xMikeBx said:

I'll likely share more thoughts soon, but I just wanted to say Sheila E. doing "The Glamorous Life" was an absolute highlight for me last night. I was lucky to catch two Oakland shows and her interaction with Prince was tremendous then, but she seemed particularly on fire during that song last night. The night off did wonders. I was flipping out when she started knocking the drums over. En Fuego!

These shows r so addictive. can't get enough. can't believe he is here 4 21 nights..Its unbelievable like a non stop Prince per4mance dream. don't know how Prince can top this. guess by going back and doing intimate settings, But 4 some reason think those days r gone 4ever.. Its hard 2 believe just a few years ago was in a crowd of just 50 lucky fans watching him per4rm @ The beverly Hills Hotel that no casual fan knew about...Prince is tearing LA up...

colorblu said:

colorblu said:

xMikeBx said:

I'll likely share more thoughts soon, but I just wanted to say Sheila E. doing "The Glamorous Life" was an absolute highlight for me last night. I was lucky to catch two Oakland shows and her interaction with Prince was tremendous then, but she seemed particularly on fire during that song last night. The night off did wonders. I was flipping out when she started knocking the drums over. En Fuego!

:w00t

I couldn't agree with you more. She was totally into it. I took my daughter and niece with me for the 1st time and she was definately the highlight for them.

I was at the last Oakland show and I noticed they vibe there was much different than the one I observed in LA. Oakland was like one big party. More ballads last night than Oakland perhaps (which I thoughly enjoyed, especially Sometimes It Snows In April.) Regardless, it was the best $75 I've ever spent. Hoping to go again towards the end of the LA run.

xMikeBx said:

Also, finally hearing "Pop Life" and "Sometimes It Snows In April" =

Deleted post

[Edited 4/25/11 1:51am]

Realtor said:

GDB said:

Realtor, based on your experience from Thurs 4/21 and my review (in the other thread) of last night's show, would you say that Thursday night appeared to be the better of the two?

It's hard to speculate on the show that I missed ( I went 4/14, 4/21, 4/23) but I had much different personal experiences at each one that I attended. You are asking between 4/21 and 4/22, right? Based on what I've been told by people that attended both, they liked 4/21 much more. I probably enjoyed 4/21 a little more than 4/23, but they were both very good.

Unfortunately due to the fact that April 14th's performance was so captivating, the other two I went to aren't that memorable for me. April 14th, after seeing him perform for the 73rd time, I FINALLY understood that the setlists are meaningless. On that night, we got to witness Prince play music "in the moment." Because of the passion in which he played, he inspired ME to hear music differently. I know this might not make sense for most, but it's like, I got to learn about Prince that night...and I'm only referring to how musical aspects affect him. I understand his internal battles with boredom, redundancy, creativity, business, originality, and acceptance. I realized that he WANTS us to challenge him, but also that he evolves just like everyone else does, so don't take him for granted. But what I can't get out of my brain is the setlist concept. I realized that he could remove EVERY single song he played April 14th (and 21, 22, 23) and STILL deliver the GREATEST concert of all-time. All these thoughts just kept circling in my head....he could do a show: Alphabet Street, Do Me, Baby, Pink Cashmere, Everlasting Now, God Created Woman, Anna Stesia, Soft and Wet, Lady Cab Driver, I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man, Paisley Park, 17 Days, Elephants and Flowers...etc....and it could be his greatest ever. The reality is: he can play any songs he wants to, but the ONLY variables are HOW he plays them, and as you alluded to, the sound quality of the production. It took me 73 times of seeing him perform to finally "get it." From now on, I really don't care what songs he plays, I just hope he can be as inspiring as he was on April 14th and I guess it's all based on how inspired he is to perform.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. We seem to be on the same page re P's setlist...I said something similar re how many songs he could play that haven't been yet heard and have more than enough for another three-hour masterpiece. It really speaks to the breadth of his catalog and his creativity. Here's hoping we get that set of songs that have yet to be performed. I'm two for four so far but will definitely be back for more. Thanks again.

On what song did he and Renato share the keyboard?

