Now, that Prince has swept like a hurricane through the U.S. and Europe, what do you consider your favorite performances from the tour? I am asking this question in two ways: (1)For those who saw him in person, what are your favorite shows and why? (2) For those who didn't get to see him perform but listened to some of the performances--what were your favorites and why?

For me, out of the U.S. concerts I went to--the second New Jersey show, the second Oakland show, and the final LA show stand out. For listening: Troubadour 2nd show, Melkweg 2nd show (what a set list!), and the 2nd Rotterdam show.

What are your favs?

purplethunder3121 said:

Now, that Prince has swept like a hurricane through the U.S. and Europe, what do you consider your favorite performances from the tour? I am asking this question in two ways: (1)For those who saw him in person, what are your favorite shows and why? (2) For those who didn't get to see him perform but listened to some of the performances--what were your favorites and why?

For me, out of the U.S. concerts I went to--the second New Jersey show, the second Oakland show, and the final LA show stand out. For listening: Troubadour 2nd show, Melkweg 2nd show (what a set list!), and the 2nd Rotterdam show.

What are your favs?

E-O-O SWITZERLAND / DEF. Z U R I C H !!!!!!!!!!!

(Still waiting for the aftershow...

2nd north sea jazz night for me was the best show i have seen this tour. Everything seemed right. Setlist, atmosphere on stage, interaction with the crowd.

You could see that Prince wanted to give a show which was very well balanced, prepared.............Perfect!!

panchopistolas said:

E-O-O SWITZERLAND / DEF. Z U R I C H !!!!!!!!!!!

(Still waiting for the aftershow...

same here

vjPulp said:

panchopistolas said:

E-O-O SWITZERLAND / DEF. Z U R I C H !!!!!!!!!!!

(Still waiting for the aftershow...

same here

So: Switzerland 2 : Holland 1

panchopistolas said:

vjPulp said:

same here

So: Switzerland 2 : Holland 1

Zurich got the JACKPOT anyway!!!!

Prince in Luxembourg waving "Hello" to the few fans being first in line!

That concert definitly was a lifelong dream coming true at least with the incredible set he played - surprisingly really including all my most favourit songs!

I never thought that I could be so close to him at a concert at such a small venue, crying nearly over the whole show!

Thank the Lord!

And P.S

Sorry but Andy is absolutly one of the best support - acts Prince ever brought to a stage since Sheila E.

Budapest!

Haven't been to the ones in US or Europe, but been to those 2 incredible shows in Montreal (June 24th - 25th)

I mean, 7,5 hours of Prince in my face in a single weekend is... (insert word that still not exists)

As far as the setlist I do envy some of those Europe shows, especially Zurich

what was so special about the zurich setlist besides do me baby???

rafael said:

what was so special about the zurich setlist besides do me baby???

Isn't that enough? lol

These are just bunch of songs I love and didn't get in Mtl. Am I entitled to like the Zurich setlist?

rafael said:

what was so special about the zurich setlist besides do me baby???

Maybe Empty Rooms?

Zurich was special not only because of the setlist. Also because Swiss Fans had been let down last year (not by Prince, but by the promoter) and therefore were extra excited to welcome him. And because it was the last concert of the European Tour, and everyone in the band was extra relaxed and in the best mood.

For my part, I can't really judge coz it was my first Prince concert ever, but when I read the comments of long time and die hard fans who consider Zurich as one of their best concert, I must say I'm just one hell of a lucky guy )

[Edited 8/19/11 7:23am]

vjPulp said:

rafael said:

what was so special about the zurich setlist besides do me baby???

Maybe Empty Rooms?

Zurich was special not only because of the setlist. Also because Swiss Fans had been let down last year (not by Prince, but by the promoter) and therefore were extra excited to welcome him. And because it was the last concert of the European Tour, and everyone in the band was extra relaxed and in the best mood.

For my part, I can't really judge coz it was my first Prince concert ever, but when I read the comments of long time and die hard fans who consider Zurich as one of their best concert, I must say I'm just one hell of a lucky guy )

[Edited 8/19/11 7:23am]

I had to wait 30 years to see Prince this past year--because I couldn't afford to go where he was. back then. I was like a teenager and loved every moment. Plus, I got to share the experience with my son, who is now a confirmed fan. I'm glad that you were able to see him. Jaded fans who were able to go to all the legendary tours they keep moaning about can keep their bitterness to themselves... Prince did not disapoint me and I was first a fan in the early 80s. Some great shows! The only regret I have is that I wasn't at the Melkweg 2nd show.

vjPulp said:

rafael said:

what was so special about the zurich setlist besides do me baby???

