purplethunder3121 said:

JeePee said:

udo said:

Please read what I write.

The choices of songs were interesting.

The performance of these songs was good.

The crowd response around me was poor. People were doing other things during songs (talking, checking email, facebook, contemplating aloud that they liked his old stuff better, or that they too had MJ tickets; yes these idiots were more common around me than perhaps around your spot).

This combined (music plus response) makes the show.

So the result was average as they were not into it too much but also didn't 'boooh'.

So yes I liked the stuff but around me the pearls were as thrown before the swines.

Where were you standing? Close to the front, about 2-3 metres, left of center and were they talking behind you and are you tall? In that case I was the tall guy standing to your right.

I was on the cable conduit between stage and soundman, somewhat halfway or so between stage and said soundman.

udo said:

JeePee said:

Where were you standing? Close to the front, about 2-3 metres, left of center and were they talking behind you and are you tall? In that case I was the tall guy standing to your right.

I was on the cable conduit between stage and soundman, somewhat halfway or so between stage and said soundman.

Ah, the sweet spot.

BTW: if you are reading this:

Two 'girls' approached me, while I was in the queue for day 3 of NSJ.

They were in the same bus to London as I was in march 1995. They recognised me as I recognised them (after 16 years ) If you are one of said females: please OrgNote me.

Very, very nice show. Great atmosphere, great energy.

It's not easy I imagine, playing three nightshows in a row on a festival like this and get the crowd going each time. It's in the middle of the night, everybody is tired and has heard music all day long already. Plus many people who don't know him, or just came to get their Purple Rain and Kiss on etc.

But Prince and his band did the job well. There really is a difference I feel between them and all the other big acts I saw yesterday, such as Mavis Staples, Tom Jones, Bootsy Collins and Snoop Dogg. Not to put those great artists down in any way, but Prince really tops all of them easily.

Laydown - was a good opening rocker for a show

Question of u / the one/gingerbread man - was great. Maybe a bit too long, but this arrangement of The One is very nice and Maceo was intense! Also, the guitar parts were superb too. Prince can sure play great jazz on his guitar. It was a very nice nod to all the jazz fans who were probably seeing for him the 1st time or so. And it really set the atmosphere for the night: a cool, jazzy summer night at the North Sea.

When i lay my hands on u - tho' not the arrangement I would have hoped for, this was lovely to hear. I think this is truly a great song, on record, but especially live.

brown skin - cool and fun. shelby is a terrific singer

empty room - wonderful, absolutely wonderful. got the hardcore drooling and the crowd impressed

calhoun square - simply amazing. Never expected he play this one on the NSJ. One his better 90's songs if you ask me and he did it live!

people pleaser - funky, Andy and Prince. Oh yeah and I love, love Ida... what a great bass player she is and what a fine looking lady who obviously really ENJOYS playing with Prince.

she's always in my hair - oh wow, what can I say that hasn't been said before?

future soul song - liked this song much better than on record. Very soulfull, as it should be. Prince obviously in a very good mood too.

prince checkin' sound - this was kinda weird and took some time which got some of the crowd impatient. But then, oh man then... he said they were going to do a song the band hadn't played live before. (in fact I think it has never been played live before!). He gave JB the cue to start playing the kick drum and make it roll, sort of like it does on record. First JB didn't get it, so Prince said: no, I want it more like this: boom, boom, boom.... When he got it the way prince wanted it, the rest of the band joined in and he started singing:

girl - what a treat! Never ever EVER thought he would have played this. And ti was very nicely played too, jazz style and in a duet with Andy, who sang it as the song 'boy'. They were sounding and looking good singing together. Basically this performace made my day and I could have left then already with a big smile on my face!

Then he decided to tear the roof of the place and the party started with:

partyman
you're the one
controversy
let's go crazy (fast) - this was funny, but it didn't sound good!

delirious

1999

After 1999 I had to leave unfortunately, so I missed out on something in the water...! Nevertheless, for all the treats in the first hour this was truly a great show!!

pass the peas
something in the water
nothing compares 2 u
take me with u
raspberry beret
cream
cool / don't stop till u get enough

[Edited 7/11/11 3:57am]

Tremolina said:

Very, very nice show. Great atmosphere, great energy.

