Hi to all... sorry I did not mention my experience sooner... I will be first to admit that I highly enjoy reading people's personal responses reflecting Prince and his presence. I appreciate the time many of you take... some are quite extensive and very detailed... thank you! As for me... I am not highly efficient with detailed set lists... but I do know that much of the show included many of the same songs that were performed in other cities. One to mention... that seems to be highly wished for is indeed "Extraordinary", he decided to make a few changes during the soundcheck and this was one he decided to do...the NPGMC members were very appreciative for that one. Especially a individual I had just met that night... (James), if you happen to read this... I am so happy that he performed that... you had just mentioned it was one of you favorite tunes. (smile)

Let me rewind a bit... I will begin with what time I arrived at the Dodge stadium, which was around 3:30 p.m., during this time I got to meet many wonderful individuals... it was so nice to be among "Prince appreciator's"... and share our personal experiences and views. That's what I prefer... a one-to-one, face-to-face dialogue, what a gift it is to meet new acquintances... Thank you Laura and "Chile"... nice to meet you all as well. I even briefly approached "2FunkE"... nice to put words along with a personal presence. As for the Phoenix weather... (well as least it wasn't HOT... nonetheless, it was extremely windy and rained at moments...), luckily I had two unbrella's (thank goodness) ... I don't straightened my hair for nothing. (smile)

We proceeded into the Dodge Theatre sometime after 5:00... yes my nerves began acting up... (smile)... but as we got seated... I began to relax, the way the stage was presented it was clear that this was not a "Show", but a clear definite attempt to present/reflect as "True Musicians"... I had to leave momentarilly, and as I was returning is when Prince was making his way toward the stage (from behind the people)... I missed his entrance... but I purely felt the divine presence. My husband shared with me his personal intuition.... he mentioned that for the first time he was getting a deep sense of a individual behind all the profound music in which we both listen to on a daily basis. Now... let me mention that I have been to many performances... but I knew in a instant that this particular night would be like no other I have ever encountered. The wonderful feeling I achieved was the immense respect and appreciation ALL the people at that moment had for Prince. It was very rejuvenating and incredibly enlightening to say the very least. I personally sensed a amazing unique individual... one who has definetly worked LONG and HARD for where he is today... through all the chaos, challenges, changes... Prince clearly reflects a definite purpose (expressing his views and inner-most soulful emotions...all through his incredibly gifted ability to manipulate those darn instruments as well as his built in instruments as well... he truly is a complete package. He definitely can hold his own musically... and that is RARE in today's society.

During the soundcheck he began on the piano/keys... he played several beautiful songs... shortly he stopped and was quiet... he then asked us if we had heard about Lisa Lopez... most of us replied with "yes"... and then there was dead silence for several seconds... it seemed we all stopped breathing. Prince broke the ice by quietly stating... somewhere along these words... "I guess I just messed the whole night up", people slightly laughed... not due to the subject matter... but on the approach of Prince's comment. It was clearly seen that he was in deep thought sitting there near his piano (touching it) and probably reflecting on the fact that "We all have no garantee"... so true and literally a FACT. For most of the night it seemed Prince was in "True" deep form... I realize for most performances that is what he wants to reflect the most on... "Going Deep"... deep within himself... tonight it was visually apparent and deeply felt by many. Later... he asked a girl in the front is this was indeed her first concert... she said "Yes", he said... "You mean you NEVER been to no shows..." and then he asked if she would like to come onto the stage for a song... She refused... using a gesture such as hand across her throat...as to say "Cut it out" very modestly. Prince got a kick out of that gesture and demonstrated what she did to the crowd. (smile) It is nice to see Prince Smile... and is was so nice to feel the Happy presence of others as well... I was feeling the "Peace" in all sense of the word. Another girl said she would go... Prince jokingly replied... "I didn't ask you... (grin)... he said No... just kidding ... come on up...What can you do... do you sing... do you dance... do you write poetry?" The girl kept nodding her head "No"... she proceeded up to the stage and quietly share a few words and then went to sit down... several people asked what did she say... Prince replied "It's a secret between her and I"... (smile) He did mention that it was nice to see the differences between the cities and people reactions... it makes it interesting... changes are good. He openly shared as well that he too was going through many changes... his message is quite clear,(his right)... we all have our own personal rights. The people were not very demanding and rarely shouted out comments (they seemed grateful to receive what they were so fortunate to receive in the first place)... much respect...once again. A gentleman sitted directly in front of me did asked during a quiet moment... "Why don't you check to see if your guitar is working?" (Smile)... Prince paused still looking down onto his piano... and then looked up and said... "What did you say?" (grin).... the guy asked once again... (smile)... (laugh)... Prince literally jumped off his chair...saying "Yes Sir"... saluted and walked over to his guitar with a solder like march. (Clearly a unplanned response... SO REAL... ) The people cracked up heavily. Prince then proceeded to tear into a mean version of one of Santana's songs and in my own opinion surpassed all forms of talent. (smile)... I never tire of seeing his effortless beauty he reflects through his voice and mastered musical techinques and one-of-a-kind style. He ended the soundcheck with one of my personal favorites... "Last December"... such a deep, questioning song... Beautifully written. As Prince was about to leave... I couldn't resist on saying...."I like your toes", he was wearing flip-flop sandals and dressed so relaxed... good to see. He briefly turned around with his usual smirk..., he is not just about "Heels"... there's much more to Prince than just that (smile).... Anyhow...

