I don't really think people have to guess too much as to what is going to be played. If the shows are with the NPG, expect lots of reworked old songs with lots of horns and covers sang by the backup singers. If the shows are with 3rdEyeGirl, I'd expect them to be very similar to what the US shows were last year, with maybe a couple new songs thrown in. Prince doesn't seem to like to change the set list up too much. I've seen both and I'd much rather see another 3rdEyeGirl show, with the focus on Prince and his guitar. Unfortunately, either way you're probably going to get the hits sampler!

onecrush said:

where is the prince who had confidence in the new material? these new shows should be 80% 3EG album. 10% hits 10% rarities. you're promoting 3EG so play their music.

motherfunka said:

I don't really think people have to guess too much as to what is going to be played. If the shows are with the NPG, expect lots of reworked old songs with lots of horns and covers sang by the backup singers. If the shows are with 3rdEyeGirl, I'd expect them to be very similar to what the US shows were last year, with maybe a couple new songs thrown in. Prince doesn't seem to like to change the set list up too much. I've seen both and I'd much rather see another 3rdEyeGirl show, with the focus on Prince and his guitar. Unfortunately, either way you're probably going to get the hits sampler!

Exactly. The sampler set is the low point of any of his shows no doubt. I just don't get it. It's one thing if he just did his electro songs like Hot Thing, It, Sex, Sign Of The Times etc I could maybe understand. For a guy who loves to tout "real music etc.." and makes fun of lip syncing it seems a bit strange.

jjazznola said:

EuanH91 said:

Well, I know.. that is a bit of an issue But there are ways of keeping it.. quieter. Doing a press conference in Lianne La Havas' living room isn't one of them

Someone please explain to me what a "hardcore" fan is? A fan is a fan! And that comes from a person who has seen every US tour since 1985. Why would a "casual" fan pay $200 to see anything? That's absurd. And why on Earth would any artist or band want to keep something quiet? He's promoting a new album. That's what this is all about! He's looking to make new fans. As for the hits vs non-hits, it's Prince we all go to see, not any particular song. Do you really want to go see an oldies act? He's probably the greatest performer over the last 50 years. Isn't that enough? When I go to see him, I want him to play whatever he wants to!(although I wish he would only play his own songs and not have his women sing 70's covers)

[Edited 1/28/14 9:28am]

You. You are a hardcore fan. There are thousands of people out there who probably own some greatest hits CD, and maybe a couple of albums (Purple Rain, no doubt) and know that Prince is an incredible performer and would love to see him live.. but they would be disappointed if they went and he didn't play a single song that they knew.

They wouldn't pay $200. I wouldn't pay $200. Only hardcore fans (who can afford it..) would pay that much. I'm a huge fan, but there is no way I would pay anywhere near that amount of money for a show, I just can't justify it.

Familiarity is important. You don't go and see a band/artist live to have them play a load of stuff you've never heard before. You want to hear the stuff you know and love. You only wanna hear new stuff if you've heard the old stuff hundreds of times, but most people haven't had that opportunity, especially here in the UK.

People really need a definition of a hits show? If he plays Purple Rain, Let's Go Crazy, 1999, Little Red Corvette, Cream, U Got The Look, Nothing Compares 2 U, Take Me With U/Raspberry Beret, Kiss, Controversy, etc.. (the album versions! Not some new rearrangement that sounds almost nothing like the original) then it is a hits show. THAT is the show that will sell out 21 nights at the O2 arena to rave reviews. Playing new songs and rarities with a couple of rearranged oldies thrown in with a 3 piece girl band will not please the masses. It's Prince. They don't wanna hear new stuff. You think if MJ had done those 50 nights at the O2 that people would really care about hearing new songs? No, of course not. They'd want to hear the classics.

I'm sure back in '85 you wouldn't have wanted to hear a set full of songs you'd never heard before

EuanH91 said:

then it is a hits show. THAT is the show that will sell out 21 nights at the O2 arena to rave reviews.

