Here is my review of the 2nd Nite Alone in Atlanta….

Ok guys, I have established myself as a pretty good concert reviewer (I did a very detailed Louisville report, and another for the first Atlanta show), but I am going to disappoint you out of respect for Prince.

Last night I took my front row center stage seat. Prince and the band were jamming, and Prince’s first words were, “Why U got a pen? What R U Writing?” I said I was writing the set list, and he said in a polite and humorous way, “U R making me self-conscious. U gonna write, first he scratched his butt, then he shook someone’s hand…” He then asked the security guard to take my pen. I thought about it, and I know that when Prince does interviews, the interviewer is not allowed to record the conversation, or take any notes. So basically, Prince treated me like a professional journalist. Therefore, out of respect for him, my review will only focus on the songs played, and not his outfits, if there were any mistakes, etc.

During the soundcheck, two members of the NPGMC got on stage to play guitar. The first guy had done so at the Louisville show I was at, and took the stage with the confidence of a rock star. He put on the Horner, then went over to the band a whispered some instructions, and then started playing “Love Rollercoaster!” It was amazing; the NPG completely backed him up. Prince yelled out, “Hey…U tryin 2 steel my set? Play something U wrote?” He then jammed for a good 5 minutes, politely asking if he could use the foot pedals, and he was AMAZING. Prince called out from the back of the club, “…on the one!” and the NPG (with its new lead guitarist) stopped the jam perfectly. Very tight. As the guy was leaving, Prince asked if he had a band, and he responded, “Dishwater Blonde….can we play at the Celebration?” He has my vote.

During the soundcheck, they played Calhoun Square, Dolphin, Extraordinary, and a few others. Then we had a discussion about the crisis in the Middle East. A good portion of the soundcheck was spent with people thanking Prince for the inspiration he has given them.

The actual show was very similar to the first night. “Extraordinary” did replace “A Case of U,” and a new song maybe called “Two Heads R Better than one” was added to the set. The piano medley was fantastic. Prince added, “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, Condition of the Heart,” and “Do U Lie” to the piano medley. During “Adore,” Prince continued to pick on local celebrity Usher, saying that Usher was in the passenger seat of the ride that got smashed, but it was ok, because Prince would write Usher a song, and the royalties he would get from it would pay for the car. He also joked that his girl’s sweater was on inside out, implying that Usher got some play….some guy in the audience kept repeating what Prince was saying, and at one point, Prince looked out at him and said, “THE --- TAG --- WAS --- ON --- THE --- OUTSIDE.” I think the guy took the hint and shut up.

During “How Come U Don’t Call Me, Anymore” Prince said how the girl in the song was making “a black man want to be funky,” and then Prince handed the mike to John Blackwell, and he belted out this “Heeeyyyyy!” in falsetto. Prince came to the front and did the exact same thing, and then looked at me and said, “U wanna do one?” I said yes, and he then said, “Girl, U making a white boy want to be funky too!” Prince gave me the mike, and I copied Blackwell’s solo with the same “Heeeyyyyy!” Prince cracked up, the crowd went wild, and he said, “U Da Man…..”

During the soundcheck, one of my friends called me to say that eleven50, a club two blocks way from Symphony Hall, emailed that Prince was to play there. This was very scary. I was very concerned as to how the NPGMC was going to get in, since this club is one of the best in the city. Here is the email that went out:

TONIGHT!!!! The mystical paisley, purple, Minneapolis based legend, symbol and icon...PRINCE will make a surprise, rare, and completely LIVE performance with his band TONIGHT (Thursday, April 4th) at eleven50!

We are just as surprised as you are and were just informed today that after his surprise visit to eleven50 in November 2000; Prince decided to swing through our doors once again for a special live, jam session while he is in town!

Eleven50 is happy to offer our e-mail participants special notice of this rare event! Being an eleven50 e-mail participant DOES have its privileges! Doors open promptly at 10:00 pm.please arrive early to ensure entry. Space is limited and once we have reached capacity doors will be closed. Arrive TONIGHT at 10:00 PM for this special live concert event with PRINCE!
Doors Open at 10:00
Cover: $30 (Cover is not determined by eleven50)
THERE IS NO GUEST LIST!
For directions please visit http://www.eleven50.com
When the concert let out, we RAN the two blocks to the club. I frequent this place a lot, and the atmosphere is a little snobbish. I had a feeling this was going to be a disaster. When I got to the door, the line was about 300 people deep. I went to where the normal VIP line is (there was one guy trying to get in), and I showed the bouncer my NPGMC Pass, and he let me right in! My jaw dropped. THEY ACTUALLY KNEW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT! As I went in where the cashier was, there were two lines, one for paying customers, and the other was free admittance for the NPGMC. 2 for 2…I was in shock. It got even better. I get to the dance floor, and it was roped off, with the front half reserved for NPGMC ONLY!!!!! The club was completely packed, EXCEPT FOR THE BEST SEATS --- THEY WERE ALL FOR NPGMC!!!!! Samnation was standing there, and I just went over to him and gave him a hug. I asked how he did this, and his reply was, “You win some, and you lose some, tonight we won.” He told me that they got the whole thing organized that afternoon. Let’s put it this way, it was so organized, that I forfeited a front row spot to go around and thank everyone that worked at Paisley Park. The Park gets a lot of slack for screw-ups with presales, etc, but tonight, the NPG stood for “NO PROBLEMS, GEORGIA”