It's not easy I imagine, playing three nightshows in a row on a festival like this and get the crowd going each time. It's in the middle of the night, everybody is tired and has heard music all day long already. Plus many people who don't know him, or just came to get their Purple Rain and Kiss on etc.

But Prince and his band did the job well. There really is a difference I feel between them and all the other big acts I saw yesterday, such as Mavis Staples, Tom Jones, Bootsy Collins and Snoop Dogg. Not to put those great artists down in any way, but Prince really tops all of them easily.

Laydown - was a good opening rocker for a show

Question of u / the one/gingerbread man - was great. Maybe a bit too long, but this arrangement of The One is very nice and Maceo was intense! Also, the guitar parts were superb too. Prince can sure play great jazz on his guitar. It was a very nice nod to all the jazz fans who were probably seeing for him the 1st time or so. And it really set the atmosphere for the night: a cool, jazzy summer night at the North Sea.

When i lay my hands on u - tho' not the arrangement I would have hoped for, this was lovely to hear. I think this is truly a great song, on record, but especially live.

brown skin - cool and fun. shelby is a terrific singer

empty room - wonderful, absolutely wonderful. got the hardcore drooling and the crowd impressed

calhoun square - simply amazing. Never expected he play this one on the NSJ. One his better 90's songs if you ask me and he did it live!

people pleaser - funky, Andy and Prince. Oh yeah and I love, love Ida... what a great bass player she is and what a fine looking lady who obviously really ENJOYS playing with Prince.

she's always in my hair - oh wow, what can I say that hasn't been said before?

future soul song - liked this song much better than on record. Very soulfull, as it should be. Prince obviously in a very good mood too.

prince checkin' sound - this was kinda weird and took some time which got some of the crowd impatient. But then, oh man then... he said they were going to do a song the band hadn't played live before. (in fact I think it has never been played live before!). He gave JB the cue to start playing the kick drum and make it roll, sort of like it does on record. First JB didn't get it, so Prince said: no, I want it more like this: boom, boom, boom.... When he got it the way prince wanted it, the rest of the band joined in and he started singing:

girl - what a treat! Never ever EVER thought he would have played this. And ti was very nicely played too, jazz style and in a duet with Andy, who sang it as the song 'boy'. They were sounding and looking good singing together. Basically this performace made my day and I could have left then already with a big smile on my face!

Then he decided to tear the roof of the place and the party started with:

partyman
you're the one
controversy
let's go crazy (fast) - this was funny, but it didn't sound good!

delirious

1999

After 1999 I had to leave unfortunately, so I missed out on something in the water...! Nevertheless, for all the treats in the first hour this was truly a great show!!

pass the peas
something in the water
nothing compares 2 u
take me with u
raspberry beret
cream
cool / don't stop till u get enough

[Edited 7/11/11 3:57am]

Thanks for this. I giggle each time I hear of this "fast" lets go crazy. 2nd time I heard this now

omg people, just after saterday when you think you heard it all up comes night 3.

This is the ulltimate setlist! pleasing the hard core fans aswell as the big crowd!

I'm so bumbed I didn't go to this one, stupid me.. but I have sweet memories of the 2nd show.

He sure warmed us up for 26th! Anything he does then is fine by me, though I feel like a little dancing...COOL, What time is it, love bizarre...let's get in on!

Sleep well all you crazy birds having seen all 3 shows!

Udo I get you! This is what happened to me in Arnhem, it completely distracts you. Please someone explain me why you need to check/update your email/fb/news/weather forecast or talk continiously throughout 2 hours when on the stage there is this great performer active. Next time let's trade seats, me there your asses back at the bar... I also believe what happens on stage is half, the crowd is the other half that makes a show. It's only 2 hours folks, you paid 90 euro's to see AND listen to prince, everything else you can do before and after...

Hope the 26th will be better for you Udo, I'll try my way up to the front and then we will have a ball.

udo said:

linus4000 said:

What? What concert have you`ve been?

It was a great concert with many highlights...some rarely played songs like girl in a jazzy version and something in the water (does not compute)...empty room was great, too....

and a new version of when i lay my hands on you, not the montreux one...

