The show was Absolutely INTOXICATING!!!

I have seen several Prince shows... and I know everyone has been saying this, but this show is elusively his best. As a musical concert it's very well connected, balanced, and lavishly intense. I myself felt like I was experiencing one of Prince's intimate jam sessions, though some of the audience disagreed(of couse) and seemed dissapointed that it wasn't like the typical concert with theatricals and his "Purple Rain, 1999" hits. Believe me, it is uncomprehendible to explain the power of this performance, you must experience it and you will become ENRAPTURED
I've never heard Prince's voice sound better live; it was so ripe yet fluid, flowing with the harmony of his band's tightly woven groovz. It was almost wasteful to sing along because his range was so spontaneous, unveiling not only his broad harmonic depth, but most of all his deep spirit and soul. Think of a Prism reflecting luminous colors in every direction- infinite light bouncing through shadows snd space, eminating from one crystal clear source, he was just dangling alone on stage- showing all of his hues. Breathtaking. The band is tighter than ever, best band in my opinion since REVOLUTION

Though, I am utterly upset that I came extremely late 4 the SOUNDCHECK!! I pulled up to the Opera House around 6:20, my heart sank when I didn't see a line at the door- no one in sight except security. I heard bass thumping as I ran inside, and felt very rude and somewhat embarrassed for walking in on the man's performance. The 3 of us ran straight up to the right side of the stage in awe as he was finishing up PAISLEY PARK, even layed our coats on the stage (very informal, leniant setting) we were in the front row only a few feet away from the man!! It was such a SURREAL experience; I hate to say it, but it was far from my dreams of him, it was more like a nightmare. I was so dissapointed in myself for missing out and showing up late that I didn't feel worthy enough to ask him a question or even look at him. We made eye contact a few times and I just couldn't handle it, I had to turn away. I found out he performed instrumental Peach and was walking around, joking with fans, reading bible scriptures privately to certain people, etc.. Prince looked so cute dressed casually in black long shirt and pants, wearing a black crochet (doo-rag type) cap on his head. He seemed very meek and mellow a the same time. Almost seemed as if he didn't know what to do or how to act once he stopped playing music and joking around. The crowd was much larger than I expected (Still find it hard to believe they were all NPGMC members, including guests @ least 250 people), and much older than expected. Prince was answering questions and glancing around at his fans for the last 15 or 20 minutes. He did take notice of my beautiful sister, best friend and myself. Not because we were late neccessarily, but bcuz we were stylin'. Whatever...he was checking us out, graciously I may add. He may be married, but he still appreciates beautiful women. I had my chance to talk to him and I blew it big time!! I could of at least gotten a hug from him, but I was being too shy and stupid. I think it was also the energy between Prince and the audience that made me feel uncomfortable. Most of the audience stared at him like he was their god, and many started asking him questions about the bible. It felt kinda wierd actually towards the end, not to mention many dirty looks from the older women sitting in their seats. I expected to find a much more loving, intelligent audience- dont get me wrong- I met some extremely cool people. Prince did seem abit uncomfortable in the end and just stood there for a few minutes because no one was asking him anything, just staring- his shyness was evident, he looked down at the ground several times, though he was still in a humorous mood. I think he may have even felt like he was a priest at church with the masses looking to him for the answers. People began getting carried away with the bible talk and he seemed to be dodging a few questions, probably too avoid sounding too preachy. I know I felt like I was at a church for a moment, and I didnt like it at all. Finally he shook some hands, gave some more hugs and turned around and walked away- looking uneasy I thought. As we exited I heard people around me talking in amazement at what they had just witnessed. I would have probably felt the same had I not caught just the tail end of it.
