One Nite Alone With Prince

March 2nd and 3rd, Chicago Theater

Decided to report on both shows, so I could compare notes on the similarities or differences of the shows. Both shows were approximately 2:45 min in length and came packed with a mission (ready 4 a change?)!

March 2nd, 2002
Word was sent via email, 2 NPGMC members, stating that if U had tickets for any up coming event (through March 11th) 2 appear at the venue at 5:30 p.m. At that time U were issued a laminate, if Ur name appeared on the list of current members of the NPGMC (loved the perks!!!). This laminate (which will b different 4 each show) would allowed U access 2 the soundcheck and 2 the afterparty! U would also b allowed 2 bring 1 guest with U 4 the experience!

Souncheck access was granted around 6:00 p.m. and lucky NPGMC members were not only treated 2 a soundcheck but 2 a Q&A session with Prince himself. Prince was overwhelmed with questions and concerns about the ticket scalping that goes on 4 his shows. He asked the NPGMC members just how many of them actual has been able 2 secure seats in the orchestra pit (best seats in the house) and only about six people answered ( I will spare U from my nightmare about purchasing tickets 4 the shows but give big thanks 2 the NPGMC person that answered my emails during a time of crisis). He was clearly concerned about this issue and promised 2 at least waive the entrance fee 2 the “afterparties” 4 the NPGMC member (2 sorta make-up 4 the mess.) Prince also had a question 4 the group, “should he give "Little Red Corvette" to Chevrolet for their 50th Anniversary??’ (I personally have mixed feeling about that but hey…1 must do what they feel is best in the long run). The session lasted for about 30 minutes and then folks were lead out of a side door entrance 2 wait 4 the actual concert.

Around 7:00 p.m., folks were allowed 2 enter the Theatre 4 the concert (we were glad that we didn’t have 2 wait long, this past weekend was the coldest that it’s been in Chicago all winter…I need not mention the snow). After the body check 4 cameras and recording devices U could then either purchase Tour merchandize (T-shirts, looks like T-Shirt # 1 won the most votes…, program booklet and photosand CD single of “The Work) or head 4 Ur seat. 4 those of U not living in Chicago, the Chicago Theater is one of r finer venues, It was at one time a movie theater and still has some of the original architecture, nice gold trim here and there. Perfect setting 4 what we were in store 4 from Prince and the NPG!

While waiting 4 the performance 2 start clipets of “Xenophobia” were being played over the sound system (I can hardly wait until this album is released!). Without an official announcement, lights went dim and U could hear sounds from Maceo Parker sax filling the auditorium (from what appeared 2 b an unknown source). A spot light hit the center aisle of the mainfloor and U could then see Maceo coming 2ward the stage from the back of the theater Nice way 2 get Ur attention from the stage because I didn’t even notice when Prince and the band took the stage. Maceo’s intro lead into the title cut from the “Rainbow Children” with Prince taking over leads on guitar. The spoken words from “Rainbow Children” were now being spoken live on the mike by Prince and U knew it was on! As far as a set-list goes, I am not the 1 to remember everything but got the following from a friend:
Maceo Parker Sax Intro
The Rainbow Children
Muse 2 The Pharaoh
Xenophobia
A Case of U
Mellow
1+1+1=3
Love Rollercoaster (originally done by The Ohio’s Player)
The Other Side of the Pillow
Strange Relationship
Sing A Simple Song
La, La, La (Means I Love You)
Erykah Badu ‘s Didn't You Know (with Rhonda Smith,)
When You Were Mine
Avalanche
Family Name
Take Me With U
Raspberry Beret
Another Star
Santana Medley
-----encore-----
Free
Starfish & Coffee
Sometimes It Snows In April
I Love U, But I Don't Trust U Anymore
How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore
Anna Stesia
Love Is God/Rise Up

Musically, this (and the second show) was one of the most powerful one’s I’ve witnessed in awhile. Prince’s vocals and guitar solos were superb. The flow of the music was continuous and almost hypnotic. I found my self, at times, so caught up in complete awe of want I was experiencing. At times I felt as if I was the only person in the place, truly “One Nite Alone “with Prince! I will b the first 2 admit that I was upset when I heard about Mr. Hayes’ departure from the band but this new band (with Rhonda Smith, Renato Neto, Greg Boyer, John Blackwell and Maceo Parker) is TIGHT!

