Unbelievable!!! That was the single greatest concert experience of my life! I've been to quite a few concerts in my life... 6 of them being Prince concerts (Radiohead, DMB twice, Foo Fighters/Chili Peppers, to name a few others). Saturday night's concert at the Louisville Palace was just perfect in every way. For starters, the Louisville Palace Theater is such a beautiful theater... Prince complimented the theater twice! Check out its the history and a few pics here: www.louisvillepalace.com/gallery. The soundcheck, however, was the first real indication of truly great things to come!

The soundcheck was a very cool experience that I will never forget. We entered the Palace Theater at 6 p.m. to find Billy Sparks himself was passing out the NPGMC laminates to us all (that was him, wasn't it?)! I'm guesstimating that there were probably about 200 or so NPGMC'ers present. Anyway, we entered to find Prince and the band already jamming to something. I was really hoping that he'd play Paisley Park after hearing about the last soundcheck. He didn't. Anyway, he did rock out on the guitar for a while and then invited 3 different audience members up separately to play his guitar!! [Mental note to self: buy guitar back and take guitar lessons before next tour!] He also played a very cool version of The Other Side Of The Pillow.

Afterwards, he teased us with the first verse of The Cross/The Christ and then played Same December after inviting several fans up onto the stage to sing backup. He then invited them to come back on stage for the song during the concert, but, he didn't hold to it for some reason. After the song was over and the crowd started leaving the stage, a comment made by a local fan/preacher started a very interesting (and this is coming from a not-so-religious person) discussion about church, the "true" Bible, and God. He asked the preacher to jump back on stage and Prince then proceeded to test is knowledge and tap his theories on religion. This sparked the interest of the rest of the audience and became the catalyst for a 30-minute group discussion. Prince was unbelievably friendly and personable to his fans. He walked around the audience, sat in empty seats in the middle of crowded rows (one of which was directly in front of me), and passed around his microphone to anyone with an opinion or question for the preacher. He concluded the "soundcheck" by stating that this was the best soundcheck that he had ever had! Very, very cool.

Now, for the concert! The concert started just after 8 p.m. I had 2nd row seats at center stage. The steps leading up to the stage were directly to my left. I was sooooo close. He opened the show with "Another Nite Alone", solo piano of course and proceeded with an incredible piano medley. The setlist was very similar to the Buffalo show, with a few change-ups here and there. The setlist below is a cut & paste from AtlantaHatGuy's great review. I had posted one earlier, but it was all out of wack. Here's the real deal thanks to AtlantaHatGuy:

Piano medley #1:
One Night Alone
The Beautiful Ones
Venus de Milo
Adore (full version w/improvisational breaks)
Girls and Boys
Under the Cherry Moon (just piano, no vocals)
Nothing Compares 2 U
Purple Rain

The Rainbow Children
Muse 2 the Pharaoh
Xenophobia
A Case of U
Mellow
1+1+1 is 3
Love Rollercoaster
Strange Relationship
Sing a Simple Song
La La La Means I Love You
Didn’t You Know?
When You Were Mine
Avalanche
Family Name
Take Me With U (full version)
Raspberry Beret (full version)
Soul Sacrifice (my favorite Santana song!)

Encore #1:
Last December

Encore #2, Piano Medley #2:
Free
Starfish and Coffee
Sometimes It Snows in April
I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore

How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore? (w/band accompaniment)

Anna Stesia

Total time: Around 2:30 - 2:45.

I know that I'm leaving out several songs. And now that I look at it closer, they were definitely played in a somewhat different order. Hopefully somebody will fill in the blanks and help me put 'em in the right sequence. Anyway, the big highlight for me was when he came down the stage into the audience and played a killer guitar solo just inches away from me!! The entire band played beautifully... Rhonda, Blackwell, Maceo (?), Renato. I'd seen Rhonda play several times before, so I knew she'd look great-- er-uh I mean play great! But, Blackwell blew me away with the drums! Whoa. At one point, Prince invited an older (not elderly, of course, just, uh, older looking) woman up to the stage and let her sit down on some pillows on the stage while he proceeded to sing to her. I think that made her night!

