I've been thinking lately about how wonderful this year has been for me on so many levels, but specifically, what a great year it's been to be a Prince fan. There's so much that has come through the pipeline this year, I'm still trying to take it all in...the Org invasion in Minneapolis, the Hawaii book, meeting so many folks from the Org and NPGMC, dancing to Prince music all through the summer at Berlin...it's hard to narrow it all down because it was all so fantastic...but here's a sampling of all that I was able to enjoy this year.

One very important moment for me that I foolishly left off the list was becoming a mod here at the Org - more specifically, working with the news section. It's been a blast this year, waking up to an e-mailbox full of updates, news and interviews waiting to be posted to the site. It's a moment that I'm still in and hope to continue to be in for a long time to come, and I couldn't have picked a better time to get involved than this year.

I'd love it if the Org could collectively put together a "Top Ten Prince Moments of '04" list just for yuks - I'm a sucker for year-end "Best Of" lists - but for starters, here's mine. Feel free to respond with your own...lord knows I'll probably recognize something I foolishly forgot. If we get anough responses, I'll put the ten most popular moments from 2004 together so we can, I dunno, "copy/print/save" for a memento of this year or sumfin'. ANYWAY:



ANXY'S TOP TEN PRINCE MOMENTS OF 2004


1. Prince on the Grammys. - I was excited enough that N.E.W.S. had been nominated for an award, but such was the state of lowered expectations I’d been reduced to after the draught of 2003, which had to be one of the bleakest years to be a Prince geek ever. After a year of little-to-no output from the man, just seeing some kind of interaction between his music and the rest of the world was gratifying. But then there was the performance. People knock it, but come on. It was hot. It was to Prince’s 2004 blitzkrieg as the 1968 TV comeback special was to Elvis. People who hadn’t thought about Prince in years were given a slap to the head, and fans knew this would be just the beginning. Hell, it even made me able to tolerate Beyonce for once.

2. The Tavis Smiley Interview. - “Reflection”. Wendy Melvoin. Those big black moon boots. I remember being most blown away thinking that just after Prince got all glitzed-up on TV with the suits and the glitter and the over-the-top purpleness cranked up to 11, he was able to tone it down and show up for a TV interview decked out in a black turtleneck and shades, acoustic guitar in hand.

3. The Tonight Show Appearance. - “Mel Gibson!!! What’s shakin’, baby?” The performance was spotless and the interview was the most relaxed and playful I’d seen Prince in ages, even if Mel wasn‘t exactly enjoying it. It was nice watching Prince making someone ELSE squirm for once.

4. The Staples Center Simulcast. - I was able to see the Musicology tour several times this year, but I can’t help it - this performance still kicks my butt the hardest. The energy of the show, the sense of this show being such an “event”, the way Prince gave 1,000 percent on “The Beautiful Ones”…I know this show isn’t up for consideration for next year’s live DVD, but it really should have been. I hadn’t been that excited seeing a Prince show - live or otherwise - since I saw the Purple Rain tour with my own 14-year-old eyes way back in ‘85. Amazing. And as if that wasn’t enough, we were handed copies of the new album to listen to on our way home from getting our butts kicked by the simulcast. What a night. And it was just the beginning!

5. The Musicology Store Opens. - Or, as I called it, MERRY PRINCEMAS! Some people will think this is a dumb excuse for a “highlight” for the year, but when NPGMC dropped several albums for download in one day, I thought it was one of the most hopeful and exciting things I’ve ever seen from the most recent incarnation of the club. Sure, I already had most of the offerings, but I enjoyed reading the comments of folks for whom it was the first listen of “Xpectation” and “CNOTE” and “The Chocolate Invasion”. Not to mention the Musicology Store downloads of TCI featured a few re-worked versions and a new song, “The Dance”, which I think is one of the best new songs offered from Prince/NPGMC this year.

6. The Champaign Musicology Show. - My first time going to a Musicology show this year, and my favorite. The man said it best himself - “they say the first time is the greatest” - and I can’t disagree. My first time ever being in the front row for a Prince concert, and my mug wound up in Rolling Stone magazine in a concert photograph! It was amazing to say the least, and being able to meet John Blackwell after the show and to get a drumstick from him to give my mom (a former drummer herself) was a true honor.

7. Berlin In The Summer. - As if it wasn’t enough that I had the opportunity to see Prince live a bunch of times this year, I was lucky to be a Chicagoan this year because I got to dance my butt off with Orgers and NPGMC-ers and all kinds of assorted Prince freaks at Berlin nightclub in Chicago at their monthly Prince nights. These nights were every bit as fun as the shows I attended - a true love fest…and we got an exclusive sneak preview of “United States of Division” on the dance floor before it hit the NPGMC!

