Nothinbutjoy said:

I'm seriously just drained. I'm going to get some sleep & see if I can remember tomorrow.

How many times do I see this comment when looking at a Prince concert

Caught the early show, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have a great time.

3rd eye girl isn't quite as strong as previous backing bands (which are hard acts to follow), but the fact that this tour is structured to be guitar heavy at least gave us the chance to hear some stuff I really wasn't expecting to hear live for a very long time or even ever again ("endorphinmachine", "I Like It There", "Bambi") and for more of those gorgeous improv riffs to be permanently implanted on my brain.

Glad I happened to be in town,even if the show was a touch medley and sampler heavy as a concession to the crowd that would be disappointed if they didn't hear anything from "Purple Rain". Plus the venue has a pretty good line of sight no matter where yoy stand.


I headed back to my hotel with my stockings torn and my make up smudged from dancing hard in sky high heels.....it's too bad I don't have tickets for Saturday as well.

STD "SolomonTheDog" hee hee is going back again, must be banking to see all these shows!

tab32792 said:

Yea IDC anymore. I thought I had a change of heart but the sampler must go. Somebody burn it please. No I haven't seen the shows BUT, they sound great til he hops on the sampler. Either get a band that can play those songs or leave em alone. Plus this tour is supposed to be fresh. Less hits. Idk man. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Other than that, these shows seem awesome

normally I'd probably bitch about the Samplers as well, but the way he did them last night was awesome. First the sampler included a bunch of stuff that he almost never does live anymore and he did at least a good 2 or 3 minutes with full Audience interaction for every song in the Sampler. In that small of an environment it worked amazingly well. How can you not like 3 minutes of I Would Die For You or Pop Life or Most Beautiful Girl in the World or any of the other rarities that was part of it? I mean it went about 15 minutes probably.

Always amazing the power of the Org! Every time I go to a Prince show, seems like everyone there reads this site!

Solomon: thanks for the detailed review! I'll be @ the early show tonite. But I have a reserved seat up in the balcony...I won't be as close, but I miss out on the hours of standing!

Sounds like the SF shows have been the best so far. No surprise there, and I would have gone to one of them if the shows had been announced earlier. Maybe next time! Hopefully he manages to play a bit longer tonight.

malexandria said:

SolomonTheDog said:

Soloman, thanks for taking the time to write a review. I was pretty tired by the time I got home to properly write. It took longer than expected to get home since I got pulled over by the police. I did some quick talking and got out of receiving a ticket. The cop made a comment about Prince being almost 70 now but I defended the man as putting on a great show like he was still in his 20's. Other than that, it was alot of "yes sir" from me and he ended up being pretty cool... It was a pleasure meeting you (even if U weren't Josh) and your lovely wife. Dsapp, nice talking with you and I apologize that I couldn't do the switch with you after the first show. I did try. Carrie, so great seeing you again and my European shaved head girl from Europe, loved seeing your familiar face! Jeremiah, great seeing you as always and continued success with all of your endeavors! It was cool seeing so many old friends from the days when I was known as "Tony from Hawaii." Now that I'm stationed here in Vegas, I wish I was still "Tony from Hawaii" ...Onto the show and venue...

Setup at The Joint from the "get-go" left those of us who waited in line since about 4:00 not too happy. There is about a 15 ft. "pit" area for friends of the band and what not, so right off the bat, some, ok, all of us were a little ticked off because we didn't get the closest spots in the house. There's a reason why we waited in line so that started the night off with some animosity. It seems purely random as to how people got into that area but yes, by the graciousness of someone, I got one of the wristbands. One guy who spent 500.00 for the Hard Rock VIP package was furious and ended up leaving early, saying that it was his last Prince concert. dsapp is right about the Staff being rude and yelling at people esp. when we first walked in. I'll be in line early for the 8:00 show mainly because one of the best parts of a Prince concert is meeting other like minded people. Back on track to the music...

Soloman is correct that it was a cool opening with Prince sitting in front of the drum kit surveying the crowd as the curtains parted like the red sea and then he strutted up to microphone...LGC is a nice opener because even with the slower grunge version, people were singing along.

Endorphine Machine was massive and great to hear live! Perfect band for this song. She's always in my hair had some great ad-libbing and innuendos everywhere. Before I forget, first time in at least 14 years that I've heard Prince curse...PRINCE ACTUALLY SAID THE WORD FU*K, near the beginning of the show. It was when he was talking about playing loud music and then bam "Fu*k that". I'm positive that I didn't hear him incorrectly.