Every one of the 21 nights shows was different. And they weren't all hits - one show I recall seeing, he performed "A 1,000 Hugs & Kisses" - an unreleased song he recorded with Nona Gaye in the early 90's. I suspect less than 20 people in the audience knew it including myself and a few other orgers!

Dear Mr. Man, Free, The Morning Papers, Insatiable, Delirious, Condition Of The Heart, Get On The Boat, The One, Irresistable Bitch, Lolita, Planet Earth, Satisfied, Guitar...... all played during the 21 nights main shows, and not really "hits" or particularly well known outside the core fanbase.

But that's besides the point. The debate about "hits shows" vs whatever the opposite is, is pointless. Like I already stated, I saw 3EG in Vegas last year, equal mix of "hits" and new material, with a handful of covers/jams. Most of his tours are like that.

The thing with Prince, the reason why you'll always go back for more, the reason why I saw something like 5 main shows back in 2007, is because no two shows will ever be the same. You can't be mad if he doesn't play this song, or that song. He can't please everyone. Maybe he'll play it the next time. Maybe, you'll resign yourself to the fact that he'll never play a song again, then BOOM! He hits you right in the face with it, like at the Indigo aftershow I saw when him, the NPG and Maceo started jamming on "Head" and blew everyone's mind.

EuanH91 said:

jjazznola said:

Someone please explain to me what a "hardcore" fan is? A fan is a fan! And that comes from a person who has seen every US tour since 1985. Why would a "casual" fan pay $200 to see anything? That's absurd. And why on Earth would any artist or band want to keep something quiet? He's promoting a new album. That's what this is all about! He's looking to make new fans. As for the hits vs non-hits, it's Prince we all go to see, not any particular song. Do you really want to go see an oldies act? He's probably the greatest performer over the last 50 years. Isn't that enough? When I go to see him, I want him to play whatever he wants to!(although I wish he would only play his own songs and not have his women sing 70's covers)

[Edited 1/28/14 9:28am]

You. You are a hardcore fan. There are thousands of people out there who probably own some greatest hits CD, and maybe a couple of albums (Purple Rain, no doubt) and know that Prince is an incredible performer and would love to see him live.. but they would be disappointed if they went and he didn't play a single song that they knew.

They wouldn't pay $200. I wouldn't pay $200. Only hardcore fans (who can afford it..) would pay that much. I'm a huge fan, but there is no way I would pay anywhere near that amount of money for a show, I just can't justify it.

Familiarity is important. You don't go and see a band/artist live to have them play a load of stuff you've never heard before. You want to hear the stuff you know and love. You only wanna hear new stuff if you've heard the old stuff hundreds of times, but most people haven't had that opportunity, especially here in the UK.

People really need a definition of a hits show? If he plays Purple Rain, Let's Go Crazy, 1999, Little Red Corvette, Cream, U Got The Look, Nothing Compares 2 U, Take Me With U/Raspberry Beret, Kiss, Controversy, etc.. (the album versions! Not some new rearrangement that sounds almost nothing like the original) then it is a hits show. THAT is the show that will sell out 21 nights at the O2 arena to rave reviews. Playing new songs and rarities with a couple of rearranged oldies thrown in with a 3 piece girl band will not please the masses. It's Prince. They don't wanna hear new stuff. You think if MJ had done those 50 nights at the O2 that people would really care about hearing new songs? No, of course not. They'd want to hear the classics.

I'm sure back in '85 you wouldn't have wanted to hear a set full of songs you'd never heard before

We all know what a hits show is but you will not be hearing one. It's 2014, not 2007 or even 1992. And comparing Prince to MJ is just plain dumb. MJ was all about hits and nothing else. Prince is much more. I NEVER said I wanted to hear all new stuff and Prince ALWAYS plays familiar songs. He toured last year with 3rdEyeGirl and played plenty of songs people knew. I just saw him a month ago with NPG. He was great! I paid $207 and it was well worth it. It was Prince! But it was not this hits show you speak of. All I can say is I suggest you stay home and listen to his records because it is obvious you will be extremely disappointed.

