My memory is a little foggy-but didn't Andy play the white cloud guitar? (Can't remember if it was Victoria or Tacoma)

kewlschool said:

My memory is a little foggy-but didn't Andy play the white cloud guitar? (Can't remember if it was Victoria or Tacoma)

She played a white Gibson, not the cloud

petes2 said:

zinj said:

Seriously don't get the sense of entitlement that makes even people who *weren't at the show* angry that Prince put on a perfectly fine concert that didn't happen to meet their arbitrary expectations. Hey petes2, you need a hug or something?

i'm not angry about that, I as a musician know that musicians have good days and bad days, that's not the gripe. I'm saying the reason I wasn't eager to go was because of his attitude and no I don't need your hug, go hug your cat or something. I don't believe in people being treated like some of the descriptions above when they are just trying to see someone they admire. Anyway, there is nothing I can do about it but I guarantee you if those behaviors got to the point of alienating too many fans for Prince to live like he does he'd change his tune, he has before. I think I was pretty clear before concert and after what my reservations were, however, his performance is almost always stellar I didn't even consider that part. It just so happens that it is possible that the reason he left the show early was because of his "issues" once again and it gets tired.

Where does all of that narrative about attitude and control and issues come into this night's story except from an arbitrary expectation about the show that you now need to explain his failure to reach?

In regards to the aftershow, I earlier said:

zinj said:

The show has been described elsewhere and I don't think I have new details to add.

Reflecting on the show and looking over the reviews, I do think I have some pieces to contribute that haven't been reported. Mainly fleshing out the descriptions to the opening and closing jams. What came in between was a fairly straightforward track list but there was just a lot going on in those jams!

In the NPG Intro, I'm not sure if any of the instrumental solos played on introduction of Ida, Morris, or John were recognizable - they were just good funk to me. When the singers were introduced, Liv sang from Imma Be by the Black Eyed Peas, Elisa sang Summertime from Porgy and Bess (saying she was going to get "jazzy"), and as I believe has been reported elsewhere Shelby J gave her take on It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock. Later in the jam she sang I Am Not My Hair by India Arie. They then sang We Party Hearty before going into Which Way Is Up, during which Prince came on and led the way through the song's conclusion before going on to Stratus and Pass the Peas as has been previously described.

After Prince left the stage Shelby J slowed things down again before she sang Crazy. Then You've Got The Love during which Prince returned on guitar, and Sweet thing during which he switched to bass. Finally Musicology which on reflrection was as much of a jam as the mix that started the show. It started with a strong performance of Musicology before hitting a freeform jam that seemed to be flavored with the sounds of Tighten Up. Shelby J sang Mama Feelgood during that jam. By the end it sounded like Musicology again, giving the impression of it just being a long version of the song instead of the multiple elements it contained. Just before 4AM Prince shouted "we gotta get outta here!" and he was gone. The NPG quickly closed up the jam, ending almost precisely enough at 4AM that I wondered if that was a contractual or legal obligation.

So those are the pieces I recall that don't seem to have been talked about much. This was a great show and gets better each time I think back over it! So lucky to be there!

Cheers

Z

said:

peri1025 said:

Thanks for the information. Quick question did P dance with A during Sweet Thing as been reported? Did you see their arrival? Did Liv get any solos or Maceo? Was there an opening act?

P did dance with A during Sweet Thing. I hadn't been keeping up on the tour gossip, to be honest I didn't even know who she was, but it struck me as noteworthy. It wasn't how you dance on stage, it was how you dance with a girl.

The only arrival I saw was their arrival on stage.

I don't recall Liv getting any solos other than her introduction, but man, the show was a jam. I'm not confident in all the details of my recollection. Maceo? He owned the stage at points. He was introduced upon his arrival well into the NPG intro jam and soloed. On one of his earlier jams he had three mics that he was switching between on his solo. Of course Pass The Peas was his jam, he introed and owned it. But he had other front stage moments during the show too.

The opening act was Opus, a progressive jazz funk band from Seattle. I only caught the end of their set but would enjoy seeing more from them.

I have a 27 year old handicapped son who has been a fan of Prince (along with me, his mom) since he was 3 years old! This is our 4th concert and it was STELLAR!!!! We had great seats!! Prince tickets are infamously pricey, but worth every penny!

