My Brief Moment onstage 2/7...

So when I was 9 I bought my first real record- a 1999 seven inch (then referred to as a 45). It was the first song I had decided that I liked, independently of what my parents listened to. 26 years later, my husband got me VIP tickets to the 2/7 show. I left him home with my 3 year old and 7 month old, and went to the concert with my Minneapolis native friend Emily. The show was amazing. If you were there you know... The stage was pretty guarded. Then there was a moment during If I was Your Girlfriend when all the invited guests were dancing onstage, and I just had the impulse to be there... just for a moment. I had been at the 12/17 Izod show, so I knew that my random chance of being selected to go up was slim. So I looked at the bouncer and shrugged toward the stage. He shrugged back. So in a flash I climbed up and skipped over to Fredric Yonnet, who smiled. I turned toward Emily and raised my hand... danced for maybe 10 seconds, and then was grabbed and hustled down the stairs in the middle of the stage and out. Emily soon appeared after me. Apparently when I disappeared, she rushed onstage after me. It dawned on us that it was over. They threatened to arrest us. We begged for our coats and to be released. Emily had my phone on her and I showed them photos of my 3 year old. We were eventually and begrudgingly given our coats and released into the rain. I went home to my family life and nursed a sick baby. The next day I searched the internet to find out if anyone had seen us. Nope- just Kim Kardashian. Then I checked my phone and found that Emily had filmed the whole thing, and was still filming with the phone in her pocket when she ran onstage. Hilarious. Some of the best 10 seconds of my life. Here is the proof.

[img:$uid]http://bobshirt.com/SAWEEEEEEET.jpg[/img:$uid]

My Girlfriend and I were trying to remember which song P was singing when he was laying all over the piano. Can anyone recall?

My loge seat was in front of the piano. I believe that was...Insatiable. He also perched down in front of the piano for a few seconds as he sang, "like a wildcat in a celibate rage."

PurpleKittyK said:

My loge seat was in front of the piano. I believe that was...Insatiable. He also perched down in front of the piano for a few seconds as he sang, "like a wildcat in a celibate rage."

Thanks!

STherese said:

My Brief Moment onstage 2/7...

So when I was 9 I bought my first real record- a 1999 seven inch (then referred to as a 45). It was the first song I had decided that I liked, independently of what my parents listened to. 26 years later, my husband got me VIP tickets to the 2/7 show. I left him home with my 3 year old and 7 month old, and went to the concert with my Minneapolis native friend Emily. The show was amazing. If you were there you know... The stage was pretty guarded. Then there was a moment during If I was Your Girlfriend when all the invited guests were dancing onstage, and I just had the impulse to be there... just for a moment. I had been at the 12/17 Izod show, so I knew that my random chance of being selected to go up was slim. So I looked at the bouncer and shrugged toward the stage. He shrugged back. So in a flash I climbed up and skipped over to Fredric Yonnet, who smiled. I turned toward Emily and raised my hand... danced for maybe 10 seconds, and then was grabbed and hustled down the stairs in the middle of the stage and out. Emily soon appeared after me. Apparently when I disappeared, she rushed onstage after me. It dawned on us that it was over. They threatened to arrest us. We begged for our coats and to be released. Emily had my phone on her and I showed them photos of my 3 year old. We were eventually and begrudgingly given our coats and released into the rain. I went home to my family life and nursed a sick baby. The next day I searched the internet to find out if anyone had seen us. Nope- just Kim Kardashian. Then I checked my phone and found that Emily had filmed the whole thing, and was still filming with the phone in her pocket when she ran onstage. Hilarious. Some of the best 10 seconds of my life. Here is the proof.

[img:$uid]http://bobshirt.com/SAWEEEEEEET.jpg[/img:$uid]

that is awesome

does anyone have a video of little red corvette from the show??

i got 12/29 lrc. idk if the 2/7 is still up anywhere

STherese said:

My Brief Moment onstage 2/7...

So when I was 9 I bought my first real record- a 1999 seven inch (then referred to as a 45). It was the first song I had decided that I liked, independently of what my parents listened to. 26 years later, my husband got me VIP tickets to the 2/7 show. I left him home with my 3 year old and 7 month old, and went to the concert with my Minneapolis native friend Emily. The show was amazing. If you were there you know... The stage was pretty guarded. Then there was a moment during If I was Your Girlfriend when all the invited guests were dancing onstage, and I just had the impulse to be there... just for a moment. I had been at the 12/17 Izod show, so I knew that my random chance of being selected to go up was slim. So I looked at the bouncer and shrugged toward the stage. He shrugged back. So in a flash I climbed up and skipped over to Fredric Yonnet, who smiled. I turned toward Emily and raised my hand... danced for maybe 10 seconds, and then was grabbed and hustled down the stairs in the middle of the stage and out. Emily soon appeared after me. Apparently when I disappeared, she rushed onstage after me. It dawned on us that it was over. They threatened to arrest us. We begged for our coats and to be released. Emily had my phone on her and I showed them photos of my 3 year old. We were eventually and begrudgingly given our coats and released into the rain. I went home to my family life and nursed a sick baby. The next day I searched the internet to find out if anyone had seen us. Nope- just Kim Kardashian. Then I checked my phone and found that Emily had filmed the whole thing, and was still filming with the phone in her pocket when she ran onstage. Hilarious. Some of the best 10 seconds of my life. Here is the proof.