Militant said:

EuanH91 said:

then it is a hits show. THAT is the show that will sell out 21 nights at the O2 arena to rave reviews.

Every one of the 21 nights shows was different. And they weren't all hits - one show I recall seeing, he performed "A 1,000 Hugs & Kisses" - an unreleased song he recorded with Nona Gaye in the early 90's. I suspect less than 20 people in the audience knew it including myself and a few other orgers!

Dear Mr. Man, Free, The Morning Papers, Insatiable, Delirious, Condition Of The Heart, Get On The Boat, The One, Irresistable Bitch, Lolita, Planet Earth, Satisfied, Guitar...... all played during the 21 nights main shows, and not really "hits" or particularly well known outside the core fanbase.

But that's besides the point. The debate about "hits shows" vs whatever the opposite is, is pointless. Like I already stated, I saw 3EG in Vegas last year, equal mix of "hits" and new material, with a handful of covers/jams. Most of his tours are like that.

The thing with Prince, the reason why you'll always go back for more, the reason why I saw something like 5 main shows back in 2007, is because no two shows will ever be the same. You can't be mad if he doesn't play this song, or that song. He can't please everyone. Maybe he'll play it the next time. Maybe, you'll resign yourself to the fact that he'll never play a song again, then BOOM! He hits you right in the face with it, like at the Indigo aftershow I saw when him, the NPG and Maceo started jamming on "Head" and blew everyone's mind.

How did he change the lyrics Irresistable Bitch?

But you guys are all acting like the only people who ever want to see Prince are people like you. My whole point is that the majority of people who would go and see Prince are the people who would want the hits. He is a huge draw and can easily sell out arenas, but only off the back of the string of hits he had through the 80's and 90's. The 3rdEye shows are only really for the kind of fans like you guys, the guys who want to see something new. Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea. Most people DON'T want to see that, it's just fact.

I'd probably enjoy the shows no matter what, but I'm still dying to see Purple Rain performed live. You all may have seen it 100 times, but I haven't.

jjazznola said:

Militant said:

I don't know why people are talking about hits shows vs non hits shows. I saw 3rd Eye Girl in Vegas last April. The show was an even mix of both hits and new/lesser known material. For example, Let's Go Crazy, Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Sometimes It Snows In April, She's Always In My Hair were all performed, and also Screwdriver, The Breakdown, Fixurlifeup, 2 Young 2 Dare. The UK shows will undoubtedly be a similar blend of hits and new.

Exactly. There are no "hits" shows. Don't know where people are getting this from. Maybe some shows they saw years ago. I saw NPG last month and it definitely was not a "hits" show. That being said, not into the version of Purple Rain that 3rd Eye Girl was doing with Prince playing piano. C'mon P, let it rip! Thank God that's what he did at Mohegan Sun. He played a great 13 minute version with some jazzy sax at the beginning and then the full blown guitar explosion!

[Edited 1/28/14 12:44pm]

Full blown guitar explosion is exactly what happened at Mohegan sun..you really had to be there...so be there!!!I dont care if you followed him for 30 years or just heard about him last week Do NOT MISS THESE SHOWS !!!!!!!!!

jjazznola said:

Militant said:

I don't know why people are talking about hits shows vs non hits shows. I saw 3rd Eye Girl in Vegas last April. The show was an even mix of both hits and new/lesser known material. For example, Let's Go Crazy, Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Sometimes It Snows In April, She's Always In My Hair were all performed, and also Screwdriver, The Breakdown, Fixurlifeup, 2 Young 2 Dare. The UK shows will undoubtedly be a similar blend of hits and new.

Exactly. There are no "hits" shows. Don't know where people are getting this from. Maybe some shows they saw years ago. I saw NPG last month and it definitely was not a "hits" show. That being said, not into the version of Purple Rain that 3rd Eye Girl was doing with Prince playing piano. C'mon P, let it rip! Thank God that's what he did at Mohegan Sun. He played a great 13 minute version with some jazzy sax at the beginning and then the full blown guitar explosion!

