If I lived in the country (say, England for example) that you can basically drive across in like three hours, then yes, I would have gone to every single show. I'm on the East Coast and had spent several hours trying to find decent airfares to get out to LA. Then, trying to figure out hotel or bugging friends to crash with them for 21 nights would have been a bit much. I really think he could have pulled this off somewhere like Chicago instead. I've never been to LA but it seems that the folks there are snobby and don't really want to be seen trying to be "seen" by others, LOL. Anyway, I wish Prince the best. It seems like drama seems to follow him more and more these days...

FunkDr said:

weasel - I don't NEED to know but as a fan...I'd like to know how it went. Isn't that why we're on this site? 'Cuz we dig Prince??

People seem keen to post how they are travelling to the show, what they're wearing, if their seats are gonna be good or not ...and then next to zip about the show itself !!

I can't see what half of the people in LA being born elsewhere has anything to do with a seeming apathy for the LA Prince residency - particularly on a Prince fan site where you would kind of expect the level/degree of interest and excitement to be somewhat greater.

It's not like I'm asking questions of general LA residents - I'm confused by Orgers - you know, people who visit and post on a website dedicated to ...err.....Prince !

No offence meant to LA - People from other cities can (and are) going the concerts. The LAzy was a reference to the concerts being in LA and many of the fans seeming to be lazy (doesn't mean folk in LA are lazy !)

JowiCoco - I am amused - but will pass on the c*ck thanks !!

Somebody hasn't been hanging out much in the General Discussion forum.

bobzilla77 said:

I'll write ya long detailed reviews of every show if you would like to fund my attendance. $100 a night should just about cover it.

nvm.. I think Ill just chill right here lol

[Edited 5/10/11 20:26pm]

Definitely think the short notice, general weekly confusion about the shows, the local economy (you gotta admit that 2011 is pretty different than 2007 for almost everyone, globally!), traffic, and perceived notions of the Forum are all working against these being a bigger deal than they are/should be. It's too late for me to be thinking coherently, but I went to the 4/14 show (which was chaotic trying to get plans together for) and it was amazing. But trying to plan getting back has been tricky, partly as I went away for a few weeks, and now all the "will he or won't he" confusion about future dates. I can't really ask a friend who's working 2 jobs "Can you go on a random Thurs/Fri/Sat, not sure of the date but it'll be sometime in the next 3-4 days" when they need to give notice to whatever job about time off or swapping schedules. When you tell someone about the shows, they're like "Oh, cool, when is he playing again?" That's hard to answer.I was just talking to a friend today about maybe going Thursday, but now that seems totally up in the air, tending towards likely not happening.

Plus lots of people have really gotten hung up on how bad the Forum is and bought the propoganda that Staples is better. Y'know, I REALLY enjoyed being back at the Forum on 4/14. Parking is high (it is at Staples, too), and the area is a LITTLE worse (but not really that much), but I really think this has been a good thing for the Forum. The issue is changing people's perceptions. Is the Forum perfect? No, but it works great for a show like this, and like others have said, the lack of luxury boxes makes it MUCH more intimate especially if you get stuck in the Collonnade for some reason. I've been to Staples more times than I can count and I definitely didn't think it's SIGNIFICANTLY better in terms of comfort, lines of sight, or sound quality. (yes, it has better concessions/restroom setups)

And the logistics of LA are a problem-- I work within about 15 miles (straight line) from the Forum, and even then it can take an hour to get there in traffic. If you're coming from farther away, it's a nightmare. Prince's fans have gotten older-- have jobs (hopefully), families, maybe need to get a babysitter and hearing about shows that start late and go til midnight+ make a lot of it a bit tricky. This isn't an easy city to get around in the best of circumstances, and trying to get to Inglewood, especially on a Thursday night with traffic, is a nightmare.

That said, LA audiences are notoriously obnoxiously picky. It takes a LOT to get an LA audience wildly enthusiastic about anything. I go to a lot of concerts and feel bummed for these artists working their butts off and getting fairly tepid responses. Just because it's Prince doesn't change that. (well, until AFTER the show when everyone's totally excited and leaving on a high) I think since we pretty much get EVERY performer/etc who wants to make a name of themselves coming through here, we're pretty blase about everything.