[img:$uid]http://bobshirt.com/SAWEEEEEEET.jpg[/img:$uid]

That is awesome! So I can't quite tell, were you upset about missing the rest of show?

controversy99 said:

STherese said:

My Brief Moment onstage 2/7...

So when I was 9 I bought my first real record- a 1999 seven inch (then referred to as a 45). It was the first song I had decided that I liked, independently of what my parents listened to. 26 years later, my husband got me VIP tickets to the 2/7 show. I left him home with my 3 year old and 7 month old, and went to the concert with my Minneapolis native friend Emily. The show was amazing. If you were there you know... The stage was pretty guarded. Then there was a moment during If I was Your Girlfriend when all the invited guests were dancing onstage, and I just had the impulse to be there... just for a moment. I had been at the 12/17 Izod show, so I knew that my random chance of being selected to go up was slim. So I looked at the bouncer and shrugged toward the stage. He shrugged back. So in a flash I climbed up and skipped over to Fredric Yonnet, who smiled. I turned toward Emily and raised my hand... danced for maybe 10 seconds, and then was grabbed and hustled down the stairs in the middle of the stage and out. Emily soon appeared after me. Apparently when I disappeared, she rushed onstage after me. It dawned on us that it was over. They threatened to arrest us. We begged for our coats and to be released. Emily had my phone on her and I showed them photos of my 3 year old. We were eventually and begrudgingly given our coats and released into the rain. I went home to my family life and nursed a sick baby. The next day I searched the internet to find out if anyone had seen us. Nope- just Kim Kardashian. Then I checked my phone and found that Emily had filmed the whole thing, and was still filming with the phone in her pocket when she ran onstage. Hilarious. Some of the best 10 seconds of my life. Here is the proof.

[img:$uid]http://bobshirt.com/SAWEEEEEEET.jpg[/img:$uid]

That is awesome! So I can't quite tell, were you upset about missing the rest of show?

I was surprisingly surprised when I realized they weren't going to let me return to my seat. Naive no? I was disappointed initially... I missed about 20 minutes of his performance. But then there is that memory of being on that stage, during that song, at MSG... and as fleeting as the moment was, it was amazing.

STherese said:

My Brief Moment onstage 2/7...

So when I was 9 I bought my first real record- a 1999 seven inch (then referred to as a 45). It was the first song I had decided that I liked, independently of what my parents listened to. 26 years later, my husband got me VIP tickets to the 2/7 show. I left him home with my 3 year old and 7 month old, and went to the concert with my Minneapolis native friend Emily. The show was amazing. If you were there you know... The stage was pretty guarded. Then there was a moment during If I was Your Girlfriend when all the invited guests were dancing onstage, and I just had the impulse to be there... just for a moment. I had been at the 12/17 Izod show, so I knew that my random chance of being selected to go up was slim. So I looked at the bouncer and shrugged toward the stage. He shrugged back. So in a flash I climbed up and skipped over to Fredric Yonnet, who smiled. I turned toward Emily and raised my hand... danced for maybe 10 seconds, and then was grabbed and hustled down the stairs in the middle of the stage and out. Emily soon appeared after me. Apparently when I disappeared, she rushed onstage after me. It dawned on us that it was over. They threatened to arrest us. We begged for our coats and to be released. Emily had my phone on her and I showed them photos of my 3 year old. We were eventually and begrudgingly given our coats and released into the rain. I went home to my family life and nursed a sick baby. The next day I searched the internet to find out if anyone had seen us. Nope- just Kim Kardashian. Then I checked my phone and found that Emily had filmed the whole thing, and was still filming with the phone in her pocket when she ran onstage. Hilarious. Some of the best 10 seconds of my life. Here is the proof.

[img:$uid]http://bobshirt.com/SAWEEEEEEET.jpg[/img:$uid]

I did the same thing in Dec. I'd seen him at Izod & had such an amazing time, my beautiful husband got me 2 more tickets for MSG Dec. He & I were there, loving every minute of it, when people started getting on the stage (vip table area) I saw the lady in the row behind me, climb over a speaker & onto the stage. My husband said "what are you waiting for?' I looked at the security guy, who grinned a kind of 'I dare you smirk' & well, I dared & did.

