THIS WAS THE SHOW! I am still in awe almost 24 hours later, trying to understand what I have just been through. It was so amazing, blew new years out of the water, and from the reports I've read about other 3121 nights, probably blew them all out too. He played for over 2 hours, but I'm getting ahead of myself...

The night began when me and my man flew into Vegas at 5pm.. Only my second time to Vegas and the first was to see P on new years and that's really all I saw of vegas that time, so this time we went around a little before heading to the Rio. We ate buffet at Caeser's and rode the rollercoaster at NY NY (fun but kinda jerky), and made it over to 3121 around 10pm. There were few people in line, and once we got inside, it still wasn't too crowded. We staked out a spot right in front of the left podium, about 5 people from the stage. The crowd was great! Way better than the amateur night we experienced on NYE. Everyone was jamming to DJ Rashida, and hella decked out. Guys were wearing funky ass suits and dancing with hella soul, and everyone was just really nice. We made friends with all the people around us. So P strung us out and didnt come on until just after 12:30, but it was worth it! The crowd was amped, and the energy was high. P was feeling it! I thought he looked kinda tired when he first came on, but the energy was there and he rolled with it, immediately getting pumped up too.

Here is the setlist, which, although definitely not in the exact order, I believe is pretty complete (I wasnt really drinking because I wanted to remember everything!):



Love Bizarre

Girls and Boys (harder, guitar-driven version-- P cruised through the VIP section and ended up dancing on a podium towards the back of the general admission area)

3121

Lolita

Shelby --> Cherish the Day (by Sade-- this was so beautiful!!!)

Satisfied

Musicology (This was the highlight of the night!! The Twinz brought a bunch of people from the front of the general admission and VIP on stage to dance and jam with him during this extended jam. One of the ladies was an older black lady that P put up towards the front of the stage because it was cute to see her dancing...Then, at some point, she came over to him, and he was giving her love, sharing his spotlight with her, and she grabbed the microphone (!!!) and said "Hey, we're a bunch of nurses, my friends dragged me here. I dont even know anything about prince. (!!!!) All i know is Purple Rain. So lets hear it. yeah!" OMIGOD! When she said that she didnt know anything about prince the whole crowd goes "OOOOOHHHHH..." hella loud, like, no she didnt!!! Prince's face was priceless!!! He gave this look like, WTF?!?!?!? laughing and raising his eyebrows, like, she does not know what she just said.. Then he said "allright" and sort of pushed her offstage (but everyone else was still on stage at this point) and he says, kinda jokingly but kinda not "straight to the exit" as she is being taken offstage. Priceless! The interaction between P and the audience during this exchange was the strongest connection I've seen him have with the audience. We were truly connected last night. Then, after everyone was cleared from the stage, he was like, "so you want to hear some hits then huh? what do you want to hear?" and we were all screaming what we wanted to hear, and he was like, "that one," pointing somewhere and broke into...)

Kiss (damn good version)

Peach (damn good!)

Maceo--> sax solo, What a Wonderful World (this was so beautiful, totally went with the miraculous vibe of the night.. then the pianist played some piano solos too and I didnt know what they were)

Shelby --> Never loved a man (she was looking at my boyfriend!)

Black Sweat

Purple Rain (pretty damn good guitars on this one... I know we all would rather hear some less commercial stuff, but he always makes it worthwhile)


End of regular show. My memory of the exact songs played during the encores is not as good, so if anyone was there and wants to help aid my memory it is very much appreciated!!


Encore 1-

Lets go crazy

(???)


Encore 2--

Seven

What have you done for me lately? (this was great!)


Encore 3---

??

Come together (beatles cover, was pretty jammin!)

Crazy (shelby really doing this Gnarls Barkley cover)

Nothing Compares 2 U ( WOW, this was so amazing! what a way to end the show!!)




Yes, 3 encores, over 2 hours of show, and amazing energy! I am still not ready to come back to reality. We tried to get in to the after show, I even sent my boyfriend to get in line while I watched the encores, but we got jacked. Everyone else in line was saving places too, and we were the first ones in line to not make it in. They told us that we could hang in the outer room and if someone left we would be the first in. We were kinda over it since my BF missed the end of the show and didnt even get into the room with P. I really wanted to get a handshake or something. So we left and went and got some food. It was close to 3:30 by now, and we had to kill 3 more hours before we hopped a flight home. So we cruised around some more and eventually made it home, where I slept all day and now I had to make my report because I can't stop thinking about it!!! I want to go back next week and the week after! I want to drop out of law school and go work for Prince! Damn that man is amazing!

Great report. I also wanted to add a few tidbits:

1) This was my third time and for some reason I enjoyed this weekend the most. I loved how he opened up with Love Bizarre. Prince was in a great mood and that long intro to Satisfied gave the song new life. I mean it was deep, it felt real good.

2) I always loved the video montage of entertainers/dancers of the past. It's so cool to watch those who have helped paved the way. One thing I noticed that was different and cool as hell is when they showed the Girls and Boys video from Under the Cherry Moon and interchanged it with clips of the Nicholas Brothers. That was hot!