I liked the slow version of ICNTTPOYM more than the original or maybe it's because it feels like a new song. I always felt that the lyrics got lost in the fast version and this way U really get the emotions of the story. Great for me.

I have to disagree with Soloman on the "Sampler Set" and not just because he's Canadian I liked it and maybe it was because I like to hear some of the classics...Great hearing Pop Life, Hot Thang and the others thrown in the mix...oops, "Most Beautiful Girl In The World" didn't really fit into that mix but that was minor. It's funny, I almost brought pen and paper to write down the setlist but in the end, decided against it. I'm sure we have it covered in between all of us posters and Dr. Funkenberry's site. (Props 2 Funk) He did do the full version of Sign of the Times and that was great to hear!!

Maybe I got spoiled since I'm one of those over 40 concerts under his belt guy, but this was a good and not great show for me. For others that I talked to, it was amazing and one girl said "life changing." Great energy from Prince and the band...Wish they would sell some concert shirts, those would sell out in a minute...

Ok, I have pancakes waiting for me and I hope I gave U all something decent to read...Looking forward to tonight's show for many reasons. Wish I knew how to post pictures, the girl next to me took some great ones and sent them too me...By the way security was tight on anyone trying to take pics so turn off the flash if you're going to ignore the rules...Peace and Be Wild...

P.S. 2 Prince, Dance Electric would be great to hear!!

dsapp said:

I went yesterday and had a blast. This being my 3rd Prince show. Saw him once in Oakland and once in San Jose.

Definitely loved the encore with his piano rendition of Do Me Baby. Kinda let down we didn't get "Extralovable." Also danced with Princess Nelson aka The Lady in White which was a treat. lol.

My questions: 1) Where there special VIP packages? Because I had the GA SRO tickets and was at the front of the baracade but saw there was a group of people that were actually by the stage.

2) Seriously, Prince. You pulled up people unto the stage but didn't pick me? What's a guy have to do to get some love? I still love you though.

I have a question...for the songs like Do Me, Baby and Extralovable andthe more r+b songs, are the arrangements done in a rock style?

tab32792 said:

malexandria said:

normally I'd probably bitch about the Samplers as well, but the way he did them last night was awesome. First the sampler included a bunch of stuff that he almost never does live anymore and he did at least a good 2 or 3 minutes with full Audience interaction for every song in the Sampler. In that small of an environment it worked amazingly well. How can you not like 3 minutes of I Would Die For You or Pop Life or Most Beautiful Girl in the World or any of the other rarities that was part of it? I mean it went about 15 minutes probably.

Hearing that from somebody that was there, I have to say you're probably right. I take it back seeing as I wasn't there. Lol

Normally I hate the samplers because I want to ear the whole song. In these shows they were OK. Mre interesting little snippets. It was almost as if I was tired and needed a rest from the intensity. Not really but, how can I say it, the energy in the room was so high that the samplers gave you time to breathe before the encore.

wishuhvn said:

Soloman, thanks for taking the time to write a review. I was pretty tired by the time I got home to properly write. It took longer than expected to get home since I got pulled over by the police. I did some quick talking and got out of receiving a ticket. The cop made a comment about Prince being almost 70 now but I defended the man as putting on a great show like he was still in his 20's. Other than that, it was alot of "yes sir" from me and he ended up being pretty cool... It was a pleasure meeting you (even if U weren't Josh) and your lovely wife. Dsapp, nice talking with you and I apologize that I couldn't do the switch with you after the first show. I did try. Carrie, so great seeing you again and my European shaved head girl from Europe, loved seeing your familiar face! Jeremiah, great seeing you as always and continued success with all of your endeavors! It was cool seeing so many old friends from the days when I was known as "Tony from Hawaii." Now that I'm stationed here in Vegas, I wish I was still "Tony from Hawaii" ...Onto the show and venue...

Setup at The Joint from the "get-go" left those of us who waited in line since about 4:00 not too happy. There is about a 15 ft. "pit" area for friends of the band and what not, so right off the bat, some, ok, all of us were a little ticked off because we didn't get the closest spots in the house. There's a reason why we waited in line so that started the night off with some animosity. It seems purely random as to how people got into that area but yes, by the graciousness of someone, I got one of the wristbands. One guy who spent 500.00 for the Hard Rock VIP package was furious and ended up leaving early, saying that it was his last Prince concert. dsapp is right about the Staff being rude and yelling at people esp. when we first walked in. I'll be in line early for the 8:00 show mainly because one of the best parts of a Prince concert is meeting other like minded people. Back on track to the music...

