HERE I AM

The names Christopher, Buddy. First and 4most allow me 2 give U some background, so U know this ain’t no fool who doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’ve been a PRINCE fam 22 years strong. I’ve been there through the Ups and Downs depending on your point of view. I stood strong when the Purple Rain ended, I Played in the Sunshine, and was there 2 see the Dawn. I could go on and on about how he’s influenced my life and the people around me (like saying my nephews name is PRINCEton) but, I must remember this is a concert review.

Although this review comes late in the tour some information will B useful in the future 2 fams and the NPG Music Club. This was my sixth time seeing PRINCE including aftershows and appearances. That may not seem like a lot, but previously I was just 2 young 2 go out and see him or it was the time of is American touring drought. I first saw PRINCE during the Jam of the Year tour in Dallas, I missed the second show in December, but did catch the afterparty where he made in appearance (Just in case PRINCE remembers I was the one with my girl standing outside the Mirage in the cold 4 3 hours and finally got 2 see him at 6:30am 2 where at first we got the cold shoulder, but with a reminder from me of how long we were out there and with a nudge from Mayte got a Thank U and a hand shake that I’ll never forget). Now back 2 the matter at hand the April 16th Dallas One Nite Alone concert and aftershow.

Me and my lady Connie arrived at 3pm and signed the ongoing list that I’m sure most have heard of we were No. 21. Everything was cool at first, I sat back and took in the vibe of the fams. There were the usual suspects: the girl with the symbol tattoo, the PRINCE know-it all, the ruffled shirt with painted on pants, the faded t-shirts of previous tours, the Chuck Taylors with a black shirt that was a little to formal for the outfit, but the one that was missing or that I might have just missed was the PRINCE look-alike. Most stayed within there group, but once 5 o’clock rolled around and the line started to form everyone mingled. We chilled with a couple guys from Houston, shout out 2 Mario (liked the Bruce Lee shirt) and “Kangol Pete”, I’d also like 2 thank Stevie and Ruben for their laughs and conversation U made the evening a lot more fun 4 us. The line formed a little early only because of what was the first of 2 incidents that occurred this evening first of which is now and forever dubbed the “Aqua sweater incident”.

The honor system of places in line was being held up fine until 1 club member who thought that her confirmation number was a magical pass to the front of the line where there where fams who had been there since 10:30am (Scott). She arrived around 5-5:30pm and if only would have signed the list then would have been No. 40 or so, but nooooo she had 2 B difficult. She made it very clear that she didn’t care about the list and what we said and thought of her and that her confirmation meant she could B first in line. So the rest of fams got 2gether in a impressive show of unity and agreement and decided 2 hold strong 2 the list and abide by it. A special thanks 2, I’m sure from all 2 the Little Mama in the leopard pants 4 making the list, the guy from the Buzz in Houston 4 getting and maintaining the order in line, and 2 the sister with the pink PRINCE t-shirt who stuck 2 her guns regarding the list. As for the “Aqua sweater“ she had 2 stand by while we maintained our order and unity and strolled by her in going in the venue and sound check while she quietly but noticeably was steaming. Much luv 2 ya.

Sound check, sound check, in this review I will point out several tips and facts 2 members and NPGMC representatives that will come in handy and B useful in the future. (1) Don’t believe the Hype, when it comes 2 what is going to occur regarding sound check, start time, etc., information from NPGMC reps is the only reliable source, so many rumors and tid bits fly over the place from fams 2 event staff everything gets lost in the muddle and only invites chaos and disorder. (2) NPGMC reps have clear communication with event staff of what is and isn’t occurring, I don’t think they realize the need 4 information the fams who have been on their feet 4 hours, driven long hours, made personal and professional sacrifices 2 B there. It’s hard 2 enjoy the time 2gether with fellow fams when we’re all wondering what is going 2 happen.

We in Dallas are privileged 2 say that we had 2 sound checks. Although our first occurred unexpectedly, but was familiar. A tornado warning which brought about the city sirens(1st sound check) caused the event staff in a sudden hurry 2 escort everyone waiting outside into the Music Hall’s basement, (only in Texas, Tornado Alley on the 1!). With this occurring we all thought our chances 4 a real sound check were shot, until we were escorted back upstairs maintaining the afore mentioned unity (minus “Aqua sweater”). While heading back up we were all surprised and happy 2 hear the unquestionable riffs of “Bambi” resonating through the ceiling and walls. When we got 2 the lobby the will call table was already set up, they were taking us 5 at a time checking our ID names off the their list and passing out laminates and armbands. When getting close 2 the table I noticed 2 different colored armbands yellow and green. To my surprise and joy the yellow bands were 4 the orchestra pit and the green 4 the regular seats. Unfortunately the yellow bands were limited 2 how many orchestra seats there were around 40. Some fams weren’t 2 happy with this, but I was because me and my girl got in the pit with only 2 other seats left. The pit seats were essentially first and second row, we were on the second row stage left. Although all didn’t get pit seats the other seats were no farther back than around 8th row. Which brings me 2 point (3) Get there early, whether it’s at the concert or aftershow, basically it comes down 2 better seats or standing room. (4) 2 help out the bigger brothers and sisters including me, the fams on several occasions have mentioned and I have noticed at other shows the lack of larger sized apparel (XXL and up) including t-shirts, jackets, etc. Note 2 fams: T-shirts $20 and up, tour book $20, poster $20, caps $25, CDs $20, video and charms $20 and up.