My amazement wasn't until Prince's actual performance. I had excellent seats in the Orchestra Pit towards the left center stage. I was able to see all of his funky facial expressions and how F..ing sexy he really is!!! Most of the people in the Pit obviously weren't members or true fanz, because they all sat there looking rather grumpy, frumpy, and quiet. If u noticed 3 girls standing up- getting r groove on- towards front left of stage that was us, some of the only people standing in the PIT. Prince was being extremely flirty and he made some severe eye contact with me throughout the show, as dendmr mentioned in his nicely detailed review of the eye contact Prince was making to the first few rows. That was all me on MELLOW...I had no problem flirting and making sexy eyes with Prince while he was on stage performing- again about 8 ft away from my seat-... I actually made him smile with my facial expression once,I think..I know. He pointed at me a couple times, I pointed back- we made our "around 7" finger gestures in unison as he looked at me smiling.. he found me again for the "where do u wanna eat tonight baby" verse, he looked up and sent me a soft, sexy smile on "One Another", and I sent it right back at him. Girls in front of me were turning around to see who he was singing to, dirty looks and all. Oh my, I will forever cherish that song. HIs facial expressions on the guitar jam were worth every penny!! Especially since he would throw some of them right at me!!! Renato(keyboards) seems like the coolest cat. My friend and I were flirting with him much of the concert, he seems like he would be very fun to hang with. Prince pointed at my best friend, next to me, to come on stage- she had blond hair with Purple streaks atop her head wearing and a slinky black dress. At this point girlz tried rushing into me to get on stage- until I gave them a little hip/booty action, and did the bumpsquad until they ran back to their seats. Prince brought my girl "Rhonda" to the stage and asked her if she was a "leader or a follower", of course she said "leader" into the mic, then he pointed to an older women and asked her the same question, she said "I'm a follower of Jesus" and then he brought her up on stage and had her watch the rest of the show backstage. My poor girl was kinda upset that she didn't have the right answer, but it was obviously planned (I heard it was the same lady he spoke with about the bible during the soundcheck earlier). That lady lost out anyhow, who wants to watch the show from behind the stage while reading the bible.
I was most impressed by Xenophobia, Prince's guitar playing... oh my... and how does he come up with the most catchy, rythymic guitar riffs?!! MUSE TO THE PHAROAH was beautiful as ever, as was CASE OF U!!! I did notice some sort of screw up on the opening of 1+1+1=3, it took me a minute or 2 to recognize, sounded slower, not as funky- but it picked up... wish he would have completed the entire song though.
Rollercoaster of Love was funky fresh, he had ADONIS come onstage and cut it up 80's style in his Purple suit. I met ADONIS at the afterparty, we were dancing 2 Prince- he said that was planned at the soundcheck. Prince was making some funny comments after he left the stage saying "It's not 1984 anymore". 2 funny when Prince brought an Arabic lady on stage, and she was doing this crazy Russian looking dance, though it was probably of middle eastern descent. She was following him all over the stage with her crazy jig, he yelled "security", halfway joking. MAde some funny face like he was very relieved once she was gone.
LALALALALA isn't one of my favorites, though it brought the audience a little closer and was fun to sing, of course Prince performed it well. I had major dry mouth from dancing and singing so much, midway I had to go to the lobby for some water. I decided to leave once I saw the Abraham Lincoln quote on a large screen. Nothing against Prince and his message, it was definetely the best time to step out, plus I didnt want to miss the upcoming piano medley. I did notice that Prince toned down his religious, bible/ racism preaches to a low minimum compared to what was reported from other shows. While in the lobby, I saw many people standing around, overheard a group of people complaining about lack of hits and they were planning the rest of their night, what bar 2 go 2 next. I was finishing up my water when I heard family name and started singing, they looked at me like I was crazy and thought they were supercool laughing at me. I noticed he mentioned Thomas Jefferson's name during that song, which isn't a bad thing- seems like he's beginning to explore other issues and political figures at his show, than just Abe. Santana Medley was incredible, as was Maceo's solo.