It took me WEEKS to remember what was playing, only when a friend found the clip on line did i remember....baby i'm a star I've played it everyday since, full blast when i'm scrubbing the kitchen floor.

Here's the clip. At 2 mins & 20 something seconds people start climbing over the speak. I'm person # 4. White Prince T-shirt. My 8 year old's reaction was 'Mom, you could have got arrested!!!' My six year old was most impressed

http://www.wat.tv/video/prince-baby-m-star-3ax0p_2hztv_.html

Best night EVER x

blackcottonwilldie4u said:

I agree, it was a terrific show...I loved the energy from the crowd & Prince's as well. My highlights were Pop Life, Beyonce's Single Ladies (when the guy made an absolute fool of himself dancing on stage)...

I wrote this a few hours after the February 7^th, concert. I was dying to post it the day after the concert, however, my new membership status prevented this. I decided to post it now after reading the post above by STherese. I am not sure if she is the girl who coaxed me onstage. I don’t think so because the girl that I was with was up the whole time. We talked after and she gave me her card (which, I misplaced). Anyway, I got so excited by STherese and her excitement…I decided that I would share mine (for the two people that will still read this thread!). My original post was in reply to blackcottonwilldie4u. I was a bit shocked that I was perceived as “foolish.” Up until that point, I was sure I would be offered Misty Copeland’s gig the next time her toes got tired. Anyway, my reply follows:

Is it foolish to wave your arms in the air? To wave them, like you just don’t care? Methinks not.

The fool that you (blackcottonwilldie4u) refer to stands here before you.

Years ago, this fool bought tickets to the Purple Rain Tour, in San Francisco, with his first girlfriend. They were so excited that they managed to score tickets to this much anticipated show. Before the concert happened, his girlfriend died in a car accident and he sold the tickets (at face, thank you), as he didn’t feel like celebrating without her. In the years that followed, this guy always felt guilty at the thought of buying Prince tickets as it would just bring back a painful memory.

Finally, in 2004, he got over himself and bought a pair of tickets to one of the 2004 MSG shows. Now, he was always a fan of the music, but this experience was nothing short of religious. He was amazed at the artistry, the musicianship, the range, and energy that was exploding on that stage. He looked around at all the people who were gettin’ down having a great time. Folks were dressed. That fool was so jealous when he saw all the people who were pulled out of the audience, dancing onstage with “His Royal Highness.” He thought about all the years he lived in a funk instead of living the funk. He wasn’t sure why the girl he brought wasn’t as excited as he was to be there. He decided that the next concert when Prince said, “let’s go crazy,” he would do so alone…without a judgmental date who just doesn’t get it.

When the current shows were announced, he decided to buy a good ticket, for the Dec. 29^th show, hoping to be close enough to dance on the stage. His seat was Row A, allegedly, right on the floor. This fool figured he would be right there and his access to the stage was almost assured. Unfortunately, while still a great seat, a barrier prevented the fool from getting close to the stage. Just over this barrier, people were dancing wherever and security was tolerant of this. Being just after the blizzard, he lucked out as the two seats next to him went empty. He “thoughtfully” moved to the next seat so that the people on either side of him would not get hurt when his flailing began. Not soon after Janelle Monae ordered the room to “Dance or Die,” he was at a high-energy aerobic level and never stopped till they turned on the lights. At one point, his neighbor looked at him and said he “needed a costume change.” It was true…he looked liked the guy who fell in the pool at the wedding reception. He didn’t care. He thought, “if you can’t let it all go at a Prince concert, you can’t let it all go”. He had an amazing time even though he never got close to the stage.

When they announced yet another show on February 7^th, he looked for an even better seat even closer to the stage. When he got there Monday, he realized that sitting in this section didn’t matter where you bought a seat, you could pretty much move around and dance wherever. Folks were partying. The fool danced with other fools and felt a real sense of fellowship. Nobody cared about wars, or politics, or reality stars. For a few hours everyone was just enjoying watching and listening to one of the most talented individuals to ever grace a stage. The fool was intoxicated. Oh sure, the two Tanqueray tonics helped, however, it was more than that. When the time came, the fool got into position. He was ready to be right there when they brought people up. He hadn’t noticed the rope around the table section. Hmmm, this could be a problem. He determined that he was still in the best position. When they brought the people up, it happened quickly. The fool, along with others, jumped the rope. Still, they went no farther as their passage was blocked by a “human mountain.” It was clear that there would be no others asked to the stage. While the fool saw a way onto the stage, he was always far too "law and orderly" to do what crossed his mind. Just then, a girl he had danced with earlier came up and said, “You should be up there.” Without giving it further thought, he said, “you’re right, I should!” With that, he jumped on a speaker and pulled himself onstage.