3) During the aftershow Prince did a wicked guitar solo, Renato keeps winning the crowd, his skills continue to amaze me, Mike Phillips too, and Cora, man she floored me for the first time with her solo. Now as for my gurl Shelby. I noticed Saturday what a powerful singer she is. I knew this before but you know how you have these singers now-a-days that pretend they can sing by overdoing it, screaming unnecessarily and such. Shelby does not do this cuz she doesn't have to. Her voice is so clear and strong. What a treat it is to see her perform.

4) Now I don't know who the heck these people were in the VIP line. It was the longest I have ever seen. I was trying to figure out what is it these people have that I dont' because after they were seated, my brother and I ended up at the same table as some people on that VIP line. I used to think in the beginning they were connected to the band somehow or industry people but it looks just like some people who paid more to reserve their name or made arrangements that evening before the show. Who knows but just letting you folks know the deal if you decide to go these last two weekends.

5) Finally Prince looked HOT HOT HOT!!! He wore a white suit with turqoise (I think) or bluish shirt then changed it to a black shirt (same white suit) later in the show, and at the aftershow. I couldn't really see but I looked like he had on black but those asian influenced shirts he wears. He was fiiiine as hell!!!!! I couldn't take my eyes off him.

I just have to say that the Vegas experience was unforgettable. I have to thank Prince many times over. It was worth every penny. I'll never forget this. 3121 Vegas was off the chain!!!!!
[Edited 3/19/07 4:36am]

wonder505 said:

That was our group opinion too! There seems to be more and more people on the "VIP" list each week. Those we've talked to have nothing to do with Prince or his record people or the Rio at all. Every single one we've spoken to bought their wristbands during dinner through their waiter or the manager lady. I think it's so wrong!!! I can't afford to eat there by the time I've bought my flight and hotel and show ticket, I also thought that for $50, Prince could have played more than one song at the 3/17 aftershow. We were in the booth on the left and I saw him walk out the door to leave. I absolutely love the band and Shelby is so amazing too, but $50 is alot to me to only see Prince for 15 minutes. Just my opinion though.
[Edited 3/19/07 5:22am]
[Edited 3/19/07 5:23am]

Thank you for the report you all. It seems that you had a great time!

Thanks for sharing your night. Reading all of the great reports is making me so ready for the 31st show. Time seems to be standing still waiting to go and I know the minute we get there it will fly by to fast.

Great report, I also feel like going back every weekend but I can't afford it I really hope theres a tour and that he come to California very soon.

Thanks for the updates and review!

Thanks for helping me fill in the gaps guys. I am still racking my brain for any songs I forgot...i am still not ready to be back in reality.. i woke up today and thought it was tuesday! I had the same experience with the aftershow-- we asked those at the restaurant at least twice, before the show and around 12:30 am, if we could buy a wristband for the aftershow and twice they told me that they go on sale around 1:30 - 2:00 on a first come first served basis... So my man got in line during the first encore, and still hella people rolled in past us! I don't regret anything, but it was strange how all these "VIP"s had wristbands and rolled right in. How did they do it?

Sat the 17th was AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! I have been three time and all three times have been a different experience.

My friend Stephanie and I were part of the VIP and he walked right past us and stood directly in front of us. It took major will power not to stick our hand out and touch. He did look directly into my friends eyes though. Totally made her evening/world. In regards to the after hour VIP show. We were able to purchase the tickets at the same time we had our dinner as part of the VIP package we bought. They were a bit more organized and had seating charts as to where they were to sit everyone that had purchased a ticket. We wanted different seats closer to the front of the band but were told those seats were hand picked by Prince's security but I don't think that was the case. The two ladies that sat in them knew nothing about the band and they both live in vegas and this was their first show.

I really want to go back to see another one in the next two weeks but I don't think it will be possible. UGH! Prince is a wonderfully talented musician and I thank God that he shares this with us, his fans.

SexyLisa said:

I talked to those girls too, one had long red hair, right? We saw Cora and Josh walk by and they had no idea who C&J were, but later on I saw them sitting right up front! After the aftershow we asked them how they got their seats so close and the blonde girl said he husband's best friend is a manager in some department of the hotel (couldn't understand which one she meant, i don't know casino lingo). I was happy they had a nice time, but I really think I'd have appreciated it so much more, ugh. Is that wrong?

Thanx for the report. Can anyone give me information or insight on what the after show is about there. how it works, where it's at, etc. ??

Thanx, planning on going Mar 30 and 31.

Wow -- I was at this show and aftershow and was very disappointed...not in his performance, but in the whole venue and arrangements. I know this will be unpopular, but it's just my take on it all.