The sound check was short, due 2 the tornado warning and PRINCE having a late load-in. We listened to “Bambi” while walking and he performed all of “Paisley Park”. Just 2 let U know U haven’t heard any of PRINCE’s music until U’ve hear it live. The songs although the same in most part as far as lyrics and overall flow change completely when heard live. I have in the previous week have been brushing up on the songs I have heard PRINCE was going 2 play and “Paisley Park” was one of them, but in hearing him play it I found myself asking “I know it’s Paisley Park because of the lyrics and beat but the way bass and guitar riffs were stunning my clavicle I knew this was something different”. The stage backdrop was very tall around 2 stories, purple velvet drapes hung and framed projection screens that flashed images throughout the show (A.L. quote, airports, driving down the road, space, clouds, psychedelic forms, etc.), when not showing images the screens were draped with the Rainbow Children album art. Dozens of incense sticks burned on either side (smelled like a variety pack) next 2 large velvet pillows. His appearance was difficult 2 see because 4 most of the sound check the stage was backlit I believe intentionally 2 hide his appearance, which even he mentioned was rough. His interaction with us was minimal, due 2 the 2nd incident mentioned earlier this one being dubbed the “God is Love, Beautiful, trinity, trinity, trinity, rabbiii, rabbiii, salejaoicuyabbadabbadooqrtyq09rvjnjndq&(792***@5523vzcng” incident. There seemed 2 B a club member who was 2 seats down from me and on another mental plain. She started as soon as she was seated accompanied by her then boyfriend (they had a tiff after her behavior and his mac attack on the sister in the pink PRINCE t-shirt). With PRINCE playing she was non-stop standing waiving hand symbols chanting and dressing and undressing while her guy knelt and cried, in seeing this PRINCE stopped playing and asked her 2 say what she had 2 say because this was a free place and could speak your mind. So she started well enough with God is love sort of thing but then started with the trinity, trinity thing and then Oh Loard! She started with the jibberish and hand symbols. That’s when PRINCE asked us if she was like that in line, which brought a lot of laughs. He told us if some one gives us those symbols “U know which one 2 give’em back”. He also mentioned that there was no trinity and his belief of one God and his name Jehovah. His religious didn’t come into play as much as in other shows, but when he did make references I understood what he spoke of, I personally grew up in the Truth and agree with much of what they and he believe, but still have doubts and because of that have wandered. Anyway after that exchange with us he ignored her and continued to play.

Seeing that this is taking longer than expected, I’ll get 2 the jist of the show. It started promptly at 9pm according 2 my watch and ended around 11:45pm the late time was due 2 the late load-in from New Orleans. The concert played out 4 the most part like the rest. It started out with Candy coming down the aisle starting off Rainbow Children. I must now digress on Candy 4 a moment , I didn’t know the girl looked and moved so good, I remember her from the Batman days but, man. Wearing black form fitting dress pants (didn’t know the girl had some thickness, thanks 4 the autograph on the laminate) with a spaghetti strapped blouse which hung low, she was lookin’ dap. She was more enjoyable to watch behind the lime light dancing, hair-tossing and at times it seemed like pop-lockin, she and her solos were on. Rhonda again stood on her long, strong, bold legs holding that bass like some sort of musical bass super hero waiting 2 take on any comers who dare 2 try to cross the threshold of the funk nation that is PRINCE and the NPG. The rest of the band was tight from Renato holding his own on solos and changes (although I am partial 2 the Dr.) to Boyer given his elephant impression, and Blackwell taking it 2 the 9s on the solos (the hair looked fine brother, thanks 4 the autograph on the drumstick and the time 2 talk, send Gia our love), and Maceo was well ya know, Maceo. I particularly liked the hopping dance number on “Pass the Peas” U haven’t missed a beat.