I was going to save this last paragraph to mention my favorite songs that he played. Looking back at the setlist, I can't just pick a few favorites... they were all so amazing. I'm just amazed by his guitar prowess alone. When You Were Mine was too cool to hear live again! And then he played Sometimes it Snows in April, and Free?! [speechless sigh] He is just such a brilliantly talented, genius of a musician. I'd seen him before in concert, but I was just in awe of him tonight. This concert was just so perfect. I was disappointed by past concerts (a wee bit) because of all the radio hits/mini-medleys that he played for the passer-by fans. Tonight, however, he played for the true, diehard fans like myself!!! Aside from the killer new songs like 1+1+1 is 3, he played the overlooked, eclectic, and wildly creative songs that have always kept me coming back for more. I don’t know what else to say… it was truly an amazing show.

-neokyle


Note: After seeing AtlantaHayGuy's great review, I copied his setlist to make mine more accurate!
Here's his review: http://www.prince.org/msg...&tid=10204
[This message was edited Wed Mar 13 23:53:09 PST 2002 by neokyle]

The soundcheck was the best part of the night. All of you who criticize Prince for his religion, are wrong to do so. He has some "different" views about us all coming together to agree, but he seemed very open to discussion, upon inviting a preacher on stage, spoke to a Catholic, and my sister-in-law, Chandra got a word in (and touched his hand, to which she touched me with her hand, so I have Prince cooties! yay!)

Anyhow, he's a very intelligent man, and I got the vibe listening that he actually liked these other views, and he was open to suggestion. At any rate, he's very intelligent...

neokyle said:

DUDE, you're KILLING ME with this! Somebody PLEASE fill in the blanks - if one of the missing songs is U're Gonna C Me, I'm DONE!!!

SO great that he FINALLY sang One Nite Alone - I'm aching to hear him sing that live. Can he sing to me??? PLEASE???!!!

I'm sure that when you'll be at the show, he's going to get you on stage, give you a friendly smile, lay you down on a pillow and sing both "mellow" and "u're gonna c me" for you! And "Digital Garden" as an encore!
[This message was edited Sun Mar 10 2:54:08 PST 2002 by calldapplwondery83]

BTW, now I know why you have to pay 100 bucks for the show!
That looks rather like the basement of the Buckingham Palace!

calldapplwondery83 said:

LAWWWWWD!!!

:::changing my drawz:::

I just wanted to add a few songs to the first piano medley list that I can remember that he played.

The Beautiful Ones
Girls and Boys
Purple Rain

This was my very first Prince concert, and I'm actually at a loss for words. First and foremost I want to thank God for the opportunity to see Prince. I made the comment last year that of all entertainers in the world the one that I truly most wanted to see was Prince. As already said before the soundcheck will be the most memorable. Prince actually sit in the row behind me and was no more than 3 feet from me. My only regret is that I didn't get to meet him personally especially since he was that close to me. It was an event that I will never forget. I hope he comes back to another close venue so that I may see him again.

i was thtere as well...it was billy sparks handing out npgmc laminates...adore followed one nite alone in the piano solo...for those of you who have access to the soundchecks don't miss 'em..very intimate.

No aftershow..I talked to one of his security guys who said that they were headed on to Cleveland after the show.

If you are thinking about sneaking cameras or recording devices into the show...be careful...I saw his security detail snatch 4-5 folks cameras. They were heavy on the lookout for them.

Funny personal story...We stayed at the Seelbach Hotel one block from the theater..30 minutes after the show we were in the bar listening to a jazz band and I spied one of P's security detail come into the bar (looked like he was picking up carryout). My wife and another org member (whassup tyme!) dared me to go tell him to make sure P knew that there was a baby grand in here and we'd love to hear him play some more so I did. His guard got a nice giggle out of it.