Once onstage, the fool started dancing immediately. Wait a minute, that’s not Prince…is Beyonce here? OMG, he realized that he was dancing to “Single Ladies.” For a split second a black unitard flashed across his mind and he was mortified that he was dancing to this particular song. He got over that quickly as he returned to HIS reality…not a reality show where editors make no talents seem interesting, but reality. His girlfriend who left him so long ago was there letting him know that this room was about as close to her as you could get on earth. There was magic and spirituality in that room. Yes, he was dancing like a fool onstage at a Prince concert at Madison Square Garden. Whaaaat? As if it couldn’t get any better, Prince looked over at this fool and called him out. The fool had so many thoughts going through his head he didn’t really even hear what Prince said until he jokingly (he hopes he was joking) called “security.” The thought that the Court Jester might have amused the Prince, if only for a moment, was pure ecstasy for this fool. He found a spotlight that looked lonely and he moved to dance in it. He was in heaven. The drawback to not taking a date was that there would be no one there to take a video to prove this unbelievable moment. Wanting to respect Prince’s rules but still wanting to capture the moment, the fool made a quick video of Prince, the floor of the stage, the fool, the audience, the lights above and back to Prince. The whole video lasts about 11 seconds and requires a Dramamine to watch it without getting motion sickness. Still, it’s a little thing we will call “fool proof.”

When the fool left the stage, the “human mountain” told him he should have “pulled him off the stage.” “Yes, sir…you should have…still, I’m glad you didn’t!” The fool went back to his original seat (which had now become a coat check) and danced some more. Someone mentioned the celebrities that he was onstage with. He had no idea. He was doin’ his thing and could only see Prince. Back on the floor, people were shaking his hand and taking his picture. He got a few phone numbers. It was surreal…all the way out of the Garden and even on his subway ride home (yes, subway…no reality show for the fool, just a reality check!). He felt so much love from these total strangers

Yes, this fool had an amazing evening. It was one of the most joyous nights of his life. Thank you Prince. This fool set a goal and he achieved it. It cost him two expensive tickets he really couldn’t afford and he’ll be eating Ragu for the next month. “Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy? Possibly!” You can call me crazy, you can call me fool…still, thirty hours later and I am still floating so, whatever you do, don’t “pity the fool!”…Yes, my humor is bad and I just dated myself quoting Mr. T (if you are 22 and you think he is the co-creator of the bloody mary mix, you would be wrong).

Anyway, it is now six weeks later and co-workers are still asking me to retell the story. I went to Gaga at MSG a couple of weeks ago (third time…best show IMHO was Radio City). I wasn’t actually “gaga” for either MSG concert I saw. She is very talented and entertaining. Still, she is no PRINCE. You do not understand this incredible musician until you watch him live. It don’t matter if you are sitting at a VIP table with Rev. Al or up in the nosebleeds. I don’t care if you are a “real fan” or an unreal fan. If you ain’t pumped when you leave a Prince concert, you really need to have your doctor adjust those meds.

I’m a bit surprised, however, that six weeks later, I still feel a little euphoric when I think of that night. I started life pretty broke down, but, along the way, I have been afforded a few incredible opportunities. I feel so blessed that in my lifetime, I got to throw my hands up in Madison Square Garden and look out at 20,000 people and feel, for a split second, what Prince feels every time he goes out there. There are no fans like Prince fans. When you are in the crowd, there is an amazing energy everywhere you look. When you are on the stage that energy is mind blowing! Even though the energy is directed at the guy just across the way, you still catch some residual and it is pure ecstasy. I’ll bet even the celebrities who were onstage at each of the concerts felt it.

I really can’t describe the feeling I had that night and I feel bad how I got there (climbing up without an invite), but, I’m not sorry. What I am sorry for is that this has probably ruined me for future concerts. They will never compare unless the next time I can either get down to one of his tunes (no offense Ms. Knowles), or, he hands me a mic and I cover him while he covers Beyonce (see, the delusions have started…ruined!).

Anyway, I am indebted to Irinact, who captured the only proof I have seen of the fool dancing on stage (I wish I could figure out how to post that pic here, however, the fool is also sorta dumb!). Thank you Irinact...I will cherish that photo, along with the memory, for a long time to come. My biggest fear is that I will actually see a video someday and say, “wow, blackcottonwilldie4u was not lying…you really did make a fool out of yourself!”

FoolishDancer said:

blackcottonwilldie4u said:

I agree, it was a terrific show...I loved the energy from the crowd & Prince's as well. My highlights were Pop Life, Beyonce's Single Ladies (when the guy made an absolute fool of himself dancing on stage)...

