Be Warned--this is LONG! I apologize for the length. I guess I just got a little too enthusiastic. Feel free to simply skim...

Setlist: (not in any order and not all the songs)

Joy in Repition
Anotherloverholenyohead
Satisfied
Gotta Broken Heart Again
Musicology
Kiss
Lolita
Black Sweat
Pass the Peas
Come Together
Purple Rain
U Got the Look
Cream
Let's Go Crazy

That's all I can remember

My purple Prince weekend began on January 26 at the Rio Hotel & Suites at 6:30 p.m. at Club 3121 even though the concert didn't start until Midnight. But I wanted a good spot in front of the stage, so I wasn't going to take any chances.

Although I was there six hours early, I was NOT the first person in line. There were about 15 people in front of me who had been God only knows how long. Of course, if I hadn't been flying in from San Francisco and getting settled in, I would have been right there with them. As it was, I was happy to have this prime spot in line. So after about two-and-a-half hours sitting down in the line outside, they finally opened the doors at 9 p.m.... so we could wait inside another three hours.

The time inside went by surprisingly fast. I met about five people who were die-hard fans just like me. While it was my second time seeing Prince at 3121, there were some who were on their fourth, fifth or beyond. That's wild, huh? But when a living legend like Prince is playing weekly shows in Las Vegas, it's hard NOT to go. Hell, I'm hoping to go back myself in March or April. It's that addictive.

I came ready in my battle gear: purple knit sweater dress (which required very light eating for a week so that I would look appropiately attractive), my black lace leggings, black patent-leather flats and top to it off, my gold belt with imitation diamonds and pearls around the buckle. When I went to see Prince at the same nightclub on Dec. 9, he didn't even look my way one time--no such thing was going to happen this night.

The concert finally kicked off a little after midnight and when I saw that Prince's beauty is breathtaking, you have to believe that I am not lying. He had on this orange suit (I swear I think he's the only man I know who can pull off orange) and a white shirt that unbuttoned a bit at the top to reveal some soft chest hair. Oh Lord. And his hair, oh man, don't get me started on that. His perm looked better than mine! I almost got a little jealous, but I remembered why I was there.

To work up a black sweat.

He started the concert with Joy in Repitition, a song that I don't really care for. But once that ended I forgot all about that minor indiscretion when he started singing all the jams. Especially Lolita. That's the fire that ya'll ain't knowing about yet. It was great. I was singing along to every single song because I knew all the words. All eight of those years practicing at home in my room really paid off! I don't know if I sounded good, but I didn't even care. I just dancing, singing and closing my eyes forgetting where I was.

He came over to our side (stage right) quite a few times, since there was a platform on the stage in front of where we were standing. He came over once playing his guitar and he looked at me smiled. That was what I had been dreaming about since I left the Prince concert on Dec. 9. I simply smiled back my shy smile, trying not to start cheesing or scream like I really wanted to. Then he walked away. That pretty much made my whole night.

I was really into the whole thing. There was some other people who were really into it with me, but most of the audience was standing looking lost, waiting for Prince to play Purple Rain or When Doves Cry. I don't know about you, but I'm not paying $125 dollars (plus taxes and fess) to see Prince play his greatest hits package. If people don't know songs beyond 1986, they shouldn't be there. Or else they end up asking the people standing next to you if they know what song this is. Granted, not everyone is a die-hard like me, who has travelled to Minneapolis to the see the man himself, but come on people, at least pretend like you know what's going on.

Anyhow, after a he sang a few slow jams that made my knees buckle. He segued into Musicology, a song that I really like, but for some unknown reason, I don't know all the words to. But it was okay, I was still feeling the beat. I think I even had my eyes closed. Next thing I knew, Prince bent down slightly from the stage and grabbed my hands and was dancing along with me.

Oh. My. God. Sweet Jesus, you could've killed me right then because I was going to die anyway.

When my heart started beating again, after stopping briefly for a few seconds, he was still holding my hands and dancing with me. He hands were so soft and tender. Again, I was a little jealous, but whatever. I got so excited I started jumping up and down. Was he just dancing with me, or did he want he to come onstage? I didn't know for sure, so I just kept jumping because I didn't know what to do. At some point, he was trying to pull me up, but I'm a big, tall girl, so we both know that wasn't going to happen. He looked exasperated and I felt stupid, but finally my Wonder Woman instincts kicked in and I put my hands on the stage and pulled myself up.

Am I crazy or what?

Just to put into context for you, I am 6'1" and everybody with a TV knows that Prince is a very delicate and fawn-like creature of about 5'4" or so WITHOUT the heels. Good God. He just looked so petite that it drove me nuts. Even though I had on flats, I still felt extra tall. This was the only time in my life that I felt hella gigantor and the only time I wished was not so damned tall. The irony of it is that my height is probably what got me noticed in the first place--that and my purple dress.

We did the bump together and I although I couldn't see it from where I was standing, it probably was a funny sight. The whole time it was happening, I just couldn't believe that I was on stage with Prince. I was screaming on the inside. Finally he went back to the middle of the stage and I had the platform all to myself. So I tore it up the only way I could dancing like it was going out of style. Then two other chicks came out of nowhere onto the stage. I was guessing Prince also invited them up, so I made way and got off the platform to let them dance and I retreated to the background a bit. It was the most fun, most surreal experience of my life. The song ended and lights went out and it was time for me to get offstage.

