lateagain said:

Shame to hear that. The acoustics in the arena are bloody awful, but despite that I think the concert on the 14th was amazing and the energy was thrilling. I was also at the Apollo when he was last here, and it took me two weeks to come back down from that show. I would love Prince to do another intimate venue like that in the near future for the diehard fans.

It could have alot to do with the fact that the tickets are so reasonable ie £31.21. I mean compared to other artists who charge close to £100 these days, so someone who really couldnt care less what concert they were at, let alone appreciate a Prince concert, might think twice going if the ticket prices were more expensive.

I have only seen Prince 4 times before, all in Ireland and never have I seen or heard of that kind of behaviour. Even the last concert that was seated, we all danced and nobody budged when he asked us to "sit back and let me sing to you" for the slower songs - pure heavan!!

IRISHFAN said:

Thank you- my point exactly. I do feel like saying hike up the prices next time to sort the wheat from the chaff. I realise that may sound like snobbery but it's a sure way to lower the chances of people being there just to see what all the fuss is about. No disrepect to people who may be casual fans but ARE genuinely interested.

oldpurple said:

Martinelli said:

Was it Sophie Ellis Bextor??!!

In reply to "I havent sat next to a single fan yet" you should be grateful you were not sitting next to me...I screamed like a 60's beatle fan on the 14th cried...(thinking to myself is this the last time for real i'll ever hear him sing it ...Purple Rain) funny thing is it has never hit me as much as it did that night I was hysterical....the reolization of finality was overwhelming! He is the most taleneted performer on the Planet and I simply have to travel from up north for the final show, even if the family has to cut budget for a week! Well you only live once...get on with it and enjoy...that my saying!

P0PL1Fe said:

Right enough, the guy next to me who commented on how I couldn't stop dancing often just stood still for ages, and it looked like he had on his hand on his heart. He was probably enjoying the concert in his way, and at least he was listening.

I don't see the problem with not dancing. Some intellectual people just like to study the music and let it move their mind. Some people like to dance. Some people like to dance and sing. And some people just want to relax and watch the show from their comfy seat.

But I do have a problem with people talking during the show, or getting up or complaining when a song they don't know is played. That's weak, but it's a large show for the "masses", not an intimate concert for music fans. So you have to expect that.

I hate singing at concerts. I have paid to hear a performer. As I've said before, I know how badly I sing, why ruin the show? As for dancing? Something really has to move me to get me dancing. Or if I don't have enough room I find it difficult. Not my fault

Corporate tickets? Had two weekend camping passes for V two years ago. Me and Mrs iloveannie loved the whole free weekend and saw some excellent bands and got silly drunk Don't think we pissed anyone off.

darthbane2k said:

Not to have a go but... what absolute rubbish!

A few wankers in the audience and suddenly ALL British people are trendy scenesters uninterested in real music? Come on people, don't tar us all with that brush. These gigs have been monumentally well received.

People are getting so into it, all over the arena, and that's surprising to me because frankly, he isn't doing as many hits as most of the casual fans would like. The joint is jumping during all the songs, even all the solos. I've been pleasantly surprised at the crowd's attitude at these shows.

I was in the upper tier last saturday, and at one point watched prince through someone's mobile phone taking a photo. Great.

On the Friday before there was a constant stream of idiots buying drinks throughout his performance. 'So that's £32 for a ticket to buy drinks at the o2, whilst Prince plays in the background? I'll have two!'

Some bimbo wanted me and my friend to move up just so they could have aisle seat, no doubt to get drinks easier. My mate said 'no'. How much do I hate people?

There is something very unsexy about this group of muthafxcka's.

Is this where all the haters are hanging out?!

SquirrelMeat said:

Seems so Squirrel. Viewing the world through such negative eyes. How sad.

unkleg said:

Fucking hell, I thought next I see Prince it wont be on the floor and I would get away from pricks like that.
Why do they do it??? I dont get it!!!
I was dragged to a Bon Jovi gig by my mate and I was so bored I fucked off for a magnum from the icecream man, but at least I had the respect to let the Jovi fans get on with it and not ruin their fun by getting in their way

I don't think there is anything wrong with anyone using the venue facilities as long as they don't constantly inturupt others enjoyment.

Nothing wrong with getting food or drink. In fact, the venue is designed for it. If Prince had a problem with it, he would insist that any venue he plays closes the bars in the show. Some do.

Just because the general public don't hang on every note like us doesn't make them disrespectful for using the supplied facilities.

I think amateur singing and the use of off-putting phones in the air taking pictures is much worse, yet thet is done by a lot of people on here.

Double standards?

SquirrelMeat said:

I agree, but unfortunately these idiots more often do ruin it.I'm so glad I didnt pay £235 for my seat or I would of cried I think.I never got all this shit in the old days!!The people there were fans of music, not just there for a laugh, maybe £31 was a mistake?
[Edited 8/17/07 9:10am]

for my 10pence worth, its the venue. Its just not intimate.

The aftershow is a different deal all together. I was there for the 7th and it reminded me why I am into him... A proper cool club vibe, with cool folk watching some serious skills.

Personally, I'm not into hero worship, a bloke is a bloke, but if people around me want to take in every move and breath, tnats fine with me, I won't stop you (i just might take the p**S a bit)

I think that the cheapness of the tickets is a double edged swored - OK it has attracted a lot of casual fans who just bought tickets because they quite fancy seeing Prince play (but some of them seem to be total wasters) but on the other hand it's fantastic for us because as a consequence most of us on here have been able to afford to go to multiple nights.