Prince is definitely continuing his efforts 2 b more assessable (which seems 2 have started at last years Celebration). At the soundcheck, he was attentive 2 the questions and responded as much as he could.

On a serious note Prince also address the issue of racism during the show. Folks may not want 2 admit it, but racism is still alive and kickin’ in the year 2002. I know that some folks were uncomfortable but this issue cannot b left in the dark. During “Avalanche”, he displayed a quotation from Abraham Lincoln that clearly shows how he (Lincoln) supported segregation. And at the start of “Family Name”, Prince asked a few people in the front rows what was their names. Upon hearing them, he asked a few folks if he “could change their names 4 the nite”. One man was rename “Lynch”, while another person was named “Rhodes”. Princes then proceeded 2 perform “Family Name” inserting “Lynch” and “Rhodes” in the appropriate spots. Symbolically, “Lynch” could represent the lynching that occurred and still occur even 2day but I won’t try 2 interrupt Prince’s meaning. I’m not in the position 2 do so but my own day 2 day experience supports the fact that racism is on a come back (or was it just in undercover 4 awhile). “Enuff said!

Prince seemed very emotional at times during his performance, it was clear that he was feeling sorrow during “Anna Stesia”. I was brought 2 tears. .. There are also some religious overtones but nothing over powering. He’s just spreading the “Truth”!

The show will leave folks either in a state of amazement or upset because they didn’t hear Prince perform “Purple Rain” (Prince said at the beginning of the show that if you came 2 hear “Purple Rain”, “It ain’t that type of party!” ). The new music is a funky combination of jazz fusion with a bit of the older songs as a chaser. We were exposed 2 a funky new rendition of “Raspberry Beret” and that was enough of the old stuff 4 me.

For those of us who want to know, Prince did not change outfits during the first performance, he wore pants with one black color leg, while the other leg red and a black, red and white top with the NPG logo across the front (in banner style). His hair as most of U know is short (sorta back 2 the JOY days), parted down the middle.

The afterparty was held at the “HardRock Café”. Members of the NPGMC were able 2 enter the club first (and didn’t have 2 pay 2 get in). We were also allowed 2 bring in a guest, so we felt REAL VIPish : The party was nice, lot of Prince music (the DJ even did a battle of the bands mix , playing Prince and Michael Jackson/Jackson Five music back 2 back. Prince made a appearance a bit later, coming down from the VIP area 2 shakes hands with a few of us and waved. He didn’t stay long but it was still nice 2 know he had been around. We left the place around 4:00 a.m. and that was the end of day 1!


March 3rd, 2002

The second show occurred on the coldest nite of this season, so we didn’t arrive at the Theater until 6:00 p.m. (didn’t want 2 stand outside!) but was told after awhile that the soundcheck entry was probably not going 2 happen this evening. Most folks left 2 go get a bit 2 eat but we hung around until they open the main doors (around 7:00 p.m.). We were allowed 2 go inside but had 2 wait 2 b let in4 the seating area because Prince had not finished the soundcheck. Oh well  While waiting, my friend Keta was talking with one of the security guards. He said that Prince had wanted 2 add still another show 4 Monday nite but it didn’t go through! That would have been wild…three nites in a row!

The second show’s set was identical 2 the first, except he added (or maybe exchanged) “Everlasting Now” (was I a happy camper) and “Adore”… yes, “Adore”! He performed “I Love U, But I Don't Trust U Anymore” was such passion, he even commented on the performance  Highlights of this show included the addition of “Pass the Peas” from Prince and Maceo Parker. Talk about “old school”, it was in da; house that nite!