Maybe Empty Rooms?

Zurich was special not only because of the setlist. Also because Swiss Fans had been let down last year (not by Prince, but by the promoter) and therefore were extra excited to welcome him. And because it was the last concert of the European Tour, and everyone in the band was extra relaxed and in the best mood.

For my part, I can't really judge coz it was my first Prince concert ever, but when I read the comments of long time and die hard fans who consider Zurich as one of their best concert, I must say I'm just one hell of a lucky guy )

[Edited 8/19/11 7:23am]

he also did empty room f.e. in rotterdam...

zwilling said:

Prince in Luxembourg waving "Hello" to the few fans being first in line!

That concert definitly was a lifelong dream coming true at least with the incredible set he played - surprisingly really including all my most favourit songs!

I never thought that I could be so close to him at a concert at such a small venue, crying nearly over the whole show!

Thank the Lord!

And P.S

Sorry but Andy is absolutly one of the best support - acts Prince ever brought to a stage since Sheila E.

Did I miss something ? lol!

Really?????? I was there early too but haven't seen P waving hello to us.

I did see him on stage while running to the stage though.

I have seen 6 shows this ''Euro'' tour. I still think NSJ 2 was the best. I was with a friend of mine, and she has been fan for many years, but never had a chance to go until last year in Arnhem, but even then she had to take seats, so she couldn't see Prince close, at the front row.

Now she did, at the NSJ weekend, and the second night was emotional for her, he did her all time favorite song ''Beautiful Ones'' she said to me couple of hours before the gig started she wanted to hear that song, and he did it!!! After that she was crying, just because it was just such a great, great show, and he did her favorite song so..

If I need to make a top 6 it would be;

1. NSJ 2 9/10 july

2. NSJ 3 10/11 july

3. Ahoy, 26 july

4. Luxembourg, 13 july

5. NSJ 1 8/9 july

6. Cologne 28 july

It was a very special month, I have experienced Prince on many , many different ways. I have seen a lot of different sides of him during these concerts.

NSJ 2 was just best because everything was more than perfect. Joy In Repetition is one of the best performances I have ever seen in my life. It did make everything up from the night before. It wasn't bad the first night, but it could have been way better.

NSJ 3 comes very close to NSJ 2 for me personally, it was a great way to end this NSJ weekend. Although all the stress, etc. It was a great experience and I would do it again...

Ahoy was for me one BIG party and after seeing sort of ''aftershows'' it was good he did this, I didn't mind the hits. I was sad I couldn't make it to the Melkweg shows, especially after seeing and hearing the bootleg of the second night at the Melkweg. Next time I'm definitely going!!!!!!!!!!

But Ahoy for me was a great big party and the energry was great! It was short yes, but I enjoyed very much!

Luxembourg was also AMAZING, but this felt a bit awkward to me as a whole(Hits, some non hits, some non Prince..) But still it was a great show and the energy was great and Prince was very happy!!!

NSJ 1 was a good show. But there was a lot of stress before the doors opened to get in the Ahoy. And a lot of stress about which ''group'' would be let earlier in. The people with a plus ticket where earlier in. So I couldn't get a front row spot, was frustrating , because I waited hours, hours to get a front row spot... And I couldn't see everything good because there were two annoying womans that only were making video's and pictures But the show was good. I enjoyed although all the stress, and show full of covers, and some of his own songs. He was happy and in a good mood.

Last one... COLOGNE. the ''disaster'' show. Yes, everyone still talks about it. I already moved on. Although I was very upset after the show. In the line it was very quite and most people didn't come early. I met some very , very nice people in the line. (: Every thing was perfect until it started the rain very, very heavy. I had a poncho but it didn't help me... I was completely WET. Fine, nice.... finally inside the venue it was WAITING, WAITING!!!!!! Finally the doors opened , and we could get in to get our spot. Prince himself was still on stage, he already seemed a bit unhappy.. after that it was once again WAITING. YAY! then finally it started! I was happy and he started with LAYDOWN. I was like YES!!!!!!!! but after that he disappeared from the stage, and I didn't understand what was happening, first I thought it was sort of act, but it wasn't. Because it takes too long for him to come back, there was clearly something wrong. They told us that there was a technical problem. Finally he came back and continued the show, the show itself was good, I think. He seemed a bit unhappy, but still he was smiling at some points and he seemed to enjoy himself. The sound was very , very BAD. the audience were not nice at all. so the entire experience gave me a very , very bad feeling. It was just the way how it ended, such a short show... and it was my last gig for this summer. Not a good way to end it.

