For those of you who though you had heard the last serious stuff from Prince, the Master is back...

RBC Center Capacity: 21,000

I counted less than 20 nosebleed seats empty. we were all on our feets!!!!!

I've seen Prince about 13 times, and I had the best seats I've ever had. My girlfriend and I were in the section to the left of the front isle of the round set- ROW 5 SEATS 3,4, and were about 5 paces from the front of the stage. The show started about 8:20, 20 mins late, but earlier than I expected. He opened with

Musicology
Lets Go Crazy
When Doves Cry
Baby I'm a Star
Sh-Sh
DMSR
We then danced to a few bars of Outcasts The Way You Move, I Feel for You, and Controversy. This version sounded so good, that I took me back to 1981 when I saw him perfrom it on stage at the Dorton Arena, which is about a mile for the RBC

The lul that followed in the only downer. Renato(?) played a soft piano solo for the costume change, while the light were dimmed. A minute before that, we were screaming," I wish we all were nude. Maybe that should change that solo to something wild and funky, or throw a Princely mix onto the audio, it was just too long and too boring.

Prince returned wearing a red suit, and red boots with a the 4 inch acrylic heels that glowed. He gave us

Little Red Corvette
Raspberry Beret
Cream
7
The audience really appreciated the acoustic set. What can I say, It was great!!! During LRC, he switched from that bodacious baritone of his to his fabulous falsetto. The boy aint lost nothin' on his chops...

The band broke out of the acoustic set with SOTT, The Question of You, Lets Work, Kiss. What mind you had left, was gone at this point. This was bring the people on stage part. There were 6 girls who were wearing raspberry berets,and he brough them all on stage. Its too bad they were all dancing like Gong Show Rejects. There was one girl who was dancing away from the other fans by herself on the end of the isle of the round stage set. She was playing to the audience like we paid to see HER. guess that was her 5 mins of fame. When Prince put the microphone to her mouth for her to sing along to Kiss, she told him she didnt know the words!! He righfully motioned like he was about to throw her into the audience. Who doesnt know KISS, by now...

He though he was leaving us after Take Me With You, but our love via handclaps commanded him back on stage for the encore.

Beautiful Ones
Nothing Compare to You
Purple Rain

Ladies, let me tell you... He was very sexy on beautiful ones.. Looked like the old Prince- before Larry Graham.

This is not a theatre show. It was like a big party with the band playing. Prince has put together a unique group of very talented musicians, and yes, this band is TIGHT. The guys looked suave in their tailored suits, and Rhond and Candy were sexy , yet elegant, and Prince.... um, umph. He's not doing the splits, but the boy can still move.

I have to admit, its the first time I ever left a Prince show feeling like I've know him all my life.
He really had fun with the crowd. There was an official NPG Afterparty at the Office Club in downtown Raleigh- we got there around 12:15 and the line was down the street for that small club. I looked like a fire hazard, so we decided not to indulge...

This is the premier tour for 2004.. If you can get a ticket, get one[b]
[This message was edited Sat Apr 24 8:01:59 2004 by ndigo]
[This message was edited Sat Apr 24 8:04:41 2004 by ndigo]
[This message was edited Sat Apr 24 8:08:41 2004 by ndigo]

He's not doing the splits anymore, but he ain't got no problems with getting down on that stage, does he?

The acoustic set is very intimate, very personal. Lots of joking around (especially when he began to play 'Jailhouse Rock' and said 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I thought there for a second I was a King'...the place went wild).

He fed off of the crowd...the absolute ROAR (roar cannot even describe that crowd last night) of the fans was all he needed. He tore the house down.

Maceo's solo (I believe it was 'Wonderful World/God'...someone correct me if I'm wrong) was flawless.

PURPLE. RAIN. WAS. PERFECT. As Prince walked off the stage, he pointed to the sky and mouthed 'All praises due to Allah'.

Fans always think that the shows they attend are the best...the ones at which Prince has the most fun...the show that cannot compare to any others on the tour. However, 2 shows...2 front row shows in 3 days, it doesn't get much better than this!