Laydown

Gingerbread man

She`s always in my hair

Setlist will surely follow soon...

all in all another great show....!!!

Please read what I write.

The choices of songs were interesting.

The performance of these songs was good.

The crowd response around me was poor. People were doing other things during songs (talking, checking email, facebook, contemplating aloud that they liked his old stuff better, or that they too had MJ tickets; yes these idiots were more common around me than perhaps around your spot).

This combined (music plus response) makes the show.

So the result was average as they were not into it too much but also didn't 'boooh'.

So yes I liked the stuff but around me the pearls were as thrown before the swines.

Amazing show!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't describe the entire weekend, it was crazy!!!

It was amazing that he did Empty Room & Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JeePee said:

TrueFunkSoldier2 said:

where can i find the full set list?

[Edited 7/10/11 19:54pm]

http://princevault.com/index.php/11_July,_2011-am

Wow, what a great setlist. I think Purple Rain should be included in every show though, but that´s just me. How do those guys at Princevault know what songs were planned and later omitted and all? How do they know which song where supposed to be played first? Why do they know so much about the setlist changes?

xLiberiangirl said:

Amazing show!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't describe the entire weekend, it was crazy!!!

It was amazing that he did Empty Room & Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How were the versions of Empty Room and Something In The Water? Any different than the ones he played in 2002?

I love how many times he´s changed the arrangement of Something In The Water since 1982.

roos said:

Udo I get you! This is what happened to me in Arnhem, it completely distracts you. Please someone explain me why you need to check/update your email/fb/news/weather forecast or talk continiously throughout 2 hours when on the stage there is this great performer active. Next time let's trade seats, me there your asses back at the bar... I also believe what happens on stage is half, the crowd is the other half that makes a show. It's only 2 hours folks, you paid 90 euro's to see AND listen to prince, everything else you can do before and after...

Hope the 26th will be better for you Udo, I'll try my way up to the front and then we will have a ball.

udo said:

Please read what I write.

The choices of songs were interesting.

The performance of these songs was good.

The crowd response around me was poor. People were doing other things during songs (talking, checking email, facebook, contemplating aloud that they liked his old stuff better, or that they too had MJ tickets; yes these idiots were more common around me than perhaps around your spot).

This combined (music plus response) makes the show.

So the result was average as they were not into it too much but also didn't 'boooh'.

So yes I liked the stuff but around me the pearls were as thrown before the swines.

Yeah, that happened to me during the Antwerp show last year. I was with a friend who isn't a big Prince fan.

That is why I went to the NSJF on my own, and I'm still happy I did. I was able to see so many bands without somebody talking to me. Best thing ever!

And I met great people, never felt alone for one minute. Also ran into people I know, saw one or to gigs with them and then moved on, on my own. Had a great time with German sax player, who I invited to come to Amsterdam and attend "Wicked Jazz Sounds" evenings with me.

During the Prince concerts I had a great time with the purple hippies around me. The atmosphere in advance, waiting in front of the stage for 1 hour or more, were fun! I chatted with Prince fans all three evenings and never was bored for one second. Everybody was nice and great to eachother and I was so happy to be among other Prince fans that were as addicted and involved as I am. I'm sure there were a lot of orgers that I talked to. Both saturday and sunday the same guyh was next/behind me, he was so cool, friendly and nice. I really enjoyed sharing our enthousiasm and love for Prince with him. Sunday there was another guy who also was a hard core fan. The three of us were just sharing our Ooooohs and Aaaaahs and the feeling of 'after these concerts we can die happily, having experienced these concertst'.

Thank you guys for being so great, fun and sharing the experience with me. Sorry that I danced on your feet so often

Being among the right crowd really does influence the whole concert experience, and I want to thank the purple people around me during all three concerts. It was so great to share the joy and amazement with you. To be togehter in our love for Prince making amazing music really added extra love to the experience!

And Thank you Prince. He really related to his hard core fans in the front. Smiled with us, enjoyed to see us in awa and amazement. He laughed that we all knew so many lyrics and really shared the experience with us. He truly was involved and I felt he apreciated his hard core fans during these three concerts. He gave us his best and his love. Thank you Prince, for your appreciation, love and good fun during the concert!