The Piano Medley was the hot fudge and cherry on top.....mmmmm!! ADORE sounded so clear and better than the original. I must mention "GIRLS AND BOYS", "UNDER THE CHERRY MOON", "NOThING COMPARES", and my favorite "SOMETIMES IT SNOWS IN APRIL". Perfection, even better. I was screaming frantically when he played the opening of "ONE NIGHT ALONE", Thank you Prince... "I LOVE U BUT I DONT TRUST YOU" was sweetly sentimental... I must say the entire Piano medley was brilliant. Each song I mentioned along with the others were ALL performed flawlessly, with so much emotion and his voice sounded better than any recording. My classic favorite "ANNA STESIA"- what else can I say- he worked the audience. People around me that obviously had never heard the song even got into it and started chanting "LOVE IS GOD/GOD IS LOVE".
I think he reads Prince.org, his message/speech at the end of Anna stesia seemed like he was trying to explain his message about racism/ religion that he made at previous shows. He said "Its not about racism", he mentioned something about not supporting "Seperatism", and I know he said "there r so many different religions" give or take, I think he said there are about 700 or 1700 different religions(Sorry-LOL) and that "we are all from the same god", he went on saying its all about "One God". I wish I could remember exactly, but all I know is that I heard reviews from previous shows and wasn't looking forward to his preaching, and thought he went about things in a "foot in Mouth" sort of way, anyhow, he summed his religious/racism views ever so sincerely and subtly last night. I agreed with everything he was saying and it wasn't overkill, just a small touch of a message 2 make us think twice.
He was groovin' on the Detroit crowd as usual. He said "Detroit u r my second home". After hearing us sing the chorus 2 "Girls and Boys" he said "Ooh Detroit, I'm coming closer, and closer", he said "Detroit I wish I could drink u all up", then he titled his head back and slowly acted like he was guzzling a drink. He was saying some funny stuff, cracking me up. He pointed at this guy in a Canary yellow zoot suit 80's style, and said "Ladys and gentleman, it's Morris Day".
Prince wore an NPG medallion, that hung down his chest, looked like it was all diamond, also noticed he had on his Moon/sun ear cuff. His outfit for the piano medley was 2 hot, looked like a pale green, almost white pantsuit!!! Couldn't help but notice his bulge was definetely hanging down to the right side. I know some people were questioning about this subject, besides, it was very hard 2 miss!!

Sweet Props 2 Adam128 (Sorry if I mixed up ur name) who drove from Toledo by himself and had front row Center tickets- sweet guy. Of course I can't forget MOONBEAM and ur brother, so cool 2 meetcha finally. I forgot ur name, but also the Prince Look alike at the afterparty who wrote your number on a dollar bill and said my sister looked like Carmen Electra(the one with the purple hat on wearing the denim catsuit) Sorry it was a long night , I forot ur name -I'll remember tmorrow.
ANd thanks 2 those of u that read this, patience, thanks for sharing my experience with me!!!

Each time I go to a Prince show it tops the previous one. I met the best people this show, CamilleStarr and her girls. I got a front row seat and heard my favorite song played for the finale. (The only time I have heard it performed live.) I even made it for most of the sound check.

Since my first show in 1992, my seats keep on improving and I keep meeting cooler people. I can't imagine how an experience could get any better. Backstage pass maybe or an afterSHOW. Small club venue?? Dare to dream.

Camille, what a great review! But do u really think he was checking u and your friends out, singling u out for looks and hidden meanings and everything? Hmmmmm.....regardless, I guess this ability to make people feel special is part of what makes him such a great performer.....

AnotherLoverHoleinYoHead said:

Thanks, I was waiting for someone to dispute my experience. I would never have bothered writing it if not true. I never said anything about "hidden meanings" though, just eye contact and smiles. Why do u find this so hard to believe?? He is a performer and loves his fans. He's not a god, he's a human being and naturally he flirts with fans- especially true fans. This is not the first intimate experience I have had at one of his concerts, but definetely the best so far!! Hopefully more to come later this tour??

