This summer's shows have been particularly special to me. I have incurable cancer and on New Year's day this year I made a list of things I wanted to do before I died (as you do) and high up on that list was seeing Prince live in concert 1 last time

It seemed a forlorn hope at the time but to my surprise and delight he announced the '21 Nights at the 02'. My main worry then was 'will I be feeling well enough to go' because I have good days and bad days, it never occurred to me that my main problem would be squeezing tickets our of TM . However, after a lot of blood, sweat and tears I ended up with 9 main shows (all lower tier or floor) and 9 aftershows (mostly Kings Row). And to think I only asked for 1 more show

My trips to London became a weekly occurrence and it took me days to recover after each trip. But when I doned my wig and made my way to the dome, the lights went down, the dry ice flowed and the music started I forgot everything. I sang, clapped and danced (well, sort of shuffled ) my way through almost every show. The exceptions were the last 2 nights when I really wasn't feeling well and had to sit down for most of the time, but I was so glad just to be there listening to the music.

Some of my personal highlights were The Beautiful Ones, Shh, Guitar, Purple Rain, All Along the Watchtower (because my other favourite musician is Bob Dylan - guess I must have a thing for gemini musicians from Minnesota ), the weird and wonderful sounds he got out of his guitar at one aftershow when he was playing with the pedals, Beautiful Strange, Amy singing Love is a Losing Game at the last A/S, Sometimes it Snows in April (got to me every time), I could go on and on.

My most abiding memory though is his beaming smile, he has the knack of making everybody feel he's looking straight at them. He seemed to be having more and more fun as the concerts progressed, especially at the A/S.

Of course, there is always a rat ready to spoil the party, and in my case it was the fellow orger who gladly took my ticket for the Sunday 16th September aftershow, told me how much he enjoyed it and then didn't pay me. He even had the cheek to try and con me out of another 2 tickets for 20/9 . I was going to 'name and shame' him but have decided to leave it to his own conscience and treat him with the contempt he so obviously deserves

There are many more people I would like to thank though. Like the other concert-goers (don't know if any were orgers) and 02 staff who asked if I were ok during the last 2 nights' concerts and whether I would get home alright. Much appreciated

The friendly staff in Kings Row who always made me feel welcome and very comfortable about being on my own

The really nice guy who works for Prince (with the moustache) who picked me up, dusted me off and offered me a complementary drink when I fell flat on my face in Kings Row one night (and 'no', I wasn't drunk or feeling ill that night, just didn't look where I was going

I'm a mixture of happy and sad right now. Sad because, barring a medical miracle, I've seen Prince live for the very last time. Happy that my last shows were the ones at the 02 and Indigo because I don't think they could have been bettered. Wherever I go after this (and I'm keeping an open mind on that one) I hope they'll let me pull up a the next time he comes to the UK. From my vantage point, I might even be able to 'access all areas' . Oops, sorry! Too creepy!

My next wish is for a 6-disc DVD of the shows and A/S in time for Christmas. Well my last wish worked, didn't it?

Finally, thank you Prince for 23 fantastic years of music and 17 years of concert going. Oh, alright then, just this once I'll use that silly symbol

Thank U Prince, it's been a fantastic trip

Hybrid said:

i'm sorry to hear you have cancer but i'm glad you had such a good time - i have to say some of the best nights ever and i'm still stunned and amazed at his performances or maybe my reaction to them - looking at the SOTT cd he seems - they all seem - to be having a great time on stage and he's like a kid in a sweet shop - great fun - hope you get to do all the other things on your list

Hybrid. Thank you for your story, it has somehow added to the memory of the shows for me and deepend the resonance of the summer.

Every night i went, and i went 13 times, i could feel something important happening, it wasn't like a rock concert, there was an element of finding something about myself that had become jaded, cynical, and there, right there in the music every night i found something I loved, something that could bring people together, it was in some sense a pilgrimage, not because Prince is like "Oh so spiritual", but a reminder that something other than a disaster can bring people together, something as simple as shared love of music. The Collective energy and Love that i felt in the o2 this summer was truly inspirational. And hearing your story reminds me of that, Since i am sure that it was that way for you..


The optimist in me wants to recommend to you some fantastic off the wall cure for your cancer- i can't guarantee that of course, all i can say is.
I know people who have claimed to have had great success with the work of robert young, brandon bays and deepak chopra. They aren't particularly scientific, but i judge on results, not scientific accuracy..

Most importantly, i really want to thank you though, so easy is it to go through life, saving our time, and saving our love and saving our joy for some moment in the future it is a privilege to see someone who is spending it wisely.

I hope that you are getting everything on that list done..


Thanks for the reminder of how to live.

Glyn xx

It was a great summer eh Sorry to hear you have cancer, I love your attitude to life though and the fact you went although you were tired, nothing like a music high. I've not been well over the last year and been very tired and I have to say although my legs were quite shaky and achy at the aftershows it was more than worth it when I was resting up the next day watching my dvds You take care x

That's a very touching tribute to how the mainshows and the aftershows made you feel in light of what you are facing. I think there's probably a solid number of people, mostly Orgers, who know exactly how feel when you describe the emotional uplift the shows - especially the aftershows - made you feel.

Everytime he time he came on stage I felt privileged to be there and the natural buzz afterwards in the early hours of the morning was second to non as everyone felt the vibe. I also think that Prince enjoyed it just as much and will be coming back sooner rather than later.

I didn't actually think overall it would be as good as it was, but he just got better as the shows went on and it's certain brightened the summer.

Take care and be strong.

Thank you for sharing that. Blessings on you.

Reading your story made me realised how we sometimes take life for granted and that everything we receive is a precious gift.

You certainly have received the gift of strength, courage and hope. Thank you for sharing those beautiful words. I am sure your story has touched many of us.

It certainly touched me.

Love

that was a cool thread.

9 gigs! wow!

dont worry-we'll get that thieving cu## for you!

A bump in the name of peace and love.

JazzMeUp said:



Ditto. I think we all wish u heaven.

Hybrid said:

Your story has certainly pulled me up. Ever now and then we all deserve that.
I've been posting on this site all summer and have never thought about anything other than me or Prince for that matter!
Bless you for being so expressive and honest and for writing such a beautiful personal review. Your taste is immaculate (The Beautiful Ones - the best !!).

And by the way, 9 main and 9 after shows - way to gooooo.....!
You did better than me.

Thanks, guys!

I'm so glad you have had such amazing experinces at the O2 gigs. I love people with your attitude to life! Wishing you alot more good times !!!xxxxx