Prince and company showed up about an hour later. Someone already posted the set, it was very cool. Renato was awesome. I love how he plays “sounds” rather than “notes.” He brings an amazing feel to the show. One thing I want to mention, is Prince sang a very fast funky version of “Dolphin,” but instead of singing the word “dolphin,” he would sing, “Atlanta G-A!” Very cool. Someone kept taking Prince’s picture, and he very politely asked for them not to. They kept doing it. It was so rude. I honestly thought he was going to turn around and leave. The person was so rude, that while Prince was saying, “please don’t take my picture,” the guy took one. Prince pointed him out, and I think security did their thing. This was the best aftershow I have ever seen. It was a lot of the concert all over again, Extraordinary, Rainbow Children, Other side of the Pillow, Love Rollercoaster, and Everlasting Now. The non-NPGMC attendees looked very bored, and obviously wanted Purple Rain, but he made some new fans with “Everlasting Now.” The NPG really was tight during this version. The show was about an hour and a half.
In summary, Prince played basically 5 concerts in the last 48 hours. 2 Soundchecks, 2 Concerts, and 1 aftershow. I think I heard every song the band knows!
Atlanta basically got a “Prince: A Celebration, Atlanta Style,” this week. I have a strong feeling that my ears will still be ringing when I get to Paisley Park in June – this was some serious FUNK OVERLOAD!
In all seriousness, thank you so much Prince, the NPG, and all the Paisley Park crew that was on hand that made these past 48 hours an EVENT instead of just two concerts. You guys worked hard, played hard, and Atlanta loves you for it. Come back anytime.
…and Prince, I will never bring another pen into your shows!

Good review man. Can't wait til Tuesday when the hurricane rips in2 NYC!

Wow! Now that is a Prince fam dream come true. Thanks for the details. I pray that things go that smoothly in NYC. In fact, I think I'l shoot NPGMC an e-mail asking them to do the same for NYC that they did for Atl. regarding the afterparty.

daaaaamn....i wish i coulda been there!

.
[This message was edited Fri Apr 19 5:52:30 PDT 2002 by luvy]

dont no where 2 find the setlist 4 the aftershow, so if someone could post it, that would b great.

ELECTRICINTERCOURSE said:

Prince on keyboards just jamming
777-9311 (Prince on bass)
The Stick
The Ride
"Atlanta GA" jam -- which was actually the words to Dolphin, but with the chorus being, "Atlanta G-A"
Extraordinary
I Wanna Get Funky jam
The Beverly Hillbillies Theme
Alphabet St.
The Payback
1+1+1 = 3
Love Rollercoaster
The Other Side Of The Pillow
Rainbow Children (instrumental)
The Everlasting Now

Just curious about something. Why does Prince speak to you and notice you so much? He has given you a hat one show, a guitar pick at another and now you are singing into his microphone.

RavedIn2 said:

EVERYONE ASKS ME THAT!!!! I really do not know. I have a friend that is a freelance journalist that interviewed Prince back in the day. He said that Prince has an amazing memory when it comes to faces. This guy told me that if you do something to stand out one time, Prince will remember you. Maybe that is true, I seem to be proof of that theory. Whatever I am doing to get "extra special" treatment, I'M NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT IT!!!!! If I could send you some of my good concert luck, I would.

Hat guy, I had thought about bringing a pad and pen to the concert/soundcheck myself, but was afraid that prince would do exactly what he did with you...next time, perhaps you should make it less noticeable? LOL good review, thanx.

ATLANTA HAT GUY: were you there at the soundcheck when ppl was booing that lady? what was she saying? i could barely hear her on the mic... i think it had to do about Prince preaching but i really couldnt hear... did anyone?

RavedIn2 said:

Prince does seem to remember alot of people, just ask April from Chicago.

So exactly what was discussed about the Middle East?

