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Priceless Prince: Whatever the ticket set you back, this Princely performance was worth it

Monday, August 02, 2004
By Tricia Woolfenden

The Grand Rapids Press

When it comes 2 a Prince concert -- U can never have 2 much of a good thing.

All apologies 4 the numerals and letters, but after spending more than two hours witnessing the all-encompassing spectacle that is Prince, it's hard not 2 surrender 2 the Purple 1's mode of speech. Let's face it; when the man takes the stage -- he fully commands U in every possible way.

OK. Enough of that.

It's been three years since The Artist Formerly Known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince hit Grand Rapids, and it seems like the 46-year-old performer hasn't aged a day. Strutting catlike and limber around the stage in a way that many twentysomethings only wish they could, Prince effortlessly gave off a sex appeal inhibited by neither age nor gender.

Opening his show in Van Andel Arena on Sunday night with "Musicology," the title track from his current album, Prince quickly established the mood of the night: Let's get crazy. Leaning his diminutive (5-foot-2) figure toward the audience, Prince slyly asked the crowd of nearly 10,000, "Grand Rapids -- are you ready for me? Are you sure?"

The lively crowd appeared to be fully prepared and roared an enthusiastic response to that effect. And so the "entertainer extraordinaire" launched into perennial crowd favorite "Let's Go Crazy" as confetti and purple streamers dropped from the ceiling into the screaming audience. The energetic opening left no doubt Prince was there to please the crowd, and, as he's said of this tour, "play the hits for the last time."

Watching a Prince show is akin to taking in a big dance party topped off with excellent musicianship and outlandish, indescribable stage antics. To describe Prince's outrageously fun live show, it's best broken down in-2 bits:


Hits played in medley form -- Early in the show, "When Doves Cry," "1999" and a riff from "Kiss" were run into one long, slightly bizarre conglomeration. A slight disappointment, considering each song is deserving of a full treatment.



Hits noticeably absent -- The pop-radio classic "Raspberry Beret," plus "I Would Die 4 U," "Diamonds and Pearls" and "Get Off." Pretty much everything from the "Dirty Mind" record was a no-go, as Prince is now a Jehovah's Witness, and gratuitous references to sex would be highly frowned upon.



Hits played acoustically -- After a brief costume break, Prince -- who is an excellent electric guitar player -- took to the stage alone to demonstrate his acoustic skills. The slowed-down, mellow versions of party hits "Little Red Corvette" and "Cream" were perfectly presented. In fact, they were almost better than the originals. Almost.



Incalculable factors in an amazing show:



The number of square feet of purple fabric and/or accessories worn by audience members. Tickets requested that people wear "something purple," and in astonishing numbers, they did.



The number of completely awesome guitar solos performed by Prince. He never ceased to amaze.



The level of musical proficiency possessed by Prince and the nearly dozen members of his talented backing band.


Beginning to end, Prince and his New Power Generation band brought to the show a furious level of energy and passion. Rarely have I seen a performer who seemed so intent on bringing the audience pleasure and who played with such unadulterated joy.

Playing a seamless blend of rock, jazz and funk, Prince &Co. performed each tune as though it were a party in and of itself. The musician has been performing many of these tunes for well over a decade, but he never appeared bored with what he was doing. Instead, he found ways to keep the songs fresh, taking opportunities with his bandmates to venture into many a musical side trip.

Arena manager Rich MacKeigan said the venue was happy to get a show of such "high caliber." The Prince concert ranks as one of Van Andel's best-selling events of the summer. Pretty impressive considering the Artist already had played four concerts in Detroit this summer and announced the Van Andel date fairly late in the season.


First-timers loved it

Audience members Patty Baker and Diane Christensen said Sunday's show was the first time they had seen Prince, and the event was almost everything they had hoped for.

"He was awesome; it was a great show. 'Little Red Corvette' was great. I was disappointed he didn't play '1999' (all the way through), but 'Purple Rain' was great,'" said Baker, 38, of Grand Rapids.

The friends came attired in purple wigs and plastic crowns that Baker's 10-year-old daughter had found for them to wear to the concert. The women said the event was something fun to do as a girlfriends' night out -- as opposed to going with their husbands.

"We've been fans for a while. We grew up listening to Prince," said Christensen, 38, of Muskegon.

"It was due time to see him."

I would die 4 u missing? Kiss just a snipett? The writer didn't folow the show with much attention, I'm afraid

I don´t think it´s the last time Prince will perform his hits. But I just wanted him to play more new music. What´s the point of releasing albums if you don´t show them live?
I would love to hear full live versions of ´Man in your life´, ´Pimp´ and even ´Cinnamon Girl´ with new arrangements...(have you wondered how Man in your life would sound with a kick ass jam in the end? )

I am jealous I really need 2 c him again in concert. If anyone knows if he is coming back toward Cincinnati, Ohio please post so I can get in on the day I need 2.