PRINCE appeared onstage wearing a large what seemed 2 B a oversized gray suit coat over a black high collared shirt and matching black pants, no hat his do was short similar to his Emancipation period. Highlights 4 me were 1+1+1=3, Raspberry Beret, Xenophobia, Do Me Baby, and the closer Anna Stesia whose name is reserved 4 my first daughter. The piano medley started off the encore with PRINCE now wearing a matching white and glittery maroon outfit with matching derby that some lucky fam caught after he threw it in the audience. There are 3 songs I’ve waited 4 4 years 2 hear PRINCE perform 1.) I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man (which I experienced last year during the Hit n Run Tour which I’m not ashamed 2 admit brought tears 2 my eyes) 2.) Adore (which was played last night and brought me closer 2 my everything Connie, but was interrupted by the smash up my car bit) 3.) Glam Slam, which I’m still waiting 4. The rest of the set was pretty much the same as the others, but the best part of the show was something not mentioned much and that was the amount of guitar playing by “My Boy”. It’s been said better by others and we all know will go down in musical history, but his solos were phenomenal, the guitars he used (violet symbol, white Ibanez, classic Horner, which are immaculate up-close) seemed 2 B just an extension of his heart and arm, there seems 2 B no thought process when he plays it’s just automatic for him, I understand what he meant when once asked if he still rehearses or practices he replied that he doesn’t, that it’s just like breathing 2 him. His playing inclined my girl 2 ask why he makes those faces (eyes closing, lip puckering, cheeks sucked in) when he plays, I just explained that its automatic he just feels it, like sex. The way his playing goes from a prehistoric ocean squall 2 electric ant feet picking on a wet leaf (U like that huh) is mind boggling. We all know I could go about his playing, but I’ll leave that up 2 U and All the Critics in New York. Now, the aftershow!

Last but not least of the tips 1 thing I cannot stress enough is (5) Become a NPGMC Member!!, no doubt this is not a promo. A good and fair deal are rare these days, so when 1 comes along it’s a delight. The special treatment from the excellent seats, 2 the acknowledgment from PRINCE, the fellow fams, 2 the aftershows, its well worth the price. It was a great feeling 2 go into the aftershow at the Red Jacket ahead of everyone, and getting the looks of “Who R They”. The dance floor that sits on a lower level in front of the stage was reserved 4 club members only. I can’t count the times I was asked “How do U become a member” and “Why did we get 2 do this and that”. 2 surprises were in store 4 us, the first being the appearance and singing duel of PRINCE with Buddy Miles, 4 those who haven’t been 2 school Buddy Miles is the former drummer of the man who in my eyes invented the electric guitar and changed the musical landscape 4ever Jimi 2 the mf***n Hendrix. I passed Buddy in the audience with out knowing it was him he wore a black what seemed 2 B a t-shirt with enough gold on his fingers, neck, and derby that it would make Mr. T go 2 the pawn shop 2 go get more. Times and people change and I didn’t recognize him, he was in a wheelchair along with a tall gentleman. He turned the place out with his singin and brought lots of good laughs from us and PRINCE. The second surprise was PRINCEs second performance of “Didn’t Cha Know” the first was at the concert and the second was at the aftershow with none other than Erykah Baduh singing lead. She appeared on stage wearing a long slender white dress with a minimal amount of jewelry replacing her tall head wrap with some sort of turn of the century oversized British nurse hat. 2 hear her voice is quite moving, I don’t see how such a big voice comes out of such a small woman, but man she blew especially at the end with that high note, but later we saw that singing was not her only talent after exiting the stage she appeared in a higher balcony level of the club grooving 2 the music, she dances like she sings slow and sexy she had us all looking. The only downside was that she only did one song, don’t know why (wish she would have done Tyrone). Although that was a downer PRINCEs playing more than made up 4 it. One treat we got and I thought was the highlight of the aftershow was his performance of the “Ride”, 2 my knowledge he hadn’t played it at any other shows. He just ripped into it and took the house down. There were times at the beginning of the show that the guitar was sounding to fuzzed up and distorted, but with PRINCEs direction the sound guys got it right. Other songs were another performance of Pass the Peas, Rainbow Children, Alphabet St. (kicked a**), and another go round of solos from everyone including Candy now wearing white, don’t get me started. PRINCE wore a white elongated shirt I’m sure we’re all familiar with and matching pants with a fuzzy white derby worn back with his bangs strategically placed. The aftershow started around 2:30am and ended around 3:30 or so. Its amazing 2 see the energy that PRINCE and the band play with from the concert 2 the aftershow, especially with this being the last of 3 shows in a row (and on a Tuesday night!, man) but like what John Blackwell told me after the show, when U do what U love fatigue isn’t a factor. Your efforts are more than appreciated and admired.

I know this review wandered and digressed but in a lot of ways this is my coming out. As long as I have been a fam I’ve never given my input on message boards or chats about PRINCE because I was never inclined 2, but in seeing the lack of prose and info and just fools who don’t know what there blabbin about and after seeing last nights show I thought I’d show them how it’s suppose 2 B done (On the 2)..



“I have 2 go now I don’t know when I’ll return”

RudeBoy

Gosh, thanks for the great, detailed review. That must have taken some time to write. Just wanted you to know that it's appreciated.

Badu wore a Kufi, now U know.