The actual performance was once again... spiritually enlightening (personally)... I was really hoping the Phoenix crowd was embracing his presence with a clear sense of respect... I would occasionally look back to see the visual expressions on their faces... the responses that were being released through each profoundly selected song. Two of my best friends were in the 4th row... they mentioned that the response was good... and almost deafening at some moments (good to hear). I know we all have our differences and may not always agree with certain subject matters in life... but if we choose to attend a Prince performance... we should respect his moving and powerful efforts... (my opinion... yes)... it would be heavily missed by many if Prince decided to end his free expression... yes?

The most moving part of the night was indeed "Purple Rain"... yes... I have seen it performed several times and each time it grabs my heart to no ends. Prince created one of my deepest and most profound moment that will forever reside and empower me... infinitely... Near the end of the song he had ALL people sing the ending verse (Literally a hum... the part where it seems as if he is crying with beautiful pain) and "we" sang in unity... all together with the most beautiful sound I have ever heard... (In the past we have sang the same verse in similar ways... (always very moving)... but I don't ever remeber it affecting me the way it did that night)... I hope I wasn't alone. I didn't feel alone... I even stopped (briefly)... and listened with my heart..."Purely Magical". He said... "You all know what I call that.... "Harmony"... listen to it... "Beautiful".... " He was right... we all were in unity... completely united/together even if it was only for a brief moment in time (I wish it not to be brief... but forever lasting...). I wrote a personal thank you to Prince... and mentioned that I have often dreamt of a day that we all can come together... free to be ourselves... in peace and harmoney... people from all over the world... as "ONE". April 26th 2002... that dream became reality. It proved to me that all dreams have the immense potential to become "True"... and it most certainly did. I am so sorry to go off on a tangent... but I am writing in a form that I am most comfortable with... writing straight from my heart. Enjoy! Best wishes to all... be "Real" and be happy... we all are so fortunate to even exist and have the freedom of choice... yet so many individuals seemingly forget that certain fact. Appreciate each new day... because you just never know when it could be your last. Take Care....
[This message was edited Thu May 2 23:54:57 PDT 2002 by Freespirit]

Wonderful! Thank you!

Prince in flip-flops?!?!? Now that's hard to believe! But I'd like to see his cute little toes myself!

Great post FreeSpirit. It was really nice to finally meet you. Only wish we had a little more time to talk. Perhaps our paths will cross again.
This concert was definately the best I have seen. The crowd, to my surprise, stood the entire time except when he asked us to relax and have a seat. Two of my friends came to the concert who would only make jokes about him up until that night. They will no longer be making any jokes. They were blown away.
I must give total props to NPGMC members and the classy way that they behaved in line and with the GA seating. Additionally, while previously bumpy, the ticket purchase experience and soundscheck went off flawlessly. Not an easy task. Well done Prince.

One last thing I must say is that the religious rhetoric was subtle and completely within the realms of good taste. A little heavy at the end but nothing exclusionary or " I am correct and you are wrong" type of vibe. While I have always respected Prince as a musician, I now respect him more as a man

PS. Flip flops for real

2funkE said:

Thanks 2FunkE... you are free to write anytime... I am so happy to know you enjoyed the moment. Take care! I better get busy...
[This message was edited Mon Apr 29 11:33:56 PDT 2002 by Freespirit]

Your report contains an amazing amount of heart. And your analyses of what the crowd were feeling display true insight.

What a fabulous post. Thank you so much!
[This message was edited Mon Apr 29 12:09:45 PDT 2002 by gubbins4ever]

I guess I only have this 2 say: "(smile)"

"I like your toes"

....and I liked his hat! More power 2 u 4 not being afraid 2 speak 2 him like a human being!

Beautiful words from the heart should always be appreciated.Thanx U for sharing and glad you enjoyed:)

...Just wanted to verify that Prince indeed wears "flip flops". -He was "chilling in them at the 1st Atlanta soundcheck!-Great review Freespirit

Nice to see some responses... and Thanks to all of you as well... Thanks for taking a moment to read...

thank u, freespirit! ur love is felt and returned.

How wonderful. Sounds like a much different crowd than Oakland...

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, I needed a Prince fix. And your words gave it to me. This tour is truly addictive, if you see one show you yearn for more. I'm going to find a way to make it to Vegas, I think that's the next city they are going to hit. Agin thank you.

Beautifully written, thank you.reminded me of the shows i attended, would have loved to have the expirence of sitting with the music club here, but he hadnt done that yet.

and that flipflop thing brings a smile to my face.
thanks for sharing

Berry said:

...and L.A.

polisci2003 said:

It can be an advantage to seeing Prince in the smaller or medium size cities with only 50 or so NPG club members. The best advantage is there is less competition for the first few rows. Also, in some of the cities, there is more relaxed interaction with people he choses to speak to if the soundcheck crowd is small.

The advantage for the larger cities is that they are more likely to get mini concerts at the soundchecks and aftershows.

I wanna see dem toes!!!

I wanna kiss dem toes!!!

Wait, I've never done toes before... :O

Thank you Freespirit for posting your review - it was a pleasure to read...

CalhounSq said:


Oh, you are so sweet, my friend...

that review is as inspirational as Prince, thankyou x.

Hi, That was a very well thought out & honest review, it touched me. Thankyou!!!
Just can't wait until Prince comes to England!!!

FreeSpirit,


During the harmony on PR he had asked the crowd if we liked it....r'member? He said that we like it cause we were all in "argeement" .....it was beautiful and like you I will never 4get it.


Peace & Love .....

Francesca
"Adore"

I wanna see his toes!! Great report! very heartfelt indeed! oh Prince, please come to boston! I wanna see yer toesies!