I wrote this a few hours after the February 7^th, concert. I was dying to post it the day after the concert, however, my new membership status prevented this. I decided to post it now after reading the post above by STherese. I am not sure if she is the girl who coaxed me onstage. I don’t think so because the girl that I was with was up the whole time. We talked after and she gave me her card (which, I misplaced). Anyway, I got so excited by STherese and her excitement…I decided that I would share mine (for the two people that will still read this thread!). My original post was in reply to blackcottonwilldie4u. I was a bit shocked that I was perceived as “foolish.” Up until that point, I was sure I would be offered Misty Copeland’s gig the next time her toes got tired. Anyway, my reply follows:

Is it foolish to wave your arms in the air? To wave them, like you just don’t care? Methinks not.

The fool that you (blackcottonwilldie4u) refer to stands here before you.

Years ago, this fool bought tickets to the Purple Rain Tour, in San Francisco, with his first girlfriend. They were so excited that they managed to score tickets to this much anticipated show. Before the concert happened, his girlfriend died in a car accident and he sold the tickets (at face, thank you), as he didn’t feel like celebrating without her. In the years that followed, this guy always felt guilty at the thought of buying Prince tickets as it would just bring back a painful memory.

Finally, in 2004, he got over himself and bought a pair of tickets to one of the 2004 MSG shows. Now, he was always a fan of the music, but this experience was nothing short of religious. He was amazed at the artistry, the musicianship, the range, and energy that was exploding on that stage. He looked around at all the people who were gettin’ down having a great time. Folks were dressed. That fool was so jealous when he saw all the people who were pulled out of the audience, dancing onstage with “His Royal Highness.” He thought about all the years he lived in a funk instead of living the funk. He wasn’t sure why the girl he brought wasn’t as excited as he was to be there. He decided that the next concert when Prince said, “let’s go crazy,” he would do so alone…without a judgmental date who just doesn’t get it.

When the current shows were announced, he decided to buy a good ticket, for the Dec. 29^th show, hoping to be close enough to dance on the stage. His seat was Row A, allegedly, right on the floor. This fool figured he would be right there and his access to the stage was almost assured. Unfortunately, while still a great seat, a barrier prevented the fool from getting close to the stage. Just over this barrier, people were dancing wherever and security was tolerant of this. Being just after the blizzard, he lucked out as the two seats next to him went empty. He “thoughtfully” moved to the next seat so that the people on either side of him would not get hurt when his flailing began. Not soon after Janelle Monae ordered the room to “Dance or Die,” he was at a high-energy aerobic level and never stopped till they turned on the lights. At one point, his neighbor looked at him and said he “needed a costume change.” It was true…he looked liked the guy who fell in the pool at the wedding reception. He didn’t care. He thought, “if you can’t let it all go at a Prince concert, you can’t let it all go”. He had an amazing time even though he never got close to the stage.

When they announced yet another show on February 7^th, he looked for an even better seat even closer to the stage. When he got there Monday, he realized that sitting in this section didn’t matter where you bought a seat, you could pretty much move around and dance wherever. Folks were partying. The fool danced with other fools and felt a real sense of fellowship. Nobody cared about wars, or politics, or reality stars. For a few hours everyone was just enjoying watching and listening to one of the most talented individuals to ever grace a stage. The fool was intoxicated. Oh sure, the two Tanqueray tonics helped, however, it was more than that. When the time came, the fool got into position. He was ready to be right there when they brought people up. He hadn’t noticed the rope around the table section. Hmmm, this could be a problem. He determined that he was still in the best position. When they brought the people up, it happened quickly. The fool, along with others, jumped the rope. Still, they went no farther as their passage was blocked by a “human mountain.” It was clear that there would be no others asked to the stage. While the fool saw a way onto the stage, he was always far too "law and orderly" to do what crossed his mind. Just then, a girl he had danced with earlier came up and said, “You should be up there.” Without giving it further thought, he said, “you’re right, I should!” With that, he jumped on a speaker and pulled himself onstage.

Once onstage, the fool started dancing immediately. Wait a minute, that’s not Prince…is Beyonce here? OMG, he realized that he was dancing to “Single Ladies.” For a split second a black unitard flashed across his mind and he was mortified that he was dancing to this particular song. He got over that quickly as he returned to HIS reality…not a reality show where editors make no talents seem interesting, but reality. His girlfriend who left him so long ago was there letting him know that this room was about as close to her as you could get on earth. There was magic and spirituality in that room. Yes, he was dancing like a fool onstage at a Prince concert at Madison Square Garden. Whaaaat? As if it couldn’t get any better, Prince looked over at this fool and called him out. The fool had so many thoughts going through his head he didn’t really even hear what Prince said until he jokingly (he hopes he was joking) called “security.” The thought that the Court Jester might have amused the Prince, if only for a moment, was pure ecstasy for this fool. He found a spotlight that looked lonely and he moved to dance in it. He was in heaven. The drawback to not taking a date was that there would be no one there to take a video to prove this unbelievable moment. Wanting to respect Prince’s rules but still wanting to capture the moment, the fool made a quick video of Prince, the floor of the stage, the fool, the audience, the lights above and back to Prince. The whole video lasts about 11 seconds and requires a Dramamine to watch it without getting motion sickness. Still, it’s a little thing we will call “fool proof.”