I tell yah - I'm not gonna complain about the price! I'm also not gonna let inconsiderate and rude people spoil my enjoyment either...

MrsGoodnight said:

You're absolutely right, I guess the tickets being sdo cheap is how I'm going a few times, I will just have to try and blank out those arseholes who annoy me a bit harder!

I'm a "diehard" fan - I also like a pint of lager. In fact, put the 2 together and that makes for one of the best evenings of my life!

I don't get pissed but don't see anything wrong with getting up to get a drink. Hey, it's what I enjoy - so shoot me!

It's my perogative to spend £32 on a ticket and then miss 1 minute when I go for a drink. I don't go out often so like to enjoy myself.I don't ruin anyone else's enjoyment and have gone on to enjoy 3 aftershows.

Each to their own - I don't feel I should have to either dance every minute of the night or stay rooted to my chair dying for a drink or the toilet just to prove my worth to "the real Prince fans".

Agreed - there are a lot of dickheads who don't know their Same December from their Last December but there are real fans who just want a great night!

As a fan since 1981 - I just saw the cover to Controversy and have been hooked ever since!! I must say that these concerts have attracted so many non-fans, but hey better late than never. However, what does get on my tits are non-fans gossipping through Prince's absolutely fantastic ballads and eating curry at their seats! None of this spoilt mt enjoyment of the show on 14th August as my fellow real fans and I got our freaks on and showed the boring gits around us how to enjoy a Prince concert - dance, sing and have a great time!! How people could stay seated with 1999 as an opener is completely beyond my comprehension!!!!

JamieJ said:

God, wish I was next to you that night JamieJ !

The worst was at the Kodak Theater in 2002. A large, well-dressed man & his three female companions sat next to me. This was the ONA tour so for a long stretch there was a lot of instrumental soloing & new songs. They talked through most of it but I managed to tune them out. But after a time, and several trips top the bar, they started going "Woo-Woo!" in unison, really loud. Even during the soft spoken word bit of Avalanche.

The guy in front of them turned around and said "Hey, do you mind? I'm trying to listen to Prince."

That did it! Now they were yelling as loud as they possibly could - "Who does this guy think he is, he's so STOOPID! Like he's gonna go over and make everyone be QUIET!!!! just for his STOOPID ass. My God he's so STOOPID!" "Hey Mister STOOPID I think there's somebody talking up in the balcony, you go get him!" "Ready girls? Let's hear it! WOOOOO!!! WOOOOO!!!" Well-dressed man gave the shushy dude a threatening look & he sat there regretting his decision.

That sucked!

From what I heard about the Hollywood Roosevelt - and from what I've observed sitting close at LA gigs - it's no improvement. Moneybags type people are not known for their total consideration of others, and are less likely to act excited.

Sitting 4th row at the Who this year, I saw one couple that brought their 6 year old son, and they'd bought 3 tickets just for him...so he could lie down and go to SLEEP during the show.

Next to me were a bunch of office ladies there with their boss & one of them kept yelling "I don't even like classic rock," like she needed to let us all know how annoyed she was to be there.

I think the only way to make sure you have only hardcore fans there is, make em all wait in line for 3 days like Paul McCartney's secret shows.

CarlM said:

OOh ladedah!

Please dont tar us all with the same brush! I was a casual fan til last sat when I attended the o2 arena and was struck silent in awe of this great man... What a show he puts on, so good I had to go back on tues for more and I must admit the crowd were different to saturdays, not so into it but the aftershow made up for that...I had such a good time all on my own and I would like to thank all the fun people that I met...I wonder why anyone would pay good money to go to a gig and talk through it..Not neccessarily casual fans maybe just stupid people! I'm looking to go at least a couple more times before he finishes...I just cant stay away...x

I think the problem is we are generally a nation of consumers. Go to the concert, have merchandise, beer, food, music etc. But you need to give a little also. Put some energy in: dance, sing, wave. The crowd doing that feeds onto the stage. I hope Prince is feeling our love, as the shows and aftershows I've seen so far have been amazing.

Both O2 gigs I have attended (4th and 14th) saw me placed next to people that didn't seem to be that bothered about where they were or who they were seeing. On both occasions I was up on my feet dancing and the people next to me sat with THEIR ARMS FOLDED the whole time, texting people etc. And looking at me with total disgust (bear in mind that although I like to dance, I am always careful never to invade anyones space) whenever I responded to a song (eg: tell me who in this house know bout the quake - I shout WE DO! Que look of contempt and head shaking from those next to me). It would be enough to make you feel BAD for enjoying yourself. Almost. Party Poops.

That must be the same lot that go out on a Saturday afternoon and buy whatever compilation was on the telly the night before.
They love their music.

bungle said:

When I was at George Michael at Wembley during Jesus To A Child a real sweet quiet number 3 people were chatting loudly behind, thing is the more I think about how they're driving me mad the more angry I get and takes the joy outta the gig, so instead I chose to 'zone' out of them and onto George as if you start giving too many looks or say shut up you can end up with an altercation that spoils the whole gig. Why they can't 'catch up' on their lives on the way there I dont know!