Soloman is correct that it was a cool opening with Prince sitting in front of the drum kit surveying the crowd as the curtains parted like the red sea and then he strutted up to microphone...LGC is a nice opener because even with the slower grunge version, people were singing along.

Endorphine Machine was massive and great to hear live! Perfect band for this song. She's always in my hair had some great ad-libbing and innuendos everywhere. Before I forget, first time in at least 14 years that I've heard Prince curse...PRINCE ACTUALLY SAID THE WORD FU*K, near the beginning of the show. It was when he was talking about playing loud music and then bam "Fu*k that". I'm positive that I didn't hear him incorrectly.

I liked the slow version of ICNTTPOYM more than the original or maybe it's because it feels like a new song. I always felt that the lyrics got lost in the fast version and this way U really get the emotions of the story. Great for me.

I have to disagree with Soloman on the "Sampler Set" and not just because he's Canadian I liked it and maybe it was because I like to hear some of the classics...Great hearing Pop Life, Hot Thang and the others thrown in the mix...oops, "Most Beautiful Girl In The World" didn't really fit into that mix but that was minor. It's funny, I almost brought pen and paper to write down the setlist but in the end, decided against it. I'm sure we have it covered in between all of us posters and Dr. Funkenberry's site. (Props 2 Funk) He did do the full version of Sign of the Times and that was great to hear!!

Maybe I got spoiled since I'm one of those over 40 concerts under his belt guy, but this was a good and not great show for me. For others that I talked to, it was amazing and one girl said "life changing." Great energy from Prince and the band...Wish they would sell some concert shirts, those would sell out in a minute...

Ok, I have pancakes waiting for me and I hope I gave U all something decent to read...Looking forward to tonight's show for many reasons. Wish I knew how to post pictures, the girl next to me took some great ones and sent them too me...By the way security was tight on anyone trying to take pics so turn off the flash if you're going to ignore the rules...Peace and Be Wild...

P.S. 2 Prince, Dance Electric would be great to hear!!

wishuhvn said:

Soloman, thanks for taking the time to write a review. I was pretty tired by the time I got home to properly write. It took longer than expected to get home since I got pulled over by the police. I did some quick talking and got out of receiving a ticket. The cop made a comment about Prince being almost 70 now but I defended the man as putting on a great show like he was still in his 20's. Other than that, it was alot of "yes sir" from me and he ended up being pretty cool... It was a pleasure meeting you (even if U weren't Josh) and your lovely wife. Dsapp, nice talking with you and I apologize that I couldn't do the switch with you after the first show. I did try. Carrie, so great seeing you again and my European shaved head girl from Europe, loved seeing your familiar face! Jeremiah, great seeing you as always and continued success with all of your endeavors! It was cool seeing so many old friends from the days when I was known as "Tony from Hawaii." Now that I'm stationed here in Vegas, I wish I was still "Tony from Hawaii" ...Onto the show and venue...

Setup at The Joint from the "get-go" left those of us who waited in line since about 4:00 not too happy. There is about a 15 ft. "pit" area for friends of the band and what not, so right off the bat, some, ok, all of us were a little ticked off because we didn't get the closest spots in the house. There's a reason why we waited in line so that started the night off with some animosity. It seems purely random as to how people got into that area but yes, by the graciousness of someone, I got one of the wristbands. One guy who spent 500.00 for the Hard Rock VIP package was furious and ended up leaving early, saying that it was his last Prince concert. dsapp is right about the Staff being rude and yelling at people esp. when we first walked in. I'll be in line early for the 8:00 show mainly because one of the best parts of a Prince concert is meeting other like minded people. Back on track to the music...

Soloman is correct that it was a cool opening with Prince sitting in front of the drum kit surveying the crowd as the curtains parted like the red sea and then he strutted up to microphone...LGC is a nice opener because even with the slower grunge version, people were singing along.

Endorphine Machine was massive and great to hear live! Perfect band for this song. She's always in my hair had some great ad-libbing and innuendos everywhere. Before I forget, first time in at least 14 years that I've heard Prince curse...PRINCE ACTUALLY SAID THE WORD FU*K, near the beginning of the show. It was when he was talking about playing loud music and then bam "Fu*k that". I'm positive that I didn't hear him incorrectly.

I liked the slow version of ICNTTPOYM more than the original or maybe it's because it feels like a new song. I always felt that the lyrics got lost in the fast version and this way U really get the emotions of the story. Great for me.