Could LA be more enthusiastic? Surely. But a bit more information/time to plan/etc would be REALLY helpful as well in general. I'm not trying to make excuses for LA, but there are a lot of things that are probably a bit different here than they are in other major cities (where you could just pop on the subway and get to the venue... except, well, no subway goes anywhere near the Forum! And the buses are.. well.. scary)

So not trying to pick a fight or make excuses... almost venting some of my own frustrations in having problems making plans to get to another show..

[Edited 5/11/11 0:23am]

I've grown weary of all the "Inglewood is a bad area" types of comments. There is significant police presence all around the Forum both before and after shows as the public arrives, parks and walks to the venue. Significant security personnel within the Forum itself. Police cruisers are out and visible as people cross Prairie to cars parked on adjacent streets. No gangbangers, no thugs, no crime or violence that I've seen or heard of yet. You're there for a concert, not for sightseeing. Does it offer the convenience and culinary choices of the LA Live complex? No, but here is what it does offer. You could fit the interior of the Forum inside the cavernous space that is Staples Center...if Prince was playing Staples Center forget about those wonderful vantage points and glorious PA system we have enjoyed at the Forum. Sightlines, sound and viewing distances would be drastically different...as would be the price of the show. Gotta pay for all of the luxury somehow. I saw the Musicology show at Staples in '04 and the Nokia engagement in '08 so I do have a frame of reference for comparison. But back to the point...

All of these negative statements about the building itself or the neighborhood in which is sits really need to cease because a false impression of the environment is being crafted. Would you say the same thing if Prince was playing the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium or the Hollywood Palladium? Now go to each venue...count the number of homeless and displaced individuals, drug addicts, tweakers, panhandlers and dirty streets you encounter...and then compare that number to the same aforementioned issues found around the Forum before and after a show. If you're being honest and not reactionary there is no comparison which area I feel safer in and which ones I have my guard up against more often.

GDB said:

I've grown weary of all the "Inglewood is a bad area" types of comments. There is significant police presence all around the Forum both before and after shows as the public arrives, parks and walks to the venue. Significant security personnel within the Forum itself. Police cruisers are out and visible as people cross Prairie to cars parked on adjacent streets. No gangbangers, no thugs, no crime or violence that I've seen or heard of yet. You're there for a concert, not for sightseeing. Does it offer the convenience and culinary choices of the LA Live complex? No, but here is what it does offer. You could fit the interior of the Forum inside the cavernous space that is Staples Center...if Prince was playing Staples Center forget about those wonderful vantage points and glorious PA system we have enjoyed at the Forum. Sightlines, sound and viewing distances would be drastically different...as would be the price of the show. Gotta pay for all of the luxury somehow. I saw the Musicology show at Staples in '04 and the Nokia engagement in '08 so I do have a frame of reference for comparison. But back to the point...

All of these negative statements about the building itself or the neighborhood in which is sits really need to cease because a false impression of the environment is being crafted. Would you say the same thing if Prince was playing the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium or the Hollywood Palladium? Now go to each venue...count the number of homeless and displaced individuals, drug addicts, tweakers, panhandlers and dirty streets you encounter...and then compare that number to the same aforementioned issues found around the Forum before and after a show. If you're being honest and not reactionary there is no comparison which area I feel safer in and which ones I have my guard up against more often.

i appreciate that the Forum is in a 'real' neighborhood. ppl so often 4get what a real hood is and how life is in the hood. i won't 4get how i (as a female) was propositioned on a Sunday morning by females at 7 a.m. while driving on Century on the way to LAX - a place parallel to Manchester and the Forum. the Forum area is safe 4 us and shouldn't be an issue to fams attending the shows. but, as anywhere, stay aware. i like the idea that we aren't in a place like Staples Center or the Civ Auditorium becuz we are experiencing real life around the Forum. if one perceives that their current life situation is a blessing, thenm go to the Forum and all the way give Praise for what one has. Gratitude is giving rself back 2 the Cr8tor. thank U for the Forum shows and the xperience of a real slice of awareness.

FunkDr said:

I'm in the UK and...

...thought I'd have a whinge

pald1 said:

powersoul99 said:

I totally Agree with you.

When in Europe there was setlists and photo's.

But we shouldnt complain as it's always been like that when he's in the U.S.