I tried 2 put the setlist correct:

http://www.setlist.fm/set...35583.html

Any faults or remarks regarding this setlist?

InternationalLover82 said:

GIRL???????????????????? I would give my left breast to see that live!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm happy you still have your breasts though! Cherish them! They are good atributes and next to your beautiful your best selling points

The concert was great, and I'm sure you will see it live once. Just keep your breasts honey! Tuck them in warm

Thank you, Prince ! Thank you very much.

Even though I felt like being in a fish tin can on the tribune (less space for a 6,6ft. tall guy...I didn´t get a chance for arena-tix during ordering the tix online) it was great.

I was surprised about the setlist (setlists of different aftershowgigs came in my mind)...and felt happy about listening to "Empty Room" live for the first time.

See you again in Cologne....and PLEASE....MR.PRINCE....less hits, more b-sides and this shit like yesterday.

KoolEaze said:

JeePee said:

http://princevault.com/index.php/11_July,_2011-am

Wow, what a great setlist. I think Purple Rain should be included in every show though, but that´s just me. How do those guys at Princevault know what songs were planned and later omitted and all? How do they know which song where supposed to be played first? Why do they know so much about the setlist changes?

The original setlist is distributed to those who need to know, that is the musicians, the lighting guys and the sound guys. So at the soundboard they have at least one copy of it. If you hang out there and ask nicely, or maybe know the guys because you go to almost all the shows, you can get a copy. Any late changes are not on it because the change was made too late after it was printed or Prince decided on the spot to play something else.Yesterday, just before the show they put the setlist sheets on the stage, Andy's they even did during the show.

That's why it must both be great fun to play with him, as you don't really know what's going to happen, as well as utterly stressful for the same reason. I watched Ida for a while, which isn't a punishment by the way , and she constantly watches Prince to see if he's giving any signs to make a change or whatever.

udo said:

JeePee said:

Where were you standing? Close to the front, about 2-3 metres, left of center and were they talking behind you and are you tall? In that case I was the tall guy standing to your right.

I was on the cable conduit between stage and soundman, somewhat halfway or so between stage and said soundman.

You were behind me then. To my left they were talking as well and the guy who was standing next to me got angry twice and the second time he shouted something like "cut it out now!" and then these girls indeed shut up.

I was floored by Calhoun Square and Empty Room, brilliant !

esteban78 said:

I tried 2 put the setlist correct:

http://www.setlist.fm/set...35583.html

Any faults or remarks regarding this setlist?

Nothing compares 2 u was a duet with Shelby and Cassandra also on the piano.

You missed Girl and Partyman and... Wait, check the link or the list in this thread.

JeePee said:

udo said:

I was on the cable conduit between stage and soundman, somewhat halfway or so between stage and said soundman.

You were behind me then. To my left they were talking as well and the guy who was standing next to me got angry twice and the second time he shouted something like "cut it out now!" and then these girls indeed shut up.

I'm sorry for you guys. I don't understand how people get the impression that a concert is a social event. Before and after it is, however during a concert it's about the music. And sharing glances of happiness or apreciation.

I really want to thank the guys that I shared my Prince experience with on Saturday and Sunday. It was great, and you were so nice to me and not being stupid male assholes wanting something out of our good, fun contact.

Male politeness is something I noticed all three days. There was just one guy who was giving me an attitude when I didn't respond to his charms. Other flirts were just nice and friendly and not intrusive at all. I have had so many great contact during this festival with women and men from all ages, having fun dancing and talking about music without the men making a move or wanting something from me. Men actually can be polite, respectful and fun. That was a positive experience.

Note to soundguy John -Prince didn't want to reveal your last name in order to protect you

I have trouble hearing at the moment. I hear a loud noise while in a silence room.

I tried to listen to a cd, however, couldn't because any sound seems very far away and disturbs me. I hope this will fade in the next couple of days. However, please get your act together and protect people from hearing damage during Prince concerts!?

dJJ said:

JeePee said:

You were behind me then. To my left they were talking as well and the guy who was standing next to me got angry twice and the second time he shouted something like "cut it out now!" and then these girls indeed shut up.

I'm sorry for you guys. I don't understand how people get the impression that a concert is a social event. Before and after it is, however during a concert it's about the music. And sharing glances of happiness or apreciation.