I have to disagree with Soloman on the "Sampler Set" and not just because he's Canadian I liked it and maybe it was because I like to hear some of the classics...Great hearing Pop Life, Hot Thang and the others thrown in the mix...oops, "Most Beautiful Girl In The World" didn't really fit into that mix but that was minor. It's funny, I almost brought pen and paper to write down the setlist but in the end, decided against it. I'm sure we have it covered in between all of us posters and Dr. Funkenberry's site. (Props 2 Funk) He did do the full version of Sign of the Times and that was great to hear!!

Maybe I got spoiled since I'm one of those over 40 concerts under his belt guy, but this was a good and not great show for me. For others that I talked to, it was amazing and one girl said "life changing." Great energy from Prince and the band...Wish they would sell some concert shirts, those would sell out in a minute...

Ok, I have pancakes waiting for me and I hope I gave U all something decent to read...Looking forward to tonight's show for many reasons. Wish I knew how to post pictures, the girl next to me took some great ones and sent them too me...By the way security was tight on anyone trying to take pics so turn off the flash if you're going to ignore the rules...Peace and Be Wild...

P.S. 2 Prince, Dance Electric would be great to hear!!

I can almost guarantee that he said FUNK... not FUCK.

GoldenParachute said:

wishuhvn said:

Soloman, thanks for taking the time to write a review. I was pretty tired by the time I got home to properly write. It took longer than expected to get home since I got pulled over by the police. I did some quick talking and got out of receiving a ticket. The cop made a comment about Prince being almost 70 now but I defended the man as putting on a great show like he was still in his 20's. Other than that, it was alot of "yes sir" from me and he ended up being pretty cool... It was a pleasure meeting you (even if U weren't Josh) and your lovely wife. Dsapp, nice talking with you and I apologize that I couldn't do the switch with you after the first show. I did try. Carrie, so great seeing you again and my European shaved head girl from Europe, loved seeing your familiar face! Jeremiah, great seeing you as always and continued success with all of your endeavors! It was cool seeing so many old friends from the days when I was known as "Tony from Hawaii." Now that I'm stationed here in Vegas, I wish I was still "Tony from Hawaii" ...Onto the show and venue...

Setup at The Joint from the "get-go" left those of us who waited in line since about 4:00 not too happy. There is about a 15 ft. "pit" area for friends of the band and what not, so right off the bat, some, ok, all of us were a little ticked off because we didn't get the closest spots in the house. There's a reason why we waited in line so that started the night off with some animosity. It seems purely random as to how people got into that area but yes, by the graciousness of someone, I got one of the wristbands. One guy who spent 500.00 for the Hard Rock VIP package was furious and ended up leaving early, saying that it was his last Prince concert. dsapp is right about the Staff being rude and yelling at people esp. when we first walked in. I'll be in line early for the 8:00 show mainly because one of the best parts of a Prince concert is meeting other like minded people. Back on track to the music...

Soloman is correct that it was a cool opening with Prince sitting in front of the drum kit surveying the crowd as the curtains parted like the red sea and then he strutted up to microphone...LGC is a nice opener because even with the slower grunge version, people were singing along.

Endorphine Machine was massive and great to hear live! Perfect band for this song. She's always in my hair had some great ad-libbing and innuendos everywhere. Before I forget, first time in at least 14 years that I've heard Prince curse...PRINCE ACTUALLY SAID THE WORD FU*K, near the beginning of the show. It was when he was talking about playing loud music and then bam "Fu*k that". I'm positive that I didn't hear him incorrectly.

I liked the slow version of ICNTTPOYM more than the original or maybe it's because it feels like a new song. I always felt that the lyrics got lost in the fast version and this way U really get the emotions of the story. Great for me.

I have to disagree with Soloman on the "Sampler Set" and not just because he's Canadian I liked it and maybe it was because I like to hear some of the classics...Great hearing Pop Life, Hot Thang and the others thrown in the mix...oops, "Most Beautiful Girl In The World" didn't really fit into that mix but that was minor. It's funny, I almost brought pen and paper to write down the setlist but in the end, decided against it. I'm sure we have it covered in between all of us posters and Dr. Funkenberry's site. (Props 2 Funk) He did do the full version of Sign of the Times and that was great to hear!!

Maybe I got spoiled since I'm one of those over 40 concerts under his belt guy, but this was a good and not great show for me. For others that I talked to, it was amazing and one girl said "life changing." Great energy from Prince and the band...Wish they would sell some concert shirts, those would sell out in a minute...

Ok, I have pancakes waiting for me and I hope I gave U all something decent to read...Looking forward to tonight's show for many reasons. Wish I knew how to post pictures, the girl next to me took some great ones and sent them too me...By the way security was tight on anyone trying to take pics so turn off the flash if you're going to ignore the rules...Peace and Be Wild...