8. Prince In Chicago (the Pizza Incident). - It wasn’t enough that when Prince rescheduled his Chicago dates that I got a front row seat once again…but the man came up to us in the middle of the show and offered us pizza! And when the guy next to us dropped the box, Prince got peeved and threw a damn blanket over our heads while we all cackled helplessly! And what a great show - the man was playful and full of energy that night. I’ll never forget him turning his guitar over during the acoustic set and playing it like a bongo drum. I don’t know what he was on that night, but he needs to take more of it.

9. The Ellen Show Appearance. - I gotta say, Ellen’s got it going on. She had Prince AND Bowie on her show this summer, and managed to get some nice performances out of both them on her stage. And her interview with Prince was charmingly awkward and silly. You know he put on those boxer shorts…

10. The Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. - Hello! Saving the best for last. The speech, the performance at the beginning, and…holy crap…"While My Guitar Gently Weeps". My goodness. Another career-defining moment.

I need to get a huge box to save all my stuff from this year...the tourbook, the t-shirts, the ticket stubs, the mountain of Musicology freebie discs...what a year it's been. Nice.

I'm a little surprised u don't have "Music and Words by Prince" / "The Art of Musicology" up there. Having a Prince special broadcast on 5 channels at the same time was truly a moment in Prince history in my opinion

paisley2002 said:

see? i told ya i'd miss something!

believe it or not, i missed that special when it aired, but i remember it was a big deal, and from what i saw of it, a really great show...good call!

Okay...I dont just have 10...it's like everything that happened are my highlights.

Top 3 (in order of ass kicking)

1-The Musicology Press Conference at the El Rey Theater in LA. Hands down the highlight of my year
The El Rey is a small theater and club members got preferred treatment, even gettin in before the press!! Wasn't sure what to expect but he came out and spoke about the intent of the upcoming album and tour. There was a question and answer question. And there was a performance. He played Sign O' The Times and I was totally excited to hear it but honestly thought he was going to be played out on his old songs so I kinda didn't expect much. Then he just set out and proved that expectation to be completely wrong. He sang and played the guitar with so much passion. Quite frankly it, shocked me. Then he whips out "? of U" that transformed into "The One", flawlessly back into the "? of U". Playing each with his whole heart. The fact that I got to hear these 3 gems in such intimate settings really were really just experiences I never thought I'd have.

2-The Vegas Live DVD screening. We went to the Universal City walk in LA for the screening and upon leaving the screening we were given wristbands. I nearly fainted when the girl handing out the wristbands said that Prince was playing at Bebe Kings and to head over for a show. It was there (in a literal shoebox) that Prince and the NPG launched into Shhhh. I flipped, because this was a song I never thought I'd hear live. As I stood there, tears welling up in my eyes i felt a hand grab mine and I look to see who grabbed it and this girl (Ursulasgirl) , who obviously saw the wild look in my eyes, simply mouthed the words "I know". She had wild eyes too It was a moment beyond compare.

3-Musicology concert. I attended the very first show, thanks to my girl Krystina. I was experiencing a bout of brokeness and my friend stepped up with an extra ticket. Being at such a large venue, the tickets were more lottery style rather than guaranteeing the first 15 rows like he did at other concerts. We get there and ask our friends where they are seating. Row 7 was the best seat. We got our tickets and discovered that we were row #2! Read my review of the concert here: http://www.prince.org/msg/12/87259

.
[Edited 12/8/04 13:32pm]

He killed that guitar solo at the Hall of Fame!!!! It was magically mesmerizing!
[Edited 12/8/04 14:15pm]

(1) Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame. When Prince upstaged everybody on the Beatles song.Prince Rocked! (2)Grammys with Beyonce (3)Purple Rain 2 DVD set (4)Prince selling musicology as part of the ticket price at conserts making musicology a big hit! (5)Musicology CD with the video on it, with the old school vibe (6)Prince on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine! (7)Cinnamin Girl video (8)Prince acoustic on tour (9)Prince on the Tonight Show (10)Call My Name video

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Wait...do you mean the concert simulcast? The Vegas DVD screening was in '03, right?

10. Getting the Lovesexy (Dortmund show) on DVD after all these years

9. Dave Chappelle acting out the basketball game with Charlie Murphy

8. MTV, VH-1 & BET airing Musicology Special

7. The RRHOF (performance only)

6. Hearing "Musicology" on the Tonight Show for the 1st time

5. 3/29 Watching Prince on the big screen for the 1st time in 14 years and a FREE CD

4. 6/3 Prince in LA, sitting amongst a few celebrities

3. 8/27 Front row, hanging w/EverlastingNow

2. 8/28 Taking my daughters to their 1st Prince concert

1. "Reflection" performed with Wendy, on the Tavis Smiley show

I'll add the nice music videos - Some of the most professional looking Prince promos for a long time (and it looks like we still have one to come!)