Dearest Camille-
Wonderful review! It seems like you did have quite the experience! You and your girls definitely deserved all of the personal attention that Prince gave you! It was wonderful seeing you as well- you were stunning as expected! I'm sorry to hear that the soundcheck wasn't as you had hoped, but it seemed like overall you were thrilled with the show! Again, you and your girls deserve it!

Adam210 said:

Hi Adam210-(sorry about the name mix up, it was close though eh?) It was so nice meeting you and hanging out. I saw u in the front row from a couple rows back, u looked mesmerized, too cute!! Glad u enjoyed the show and made it back home to Toledo safe and sound!! Didn't see u at the afterparty though, too bad- we thought u were gonna hang out with us. R u going to the Cleveland Show this SUnday. I am thinking about driving there for the soundcheck. It's about 3 hours away, is that correct??

Moonbeam said:

Thank you Moonbeam!! I loved your review also!! I was very tired when I wrote this review and after reviewing it I realize I got a bit sloppy and didn't explain some of my points thoroughly. I did actually enjoy the soundcheck, what I saw of it!! I was just dissapointed in myself for being late as usual. I am thinking about driving to Cleveland Sunday to catch another soundcheck?? Overall which show did u enjoy more in Michigan?? Thanks for the orgnote yesterday, I will send u one tomorrow. I am getting sleepy, this site is a bad addiction! I saw u at the afterparty up at the bar for a split second and then u were gone. I know u said u had 2 leave bcuz of some conflict or another, oh well, u were probably glad to hear that Prince never performed then!! It was very nice to finally meet you, we r neighbors so we should hang out sometime!!

I'd say I enjoyed them both equally. The Saginaw show had the novelty of being the first show, and the first time I experienced "Anna Stesia" live, so it gets bonus points for that! However, the Detroit show was better overall, although the experience had its downers like people who were seated, etc. But meeting people like you made up for that and then some! I was in Royal Oak tonight at a Busta Rhymes concert! It was INCREDIBLE! We should definitely hang- drop me an orgNote sometime and I'll give you my digits! I thought your review was very colorful by the way. I liked your metaphors and your articulate description of the experience!

Thanks Camille for telling what he was wearing. Not too many people are commenting on that part. I'd really like to know how is he wearing his hair now that it's cut. Does anyone have any info? I love his hair and that's why I am asking. Thanks again Camille and I'm happy you had a great time.

High,

Your beautiful review has made me want 2 go 2 the concert even more now.

ThanXXX...Liquid

Exciting review! Thank u!

oh - and I find his music intoxicating 2!

.
[This message was edited Fri Apr 19 7:52:31 PDT 2002 by luvy]

Great review, this was my first Prince concert It was a dream come true... I will be closer next time.
Hey, how do I get an invite to the afterparty???

I'm from Sydney, Australia and now - after Camille's review - i think i'm gonna make the trip to LA to catch him there.

I can't believe i'm gonna fly 12,000 miles to see Prince - but if i get to meet him at the soundcheck - i will be a very happy man

Mmmm...my dream trip :

- Meet him at the Kodak Theatre during the soundcheck
- Witness an amazing concert with 'one-off' songs yet to be performed on the tour
- Aftershow performance that starts at 2am and finishes at dawn
- Meet some sexy lady during the concert who i click with on all levels and stay together for the rest of my trip


Ok...i'll stop dreaming now - u all get the point !

So much flirting & dirty looks! Damn, I feel like it was a catfight getting ready to break out at any minute!

Dayum Camille! Just remember this....when they get jealous of u boo, u just gotta jab with the left...swing with the right. Aight? Jab with the left, swing with the right.

Fuck, what I gotta do to get women to flirt with me like that? Maybe if I grow my hair a few more inches, shrink about 9 inches, and start playing piano for people, I could get a shot.

Lawd. Let's recap. Jab with the left, swing with the right!

--CreoleFreak

CreoleFreak said:

LOL!!!!! Thanks for the advice, though I am left handed so I think I should jab right and swing left...LOL