P.S. 2 Prince, Dance Electric would be great to hear!!

I can almost guarantee that he said FUNK... not FUCK.

I vertified it with two other people and it wasn't funk...I'm sure the show will surface one day and we can double check.

SolomonTheDog said: ...cool review...

-

-

SolomonTheDog said: Screwdriver - this band really plays this song well. Even my wife who rolls her eyes at the lyrics was bopping along.

SolomonTheDog said: Bambi - this band really plays this song well. Even my wife who rolls her eyes at the lyrics was head banging along.

-

@ which more lyrics does she her -s ?...

dsapp said:

fitzbew said:

dsapp said:

anyone see Magic Johnson or Andre Agassi there? they were there!! also,

not sure if anyone has seen this review yet but here you go.....(it's pretty good!)

http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/jason-bracelin/review-prince-holds-funk-k-k-y-y-sway-hard-rock

That rare ability to master the art of onomatopoeia is as essential to any true soul man’s arsenal as the candy-coated tongue that enables him to sweet talk your girl out of her clothes and into his bed.

Take it from Prince, a man gifted at making his words sound exactly like what it is they are attempting to convey.

This is key, because the primal impulses — the libidinal urges that he frequently sings of — elude simple description in the same way that it’s nearly impossible to characterize the scent of a rose, for instance.

And so he has to find alternate ways to get his point across.

This skill set, among many others, was on full display at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday.

“I got a question: Do you like rock and roll?” Prince asked during the first of his two shows of the night. “I do too, but I like mine funky.”

Only he didn’t pronounce it as “funky,” but rather “funk-k-k-a-y-y,” doubling down on its syllables and savoring each one like verbal bonbons.

It became less a word than an expulsion of energy, a guttural release, and in this way, was perfectly representative of the songs that followed.

Like his diction, Prince’s tunes are malleable and fluid, every bit as dimensionless as the night sky outside the concert hall.

A number of his songs revolve around seduction, and his playing follows suit: he takes his time with them, enjoying the moment, running his hands over every contour.

The show opened with “Let’s Go Crazy,” but it didn’t much resemble its original recorded version. Played at half-speed, the band lingered in the groove, digging in, until it was a thing of cast-iron heaviness, concussive as a head-on collision. They even threw in the bass solo from Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.”

Similarly, the pop bounce of “U Got The Look” was eschewed for heightened rhythmic torque that manifested itself in bass lines that growled like a hungry belly, while the normally brisk and buoyant “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” became a bluesy slow burn that simmered and hissed like it was being griddled.

Prince did play cinematic ballad “Purple Rain” kind of straight, in a roundabout way, before detouring into the falsetto ecstasy of “Adore” and then returning to finish the song.

“Contrary to rumor, it’s new for me every time,” he said upon introducing the song, and judging by the way he played with the tune’s boundaries, it wasn’t an empty sentiment.

Prince wasn’t alone in powering his repertoire in myriad new directions.

On this tour, he is being joined by 3rd Eye Girl, a female power trio that he assembled, in part, by seeing each of them perform individually on YouTube.

Prince didn’t treat them like a backing band, however, and they certainly didn’t act like one.

“We are 3rd Eye Girl, and my name is Prince,” he announced early in the show, as if he was just another member of the group and not the evening’s star attraction.

Guitarist Donna Grantis, zip-locked into a leather body suit, ably traded solos with one of the world’s greatest soloists, commandeering songs like “Endorphinmachine” and “Screwdriver,” busting out Pete Townsend-worthy stage moves and playing with just as much aplomb.

Bassist Ida Nielsen downright dominated the aptly titled “Let’s Work” and the hair-on-fire funk of “Bambi,” locking in with drummer Hannah Ford in rhythms so airtight, you could practically hear them gasp for oxygen.

On surging rockers like “FixUrLife Up” and the instrumental “Plectrum Electrum,” their combined momentum was suggestive of a boulder roaring down a mountainside.

“I’m in a daze, but that’s the way it’s gotta be,” Prince sang during “I Like It There,” giving voice to the prevailing sentiment of the evening, which culminated with him inviting members of the audience onstage for an impromptu dance party soundtracked by a medley of hits and boogie down productions ranging from “When Doves Cry” to “Housequake” to “I Would Die 4 U.”

“It’s funky up here, y’all,” Prince beamed from beyond a keyboard, barely visible amongst a jungle of gyrating limbs.

And by “funky,” he meant “funk-k-k-a-y-y.”

[Edited 4/29/13 17:25pm]