Realtor said:
The April 28th concert was clearly the most unique of Prince's shows so far during this Residency at The Forum. First off, I want to say I had a great, great time, but I want to get some of the particulars out the way: As far as the small crowd...and it was small...it was still lively and from my vantage point, most people were very pleased with the performance. I would agree with the poster that suggests the shows should be only Friday and Saturday nights (maybe even Thursday and Saturday) if WE WERE THE PROMOTERS...but we're not. Our role: fans. And as I've said before Prince embarked on this 21 show extravaganza, this is probably one of the greatest gifts that a musical artist...famous or not...great, good, average, or in-between...has ever provided. Again...it's a gift to US. Scalpers: lose. Staff: some happy, some not so much. Prince's bottom line: fluctuates. But ours' doesn't. Every night, we get something to be thankful for.
If Prince only cared about selling tickets, obviously, he would announce shows further in advance, make promotional deals with all of the local radio outlets, loosen up on his anti-internet stance, ignore what ticket brokers do with his tickets, promote the opening acts more (and make them less secretive), and perform a standard commerically appealing setlist that appeals to the masses. His decision to not do those things should be refreshing to all members of this site, not be points of contention.
As far as the show itself, I enjoyed Joy In Repetition immensely, but I'll admit I prefer the guitar-laced live version. 17 Days was brilliant! And I mean that in a creative, entertaining way, not literal. Even though I was itching for the guitar on J N Rep, I felt something new with Shhh...yes the guitar solos are fabulous...but I enjoyed the version last night just as much and I felt he took the song to an ever higher place, maybe his comic relief, not sure, but I really liked it. Teena Marie tribute was touching, classy, and flat-out good. Because I went to the 14th, 22nd, and 23rd, I didn't mind so many covers, but I would have, if I didn't go to those shows. But I thoroughly enjoyed myself...people have to understand, this was REALLY a party-type show. Fantastic Voyage? Really? Again, in a good way. I've heard him do Play That Funky a bunch of times and this was as great as ever. I had to do a double take when he started Party Man. I know a lot of people have referred to some of his shows before as "parties," but this really was, which is why I was VERY confused with the last song selection. Last night also gave me some insight as to why April 14th was so great...and will never be duplicated again....but despite me knowing this, I would recommend people continue to go and I'm not just saying this for others' sake; I'll be there tonight and tomorrow.
Thank you for this post! You saw what I saw and described it so well. This night was so memorable!