Like Coolhand said, great show..second only to seeing him in Vegas January 1999.

Another good story...P throws his hat out into the audience after an extended rendition of How Come U don't call me anymore...Bog Dude with Dreds catches it..and is seen wearing it out of the theater....looks like he's got some childs hat sitting up on top of his head! Dude, you're gonna have to get that thing resized!

How could I have forgotten that he sang The Beautiful Ones and Purple Rain during the first piano medley? Those were 2 astonishing versions!! It was cool to hear him play Purple Rain on the piano!! I'll have to fill in the rest of the "blanks" in my hastely prepared review... notice the "editted by" below the review.

I feel like I'm still missing 1 or 2 songs. And, I'm really hoping that someone at that show can put the setlist in the correct order for me.

Thanks!
-Kyle

OMG!!!!! he did "One NIght Alone"??? AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! Oh God PLEASE OH PLEASE let Prince do this song in DC too!!!!!

.
[This message was edited Fri Apr 19 7:52:05 PDT 2002 by luvy]

I have question about Family Name: does he play it like it's on the record? With all the breaks and especially the heavy riff at the end?

calldapplwondery83 said:

Yeah, it was dead like the album version... it seriously rocked!

Coolhand said:

THE BEAUTIFUL ONES?????!!!!!

I CAN'T GO ON.....


PRINCE!!! Get yo' ass to Oakland NOW!!!!!

somebody HELP ME!!!

I'm not kidding, I NEED HELP...

gregmac said:

Just got back to my Mac...Mac. Working on that compare/contast with Chicago. But first, must sleep.

Great post!

I'm feeling with you Calhoun, really...

Prince was lookin fly..... He looked very refined n a sport coat and black buttoned down 2x shirt, black pants and shoes. NPG Medallion danging inside at waist.. No chain noted.. No change during show... At the soundcheck The NPG got onstage and sang last December, As I was standing behind him, he was wearing a long black nappy coat and white nappy hat. His hair is shorter like jam of year. He had no glitter, and was just wearing one ring.

neokyle was that you with your Mother?

ILoveSemisonic said:

Yeah, that was me. I was with my mom, my uncle and his girlfriend, and a couple of my friends. It was a "family affair". We had a great time even though we couldn't all sit together. Believe it or not, it was my mom and my uncle that turned me onto Prince music when I was a kid.

Whoa. At one point, Prince invited an older (not elderly, of course, just, uh, older looking) woman up to the stage and let her sit down on some pillows on the stage while he proceed to sing to her. I think that made her night!

I was the um - older looking woman that he invited up on stage and you are so right it was the highlight of my night - actually a dream come true. I think he recognized me from the soundcheck. I went to the soundchecks and shows in both Columbus and Louisville. I would have to say my NPC club membership was well worth the money!!! And ladies Prince is even more sexy and fine in person. I will be dreaming about those sexy eyes for months. Hell who am I kidding the rest of my life!!! Thanks Prince for a dream come true!!

One of the best nights of my life Undoubtly, I was amazed by the concert, but the best part was being pulled up on stage to play his guitar during the Rehearsal. I was the second guy that was picked to jam with the band, dressed in black. Although I thought my nerves affected my playing quite a bit. It was one of those times when you wished you had a camera the whole time your standing there. (could this be real) See I play naturally by ear, and haven't really taken any lessons, but the chance to play on stage with one of the greatest guitar players in the world, was not something I would ever pass up, even if I didn't know how to play. All my friends in the front row commented on the blank look on my face as I left the stage, of course I was stunned (wouldn't you be).

The debate (conversation), As we all calmed down and began to talk with Prince. A Pastor of a local Church asked "Please come play at our church", Prince commented "Do they dance at your church"
Raising the question "What's the difference between a Disco and your Church" This was very intresting to say the least, as the Pastor from the crowd took the stage and Prince passes my left to join the crowd, we get a taste what's it's like to be Prince. I could not walk in his shoes for even a minute, but his life has taught him unity and harmony like no one has ever learned. It's more than just enlightenment, it's confidence that you are never alone in this world. God is not only alive, "he's here." - Prince.

