I just got back from the 11pm show.

I was first in line.(waited 4 hours) When me and my girlfriend got inside, Prince was casually milling about the stage and said to me "Hurry up, come on. Let's get this started". As if he was just one of the roadies or something. I was speechless. Then he smiled at me said "Stay on this side. It's where I do most of my solos and I play piano over here". Yes, seriously. As people started to file in, he went upstairs(backstage). It was friggin' surreal.

I was right in front of him the whole show. Stage left of center. He had a huge set list taped to the floor in front of me but didn't stick to most of it.

After the last song of the set he handed me his guitar. I flipped out. People were grabbing at it so I strapped it around my neck. Prince disappeared upstairs. About 2 minutes later a roadie came and retrieved it from me. I said "Can I at least keep the strap?". "Ha, sure buddy." and then he took it. DAMN, SO CLOSE!

This was hands down the most amazing concert I have been to in my life. He was enjoying every single minute of it and it showed.

I ended up leaving with a pick and one of the drum sticks. I tried to get a setlist but a woman gathered them up at the end of the show and crumpled them all. She told me on the way out that she was under strict orders not to let anyone have them. Kinda weird.

Anyway. My ears are still ringing and my heads in the clouds. No way am I getting to sleep tonight.

craighead said:

I just got back from the 11pm show.

I was first in line.(waited 4 hours) When me and my girlfriend got inside, Prince was casually milling about the stage and said to me "Hurry up, come on. Let's get this started". As if he was just one of the roadies or something. I was speechless. Then he smiled at me said "Stay on this side. It's where I do most of my solos and I play piano over here". Yes, seriously. As people started to file in, he went upstairs(backstage). It was friggin' surreal.

WOW I read the first lines of your story and thought you were referring to a dream you had! That is so awesome and sweet!

My soul is longing - I don't know for what - when I read stuff like this. The same when I woke up this morning early European time, and heard the streamed bits of A Case of U. I wish I could hear the whole song.

I was right behind you and almost caught the pick that P tossed at the end of the first set that your girlfriend wound up retrieving from the floor. If I knocked her upside the head I would have had a better chance of catching it. ;

I tried to get a setlist too but the security acted like I asked them for a guitar or something. They were REAL special up in there. Probably just doing their jobs though.

I looked him in the eyes from mere inches away. They told me not to. But I couldn't help myself...

GDB said:

I was right behind you and almost caught the pick that P tossed at the end of the first set that your girlfriend wound up retrieving from the floor. If I knocked her upside the head I would have had a better chance of catching it. ;

I tried to get a setlist too but the security acted like I asked them for a guitar or something. They were REAL special up in there. Probably just doing their jobs though.

I looked him in the eyes from mere inches away. They told me not to. But I couldn't help myself...

Did you get the drum stick that bounced off my girlfriends head?

GDB said:

I looked him in the eyes from mere inches away. They told me not to. But I couldn't help myself...

What!? Really!? Who are they!?

I made the mistake at an after party once NOT to look him in the eye. He was watching me, even took of his sunglasses, and I got shy and looked the other way. Can you believe that?

craighead said:

GDB said:

I was right behind you and almost caught the pick that P tossed at the end of the first set that your girlfriend wound up retrieving from the floor. If I knocked her upside the head I would have had a better chance of catching it. ;

I tried to get a setlist too but the security acted like I asked them for a guitar or something. They were REAL special up in there. Probably just doing their jobs though.

I looked him in the eyes from mere inches away. They told me not to. But I couldn't help myself...

Did you get the drum stick that bounced off my girlfriends head?

Ha! No, missed that too. Was tight up in there. After the final song JB gave one stick to a specific girl, someone I'd spoken with outside, and tossed the other one right past us in the front. I really wanted that pick badly...

girl7 said:

GDB said:

I looked him in the eyes from mere inches away. They told me not to. But I couldn't help myself...

What!? Really!? Who are they!?

I made the mistake at an after party once NOT to look him in the eye. He was watching me, even took of his sunglasses, and I got shy and looked the other way. Can you believe that?

I forget which comedian first did that joke: "Don't look him in the eyes, he might turn you out..." LOL

Being that close to him was something else. Wish I could have made it through the second set as well but my entire body was aching. This residency has been...wow.

I was able to get into the 11 pm show by waiting patiently outside with a small group of diehards. Some people who had tickets or were on the guest list left the show early (after about an hour) and I was one of the people they let in.

While waiting outside I heard him play:

I Like It There

Endorphin Machine

Dreamer

Colonized Mind

Brown Skin (vocals by Shelby J). He probably played other songs that I couldn't hear/didn't recogize.

What I heard inside the club

Misty Blue sung by Shelby J

Musicology

Crimson & Clover with I Don't Want to Wait in Vain (Bob Marley cover, sung by Andi ?)