I couldn't BELIEVE it when Prince played some OLD SCHOOL favorites that I haven't heard in forever!

"Nasty Girls" (originally preformed by Vanity 6, his 1st girl band with [then] girlfriend, Vanity)

But I LOVED when he did "COOL," a very early hit by Morris Day and The Time!!!! It took me right back to the club in 1981 when we jammed to this song. That was back in Prince's Dirty Mind days!

Of course, I really appreciated him doing "Nothing Compares 2 U," as well. I really love the way Prince preformed this as a duo with fabulous backup singer...wish I knew her name because she really blew on this song!!! Prince's preforming his song is better than Sinead O'Connor...sorry, Sinead fans.

Doing "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" was a very cool, tribute by Prince to Michael Jackson. Prince is one, classy act! Made me teary. I never got to see MJ in concert...WAH!!

At 53 years of age, I still think Prince is fine, sexy and is the best entertainer in concert. He is an unparalleled talent- a musical and lyrical genius- and I feel SO lucky to have seen him in concert 4 times with my son. You never know when the "Purple One" will retire. He is so private and aloof, no one ever knows when he'll return to the stage. I thank God for every preformance that comes to Seattle. I'll keep paying top dollar for any and every concert in Seattle!!!

jackmitz said:

kewlschool said:

My memory is a little foggy-but didn't Andy play the white cloud guitar? (Can't remember if it was Victoria or Tacoma)

She played a white Gibson, not the cloud

Thanks!!

candyrn! love the review!

zinj said:

In regards to the aftershow, I earlier said:

zinj said:

The show has been described elsewhere and I don't think I have new details to add.

Reflecting on the show and looking over the reviews, I do think I have some pieces to contribute that haven't been reported. Mainly fleshing out the descriptions to the opening and closing jams. What came in between was a fairly straightforward track list but there was just a lot going on in those jams!

In the NPG Intro, I'm not sure if any of the instrumental solos played on introduction of Ida, Morris, or John were recognizable - they were just good funk to me. When the singers were introduced, Liv sang from Imma Be by the Black Eyed Peas, Elisa sang Summertime from Porgy and Bess (saying she was going to get "jazzy"), and as I believe has been reported elsewhere Shelby J gave her take on It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock. Later in the jam she sang I Am Not My Hair by India Arie. They then sang We Party Hearty before going into Which Way Is Up, during which Prince came on and led the way through the song's conclusion before going on to Stratus and Pass the Peas as has been previously described.

After Prince left the stage Shelby J slowed things down again before she sang Crazy. Then You've Got The Love during which Prince returned on guitar, and Sweet thing during which he switched to bass. Finally Musicology which on reflrection was as much of a jam as the mix that started the show. It started with a strong performance of Musicology before hitting a freeform jam that seemed to be flavored with the sounds of Tighten Up. Shelby J sang Mama Feelgood during that jam. By the end it sounded like Musicology again, giving the impression of it just being a long version of the song instead of the multiple elements it contained. Just before 4AM Prince shouted "we gotta get outta here!" and he was gone. The NPG quickly closed up the jam, ending almost precisely enough at 4AM that I wondered if that was a contractual or legal obligation.

So those are the pieces I recall that don't seem to have been talked about much. This was a great show and gets better each time I think back over it! So lucky to be there!

Cheers

Z

Z- Thanks so much for your great review and rundown of the aftershow. I was there, but so blown away and into the funk that honestly, I wouldn't have been able to give this clear of a description. You nailed it. What a great time! Also feeling SO lucky to have been there!! Whatever the main concert was, the afterjam was nothing but fantastic - except for those pushy bodyguards

purplecrack said:

I've attended over 20 Prince concerts from different eras (including 4 W2A shows), and the Tacoma Dome show was the absolute worst show I've ever witnessed. When I tell you these words, you need to understand that I'm a massive fan and have been for over 25 years- This show was so bad it was embarassing. Maceo's playing and Prince laying face down on the piano very briefly were the only 2 immensely enjoyable components of the entire evening. The majority of the concert sounded like a local church band revival of the hits- I mean a really sloppy, muddy, RUSHED performance. I'm sorry, there is no excuse for this performance- What Prince advertised this tour as, and what transpired in Tacoma last night couldn't be 2 more different birds.