If he does visit the UK anytime soon, get ready for a good old British moan about something. You guys are the experts.

Dont think you saw many moans about the times he's been to the UK.

mynameisnotsusan said:

FunkDr said:

I'm in the UK and...

...thought I'd have a whinge

Genesia said:

mynameisnotsusan said:

...thought I'd have a whinge

yep - I thought that was funny too !!

raddahone said:

GDB said:

I've grown weary of all the "Inglewood is a bad area" types of comments. There is significant police presence all around the Forum both before and after shows as the public arrives, parks and walks to the venue. Significant security personnel within the Forum itself. Police cruisers are out and visible as people cross Prairie to cars parked on adjacent streets. No gangbangers, no thugs, no crime or violence that I've seen or heard of yet. You're there for a concert, not for sightseeing. Does it offer the convenience and culinary choices of the LA Live complex? No, but here is what it does offer. You could fit the interior of the Forum inside the cavernous space that is Staples Center...if Prince was playing Staples Center forget about those wonderful vantage points and glorious PA system we have enjoyed at the Forum. Sightlines, sound and viewing distances would be drastically different...as would be the price of the show. Gotta pay for all of the luxury somehow. I saw the Musicology show at Staples in '04 and the Nokia engagement in '08 so I do have a frame of reference for comparison. But back to the point...

All of these negative statements about the building itself or the neighborhood in which is sits really need to cease because a false impression of the environment is being crafted. Would you say the same thing if Prince was playing the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium or the Hollywood Palladium? Now go to each venue...count the number of homeless and displaced individuals, drug addicts, tweakers, panhandlers and dirty streets you encounter...and then compare that number to the same aforementioned issues found around the Forum before and after a show. If you're being honest and not reactionary there is no comparison which area I feel safer in and which ones I have my guard up against more often.

i appreciate that the Forum is in a 'real' neighborhood. ppl so often 4get what a real hood is and how life is in the hood. i won't 4get how i (as a female) was propositioned on a Sunday morning by females at 7 a.m. while driving on Century on the way to LAX - a place parallel to Manchester and the Forum. the Forum area is safe 4 us and shouldn't be an issue to fams attending the shows. but, as anywhere, stay aware. i like the idea that we aren't in a place like Staples Center or the Civ Auditorium becuz we are experiencing real life around the Forum. if one perceives that their current life situation is a blessing, thenm go to the Forum and all the way give Praise for what one has. Gratitude is giving rself back 2 the Cr8tor. thank U for the Forum shows and the xperience of a real slice of awareness.

Completely agree. Thx for your thoughts.

FunkDr said:

powersoul99 - It just a shame if people regret missed opportunities once these 21 nights are over !

It so accessible for people - both in terms of the tickets being so easy to actually get hold of and also such a great, low price !

If the joy and enthusiasm is there, then surely folk wanna share their experience with people who share their love of Prince?

I'm more of an observer/reader than a "poster" so I can understand that not everyone will post reviews - I don't wanna read thousands - but just a few, hey? some excitment !!

You'll miss it when it's gone !!

I appreciate what you are saying.

But the threads that I've been reading about each show has what you are looking for.

There is at least on person that describes the experience for him/her and it makes me smile

about how excited they are.

But even outside of that...the one thing that I'll say about the W2A shows, despite the mediocre org reviews....everyone at the concert is having an abso-fucking-lutely kick ass time. So maybe it's just the org. You know how we do things around here!

[Edited 5/11/11 15:41pm]

CallMeCarrie said:

FunkDr said:

powersoul99 - It just a shame if people regret missed opportunities once these 21 nights are over !

It so accessible for people - both in terms of the tickets being so easy to actually get hold of and also such a great, low price !

If the joy and enthusiasm is there, then surely folk wanna share their experience with people who share their love of Prince?

I appreciate what you are saying.

But the threads that I've been reading about each show has what you are looking for.

There is at least on person that describes the experience for him/her and it makes me smile

about how excited they are.

But even outside of that...the one thing that I'll say about the W2A shows, despite the mediocre org reviews....everyone at the concert is having an abso-fucking-lutely kick ass time. So maybe it's just the org. You know how we do things around here!

[Edited 5/11/11 15:41pm]

Exactly!!!