When the fool left the stage, the “human mountain” told him he should have “pulled him off the stage.” “Yes, sir…you should have…still, I’m glad you didn’t!” The fool went back to his original seat (which had now become a coat check) and danced some more. Someone mentioned the celebrities that he was onstage with. He had no idea. He was doin’ his thing and could only see Prince. Back on the floor, people were shaking his hand and taking his picture. He got a few phone numbers. It was surreal…all the way out of the Garden and even on his subway ride home (yes, subway…no reality show for the fool, just a reality check!). He felt so much love from these total strangers

Yes, this fool had an amazing evening. It was one of the most joyous nights of his life. Thank you Prince. This fool set a goal and he achieved it. It cost him two expensive tickets he really couldn’t afford and he’ll be eating Ragu for the next month. “Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy? Possibly!” You can call me crazy, you can call me fool…still, thirty hours later and I am still floating so, whatever you do, don’t “pity the fool!”…Yes, my humor is bad and I just dated myself quoting Mr. T (if you are 22 and you think he is the co-creator of the bloody mary mix, you would be wrong).

Anyway, it is now six weeks later and co-workers are still asking me to retell the story. I went to Gaga at MSG a couple of weeks ago (third time…best show IMHO was Radio City). I wasn’t actually “gaga” for either MSG concert I saw. She is very talented and entertaining. Still, she is no PRINCE. You do not understand this incredible musician until you watch him live. It don’t matter if you are sitting at a VIP table with Rev. Al or up in the nosebleeds. I don’t care if you are a “real fan” or an unreal fan. If you ain’t pumped when you leave a Prince concert, you really need to have your doctor adjust those meds.

I’m a bit surprised, however, that six weeks later, I still feel a little euphoric when I think of that night. I started life pretty broke down, but, along the way, I have been afforded a few incredible opportunities. I feel so blessed that in my lifetime, I got to throw my hands up in Madison Square Garden and look out at 20,000 people and feel, for a split second, what Prince feels every time he goes out there. There are no fans like Prince fans. When you are in the crowd, there is an amazing energy everywhere you look. When you are on the stage that energy is mind blowing! Even though the energy is directed at the guy just across the way, you still catch some residual and it is pure ecstasy. I’ll bet even the celebrities who were onstage at each of the concerts felt it.

I really can’t describe the feeling I had that night and I feel bad how I got there (climbing up without an invite), but, I’m not sorry. What I am sorry for is that this has probably ruined me for future concerts. They will never compare unless the next time I can either get down to one of his tunes (no offense Ms. Knowles), or, he hands me a mic and I cover him while he covers Beyonce (see, the delusions have started…ruined!).

Anyway, I am indebted to Irinact, who captured the only proof I have seen of the fool dancing on stage (I wish I could figure out how to post that pic here, however, the fool is also sorta dumb!). Thank you Irinact...I will cherish that photo, along with the memory, for a long time to come. My biggest fear is that I will actually see a video someday and say, “wow, blackcottonwilldie4u was not lying…you really did make a fool out of yourself!”

One of the two here.

I wasn't at the concert, but I have seen the footage. I thought it was entertaining, and it was clear so did Prince. I don't think there's anything "foolish" about having a good time while making thousands of people smile and laugh. If Jim Carrey had done the exact same thing (and I can totally picture it), would anybody call him a fool? I doubt it.

Good for you, I'm glad you were able to experience the thrill of a lifetime. Best of all, you pulled it off without getting arrested or even kicked out of the building

Pokeno4Money said:

FoolishDancer said:

I wrote this a few hours after the February 7^th, concert. I was dying to post it the day after the concert, however, my new membership status prevented this. I decided to post it now after reading the post above by STherese. I am not sure if she is the girl who coaxed me onstage. I don’t think so because the girl that I was with was up the whole time. We talked after and she gave me her card (which, I misplaced). Anyway, I got so excited by STherese and her excitement…I decided that I would share mine (for the two people that will still read this thread!). My original post was in reply to blackcottonwilldie4u. I was a bit shocked that I was perceived as “foolish.” Up until that point, I was sure I would be offered Misty Copeland’s gig the next time her toes got tired. Anyway, my reply follows:

Is it foolish to wave your arms in the air? To wave them, like you just don’t care? Methinks not.