After the show I was so upset, but 2 days after that, I said to myself that atleast experienced this and that learned from it aswell. And that I should be happy with all these shows I have seen.

Entire experience this summer for me was a great feeling, and very special. I have seen a lots different sides of Prince. And met a lot of nice people.

NSJ 2 highlights; Joy In Repetition, Bambi, When We're Dancing Close and Slow, entire show actually. ;p

NSJ 3 highlights; When Eye Lay My Hands On U, Girl, The Question of U/The One/Gingerbread Man

Ahoy highlights; Gold, Little Red Corvette & Chocolate.

Luxembourg highlights; I Like It There, Dreamer, Calhoun Square.

NSJ 1 highlights; DMSR, Musicology, Foxy Lady

Cologne highlights; Laydown, We Live 2 Get Funky & Shhh.

That was a LONG, long post.. sorry.

There was something really special about the Zurich concert. It was a combination of a beautiful city, an excellent inside venue, fantastic crowd, the genuine emotion from Prince when he sang Gold, the wonderful party atmosphere, the abundance of gold and purple confetti (never seen so much)...came down all through Gold and again during Purple Rain, a good set list including Do me Baby, Mr Goodnight, Beautiful Ones and Empty Room, no problems with the sound, Shelby blew me away with her vocals on Nothing compares to you when she fell to her knees in front of Prince.....amazing, Prince's vocal range reminded me of the 'old days' and finally the guitar solo's, as always, to die for.

You can't always define why something is so special, but I have been to over 40 Prince concerts spanning over 20 years, and Zurich was up amongst one of the best.

The cologne concert is my favorite concert of the Welcome 2 America Tour.

Went to Oakland, San Jose, and LA shows. Oakland felt very special because they were 'hometown' shows, but I also loved the Forum run--particularly the last two nights. After going to 6 shows there the Forum started to feel like a second home or something. I sat all over the place so I got to know the building fairly well And being able to hang out at the venue for so long after the end of every show leant to a comfortable/relaxed vibe for me. I definitely have a soft spot for that place and am so appreciative of Prince for playing "21" nights there.

[Edited 8/19/11 20:53pm]

This question is so unfair. I waited 30 long years too to see "My Prince" live on tour and after many cancellations he finally came to Helsinki. It was not a perfect gig, with sound problems and the enormous heat of Hartwall Arena, but still it was an Experience I want to live again and again. Hopefully Prince returns to Europe soon and my great vision of Pori Jazz will come true. That's the place where he should play to see how much we Finns love his music.

After this long cry my vote goes to Zurich because of the set list (Prince music only) and relaxed and happy atmosphere between NPG and the audience. Empty Room was amazing. Congratulations, Switzerland!

I went to 5 of the 6 NJ/NYC shows in December, January and February.

I'd have to say the Dec. 17th show in NJ and the Jan 18th show in NYC... for personal reasons, but the Feb. 7th show for the show itself.

Of the ones I attended this year, NSJ 2nd night was the best. It was just perfect. I was close to the stage, Prince played basically my personal wishlist and he surprised me with that beautiful rendition of "Joy in Repetition" at the very start. - Followed closely by the 3rd night at NSJ, because he continued with my personal wishlist by playing "When I Lay My Hands On U" (and that in a very sexy way)!

Of the ones I wished I attended, Zurich seems to stand out. And of course the 2nd Melkweg gig!

The last NSJ night hearing Empty Room finally and getting Girl as a bonus. Showwise the 2nd NSJ night was the best. The 1st Melkweg show was fantasticv as well. (all the NL shows basically )

Of the shows I didn't attend I really like the January 18 show in MSG and the first LA show.

bobbyperu said:

Agree! Personal wish list, yeah! I missed out on the 2nd NSJF night, but the 2nd Melkweg night was a dream come true.