I thought I'd tell you guys how it felt to stand there on a side note, I had the opportunity to tell Prince that my son will be coming into this world within the week and his name will be Christopher Tracy, his only comment was "Cool" , good enough for me.

The Concert
On my toes the whole time. I've been to several concerts and most have been a heightend experience, but this by far put me on the edge. I couldn't imagine a better year for me. once you've seen the set list from Kyle you'll know, it was one awesome night.

1 night and 2 hand shakes from the man later I'm still the same man, but I feel a vibe I never felt before.

Peace
Mizrhappy(James)
[This message was edited Mon Mar 11 7:32:47 PST 2002 by mizrhappy]

Check out the review from the Louisville Scene:

http://www.louisvillescen...rince.html

-neokyle
[This message was edited Mon Mar 11 9:48:00 PST 2002 by neokyle]

I too was at the Louisville concert and the soundcheck. The soundcheck was great! I could have gone home happy after that. The third guy who played Prince's guitar (tall guy,cool furry hat) he was really really good. When Prince came into the audience, he was TWO ROWS IN FRONT OF ME!! I could have died (I'm easily star-struck). But I couldn't believe how down-to-earth he was. He even thought my comment about the cover-charge at church was funny (OhmyGod, Prince thinks I'm funny!!!) Brother, Stephan lead the Religion/Church discussion. I know he couldn't believe he was up on stage having a conversation with Prince! But brother, I wanted to hear more music, less talking. As far as the concert, I won't give you all the details that everyone else has already mentioned. I loved all of his songs (even though I didn't know the new songs, I know, I'm a sorry excuse for a fam). And when he did "Rollercoaster", the crowd went WILD! "Raspberry Beret", "Strange Relationship", "How Come You Don't..."; please stop me or we'll be here all day. Oh, and to the blonde in orchestra 2, row H, seat 5 or 6, wearing a blue halter-type thingy: you were the most excited, enthusiastic person I saw the entire evening; singing along to every song (yes, even the new ones). You go girl. But, everytime you jumped or raised your arms, everyone behind you was afraid (or hoping) your breasts were gonna fall out. And hello to the couple I met from Lexington. Anyway, other than the fact that there was no afterparty, and the tourbook was rather weak (too small,not good pictures, not worth my $20), the nite was one of the best of my 33 years. It ranks up there with losing my virginity...on second thought, nahhhh!
Fam-for-life!

neokyle said:

Sorry, there's some confusion. I saw Maceo and his band in Anaheim, Calif 3/9. They performed from 9 pm to Midnite PDT. He did not have his regular (or any) trombone player, Greg Boyer, or trumpet player, Ron Tooley. Not that I'm trying to call you on this, but I wanted to find who played with Prince while Maceo tours on his own. I know (from Maceo's staff) Prince begged him to leave Greg Boyer for a few days, but I'm not sure about Ron Tooley. Any body with details, please post 'em.

Peace 2 all

For anyone who has first-hand experience,

When you went into the soundcheck, did they tear your ticket or just look at it?? Then once they "kicked you out" before the show, could you go back outside the theater?

I'm thinking I might like to take my kid to the soundcheck just for kicks but he doesn't need to stay out all night for the main show and I could take my wife to that. I'd just have to arrange a swap outside between the soundcheck and the show.

Any suggestions??

npgfan said:

As for getting back inside, you'll need your ticket and your NPGMC pass, if you have both of those, then you should be fine. Usually they were letting to two 9 year old girls that I saw in without even looking twice. As for making a swapp, "Who you going to leave outside" your wife or your kid?

O' the possibilities of being an NPGMC member.

Rayqwon, I can't belive you are trying to take credit for my joke about the cover charge. Other than that you are correct about everything else you said.

rayqwon said:

WOW the soundcheck really sounded to be nice!..whenever will he come to Denmark! :CRY: (Europe)