And also 'The Vault' book, if for nothing else that it's neater than having Days Of Wild & Turn It Up

Anxiety said:

No, the screening of the DVD itself. Wasn't that this year???

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

i'm pretty sure it was last year, but now you're making me doubt myself...i think it came out a little over a year ago, though.

This has been a great year for him

I was for sure he would have to either resort to Las Vegas full time, or tour Borders Books stores, until the Grammy performance.

i think alicia keys did a tour of borders bookstores recently, for that book of recipes she just put out, or whatever it is.

Anxiety said:

AsianBomb777 said:

can the pruneface, sheesh!

Anxiety said:

[Edited 12/8/04 21:14pm]

Hmmmmm..probably the concerts
1. Washington D.C. Friday night.
2. Washington D.C. Saturday night
3. Washington D.C. Thursday night
4. Madison Square Garden second night
5. Madison Square Garden final night
6. Madison Square Garden opening night
7. Oklahoma City, OK
8. State College, PA
9. East Rutherford, NJ
10. Meeting Prince at B.B. King's nightclub for the official after-party after the Madison Square Garden concert final night and only being able to get one word out (Thanks!) while shaking his hand.

paisley2002 said:

Well, I have that on tape, and the innerview was cool, but the performance was not what it was hyped up to be. It's alright, though.

1) the mpls org invasion

2) finally gettin a hold of the "sexy dancer" 12-inch single on vinyl

3) chillin with my friend jimmy durin the mini-celebration in june

4) gettin my dirty mind t-shirt

5) all the goodies i got this year overall


...i only have a top 5, sorry

Anxiety said:

Bro, I SO agree. This night was uber special. I was so high, I stayed up all night playing my guitar and wrote 3 songs.
Question: Why is this not up for consideration for the live DVD?
As I was leaving the movie theater that night, I told my friend that I'd be thrilled if they just slapped that show on a disc and put it out. I don't think I've ever been so inspired by a single performance.
And you're right; Prince did give 100% that night. Dude was like Michael Jordan winning that first championship: unstoppable.

OdysseyMiles said:

i don't know why it isn't under consideration. the buzz i'm hearing is that it might be a detroit show. keyword: MIGHT. but that's the only city name i've been hearing in connection with a live DVD, cuz there were extra cameras all over the place at one of the detroit gigs...and any queries about releasing the staples center show on DVD is like dropping a pebble down a well, only ya can't even hear the faint little "plunk" at the end. of the seven shows i saw this year, i might have had more exciting experiences, but none of the shows were as charmed and electric for me as that staples center show.

For me it was when he announced the dates of the European tour...

... Oh hold on... that hasn't freakin well happened !!!!

In no particular order...

1. L.A. simulcast, especially LRC when the audience gives major props to Prince and he smiles and covers his face. PRICELESS!

2. RNRHOF, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" solo...KILLER!

3. Prince and Wendy on Tavis Smiley

4. Prince on the cover of numerous magazines

5. Prince opening the Grammys

6. Musicology tour acoustic set

7. SHHH...'nuff said

8. Going shopping at Opry Mills Mall and seeing them play the "Call My Name" video on the mall tv's

9. Attending 2 Musicology shows

10. Taking my 71-year old mother to her first ever concert and after set. Musicology- Nashville. She has endured 20+ years of me and my Prince music. I wanted to show her why I enjoy Prince's music. No better way than a live Prince show. She really enjoyed it. She said "That little dude sure can dance." She came home and was telling everyone what she witnessed...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

1. Reno (Prince sheds a tear at long standing ovation after "LRC")
2. RRHOF (in particular, that guitar solo -- wow!)
3. Wendy (so cool to see them together again!)

U seriously telling me there was TEN Prince moments in 2004?

2004 what?

Cha!

npgmplsTN said:

That made me cry What a special moment

Anxiety said:

Could it be because the beginning of the show seemed to have some serious lighting problems? I just remember the whole stage being blacked out and sitting on the edge of my seat thinking "Uh Oh! Somebody tripped over the extension cord and pulled out the plug!"