Prince invited a couple 2 dance on stage during, I believe ,“ La, La, La (Means I Love You)”. It was so sweet but funny when Prince goes “You can only dance like that if you have children” Prince also invited the ushers on stage during “Sing A Simple Song”. Now you have 2 understand the majority of the staff are middle-age folks who probably don’t know anything about Prince music beyond (or b4) “Purple Rain, so 2 see them up on stage dancing their hearts out, well U had 2 b there! This was truly a nice jester; I bet know one has ever acknowledged their presence in this way!

Prince did change outfits 4 the piano solo. He started the show in a black suit (with purple tie and pocket hanky…in fact every1 was suited up 4 both shows, even Tumai) Prince came back 4 the piano solo in black pants, a black top with a blue v-neck panel.. This time he did have his chest exposed a bit (happy ladies )

After the show, Prince’s voice come over the sound system announcing the location of the “afterparty” (which he had already mention the location att yesterday’s soundcheck), the “Parkwest”. Folks headed 2 the “Parkwest”and again the NPGMC members were treated like VIP. We were allowed entry first and were able 2 either stand at the stage area of sit in the “reserved” seats around the stage. Prince’s DJ (from last year’s “celebration”) was on stage spinning. Again, no performance but a GREAT party! Folk seem 2 b having a good time jamming 2 a fine mixture of Prince music, spiced with a bit of hip-hop. Motley was seen first leading a group into “The Bird” (complete with a line of folks doing “Chilly Sauce”. and then taking that same line of folks through the club on a “New Position” run! Prince made another appearance about 1:30 a.m., again in the VIP area, kinda looking down at us (probably trying 2 see if he could spot that crazy lady from the soundcheck who was trying 2 either give him her telephone number or cash,. again U had 2 b there!). He then made his way 2 the stage, kidded with a few of us in the front of the stage and did a funky little dance. He left after that and at around 2:00 p.m.
the “U don’t have 2 go home but U do have 2 get out of here” announcement came over the sound system and is was all over.

All and all, this was the best weekend I’ve had since the week of the “Celebration”. I am looking so forward 2 this year’s “Celebration”, just 4 another chance 2 hang-out with fellow Prince “fam” and 2 hopefully have another chance 2 experience the new and improved Prince!.

"... (probably trying 2 see if he could spot that crazy lady from the soundcheck who was trying 2 either give him her telephone number or cash,. again U had 2 b there!)!"
Hilarious. Thanks for the report.

Very nice report of the shows, good to hear you had a good tome!

tome=time

Very good report, thank you

I hate that some NPGMC members had to suffer w/ all this scalping business, but I'm SO glad he's hearing about it & responding to it...

Thank you for the report. So I was also a bit there:)

I just can not understand how some Ladies can do that! I would be too shy and insecure to give me like that, if I don't know a man. I don't care if he is an ordinary typus or a mega - star or my dream man! When I love or like somebody like that I could not moove me to give him my phonenumber and ask him for a little time. Imagine!


This Lady could give me some classes, I may need it a bit, she is sure fortunater.

I just wanted to add that the Chicago show was unbelievable. The setlist does not do it justice.

The disorganization of the afterparty was pretty pathetic.
There were total confusion, and security were being pricks.
After waiting outside in the rain/snow for 40 minutes, knowing there would not be a Performance and assuming I would have to pay a huge cover, my girlfriend and I split.

And since I didn't check my email that day (I drove down from MPLS) I didn't know about the soundcheck opportunity either.
Still, 3rd row seats to that performance was worth every penny.

Just thought I'd add the sound check set list, since I didn't see it mentioned yet:

. Paisley Park
. Willing & Able
. The Work, Pt. 1
(about 30 mins of music)

He also asked if we thought he should sell LRC to Chevrolet for the Corvette's Anniversary. They have asked him for it...

nice review!

Prince, seel the song for the commercial! why not?
c'mon... it would be nice to see this corvette ad, with your music over it..

Seel = sell