I really want to thank the guys that I shared my Prince experience with on Saturday and Sunday. It was great, and you were so nice to me and not being stupid male assholes wanting something out of our good, fun contact.

Male politeness is something I noticed all three days. There was just one guy who was giving me an attitude when I didn't respond to his charms. Other flirts were just nice and friendly and not intrusive at all. I have had so many great contact during this festival with women and men from all ages, having fun dancing and talking about music without the men making a move or wanting something from me. Men actually can be polite, respectful and fun. That was a positive experience.

Oh dear God, everyone was after her again.

JowiiCoco said:

dJJ said:

I'm sorry for you guys. I don't understand how people get the impression that a concert is a social event. Before and after it is, however during a concert it's about the music. And sharing glances of happiness or apreciation.

I really want to thank the guys that I shared my Prince experience with on Saturday and Sunday. It was great, and you were so nice to me and not being stupid male assholes wanting something out of our good, fun contact.

Male politeness is something I noticed all three days. There was just one guy who was giving me an attitude when I didn't respond to his charms. Other flirts were just nice and friendly and not intrusive at all. I have had so many great contact during this festival with women and men from all ages, having fun dancing and talking about music without the men making a move or wanting something from me. Men actually can be polite, respectful and fun. That was a positive experience.

Oh dear God, everyone was after her again.

Nope, just one guy. How have you been doing? Managed to impress some girls with your enchanting personality?

Link to videos of interviews and performances during the festival.

http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=12818517

dJJ said:

JeePee said:

You were behind me then. To my left they were talking as well and the guy who was standing next to me got angry twice and the second time he shouted something like "cut it out now!" and then these girls indeed shut up.

I'm sorry for you guys. I don't understand how people get the impression that a concert is a social event. Before and after it is, however during a concert it's about the music. And sharing glances of happiness or apreciation.

I didn't have any problems. I only noticed these girls talking when that guy responded to it. After that I noticed, but he shut them up shortly after that

It was a very pleasant 3 days with lots of nice people.

I found it a great concert. Not to much hits, that's nice. He was in a good mood and the people in front (where I was standing) where enthousiastic. I had a nice day during the festival and the end of the day was with this concert great.

Incredible that people did not like it. They are the ones that always expect that Prince does shows like Lovesexy and Sign of the times. He is a totally different person and don't forget he is older.

What struck me in this show was Prince's passion. He did every song with conviction and emotion. You had to be there to feel this. He was enjoying himself, took his time.

When I lay my hands on U was hot! The moaning and screaming, the drama!

Wow.

Japio said:

I found it a great concert. Not to much hits, that's nice. He was in a good mood and the people in front (where I was standing) where enthousiastic. I had a nice day during the festival and the end of the day was with this concert great.

Incredible that people did not like it. They are the ones that always expect that Prince does shows like Lovesexy and Sign of the times. He is a totally different person and don't forget he is older.

I was in the back of the arena. During the first part the audience around me was not that much into it, they just didn't know the songs. Still the musicianship displayed made them to pay attention to the music performed. During Future Soul Song everyone around me was in awe and after that too busy partying.

During the encores really everyone in the back, and those with seating tickets, were dancing, clapping and shouting. Everyone I noticed was smiling at the end of the show... but then.. I was on such a high, I may have overlooked those who weren't 100% satisfied

Nikkie said:

What struck me in this show was Prince's passion. He did every song with conviction and emotion. You had to be there to feel this. He was enjoying himself, took his time.

When I lay my hands on U was hot! The moaning and screaming, the drama!

Wow.

Agreed, it was MUCH better compared to a few days before in Gent.

Just did a quick count and saw he played 60 different songs, and only Controversy and Pass the Peas twice.

Somebody I talked to before the show said: Prince actually expects you to go 3 times. Looking at it from that perspective, we did not see 3 different concerts, but one very long one with very long breaks because everybody needs to eat and sleep.
And then starting with a funk jam to get the sound right, moving on to some obscure guitar/popsongs and finishing with a hits medley makes perfect sense.
And to everyone who did not like it, stop going because it is not going to get better than this!
Peace! Be wild! Come! Thank you.