[Edited 1/28/14 12:44pm]

[Edited 1/28/14 19:30pm]

EuanH91 said:

But you guys are all acting like the only people who ever want to see Prince are people like you. My whole point is that the majority of people who would go and see Prince are the people who would want the hits. He is a huge draw and can easily sell out arenas, but only off the back of the string of hits he had through the 80's and 90's. The 3rdEye shows are only really for the kind of fans like you guys, the guys who want to see something new. Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea. Most people DON'T want to see that, it's just fact.

I'd probably enjoy the shows no matter what, but I'm still dying to see Purple Rain performed live. You all may have seen it 100 times, but I haven't.

The majority of people who go see any act would rather not go to an arena to see them. The 3rdEye shows are for people who want to get blown away by great rock music featuring Prince, the hottest guitar player around. Have you even checked out the setlists? I have. I have audio copies of every single show that he played last year. He plays just as many "hits" as the NPG shows that he just played last month. He just doesn't play long extended horn laden jams or play a bunch of old 70's covers sung by his background singers. Either way you will not be getting a "hits" show. "Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea." You just don't get it. HE"S PUSHING A NEW RECORD! That's the reason he's going to play in The UK. I really doubt he'll be playing arenas but you never know. It's Prince. He pretty unpredictable. If you want go see one of these acts that only plays songs from many years ago, go see The Stones, Paul McCartney, The Eagles or Fleetwood Mac! Prince is not living in the past and neither are a lot of fans. This new album is probably the most exciting thing he'll put out since at least the 90's. Years from now people will be bragging that they were at those awesome 3rdEyeGirl shows in the mid 2010's!

[Edited 1/28/14 19:47pm]

jjazznola said:

EuanH91 said:

The majority of people who go see any act would rather not go to an arena to see them. The 3rdEye shows are for people who want to get blown away by great rock music featuring Prince, the hottest guitar player around. Have you even checked out the setlists? I have. I have audio copies of every single show that he played last year. He plays just as many "hits" as the NPG shows that he just played last month. He just doesn't play long extended horn laden jams or play a bunch of old 70's covers sung by his background singers. Either way you will not be getting a "hits" show. "Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea." You just don't get it. HE"S PUSHING A NEW RECORD! That's the reason he's going to play in The UK. I really doubt he'll be playing arenas but you never know. It's Prince. He pretty unpredictable. If you want go see one of these acts that only plays songs from many years ago, go see The Stones, Paul McCartney, The Eagles or Fleetwood Mac! Prince is not living in the past and neither are a lot of fans. This new album is probably the most exciting thing he'll put out since at least the 90's. Years from now people will be bragging that they were at those awesome 3rdEyeGirl shows in the mid 2010's!

[Edited 1/28/14 19:47pm]

Spot on with that, If he wanted to do a hits show he would be doing Arena's because he could sell out on the back of that, the reason for the smaller venues is to plug the new album, No doubt he will trow in a few hits but he is Plugging 3rd Eye Girl NOT Prince.

fnksoul said:

No doubt he will trow in a few hits but he is Plugging 3rd Eye Girl NOT Prince.

And he will be in London to celebrate some release, date unknown, by playing some music.

So why oh why call that a tour without more info about other dates and locations?

Please do not O2 me as that was a series of shows in a larger venue with slightly more organisation around it to allow people from elsewhere to come see the shows.

udo said:

fnksoul said:

No doubt he will trow in a few hits but he is Plugging 3rd Eye Girl NOT Prince.

And he will be in London to celebrate some release, date unknown, by playing some music.

So why oh why call that a tour without more info about other dates and locations?

Please do not O2 me as that was a series of shows in a larger venue with slightly more organisation around it to allow people from elsewhere to come see the shows.

I believe the idea is to create a splash - it seems to be working! I think it's cool how he does things different than everyone else. It seems pretty obvious that these are not going to be regular gigs and I would be surprised if an actual schedule will come out. It's "Hit And Run" after all.

jjazznola said:

udo said:

And he will be in London to celebrate some release, date unknown, by playing some music.