Hey guys! I am in the club and can vouch for AtlantaHatGuy's reviews. I was the last guy to get my "original" seat (in the 3rd row) that I sat in in for the soundcheck the first nite. Not only were the performances great, but meeting all of you other members made it feel like we were all "family". Everyone pulling for each other, especially when we had to be reseated the first nite. Unforgettable. I had sooooo much fun. I'll be catching him again in a couple of weeks in Dallas and CANNOT WAIT! I hope to see all of you again next time he plays in Atlanta. Thank you everyone!

-Bwild777

If you REALLY wanna know why Prince seems to always talk to this guy... It's because he is EXTREMELY abnoxious...

I mean, folks are SUPPOSED to be having a good time and getting all loud and all, but he hung up the Tabernacle show for 20 minutes with all his hooting and hollaring about that hat.
Folks were standing around like "Please dude, just shut up and let the concert go on".

Prince FINALLY gave in just to shut him up (and YES that IS why he finally threw you the hat).

No offense dude, but you are WAAAY to into this.

It's cool that your dreams come true though, I guess.

Hey guys. Cooldaddee here. I'm the guy in the hat that played at the soundcheck in Louisville and the 2nd Atlanta show. I actually remember Atlanta Hat Guy from the Louisville show as well as meeting him face to face in Atlanta. He is very cool. AtlantaHatGuy forgot to tell you that when Prince held the mic in front of him to sing during the late part in the show, he let out a rather inpressive falsetto to which Prince replied something to the effective of a "Funky White Man". Way to go AtlantaHatGuy! That note you hit was icing on the cake.

By the way, I am trying to get my band, Dishwater Blonde to play at this years Celebration. If anyone can send an email requesting that Prince let my band play, I would be most appreciative. I will post my experience in the next day or two.

Peace,

Cooldaddee-----DishWater Blonde

TheMEssage said:

Maybe its time for Atlanta Hat dude to shut the fuck up so others can have a chance to have their dreams come true 2.

I NEED HELP!!! Prince, get to the Bay Area NOWWWWW!!!!

CalhounSq said:

For real... funk don't get more old school than "777-9311" AND with Prince on BASS???? ohhh.... "somebody slap my face!"

Its cool to know the NPGMEMBER stuff is really workin.

that is what is most important to me about it , that it is worlking bettr and bettr each time-good stuff.

thank 4 the report

peace!

TheMEssage said:

Actually, I think Prince probably talks to Atlanta Hat Guy because he is NOT obnoxious. I've seen Prince avoid the rabid, obnoxious fans like the plague...he is scared and repulsed by them as he probably should be. Atlanta Hat Guy seems to be a fairly well-mannered and polite fan, and I guess Prince can appreciate that. And AHG seems to always get to the venue so early that he's down front where Prince can recognize him easily. So I think that's probably the reason that Prince notices and talks to him so often.

AWESOME!!! That's all I can say, really!

salaciousV said:

I was saying that I didn't think the sound check was the best time to have a 'Bible study' or discussion about the Middle East. I felt that the topics brought dissent into the group and it was starting to ruin my vibe 'cause I wanted to just have a good time with some funky music & not try to convert the 'Rainbow Children' with my beliefs. These types of discussions are great (I believe) in the right setting, but how are you all going to talk about Bible issues when there is not one single Bible in the crowd? People say that discussion is always good, and I generally agree, but uninformed and unsubstantiated discussion can be hazardous. For example one man commented on how he believed that we are all 'Gods' & Prince dissented: (paraphrasing)'We aren't all Gods'. I don't debate religion in this way (With no basis or proof, just flinging comments around so everyone will believe what I believe) & I didn't think that this debate brought any positivity to the group. What do you think?

I also wanted people not to confuse celebrity with sainthood; just because Prince is the best musician to walk the face of the Earth doesn't make him right about religion, politics, or just about anything else non-music related. I said to Prince that he has a certain power over this group and since we listen to his music, we hear his messages by default. Also, I said that while I *absolutely* love his music, he is not my spiritual advisor. (Hidden meaning: I know what I believe & don't need you to convert me) People booed because (I think) they don't want anything critical said to Prince, only praise. But many people came up to me after the discussion in complete agreement saying they felt the same way but didn't get a chance to articulate their feelings.

Maybe I should have asked a question to steer the discussion in a different direction instead of being so abrubt, ~and~ I know that I was not forced to sit there - I could have gotten up and left the conversation, ~and~ I know that this sound check was "free", ~but~ I wanted Prince to know that not all of his fans were enjoying the topics (and the progressive push toward conversion over time).