The fool that you (blackcottonwilldie4u) refer to stands here before you.

Years ago, this fool bought tickets to the Purple Rain Tour, in San Francisco, with his first girlfriend. They were so excited that they managed to score tickets to this much anticipated show. Before the concert happened, his girlfriend died in a car accident and he sold the tickets (at face, thank you), as he didn’t feel like celebrating without her. In the years that followed, this guy always felt guilty at the thought of buying Prince tickets as it would just bring back a painful memory.

Finally, in 2004, he got over himself and bought a pair of tickets to one of the 2004 MSG shows. Now, he was always a fan of the music, but this experience was nothing short of religious. He was amazed at the artistry, the musicianship, the range, and energy that was exploding on that stage. He looked around at all the people who were gettin’ down having a great time. Folks were dressed. That fool was so jealous when he saw all the people who were pulled out of the audience, dancing onstage with “His Royal Highness.” He thought about all the years he lived in a funk instead of living the funk. He wasn’t sure why the girl he brought wasn’t as excited as he was to be there. He decided that the next concert when Prince said, “let’s go crazy,” he would do so alone…without a judgmental date who just doesn’t get it.

When the current shows were announced, he decided to buy a good ticket, for the Dec. 29^th show, hoping to be close enough to dance on the stage. His seat was Row A, allegedly, right on the floor. This fool figured he would be right there and his access to the stage was almost assured. Unfortunately, while still a great seat, a barrier prevented the fool from getting close to the stage. Just over this barrier, people were dancing wherever and security was tolerant of this. Being just after the blizzard, he lucked out as the two seats next to him went empty. He “thoughtfully” moved to the next seat so that the people on either side of him would not get hurt when his flailing began. Not soon after Janelle Monae ordered the room to “Dance or Die,” he was at a high-energy aerobic level and never stopped till they turned on the lights. At one point, his neighbor looked at him and said he “needed a costume change.” It was true…he looked liked the guy who fell in the pool at the wedding reception. He didn’t care. He thought, “if you can’t let it all go at a Prince concert, you can’t let it all go”. He had an amazing time even though he never got close to the stage.

When they announced yet another show on February 7^th, he looked for an even better seat even closer to the stage. When he got there Monday, he realized that sitting in this section didn’t matter where you bought a seat, you could pretty much move around and dance wherever. Folks were partying. The fool danced with other fools and felt a real sense of fellowship. Nobody cared about wars, or politics, or reality stars. For a few hours everyone was just enjoying watching and listening to one of the most talented individuals to ever grace a stage. The fool was intoxicated. Oh sure, the two Tanqueray tonics helped, however, it was more than that. When the time came, the fool got into position. He was ready to be right there when they brought people up. He hadn’t noticed the rope around the table section. Hmmm, this could be a problem. He determined that he was still in the best position. When they brought the people up, it happened quickly. The fool, along with others, jumped the rope. Still, they went no farther as their passage was blocked by a “human mountain.” It was clear that there would be no others asked to the stage. While the fool saw a way onto the stage, he was always far too "law and orderly" to do what crossed his mind. Just then, a girl he had danced with earlier came up and said, “You should be up there.” Without giving it further thought, he said, “you’re right, I should!” With that, he jumped on a speaker and pulled himself onstage.

Once onstage, the fool started dancing immediately. Wait a minute, that’s not Prince…is Beyonce here? OMG, he realized that he was dancing to “Single Ladies.” For a split second a black unitard flashed across his mind and he was mortified that he was dancing to this particular song. He got over that quickly as he returned to HIS reality…not a reality show where editors make no talents seem interesting, but reality. His girlfriend who left him so long ago was there letting him know that this room was about as close to her as you could get on earth. There was magic and spirituality in that room. Yes, he was dancing like a fool onstage at a Prince concert at Madison Square Garden. Whaaaat? As if it couldn’t get any better, Prince looked over at this fool and called him out. The fool had so many thoughts going through his head he didn’t really even hear what Prince said until he jokingly (he hopes he was joking) called “security.” The thought that the Court Jester might have amused the Prince, if only for a moment, was pure ecstasy for this fool. He found a spotlight that looked lonely and he moved to dance in it. He was in heaven. The drawback to not taking a date was that there would be no one there to take a video to prove this unbelievable moment. Wanting to respect Prince’s rules but still wanting to capture the moment, the fool made a quick video of Prince, the floor of the stage, the fool, the audience, the lights above and back to Prince. The whole video lasts about 11 seconds and requires a Dramamine to watch it without getting motion sickness. Still, it’s a little thing we will call “fool proof.”