Being that close to the man that has made such an impression in my life is truly an amazing experience. After 11 long years, my dream has finally come true and I will remember these past 3 days for the rest of my life.

The only thing I saw wrong with the Raleigh show last night is that it had to come to an end!
While it did seem to drag a bit in the middle somewhat, there was so much energy in the room it didn't hurt to have a breather (for the band and the crowd!

Did anyone go to the after party? Did Prince or the band come out?

summerdawn said:

U mean Maceo...? is he back on the tour?

Definitely a great show. Although I'm guessing those that attended both the Columbia, and Raleigh shows (like myself), would give the edge to the Columbia show. The acoustic portion of the show was much longer, or at least it seemed to be. However, Purple Rain for Raleigh was just astounding. It far surpassed the version on Wednesday night. Overall, two terrific shows.

Oreochld32 said:

I agree with you on the acoustic portion...it was longer, but I am leaning more towards the Raleigh show as being all around better

CalhounSquare said:

Yep! His 1st night back was Wednesday in Columbia. He didn't play a solo that night...it was only Renato on the keys during the 'God' instrumental. But last night, he was amazing

I was able to meet Maceo, Candy, Greg Boyer, Chance, John Blackwell and Candy. Everyone except for Prince, Rhonda & Renato Rhonda and Renato didn't come over to our side of the stage at all...for either show. John Blackwell came out before the Columbia show and spoke with my friend and I for for some minutes. After the 1st song, he gave us both a drumstick... I know for a fact that he broke at least 3...one went flying across the stage

John would walk around during the concert and meet fans, shake their hands...actually speak with them. He gave quite a few children and adults alike, sets of drumsticks.

I was able to shake Prince's hand quite a few times though, so I'm good for a few months or so

summerdawn said:

HUH??? Allah? Ok what's goin on.

Nep2nes said:

He probably mouthed "Jehovah", not "Allah"...that's what I think he mouthed during the LA show.

RupertZ said:

Trust me, the man mouthed 'Allah'.

OK, but it doesn't matter. The point is, he tore it up

edit
[This message was edited Sat Apr 24 19:13:52 2004 by summerdawn]

Oreochld32 said:

exactly !

ndigo said:

I just wanted to say that I didn't forget the words to KISS. I can't sing to save my life! So I didn't sing very loud because I didn't want to sound like a cat in heat. And the reason I was dancing by myself was because the girls behind me seemed to know each other but I didn't know them. I know nobody paid to see me on stage. Heck, I wouldn't pay to see me on stage. The reason I spent most of my time looking down towards the people on the floor is because I'm afraid of heights, and I didn't want to trip or step back too far and fall off the stage.

bclapp said:

Um hum....

FunkyStrange said:

co-exactly...

ndigo said:

Whatever. At first, the criticism you posted really bothered me. I take what people say about me to heart. But then I realized, you don't know me or what I'm about. Why should I let your opinion ruin what was a fun night? It was a night that I will never forget, and no one can ever take that away from me.

I checked your profile, I see you just joined the org this week. Let me just give you some advise.... There are some "colorful" people on the org, who will deliberately insult you, and not care about hurting your feelings. If you are a sensitive person, this is not the place for you to chat with other Prince fans... The review that I posted was from my perspective, I just wrote about the show, and about details that caught my attention, I stand on my written words, because it was my experience.... no apologies...

bclapp said:

who cares if you looked allegedly "out of place"? who cares what the public thinks? if you had fun doin' it on YOUR well-earned dollar(s), then that's all that counts. i don't think prince would have invited all of you onstage if he was concerned with presentation and delivery (well, maybe if you look like you're trying to give a lap dance!).
however, if comments still bother you somewhat, there's a sale at marshalls' on some "thick skin" in all sizes! but it won't last long.....

anyways, glad you enjoyed the show. it's a blessing of sorts just to be able to get a ticket!