As I was walking away, the only thing I couldn't help thinking was: should I have done that?

As avid a fan as I am, I don't want to be perceived as invading anyone's personal space, famous or not. Was he really inviting to dance with him onstage or did he just want to dance with me from the stage? But after thinking about it and talking about it with other people later, I decided that if Prince really didn't want me onstage, I wouldn't have been there. There was too much security around for that to happen and they would've pulled me off faster than I could've said his name.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The rest of the concert went by like a blur. I honestly can't remember much after that moment. There was songs I remeber singing and dancing to, but that was about it.
I left right before the encore (but honestly, how many times can I reasonably hear Purple Rain), to get in line for the aftershow.

After fighting with people who were cutting in front of, I was able to get into the jazz room, where I payed another $50 to get into the jazz room where Prince and his band played an early morning set. There was also a $20 minimum on drinks on top of that, but after my $16 glass of wine and $8 water, I was set.

The band came on without Prince for while and jammed for a while. It was fantastic, but I was getting tired and temporarily forgetting where I was, I fell asleep sitting straight up more than once. I think was even dreaming a couple of times.

What woke my up, you'll never believe. Prince was going around to all of the tables in the restaurant while the band was playing and was passing out Watchtowers. Since he is a devout Jehovah's Witness now, he was witnessing at his own after party. It was amazing and surreal at the same time. Honestly, nearly ten years ago when I first became a Prince fan, I never thought I'd see the day. As he was going around he even took the time to shake everyone's hand and spread the gospel. He even went to the room outside of the jazz room where people didn't have to pay and talked to them. I actually got my Watchtower from someone who was passing them out for him. But that was fine. I had already had my fix for the night. People had even recognized my from the stage.

The night ended with Prince playing with the band for at least another hour. His part was all instrumental, but man did he and the band rip it up! He has a new female singer named Shelby who sang with band and that girl could sang. Not sing--SANG! Good Lord. This was one of the best nights of my life so far and it didn't end until 5:30 a.m. Prince sure can challenge a lot of his audiences, but honestly I could've stood for some more. But I had to go back to the hotel and get some sleep. There was another Prince concert that I had to go to tomorrow....
[Edited 1/31/07 23:37pm]
[Edited 1/31/07 23:38pm]
[Edited 2/9/07 1:15am]
[Edited 2/9/07 1:17am]

All Along the Watchtower.....Princes Kept the View

Nice Review!! Lucky!!

Great review, thanks for sharing your experience, there is nothing like getting noticed by Prince.

U go girl! Your review was great and as I read it I was picturing it and am happy for your experince. It made me smile!
I'll be there next Friday and Sat., & I hope we have a postive experience. Seems that everyone's experience has been so different, but unique & surreal. I CAN'T Wait!!! I have been in love w/ Prince since 1982 and he's even better now, more mature and sexy as ever! Thanx 4 sharing.

I was at the same show, and you tore it up on stage, and NO, you did not look stupid! When pulled up on stage it is very easy to get stagefright and clam up... you did neither!
Glad you had fun!

I know that January 26th was a month ago, but I was at this gig too...

Maybe a bit of bad timing on my part, as I had just flown in from England, checked into the Flamingo and then headed on over to Rio for the gig.

Unsure of the setup, my wife and I arrived early and then had to do the "Will Call shuffle" - "No not here, they put a table out, etc."

So after a bite to eat, we were back in line to get our wristbands and then our tickets. Doors opened surprisingly early (just gone 8pm) and everyone was in good spirits. I had toyed with VIP booth seating, but was so glad that I had just gone GA, as we ended up front and centre... a real result for my wife at just over 5' She was able to compare heel heights with Prince

Well, I just wanted to say that we had a great time and to Lovesexy82, you definitely did not look too phased by the experience (although Prince looked a little shocked when he realised how tall you were, whilst pulling you by the arm from the audience )

All of the other people around us were great too; chatting, keeping my space during trips to the bar and generally enjoying a great time.

I see that lots of people are slating Rio and Club 3121 for the experience but, as someone that flew over 5,000 miles to be at the gig, I ask you this: Where else would you be able to experience Prince in such an intimate 1,000 capacity venue?

I thought the whole experience was miles ahead of the typical arena gig that I get to experience in England and a great start to my Vegas stay

Viva Club 3121, Viva Las Vegas

You go girl!, I am truly glad you had such an unforgettable experience.
Seeing him live performing is amazing (I am only assuming... I never saw him live) but strutting your stuff on stage is such a great opportunity!. If he will be performing in March (I keep my fingers crossed for it), I would love to experience the same thing, I am 6'2 woman, he has to realize that tall girls rock too!

All the best, Suzie xoxo

Sounds like a blast, glad you got up on stage and had such a memorable experience. Wish I was there if only to see Prince doing Tha Bump with a girl 6-1. Now THAT'S priceless.