GDB said:

GDB said:

Realtor said:

It's hard to speculate on the show that I missed ( I went 4/14, 4/21, 4/23) but I had much different personal experiences at each one that I attended. You are asking between 4/21 and 4/22, right? Based on what I've been told by people that attended both, they liked 4/21 much more. I probably enjoyed 4/21 a little more than 4/23, but they were both very good.

Unfortunately due to the fact that April 14th's performance was so captivating, the other two I went to aren't that memorable for me. April 14th, after seeing him perform for the 73rd time, I FINALLY understood that the setlists are meaningless. On that night, we got to witness Prince play music "in the moment." Because of the passion in which he played, he inspired ME to hear music differently. I know this might not make sense for most, but it's like, I got to learn about Prince that night...and I'm only referring to how musical aspects affect him. I understand his internal battles with boredom, redundancy, creativity, business, originality, and acceptance. I realized that he WANTS us to challenge him, but also that he evolves just like everyone else does, so don't take him for granted. But what I can't get out of my brain is the setlist concept. I realized that he could remove EVERY single song he played April 14th (and 21, 22, 23) and STILL deliver the GREATEST concert of all-time. All these thoughts just kept circling in my head....he could do a show: Alphabet Street, Do Me, Baby, Pink Cashmere, Everlasting Now, God Created Woman, Anna Stesia, Soft and Wet, Lady Cab Driver, I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man, Paisley Park, 17 Days, Elephants and Flowers...etc....and it could be his greatest ever. The reality is: he can play any songs he wants to, but the ONLY variables are HOW he plays them, and as you alluded to, the sound quality of the production. It took me 73 times of seeing him perform to finally "get it." From now on, I really don't care what songs he plays, I just hope he can be as inspiring as he was on April 14th and I guess it's all based on how inspired he is to perform.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. We seem to be on the same page re P's setlist...I said something similar re how many songs he could play that haven't been yet heard and have more than enough for another three-hour masterpiece. It really speaks to the breadth of his catalog and his creativity. Here's hoping we get that set of songs that have yet to be performed. I'm two for four so far but will definitely be back for more. Thanks again.

It's hard, really hard to come to grips with what I experienced on April 14th. You know how you can experience something, and you know how it feels, but you can't explain it? So, in this case, I'm trying my best. You know how you experience something and it clears up PREVIOUS experiences for you? That's what this did. I understand why Prince often talks too much at his shows, makes the gestures, the poses, etc. Because deep down, he doesn't feel we understand him, so he HAS to do all this other stuff. Obviously, even a casual observer of his career can see that he's been conflicted about several things, but to be enlightened as to HOW he's conflicted, not just knowing what creates the conflict offers a much different light. When you read the L.A. Times review "Purple Drought" about the April 14th show, it shows a very shallow perspective of him as an artist..but that's because that's what the writer WANTS: Prince to be shallow. I'm pretty convinced April 14, 2011 is the only date of this tour that he said "Enough with being shallow; I'm going to let my music speak for me and nothing else." He played mostly hits, true enough, but he played them the way he wanted to, not necessarily the way we're used to hearing them and because we gave him that latitude, he continued to open his heart that night. But THEN....the L.A. Times article and more internal conflict appears. I strongly believe that Prince doesn't even understand how great his show was on April 14th and how could he..with a response like he received on April 23rd? No matter what antics he displays on stage, he's a writer and musician at heart and even if I'm one of the few, I can clearly see now that the man just wants to play music and be appreciated for it. When he does that other stuff (on stage), it's a plea that if I keep giving you a little of this, will you keep coming back to see me. I know that most people feel that's really him, but if people think: there's a reason he changed the lyrics; he's not the same person any more.

Realtor said:

Realtor said:

It's hard, really hard to come to grips with what I experienced on April 14th. You know how you can experience something, and you know how it feels, but you can't explain it? So, in this case, I'm trying my best. You know how you experience something and it clears up PREVIOUS experiences for you? That's what this did. I understand why Prince often talks too much at his shows, makes the gestures, the poses, etc. Because deep down, he doesn't feel we understand him, so he HAS to do all this other stuff. Obviously, even a casual observer of his career can see that he's been conflicted about several things, but to be enlightened as to HOW he's conflicted, not just knowing what creates the conflict offers a much different light. When you read the L.A. Times review "Purple Drought" about the April 14th show, it shows a very shallow perspective of him as an artist..but that's because that's what the writer WANTS: Prince to be shallow. I'm pretty convinced April 14, 2011 is the only date of this tour that he said "Enough with being shallow; I'm going to let my music speak for me and nothing else." He played mostly hits, true enough, but he played them the way he wanted to, not necessarily the way we're used to hearing them and because we gave him that latitude, he continued to open his heart that night. But THEN....the L.A. Times article and more internal conflict appears. I strongly believe that Prince doesn't even understand how great his show was on April 14th and how could he..with a response like he received on April 23rd? No matter what antics he displays on stage, he's a writer and musician at heart and even if I'm one of the few, I can clearly see now that the man just wants to play music and be appreciated for it. When he does that other stuff (on stage), it's a plea that if I keep giving you a little of this, will you keep coming back to see me. I know that most people feel that's really him, but if people think: there's a reason he changed the lyrics; he's not the same person any more.

I can dig your emotional response to opening night...I felt similarly affected following opening night...actually moved from within. I get where you are coming from.

Finally home. Were it not for a computer malfunction, I would have commented sooner, but here goes:

Mere words really do not describe the greatness of this Prince concert series. There is no one like Prince and there won't be another like him ever; strong sentiments yes, but true.

Like Realtor, I had an epiphany watching the latest installment of Prince's 21 night stand....it was the concert surrounding the concert that caught my attention, this time. I watched the sheer mastery of the entirety of Prince's concert, which began long before he appeared on stage.

Usually when attending a concert, sporting event or activity where there is a lot of traffic and long lines, people get anxious and sometimes downright obnoxious. At Prince's concerts, there's none of that; only people with smiles bopping their heads, holding doors for one another, allowing others to cut in front with no harsh words exchanged, only a head nod--EVERYONE--is on the same team! There's old folks, young ones, in betweens; every color, nationality and gender, people in designer suits and dresses, others with jeans and Ts on, lambs and lions, dogs and cats living together.

Most often, standing in line to get a beverage is an arduous task; however at these concerts it's really an opportunity to share your favorite Prince story with a complete stranger. Saturday, I met someone who traveled from London to see the show; at another recent concert I talked with someone who had flown in from France...both had great Prince stories...and now they'll have another. You gotta love that.

From the opening note to the last stroke of his guitar, it is virtually impossible to take your eyes off Prince; if it were not for his attention to detail as exhibited by the flawless choreography of The Twins' moves, the placement of Shelby J., Liv and Elisa (who work the stage like there is no tomorrow); and the introduction and compliment of superb entertainers like Sheila E. and Larry Graham killing the timbales and bass, respectively, you might miss the cornucopia of visual and audio goodness.

Whether your watching Rebbie Jackson tearing it up doing the booty drop or laughing at the guy who thinks he's rocking out but looks like he's having a seizure, or listening to the person sitting next to you sing Purple Rain out of key, Prince transforms everyone into a superstar--its all in fun and its all that Prince sings about in his songs.

So much has already been written about the music and entertainment prowess of Prince and the NPG, without a doubt those words are undeniable truth, I agree. Yes, he was incredible in all ways; Sheila showed all of us whose the baddest on the timbales, and Larry's bass duet was recklessly funky. The setlist was killer and I haven't sweated that much since....erhm, perhaps that's TMI.

There's so much I could add and there are so many levels of party within this party, but instead I'll simply state, when you go to one of these concerts, if you can, stand back for a moment and watch the symphonic masterpiece that is Welcome 2 America, in its full splendor; you certainly won't be disappointed, you'll undoubtedly never be the same; and as a bonus, you'll most likely meet some really cool people and gain some insight as to why the man is a one and only.

I had a blast and you will too. Thank you Prince and NPG for another amazing episode.

p.s. Initially I neglected to mention Chaka's performance of my song, "Sweet Thing" ....it was fabulous, just fabulous.

xx

edit:

[Edited 4/26/11 1:20am]

"Two and Four...it's my favorite place to be"

My two nieces that have been closet Prince fans for years, went to this concert. Happy that it sounds like it was awesome!!!

WELL SAID... HE TRULY IS THE ONE AND ONLY...