I won't be paying that kind of money for "general admission" again. We staked out our nice spot on the dance floor for nearly 3 hours. We met some fun people while waiting, but felt quite icky sitting on the dirty dancefloor while all dressed up and there was no way I could stand for that long and then the whole show too. The drunks ruined it, big time. What a shame. I was stepped on, tripped over and had drinks spilled on me. Not what I expect for that kind of cha-ching. Sorry! When Prince came out, it was amazing! I've been closer to him on stage, but never get over the thrill of seeing him up so close and personal. Unfortunetly, the crowd and shoving made me have a near panic attack. It was insane. Security wouldn't let me out the front left, so I had to make my way through the crowd. We watched the show from the back of the venue for the rest and it was nice. Again, unpopular I'm sure, but I paid to see/hear Prince, not someone else sing. And the instrumentals were too much and too long, in my humble opinion. The songs Prince did do were simply amazing and I enjoyed every second of them!!!! He is so amazing! We left after Purple Rain to head to see if we could get into the aftershow. Surely that would be not so insane.

We sat in line and met some nice folks again. Hello "Miami". We did get into the main room and were so thrilled. We were sat at a "U" shaped booth and awaited the show. Can I just say how truly disappointed we were in this too? I never have seen a post stating how dark it is in there and that you can't see the band, unless you are in the front row. We only knew Prince was there because someone at our table told us. Thanks to them, we could make him out by his outline, cause that's all we could see. We saw him come in, talk to some ladies at the table by the door, then make his way up front. I can only assume he picked up a guitar and jammed for 3 or 4 songs. Then, next thing I knew someone was carrying his guitars out and I figured he was gone. It was so dark I couldn't tell. That really REALLY REALLY frustrated me. All that waiting, excitement and money and I really didn't enjoy much of it at all. I know I had trouble getting up from the booth to sit on the back of it to "Try" to see, as did a lady in the adjoining booth. We are not teens, and we were dressed up and paid a lot for all this. I expected something more "classy".

I thought I'd read up on all this and knew what to expect, but from the posts I read, I was totally unprepared for this. Maybe just my interpretation I suppose. Let's just say I'll ONLY see Prince again in an assigned seat venue. And I will see him again, he is amazing and a musical genius! I just really had my hopes up for so much more and it ended up being not so good and not very enjoyable.

All that being said, I'm glad I went for the experience. Just wish it would've turned out differently. Don't flame me, just sharing my opinion and experience. The next day when I came on here to read other peoples comments I was so surprised to see all the glowing reviews. WOW. His talent shines through, but enough with the 3121 thing. Go on TOUR Prince!!!!

I'm sorry you were disapppointed with the experience. It is a pain to have to wait for 3 hours for the show to start but unfortunately that's the way it is. I, too, have done this the last 2 times I went to 3121.

As a woman who is partial to 4 inch heels, I usually bring a pair of socks or flat shoes to stand in while watching the show then put my heels back on to go to the aftershow. I also started bringing a hotel towel with me to sit on the club floor while waiting for the show. Just a couple of tips that may ease the waiting a little.

I also was saved by bringing a pair of flip flops on my second time to 3121. If you like to dance, it's essential! Yes, it is really crowded up near the stage, but hopefully everyone will understand they they are all in the same squished boat, and that no one can un-squish them unless they walk to the back. When ur there, ur all in it together. Give love.

What IS the deal with it being so dark in there? The first time I got in the main room I had the same problem and I was so sad. Then some guys left early and I chased after them to ask if we could have their seats and they said yes, score! I understand Prince wanting it to be club style mood set and all, but when you're in the booth area it's pitch black!

another good reason to NOT dress up in nice clothes when going to a concert

some others :

1) it's easier to slam-dance in jeans then a suit

2) it's easier to brawl with annoying people cutting in front of you using their elbows

livluvlaf said:

I'm thinking the aftershow vibe just changed because the crowd grew more VIPish than the average dedicated fan since the word got out and there being no NPGMC. When the aftershow started it was less people, more laid back and Prince was even having dinner in the same room. Now, with the crowd, I'm thinking the lights are lowered to prevent recordings or picture takings and alot of fans are just casual concert goers. I could be wrong, that's just my guess.

I went to the aftershow both nights and what a difference from Friday night to Saturday night.

Friday night regular concert was good - But on the short side. I think he had a lot of extra energy to burn. The AFTERSHOW was amazing, that could be because I was sitting at the table right next to Prince and Renato. Prince played a long time, I think a bit longer than the regualar concert. He was within arms length of me for a very long time just jamming. What an amazing experience! Got to shake Mr. Hayes hand.

Saturday night regular concert was amazing. He went all out. I had a great spot right in Front (Stage Left). He was soloing there alot. I smelled him (awesome by the way). It was a semi long show. Lots of Encores. The AFTERSHOW, was different for me cause I was in the booth in the back. I could barely see Prince cause it was so dark. And he only jammed for 3 songs. So kinda a cheap show. Although, I swear the Twinz were there and sweating my brother and I.

All in all one of the best experiences of my life. So jealous, someone gets to do it again this weekend. Wish it was me.

Peace out!

wonder505 said:

Nobody ever notices Jody Watley in the video montage. When they show the "Soul Train line" she and Jeffery Daniel (of Shalamar) dance down the line together. She doesn't have all of that "Some Kind of Lover" hair, but you can tell it's her. She and Jeffery had some cute routines going down the line when they were on "Soul Train."