Yes, by opening up with the sampler set, he made a bold statement, and I think it was directed to hardcore fans who meticulously critique or observe his every move.

It was his symbolic way of saying - I do this, I paradigm this way - watch me y'all, and don't hate me coz I'm sexy

....apparently from reviews I have read, the crowd loved it

In a cocky move, which only someone as musically talented as Prince would dare, the pop funk icon opened the show solo. Standing behind a an electric piano, which featured a wrap-around LED screen that pulsed to the music, the multi-instrumentalist opened with his 1984 No 1 smash “When Doves Cry,” accompanying himself along with a stripped down backing track.

Looking svelte and impossibly youthful for his 53-years, stylishly garbed in a black and white suit, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, enticed the crowd to sing, clap, pump fists, and dance, meeting with no resistance from the doting crowd.

“I got loads of hits – I can go all night!” the singer teased.

With 10 platinum albums and 30 top 40 singles to his credit – Prince was not just blowing hot air!

He kept the groove going with 1987’s, “Sign 'o’ the Times,” a snippet of “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” and “Forever in My Life.”

At times, Prince performed in the dark, behind the keyboards or stalked the stage, which also changed colors and throbbed to the beat. At intervals, he demanded the houselights go up, so he could see if the crowd was participating.

Source

He did it his way

[Edited 12/10/11 7:18am]

[Edited 12/10/11 7:20am]

Praxis said:

Yes, by opening up with the sampler set, he made a bold statement, and I think it was directed to hardcore fans who meticulously critique or observe his every move.

It was his symbolic way of saying - I do this, I paradigm this way - watch me y'all, and don't hate me coz I'm sexy

....apparently from reviews I have read, the crowd loved it

In a cocky move, which only someone as musically talented as Prince would dare, the pop funk icon opened the show solo. Standing behind a an electric piano, which featured a wrap-around LED screen that pulsed to the music, the multi-instrumentalist opened with his 1984 No 1 smash “When Doves Cry,” accompanying himself along with a stripped down backing track.

Looking svelte and impossibly youthful for his 53-years, stylishly garbed in a black and white suit, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, enticed the crowd to sing, clap, pump fists, and dance, meeting with no resistance from the doting crowd.

“I got loads of hits – I can go all night!” the singer teased.

With 10 platinum albums and 30 top 40 singles to his credit – Prince was not just blowing hot air!

He kept the groove going with 1987’s, “Sign 'o’ the Times,” a snippet of “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” and “Forever in My Life.”

At times, Prince performed in the dark, behind the keyboards or stalked the stage, which also changed colors and throbbed to the beat. At intervals, he demanded the houselights go up, so he could see if the crowd was participating.

Source

He did it his way

[Edited 12/10/11 7:18am]

[Edited 12/10/11 7:20am]

I'm in love!

Praxis said:

Yes, by opening up with the sampler set, he made a bold statement, and I think it was directed to hardcore fans who meticulously critique or observe his every move.

It was his symbolic way of saying - I do this, I paradigm this way - watch me y'all, and don't hate me coz I'm sexy

....apparently from reviews I have read, the crowd loved it

In a cocky move, which only someone as musically talented as Prince would dare, the pop funk icon opened the show solo. Standing behind a an electric piano, which featured a wrap-around LED screen that pulsed to the music, the multi-instrumentalist opened with his 1984 No 1 smash “When Doves Cry,” accompanying himself along with a stripped down backing track.

Looking svelte and impossibly youthful for his 53-years, stylishly garbed in a black and white suit, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, enticed the crowd to sing, clap, pump fists, and dance, meeting with no resistance from the doting crowd.

“I got loads of hits – I can go all night!” the singer teased.

With 10 platinum albums and 30 top 40 singles to his credit – Prince was not just blowing hot air!

He kept the groove going with 1987’s, “Sign 'o’ the Times,” a snippet of “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” and “Forever in My Life.”

At times, Prince performed in the dark, behind the keyboards or stalked the stage, which also changed colors and throbbed to the beat. At intervals, he demanded the houselights go up, so he could see if the crowd was participating.

Source

He did it his way

That's what I love about Prince. He is brave. He plays his music creating the conditions he wants and in the process we are amazed and our hearts are filled. He follows his own lead. Imo, the way he guides his music through so many different channels and expressions, is what keeps him out front and always #1!!

Beautiful pic of a real musician songwriter artist.

And he don't do proactiv commercials.

I can very well imagine that Prince made a statement with this. In another review I read that he was saying something like "this is your party, but I am the DJ and I play what I want". Could be a direct answer to all those who complain about his setlists!

Dreamer20ten said:

I can very well imagine that Prince made a statement with this. In another review I read that he was saying something like "this is your party, but I am the DJ and I play what I want". Could be a direct answer to all those who complain about his setlists!

apparently he made a similiar comment in Calgary, something along the lines of "this is my party." I have mixed feelings about this.

- are these statements selfish, and here I add I am grateful w/ his recent sets unlike those who complain about them (w/out having seen the show)

- is it not also an NPG party, and if this is the case, who is the NPG...only the band, the crowd, or Prince's own conception of it

- Prince should listen to Burning Spear's "Mi Gi Dem" where he sings about giving the people what they want ... thereby making it a people's party

I doubt it was any special statement as he often changes where he runs the sampler segment in the setlist.

He has said many times throughout many tours that it is his party. It's okay, he's a good host.

Nothinbutjoy said:

I doubt it was any special statement as he often changes where he runs the sampler segment in the setlist.

He has said many times throughout many tours that it is his party. It's okay, he's a good host.

ok, thanks...i was not there and only go as far as the reports are concerned.