When the fool left the stage, the “human mountain” told him he should have “pulled him off the stage.” “Yes, sir…you should have…still, I’m glad you didn’t!” The fool went back to his original seat (which had now become a coat check) and danced some more. Someone mentioned the celebrities that he was onstage with. He had no idea. He was doin’ his thing and could only see Prince. Back on the floor, people were shaking his hand and taking his picture. He got a few phone numbers. It was surreal…all the way out of the Garden and even on his subway ride home (yes, subway…no reality show for the fool, just a reality check!). He felt so much love from these total strangers

Yes, this fool had an amazing evening. It was one of the most joyous nights of his life. Thank you Prince. This fool set a goal and he achieved it. It cost him two expensive tickets he really couldn’t afford and he’ll be eating Ragu for the next month. “Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy? Possibly!” You can call me crazy, you can call me fool…still, thirty hours later and I am still floating so, whatever you do, don’t “pity the fool!”…Yes, my humor is bad and I just dated myself quoting Mr. T (if you are 22 and you think he is the co-creator of the bloody mary mix, you would be wrong).

Anyway, it is now six weeks later and co-workers are still asking me to retell the story. I went to Gaga at MSG a couple of weeks ago (third time…best show IMHO was Radio City). I wasn’t actually “gaga” for either MSG concert I saw. She is very talented and entertaining. Still, she is no PRINCE. You do not understand this incredible musician until you watch him live. It don’t matter if you are sitting at a VIP table with Rev. Al or up in the nosebleeds. I don’t care if you are a “real fan” or an unreal fan. If you ain’t pumped when you leave a Prince concert, you really need to have your doctor adjust those meds.

I’m a bit surprised, however, that six weeks later, I still feel a little euphoric when I think of that night. I started life pretty broke down, but, along the way, I have been afforded a few incredible opportunities. I feel so blessed that in my lifetime, I got to throw my hands up in Madison Square Garden and look out at 20,000 people and feel, for a split second, what Prince feels every time he goes out there. There are no fans like Prince fans. When you are in the crowd, there is an amazing energy everywhere you look. When you are on the stage that energy is mind blowing! Even though the energy is directed at the guy just across the way, you still catch some residual and it is pure ecstasy. I’ll bet even the celebrities who were onstage at each of the concerts felt it.

I really can’t describe the feeling I had that night and I feel bad how I got there (climbing up without an invite), but, I’m not sorry. What I am sorry for is that this has probably ruined me for future concerts. They will never compare unless the next time I can either get down to one of his tunes (no offense Ms. Knowles), or, he hands me a mic and I cover him while he covers Beyonce (see, the delusions have started…ruined!).

Anyway, I am indebted to Irinact, who captured the only proof I have seen of the fool dancing on stage (I wish I could figure out how to post that pic here, however, the fool is also sorta dumb!). Thank you Irinact...I will cherish that photo, along with the memory, for a long time to come. My biggest fear is that I will actually see a video someday and say, “wow, blackcottonwilldie4u was not lying…you really did make a fool out of yourself!”

One of the two here.

I wasn't at the concert, but I have seen the footage. I thought it was entertaining, and it was clear so did Prince. I don't think there's anything "foolish" about having a good time while making thousands of people smile and laugh. If Jim Carrey had done the exact same thing (and I can totally picture it), would anybody call him a fool? I doubt it.

Good for you, I'm glad you were able to experience the thrill of a lifetime. Best of all, you pulled it off without getting arrested or even kicked out of the building

Pokeno4Money,

Thank you for the nice comment. While I may never see it, I am glad to know there is "footage" out there. I am also glad that you perceived that Prince was entertained by my "foolishness." I found out later that I had friends there that night (who said they were too "in shock" to take a video of me!) who said that Prince wasn't happy about it. From the stage, I didn't feel that but truthfully, I was in a daze by the whole experience. I have only recreated the memory through comments by orgers. Yours for example, made me very happy to know that I made people smile and laugh. This is USUALLY a goal of mine...USUALLY. That night, however, was actually me being serious!

Unfortunately, while I have embraced blackcottonwilldie4u's (among others) critique of my performance (even making it my screen name), I am still shocked by it (maybe even DELIRIOUS!). I think I am a great dancer. Now, I am starting to believe my co-workers who called me Elaine (from Seinfeld) after taking videos of me dancing at our holiday party. No...I will NOT believe it. Single Ladies is a great song for a cheerleader. I, however, am a dancer. This is why I need to go back and redeem myself by dancing to a Prince tune that is more suited to my FUNKABILITIES!

Thanks again for the perspective...

Foolish dancer check your orgnote for a pleasant surpise!!!! Great story!