Free (extended jam version with a guitar vs sax battle on stage)

She's Always In My Hair

Future Soul Song

AnotherLoverHoleInYourHead with Rock Lobster

Price played hella guitar, was playful. Didn't say that much. He did ask if anyone knew the chorus to Future Soul Song but it didn't seem like anyone knew it so he launched into another after a few bars.

I'm sure I left out some songs and may not have in the right order.

Shelby J, the other 2 back up singers, and the Twinz were there. The only one who got on stage with Prince was Shelby. I got to meet her briefly; she was very nice and friendly, with a big smile on her face.

Now I can cross seeing Prince in a small venue off my list.

[Edited 5/12/11 3:58am]

[Edited 5/12/11 4:14am]

Cool, did you have to pay to get in or was it gratis because the show had already begun?

Holy SHIT, this show sounds awesome.

I pray, PRAY that this was recorded. Anyone who did so please feel free to orgnote me.

GDB said:

Cool, did you have to pay to get in or was it gratis because the show had already begun?

I had to pay, but I got to see him perform for one hour and 25 minutes, so it was worth it.

alfbo said:

GDB said:

Cool, did you have to pay to get in or was it gratis because the show had already begun?

I had to pay, but I got to see him perform for one hour and 25 minutes, so it was worth it.

I can dig it. Always heard about these gigs and finally was able to get into one. And a full show at that...we are, and have been, blessed by all of this. Spoiled even.

alfbo said:

I was able to get into the 11 pm show by waiting patiently outside with a small group of diehards. Some people who had tickets or were on the guest list left the show early (after about an hour) and I was one of the people they let in.

While waiting outside I heard him play:

I Like It There

Endorphin Machine

Dreamer

Colonized Mind

Brown Skin (vocals by Shelby J). He probably played other songs that I couldn't hear/didn't recogize.

What I heard inside the club

Misty Blue sung by Shelby J

Musicology

Crimson & Clover with I Don't Want to Wait in Vain (Bob Marley cover, sung by Andi ?)

Free (extended jam version with a guitar vs sax battle on stage)

She's Always In My Hair

Future Soul Song

AnotherLoverHoleInYourHead with Rock Lobster

Price played hella guitar, was playful. Didn't say that much. He did ask if anyone knew the chorus to Future Soul Song but it didn't seem like anyone knew it so he launched into another after a few bars.

I'm sure I left out some songs and may not have in the right order.

Shelby J, the other 2 back up singers, and the Twinz were there. The only one who got on stage with Prince was Shelby. I got to meet her briefly; she was very nice and friendly, with a big smile on her face.

Now I can cross seeing Prince in a small venue off my list.

[Edited 5/12/11 3:58am]

[Edited 5/12/11 4:14am]

(Bolded part) Andi who? Do you mean Andy Allo, the African born singer originally from Cameroon? Say it isn't so. Love her voice. She kind of looks like Esperanza Spalding. Love her voice. Someone who was there, please confirm.

[Edited 5/12/11 6:25am]

StevenAnthony said:

ihatephish said:

cockeyed woman after pop life.

Alright, thanks!

Correction: The new song is called "When She Comes" not "When She Calls"

Is anyone else sick to their stomach that they didn't see this show?

1ststatestereo said:

Is anyone else sick to their stomach that they didn't see this show?

um yes, definitely... i like it there?? oh god!!!!!!!!! i LOVE that song!

1ststatestereo said:

Is anyone else sick to their stomach that they didn't see this show?

I am so depressed. It would have been one thing if I didn't have the money, but when a total stranger (a fellow prince.orger) was actually kind enough to send me money to attend this show, I thought I may have a chance,... but then I couldn't get through to buy a ticket!! It just hurts my heart that I missed this. The first set list especially! All I can do is close my eyes and remember the times back in the NPGMC days when I was able to attend some small club shows, and dream of the next opportunity. Sigh

GDB said:

girl7 said:

What!? Really!? Who are they!?

I made the mistake at an after party once NOT to look him in the eye. He was watching me, even took of his sunglasses, and I got shy and looked the other way. Can you believe that?

I forget which comedian first did that joke: "Don't look him in the eyes, he might turn you out..." LOL

Being that close to him was something else. Wish I could have made it through the second set as well but my entire body was aching. This residency has been...wow.

Jamie Fox

You guys are so lucky and I'm glad you got in, the club shows are so much fun!

Yes - that was Andy Allo!

xperiencedone said:

im sick i couldnt see this .. couldnt this of been mentioned or is secrecy still a part of the bs game ..

You must be new.

scratchy said:

Yes - that was Andy Allo!

Wow, thanks so much for confirming that for me. Awesome. Good to know, Andy Allo is getting some light shined on her talent. So iwas it Andy Allo singing "Let's Get it on" with Mike Phillips in the first set or was that Nikka Costa, because there seems to be some confusion as to who the singer was in the first set;or was it Andy singing the Bob Marley cover song in the second set?

[Edited 5/12/11 8:31am]

2elijah said:

scratchy said:

Yes - that was Andy Allo!