Having flown in from Sydney to catch the show on the 22nd, I couldn't help but want to try and catch a second show. Thankfully I could grab tickets for what ended up being on eof the best Prince shows I've seen. 3 hours long, 31 songs, and some funky breakdowns and jams to make the night truly memorable.

Unlike the night prior where Prince's voice was wavering and straining in parts, tonight he had the goods. Bringing a huge crowd up on stage for the extended Don't Stop Til You Get Enough / Cool jam one poor guy fell off the catwalk and took a tumble.

The whole show took on a massive jam feel with Larry Graham, Chaka Kahn, and Shiela E all coming out to play.

The setlist was a dream, with many of my fave songs performed and I was hearing them for the first time (like Mountains, Pop Love, A love bizarre, Musicology, Little Red Corvette).

For me it was an equal best show.

Here is the setlist:

1. D.M.S.R.
2. Pop Life
3. Musicology
   (with Prince & The Band interpolation)
4. Extraordinary
5. Mountains
   (with Sheila E.)
6. Everyday People
   (with Sheila E. and Larry Graham)
7. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
   (with Sheila E. and Larry Graham)
8. Sweet Thing
   (with Chaka Khan)
9. The Glamorous Life
   (Sheila E. lead vocals, with Soul Sacrifice coda)
10. Raspberry Beret
11. Cream
12. Cool / Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
13. Make You Feel My Love
14. Misty Blue
    (Shelby J. lead vocals)
15. Let's Go Crazy
16. Delirious
    (with Let's Go Crazy Reprise)
17. 1999
18. Little Red Corvette
19. Purple Rain
20. Encore:
21. When Doves Cry / Nasty Girl / Sign 'O The Times / The Most Beautiful Girl In The World / Darling Nikki / Single Ladies / Hot Thing / I Would Die 4 U
    (Sampler medley)
22. If I Was Your Girlfriend
23. Insatiable
24. Scandalous
25. Adore
26. Encore 2:
27. Kiss
28. Encore 3:
29. Sometimes It Snows In April
30. Dreamer
    (with Welcome 2 America interpolation)
31. Controversy
    (with Housequake interpolation)
32. Encore 4:
33. A Love Bizarre
    (with Sheila E.)
34. Play That Funky Music
    (with I Like Funky Music interpolation)
35. Hollywood Swinging
    (changed to Inglewood Swinging)

I thought Prince was just on Lopez talking about how much he HATES people doing covers. I see several covers in his show. WTF!! Oh yeah I forgot....HIPOCRIT!!

dandeeland said:

I thought Prince was just on Lopez talking about how much he HATES people doing covers. I see several covers in his show. WTF!! Oh yeah I forgot....HIPOCRIT!!

U misunderstood him. He meant without his permission...
.

Here's some montage footage from the show, including sections of...

Assorted Sheila E.

'Everyday People'

Larry Graham/Prince Bass Duet (WOW!)

Chaka's 'Sweet Thing'

"Hard Act To Follow" Interlude

Rebbie Jackson Dance-off

'Oh no! Let's Go!' Jam

'Slow Down' [extended 'Little Red Corvette' jam] ("Ooo-hoo!" WOW!)

'Scandalous' Screams

Piano-Top 'Adore'

KILLER 'Kiss' Solo Dance-off @ 7:42 (WOW!)

"Wasting Time" Sister Dedication

'...April' DigiFX Guitar Solo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r84eeS05e8s

ENJOY!!

PopLevi said:

Here's some montage footage from the show, including sections of...

Assorted Sheila E.

'Everyday People'

Larry Graham/Prince Bass Duet (WOW!)

Chaka's 'Sweet Thing'

"Hard Act To Follow" Interlude

Rebbie Jackson Dance-off

'Oh no! Let's Go!' Jam

'Slow Down' [extended 'Little Red Corvette' jam] ("Ooo-hoo!" WOW!)

'Scandalous' Screams

Piano-Top 'Adore'

KILLER 'Kiss' Solo Dance-off @ 7:42 (WOW!)

"Wasting Time" Sister Dedication

'...April' DigiFX Guitar Solo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r84eeS05e8s

ENJOY!!

Thanks!!

Fantastic Night!

Had such a great time!

Prince is Awesome~Wonderful as Always!

Smiled and danced alllll night long