I've taken about 5 different people to these and I know about 10 other first timers and all they do is RAVE, but they are not orgers.

remko said:

FunkDr said:

P - time to "get on the boat" and head for the UK and the rest of Europe - I reckon we still have the energy and love !!!

Welcome 2 America !!

He is coming to Europe this summer, so what is your point?

Is this for real? Is there a link? I was at the 21 nights at the O2 in 2007 and long story short, when teh Show started I jumped up off my seat and threw my Back out, causign me to spend the next 2 hours in excrutiating pain, but I stayed there in pain and enjoyed meself lol. Been looking forward to his next UK visit.

itsnotallover said:

remko said:

He is coming to Europe this summer, so what is your point?

Is this for real? Is there a link? I was at the 21 nights at the O2 in 2007 and long story short, when teh Show started I jumped up off my seat and threw my Back out, causign me to spend the next 2 hours in excrutiating pain, but I stayed there in pain and enjoyed meself lol. Been looking forward to his next UK visit.

http://prince.org/msg/12/358502

http://prince.org/msg/12/358270

[Edited 5/13/11 1:16am]

remko said:

itsnotallover said:

Is this for real? Is there a link? I was at the 21 nights at the O2 in 2007 and long story short, when teh Show started I jumped up off my seat and threw my Back out, causign me to spend the next 2 hours in excrutiating pain, but I stayed there in pain and enjoyed meself lol. Been looking forward to his next UK visit.

http://prince.org/msg/12/358502

http://prince.org/msg/12/358270

[Edited 5/13/11 1:16am]

Thx Remko

No UK visit then? I cannot read the Articles

itsnotallover said:

remko said:

http://prince.org/msg/12/358502

http://prince.org/msg/12/358270

[Edited 5/13/11 1:16am]

Thx Remko

No UK visit then? I cannot read the Articles

Not as we know at this moment. Ik hope some more is to come, as i can't make it to the shows in Rotterdam (only 50 km or so away.... ;-()

JowiiCoco said:

i love that pussy cat ... pussy control anyone?

remko said:

itsnotallover said:

Thx Remko

No UK visit then? I cannot read the Articles

Not as we know at this moment. Ik hope some more is to come, as i can't make it to the shows in Rotterdam (only 50 km or so away.... ;-()

Well, Heres hoping

THANKYOU said:

i feel what the FunkDR is saying, and i think his passion and love for prince shows in his initial post... as the last person said, people are people and people are different... European audiences and U.S. audiences are starkly different by definition across the board. and as someone else said, LA audiences can be (not all LA people) a very unique bunch, and are different from audiences in other cities. AND vice versa. it is what it is.

and there is something to be said for having the "option" of attending one of 21 shows, at a cheap price (by the way, we scraped up $200+ for our W2A tickets in new york and only had 6 shows spanning 3 months)... i can see how someone might ponder one show vs. another, depending on the opening act, depending on how they feel that day--again when you have that "choice"... if LA didn't have that choice, or if they had had a 10-show run, i think the posts might have been different... who knows.

and in terms of the age thing, yeah prince is getting older and guess what, so are his fans... so i think we will be witnessing that fan enthusiasm manifest itself in different ways going forward (sometimes posting reviews/photos/setlists, sometimes not; sometimes going the extra mile to get the dirt on future prince shows, sometimes not)... and we all have to be willing to adapt to that evolution.

again, it is what it is.

LOVE 4 ONE ANOTHER!

Agreed. It is what it is... accept without prejudice or condemnation... it is what it is...

Considering the shows are not well publicized, are put on sale on very short notice, and are being held in an outdated, out-of-the-way, kinda icky building (they don't even have the parking lots lit!), I'm amazed that they are as well-attended as they are. Last week's Saturday show was completely full, for example.

Add to that LA's geography (no nearby cities except San Diego), the economy (very bad), and the hassle of getting to the Forum (traffic, parking, nowhere nice to hang out beforehand or after) and it's even more surprising. Lastly, he's playing a pretty similar show each night, and many of the popular songs are being cut short, so after a few shows, it's understandable if people might bail.

And inside....these fans were not lazy. Most stood up the whole show - pretty rare for fans of an artist from the 70s. And thousands stayed well past midnight, with the house lights up, hoping for just one more encore. There was a really positive, fun vibe all 3 nights I've attended.