I still love Prince, but I won't be so quick to throwdown 500.00-1000.00 to see 2 sorry excuses for a show. Yeah, I said it, the aftershow was awful too. And what was all that "Girls and Boys" footage being shown before the show started ? What a bag of hot air. Curiously, I did notice a newer shirt design that had the W2A logo on the sleeve and printed on it was "copyright 2011 NPG Productions". Funny thing is the shirt was a reprint of the "Take Me With U" single artwork from that other band, you know, the elephant in the room Prince tries not to talk about too much, the Revolution. Of course that was the #1 selling shirt from what my friends and I witnessed at multiple merch stands.

I sincerely hope there is a bigger reason this show was awful and not just Prince thinking it would be great to turn the setlist into a local church revival. San Jose W2A shows were on the other hand, 2 of the best shows I've ever seen him play. Maybe he's over the tour, maybe he's over Tacoma Dome not selling out. I'd love feedback and thoughts on this if you feel inclined.

If it was the Revolution with him and/or Sheila E. opening, it would have sold out. I probably already said enough to cause a few tizzy fits, but come on, can you hear me now on some of this ?

NPG = Not Properly Grounded

First, let me just say that I am completely envious of the amount of Prince concerts you've attended. I have enjoyed every concert I've been too...even when he was in his jazz phase and wasn't playing all the hits we all know and love. Having said that....

I am a HUGE Prince fan too and have been since 1980. Any concert is a blessing to me. Prince is such an enigma- is so intensely private- you can never know when he'll tour again, muchless playing in Washington. While this show wasn't my favorite, I still loved it. Maybe I'd feel more strongly if I had the number of concerts under my belt that you do!

One of myh criticisms was the poor promotion of the concert. I learned of it from a Facebook ad only 2 weeks before the concert. To be perfectly honest, when Prince stepped on stage, my first thought was, "He came out here with a scarf on his head?" Still, I loved the music and the preformance. I recognize Prince's dancing wasn't as energetic, flamboyant and athletic as we're all accustomed. Lets not forget that Prince is nearly 54 years old and has had problems with a bum hip that required surgery. We were seeing the last show on this tour. (Even though it appears there will be more in 2012) He's got to be tired and ready for some rest. I feel wiped out just going on vacation for 2-3 weeks to Atlanta!! Traveling can take a toll on an aging body.

I'm glad Prince just hasn't stopped altogether. Every concert I get to see is a gift for me and my 27 year old handicapped son! Every time he sees Prince, he can't believe his eyes and he's thrilled beyond belief. Prince is my favorite entertainer and I'll pay good money to see him for years to come- even in a nursing home- as long as Prince shows up for it. I don't care whether he can do the splits, I don't care whether if he doesn't sing all of his greatest hits.

I just love Prince!!! I love my having my 31 year long, long distant relationship with him. Prince is a legend and I have a tough time being hard on an icon!

This was my 3rd prince concert, and yes, while It was on the shorter side for a prince show which left me wanting more... there was more to be had at the aftershow in downtown seattle.

The show was amazing, jut as the the other 2 were. All 3 were very different, and this one Prince reminded me that he still has that sexy funk side to him.

I am a fan of older prince music, mainly pre 88, some 90's, some recent. The show was more of a "great hits" show...but considering that the renditions of LRC, when doves cry, contoversary were different from the album versions, and he played nasty girl and cool....the show was by no means a generic greatest hits show.

Having everyone chant at the end I love funky music, seeing him in his hat and smiling......the show was great. He was in good form that night, there and at afterjam....

Thank you prince, band, and my date for a dope ass evening I will never forget.

"we color reality with our own lense of preception"

[Edited 1/7/12 17:38pm]

[Edited 1/7/12 17:38pm]

I think it's pretty sad that Prince only played for an hour and a half, with one encore. When I saw him at the Forum in L.A., he played for three hours with four encores. I guess I lucked out. But, If he had played such a short show when I saw him, I would definately be very dissapointed.