10. The Grammy's with Beyonce, without it we may not have had the Princely year we had.
9. Prince on Leno, the dance over to the couch is classic.
8. The Musicology Special
7. Prince and Wendy and Sheila jamming at the HOB aftershow, wasn't there but the image of Prince and Wendy playing back to back gets me moist either way.
6. The Purple Rain DVD- the interview with Wendy and Lisa is just to f'n cool for words!
5. The RRHoF performance, probably his most flawless performance for television ever. (up with Purple Rain AMA's 85)
4. Going to the L.A. opener on 3/29/04 with some dear friends.
3. Front row 8/27 Denver and hanging with Lovesexyisthe1 in his underoos.
2. Front row 8/28 Denver, right at his feet and getting a "Jia Angel" drumstick from John after he played Purple Rain with it. Prince at this view all night does NOT suck let me say!!
1. Prince and Wendy together again, two 7's together indeed!

1. Watching P at the Grammy’s and immediately leaving home 2 see him perform at the HOB (LA). Totally Flawless performance. P was defiantly on fire. It was such a pleasure seeing him in such a small venue. OMG he rocked the hell out of that place. His performance was way 2 special. I was so amazed and hyped from his awesome performance that I went directly home without a voice from screaming and dancing my ass off. Once I got home the 1st thing I did was start up my computer and joined NPGMC LOL….

2. Seeing P opening night at the Staple Center was very moving; He worked his ass off. P was on a mission. His performance that night was remarkable. You were actually watching a real genius play real music with real musicians at there very best. I asked my self “can it get any better then this”? He was so amazing, sexy; and the moves he made that night were way 2 smooth and effortless. P had his performance down so freakin tight that the standing ovations he received was a sight 2 be seen. The whole place was lit up with lights from the cell phones, people screaming his name, people crying, hands clapping and moving from side 2 side. Finally they turned on the lights and it was amazing 2 see everyone standing and screaming even louder. At that heartfelt moment he could do noting but take those beautiful hands and cover his beautiful face and stand there while the crowd got louder and louder LOL it was a good time 2 be in LA at the Staple Center and witness that historical moment. The LA Times gave P an outstanding review on his performance. They also said it was the Largest Crowd Ever in the short history of the Staple Center. Not even Bruce Springsteen, Barbara Stideson, Madonna, Tina Turner and even the Lakers Championship Playoff games could pack them in like P’s fans on that record breaking night. We were out that historical night representing our hero. It was wonderful as always seeing all the different nationalities and age group of young and old come 2gether with such love 2 enjoy and honor or musical hero.

3. The Tevis Smiley show was so heartfelt. It brought tears 2 my eyes seeing him and Wendy together again. Totally priceless singing one of my favorite songs from Musicology “Reflection”

4. The RRHOF. Opening and closing! Totally Priceless witnessing a real genius at its best. WMGGW is unforgettable. Seeing Dani Harrison looking up 2 P was Totally Classic. Never will I forget his words “where the hell is Prince, I want 2 give him a hug” Unforgettable Words

5. LOL it’s been nothing but a non stop P party since joining this awesome web site. Many thanks to prince.org, the Staff Members, Moderators, and most importantly the Fans 4 sharing the love of our hero. Words cannot explain the feeling I have 4 this web site. I have learned so much about Prince since joining and I want 2 sincerely give u my love and respect 4 this web site and many thanks 4 having me as a member.


6. Smile on my face and love in my heart 4 all the great TV shows and performances P has graced especially seeing him on BET, VH1 and MTV special. Totally Classic and Unforgettable on the Acoustic Guitar

7. Going 2 different news stands and bookstores 2 purchase all the magazines with P in and on the covers of these magazines especially the one with him on the cover of SOMA. I have never in my life laugh so hard and long as I did when seeing those photos and reading all the comments by members that posted. I was up all night reading everyone’s comments on the photos and it was truly hilarious. Photos and Comments Totally Priceless

8. My 2nd Musicology show at Staple Center on June 6th was wild and wonderful. 5th row from the stage. I work the hell out of my P Symbol Tambourine 2 catch all the confetti and purple streamers as they fell from the ceiling above on Let’s Go Crazy. Totally Priceless. LOL that was so much fun. I had everyone looking and smiling at me at that beautiful moment. I seemed 2 be the only one with the Symbol Tambourine. They sold out opening night. So I end up purchasing mine from NPGMC. During and after the show everyone was coming up 2 me inquiring about my precious Tambourine. Totally Priceless

9. Purchasing and downloading my beautiful music from NPGMC. Receiving my beautiful gift box, P in Hawaii book, along with Cinnamon Girl and Days of Wild. Running 2 Best Buy on the day the 3 DVD’s were released.

10. Reminiscing on how wonderful it is 2 be a P fan and celebrating the 5 Grammy Nominations that are so deserving of Musicology. Yes it has been a year I will never forget and will cherish and store these beautiful memories in my heat forever. Totally an unforgetable year!
[Edited 12/11/04 23:47pm]