Prince asked me what my religion was & people who were growing impatient with my time on the mic were a little weary when I took a few moments & replied that I have a spirituality that is not defined by any religion. After a few more comments from him, the rest of the crowd & me, he was gracious and said that he respected my opinion then the discussion went on.

The concert was wonderful; Prince & the NPG sounded great and at the end of the night, after the extraordinary after show, I was completely happy (read my profile).

I then jokingly thought to myself 'Man, if he keeps coming with the funk like this, he can preach to me all day!' (Agreed?) Hey, I love all you guys (no joke) & I love the fact that Prince let us have conversation to express our thoughts. We all have opinions, this is one of many.

I sat directly behind ATLhat at this show and I was following his ass running to the aftershow right after. Everything he has said ain't nothing but the truth. The show ran a close second to my alltime favorite L4OA atlanta live show, but the aftershow was by far the best one I have ever witnessed in 6 states. I would have paid $125 alone to receive the funk at 1150. The people hating on this thread need to give some thanks to ATLhatguy for taking the initiative to start a list for the folks that got to the place early ensuring them no seat snatching or mad bumrushing of the door was gonna take place. All in all the show was funky and upbeat where we were basically on our feet except during a few slow songs. Highlights for me where definitely Xenophobia, Adore, 1+1+1=3 and how come u dont call me anymore. words cant describe how funky the aftershow were, but the ATlanta G-A version of dolphin is still ringing in my head a day later. The Ryde and Dorothy Parker are always classic whenever you get to hear them. He did so many guitar solos at the afterparty it wasnt even funny. Maybe the discussions earlier in the day about religion and the middle east sparked him into wanting to let loose some, cause he mentioned something about having some thoughts about the crisis in the mid east as he prepared to let his guitar speak his mind.

Final note about the girl being booed during soundcheck, I think her intentions were well meant, but it came off wrong. Even I had to respectfully disagree at how she talked to prince. Basically she said everyone had their own beliefs and that Prince is "abusing" his power by "forcing" his religion upon us, because not everyone wanted to hear that. Taffee you still my girl even though you wasted your 15 seconds of fame fussing out Prince, haha!

Daz

cooldaddee said:

cooldaddee said:

Hey Cooldaddee,
I got your back. I will be glad to put in a request for your band to perform at the Celebration. I'm the hot diva that had the Pig Tails with the NEON sign. I also agree with you that Atlanta Hat Guy is pretty cool. In fact, I thought he worked for NPG. What's up Atlanta Hat Guy!! I must say again you really played well at the sound check and a lot of members did give you a standing ovation!!Besides Prince never gave you a yes or no answer when you suggested that he (Prince) should let your band play. I beleive you should take Prince answer as a Maybe. I must say you had me dancing in my seat!! By the way I'm sorry that I did not get a chance to say buy to you and your friend. I'm glad you made it home safely! Love 4 1 Another!!

4 what it's worth. I met "hatguy" both nights and didn't find him the least bit rude or obnoxious, just enthusiastic. He was cool 2 me & everybody else we talked 2. I found the girl w/ the iron on outfit holding up love letters to Prince (blocking my view!) much more "obnoxious". But oh well, maybe some of u thought I was an ass too.

I love meeting Org posters at the show. 2 anyone I met, feel free 2 bust me off an e-mail or whatever. I'm still recovering from a 48hr. funk-binge. Still aint got my voice back.

Nobody mentioned it, but Prince blew out the right speaker about 5 seconds in2 the aftershow; and I mean BLEW IT! That thing vibrated and buzzed like hell, but funny, it just didn't matter...

Thanks 2 Prince and the fans 4 2 awesome evenings! NYC, New Orleans, Lakeland, enjoy!

taffee said:

I give a lot of props to you for standing your ground. I completely understand were you coming from. It was very interesting listening to everyone's opinion. So peace out and keep it NPG!

Taffee, if that was u, props 4 your courage and 4 saying exactly what I was thinking. I would've been happy 2 sit there and talk about music or art, but got so bored with the God debate/discussion that I got up and went to the bar.

What I'd really like 2 know, is who the girl was that I was talking 2 outside. Hoped 2c her again & never did

...Long brown hair, twentysomething with a friend...I was telling u about the soundcheck discussion. E-mail me, girl.

ALSO: Who was the fool yelling out "Purple Rain" at the aftershow party? Probably the same one that yells out "Freebird" at other shows. Good lawd...

Thanx again taffee 4 sayin what i was thinkin'....
[This message was edited Sat Apr 6 10:49:56 PST 2002 by herbthe4]

TonyC said:

Thanks Tony, Herb, Cooldaddee, and MrBags for having my back. MrBags, I hope I didn't run too fast for you!