That 2nd Melkweg concert is a musical wet dream!

carinemjj said:

Haven't been to the ones in US or Europe, but been to those 2 incredible shows in Montreal (June 24th - 25th)

I mean, 7,5 hours of Prince in my face in a single weekend is... (insert word that still not exists)

As far as the setlist I do envy some of those Europe shows, especially Zurich

Same for me I was there too, both night

OHHHHHHHHHHHH MONTREAL IT AINT OVER

carinemjj said:

Haven't been to the ones in US or Europe, but been to those 2 incredible shows in Montreal (June 24th - 25th)

I mean, 7,5 hours of Prince in my face in a single weekend is... (insert word that still not exists)

As far as the setlist I do envy some of those Europe shows, especially Zurich

Same for me I was there too, both nights

OHHHHHHHHHHHH MONTREAL IT AINT OVER

"Bambi" - But I missed it- Does anyone know if footage exists of him performing this from any of the W2A shows?

"Screams Of Passion" snippet

"Forever In My Life"

"Pop Life"

"Mountains"

"D.M.S.R"

"Cream"

"I Would Die 4 U"

"Controversy" (Extended Full Version performed in San Jose)

"If I Was Your Girlfriend"

"Let's Work"

"Nasty Girl" snippet

"Cool"

"She's Always In My Hair" (missed this one too)

"Uptown"

Hooray! Finally, I can post!

I attended three of the W2A performances at the Inglewood Forum: April 21, May 6, and May 29 (the last show). Of the three performances I attended, April 21 and May 29 are my favorites.

I have too many reasons as to why they are my favorites, so I will discuss a few.

The April 21 show was fantastic because the connection between Prince and the audience was beautiful. There was an energy of love circulating throughout the building. Everyone around me knew all the songs from “Let’s Go Crazy” to “Crimson and Clover.” I enjoyed singing along with people whom appreciate Prince’s brilliance as much as I do. At one point in the show, he asked the audience, “What’s my name?” The response of, “PRINCE!” was so loud that I could not hear my own voice and I am usually the loudest person at any sporting or music event!

The May 29 show was out of this world. Emancipation is one of the greatest albums I have ever heard in my life. If I could take two albums with me when I die, they would be Emancipation and Michael Jackson’s History. Anyway, I was so pleased to hear “The Love We Make” and Prince sang so beautifully. It was a dream come true! My brother and I both enjoyed Maceo’s performance as well. My brother never had the opportunity to see James Brown live and he told me, after the show, that Prince’s inclusion of Maceo gave him some closure. The encores for this show were magnificent. I was so happy to hear “The Bird” and “Jungle Love.” I love those songs because they come from an era when people actually danced. Today, everyone just wants to look cute or cool. This was a fantastic show and I gave Prince purple points because there were two restrooms for the ladies.

The May 6 show was my least favorite, but it had nothing to do with Prince. Drunkards and people who had stolen other people’s seats, resulting in lots of seat exchanging and drunken babbling throughout the entire night, surrounded me. On a positive note, I REALLY enjoyed hearing “Future Soul Song.” I love that song because of its references to nature. To me, music is natural to the human heart. Prince played some mean guitar on that performance too! In addition to “Future Soul Song,” I enjoyed “Inglewood Swingin’” although the woman behind me ended up vomiting the numerous burgers and beers she had consumed onto my hair mid-song.

Overall, I had a great time attending these concerts. I have loved Prince and admired his work since I was three years old, way back in 1989. My mother disapproved, so I would often sneak out of bed late at night to watch his videos and still have to get up early in the morning for preschool!

It is a shame, how some people are complaining about Prince’s music and live performances. I think he is doing a great job and for sure, his heart is still in his work. After all, he does not have to share his music with the world. He has many career options: professor of music, image consultant, sex therapist! I just hope Prince knows that he is and will forever remain loved by many. Most important, I hope he FEELS loved.

As for the criticizing crowd, I bet they are a bit of a maniac, aren’t they? Yeah, they’re those closet maniacs. They just needed somebody like Prince to bring it out of them. They’re probably real quiet, at first, “oh…oh,” and then they get loud, “oH…oH,” and then they get PURPLE! “OH, SHIT! VIOLET YODA, OH, SHIT! OH, BABY! OH, LAWD!”