Wow, thanks so much for confirming that for me. Awesome. Good to know, Andy Allo is getting some light shined on her talent.

[Edited 5/12/11 8:21am]

I thought she sounded great in the streamed audio! It was fun trying to guess who she was, because I hadn't heard of her before. Initally I thought it was Macy Gray, then thought maybe Erykah Badu, and then heard others think it was Nikka. I'll definitely keep an ear out for her now!

Thank you for the stream. It sounds bloody fantastic!!!

CallMeCarrie said:

2elijah said:

Wow, thanks so much for confirming that for me. Awesome. Good to know, Andy Allo is getting some light shined on her talent.

[Edited 5/12/11 8:21am]

I thought she sounded great in the streamed audio! It was fun trying to guess who she was, because I hadn't heard of her before. Initally I thought it was Macy Gray, then thought maybe Erykah Badu, and then heard others think it was Nikka. I'll definitely keep an ear out for her now!

Yes, but I'm trying to figure out if it was her on the first or second set, because I saw the setlist stating she was singing a Bob Marley cover, but in the first setlist it states it was Nikka. So now I'm waiting for someone who was there to respond to clear that part up. At least we do know that Andy was there for one of the sets. I first heard of Andy when I turned on the Africa Channel and watched her on an hour show. I enjoyed her singing. She is originally from Cameroon, but now resides in Los Angeles. She kind of looks like Esperanza Spalding because they kind of wear their hair in natural hairstyles (afros) and are the same complexions as well. She kind of has that Erykah Badu/Jill Scott/and a little bit of Macy and Esperanza Spalding style going on. I tell you Prince is up-to-date on the up-and-coming artists. Now he needs to get artist "Wayna" in on the mix.

[Edited 5/12/11 8:39am]

InternationalLover82 said:

2020 said:

power fantastic!!!!

what??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DREAM FACTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Power Fantastic?????????????? Oh, man! My fav!

2elijah said:

CallMeCarrie said:

I thought she sounded great in the streamed audio! It was fun trying to guess who she was, because I hadn't heard of her before. Initally I thought it was Macy Gray, then thought maybe Erykah Badu, and then heard others think it was Nikka. I'll definitely keep an ear out for her now!

Yes, but I'm trying to figure out if it was her on the first or second set, because I saw the setlist stating she was singing a Bob Marley cover, but in the first setlist it states it was Nikka. So now I'm waiting for someone who was there to respond to clear that part up. At least we do know that Andy was there for one of the sets. I first heard of Andy when I turned on the Africa Channel and watched her on an hour show. I enjoyed her singing. She is originally from Cameroon, but now resides in Los Angeles. She kind of looks like Esperanza Spalding because they kind of wear their hair in natural hairstyles (afros) and are the same complexions as well. She kind of has that Erykah Badu/Jill Scott/and a little bit of Macy and Esperanza Spalding style going on. I tell you Prince is up-to-date on the up-and-coming artists. Now he needs to get artist "Wayna" in on the mix.

[Edited 5/12/11 8:39am]

Yes - confirmation would be appreciated. I only heard the first set and loved the female vocals!

Spoke with a photographer at the show. I asked him if Nikka Costa showed up for the first performance, and he looked at me like I had three heads. He said, no, "Esperanza Spalding was on stage, and Prince played with her." And, sure enough, I saw Esperanza milling with the VIP's outside. Didn't make it into the show, but there was some good people watching on the sidewalk... including Kim Kardashian. Oh, and Dr. Funkenberry.

UltraLash said:

Spoke with a photographer at the show. I asked him if Nikka Costa showed up for the first performance, and he looked at me like I had three heads. He said, no, "Esperanza Spalding was on stage, and Prince played with her." And, sure enough, I saw Esperanza milling with the VIP's outside. Didn't make it into the show, but there was some good people watching on the sidewalk... including Kim Kardashian. Oh, and Dr. Funkenberry.

I knew it wasn't Nikka unless she was wearing a wig

I thought it was Esperanza Spalding because of her build and hair. Her voice threw me off because she didn't vocalize as much last night like she did over the weekend... Pristine

*after seeing the pictures, I not sure who it was now

Maybe they will take the Twins place???

[Edited 5/12/11 9:16am]

UltraLash said:

Spoke with a photographer at the show. I asked him if Nikka Costa showed up for the first performance, and he looked at me like I had three heads. He said, no, "Esperanza Spalding was on stage, and Prince played with her." And, sure enough, I saw Esperanza milling with the VIP's outside. Didn't make it into the show, but there was some good people watching on the sidewalk... including Kim Kardashian. Oh, and Dr. Funkenberry.

Ok, so bottom line it was Esperanza Spalding. When I first heard the singer, she was the first person I thought of, but everyone kept typing on the stream chatline, that it was either Nikka or Macy So it was Esperanza after all. So as far as the second set, someone posted that Andy Allo was there, this is why I was inquiring if it was Andy. We stll need some clarification on this.