thinking that keys on Prince's piano be just fine'... Perfect song for this tour.

[Edited 4/19/16 4:43am]

FYI, the first Atlanta show is circulating now with very good sound quality.

The 10pm show is out there as well. It sounds bittersweet