So why oh why call that a tour without more info about other dates and locations?

Please do not O2 me as that was a series of shows in a larger venue with slightly more organisation around it to allow people from elsewhere to come see the shows.

I believe the idea is to create a splash - it seems to be working! I think it's cool how he does things different than everyone else. It seems pretty obvious that these are not going to be regular gigs and I would be surprised if an actual schedule will come out. It's "Hit And Run" after all.

Everyone keeps refering to this as a "Hit And Run" series of concerts. When did he say that? Did I miss something? One of these iconic venues could be large capacity, which would require a schedule of some sort to sell large numbers of tickets. I think it's going to be a mix of big and small. Make $ and get as much promotion in for the new album as he can, I would presume he is contracted to promote the album properly with his new record deal.

?

Rorywan said:

Everyone keeps refering to this as a "Hit And Run" series of concerts. When did he say that? Did I miss something? One of these iconic venues could be large capacity, which would require a schedule of some sort to sell large numbers of tickets. I think it's going to be a mix of big and small. Make $ and get as much promotion in for the new album as he can, I would presume he is contracted to promote the album properly with his new record deal?

[img:$uid]http://31.media.tumblr.com/a441e89687762e9a371935ce317b2001/tumblr_mzwmvxRgSp1qcv6efo1_1280.png[/img:$uid] [Edited 1/24/14 4:19am]

jjazznola said:

EuanH91 said:

But you guys are all acting like the only people who ever want to see Prince are people like you. My whole point is that the majority of people who would go and see Prince are the people who would want the hits. He is a huge draw and can easily sell out arenas, but only off the back of the string of hits he had through the 80's and 90's. The 3rdEye shows are only really for the kind of fans like you guys, the guys who want to see something new. Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea. Most people DON'T want to see that, it's just fact.

I'd probably enjoy the shows no matter what, but I'm still dying to see Purple Rain performed live. You all may have seen it 100 times, but I haven't.

The majority of people who go see any act would rather not go to an arena to see them. The 3rdEye shows are for people who want to get blown away by great rock music featuring Prince, the hottest guitar player around. Have you even checked out the setlists? I have. I have audio copies of every single show that he played last year. He plays just as many "hits" as the NPG shows that he just played last month. He just doesn't play long extended horn laden jams or play a bunch of old 70's covers sung by his background singers. Either way you will not be getting a "hits" show. "Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea." You just don't get it. HE"S PUSHING A NEW RECORD! That's the reason he's going to play in The UK. I really doubt he'll be playing arenas but you never know. It's Prince. He pretty unpredictable. If you want go see one of these acts that only plays songs from many years ago, go see The Stones, Paul McCartney, The Eagles or Fleetwood Mac! Prince is not living in the past and neither are a lot of fans. This new album is probably the most exciting thing he'll put out since at least the 90's. Years from now people will be bragging that they were at those awesome 3rdEyeGirl shows in the mid 2010's!

[Edited 1/28/14 19:47pm]

jjazznola said:

EuanH91 said:

But you guys are all acting like the only people who ever want to see Prince are people like you. My whole point is that the majority of people who would go and see Prince are the people who would want the hits. He is a huge draw and can easily sell out arenas, but only off the back of the string of hits he had through the 80's and 90's. The 3rdEye shows are only really for the kind of fans like you guys, the guys who want to see something new. Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea. Most people DON'T want to see that, it's just fact.

I'd probably enjoy the shows no matter what, but I'm still dying to see Purple Rain performed live. You all may have seen it 100 times, but I haven't.

The majority of people who go see any act would rather not go to an arena to see them. The 3rdEye shows are for people who want to get blown away by great rock music featuring Prince, the hottest guitar player around. Have you even checked out the setlists? I have. I have audio copies of every single show that he played last year. He plays just as many "hits" as the NPG shows that he just played last month. He just doesn't play long extended horn laden jams or play a bunch of old 70's covers sung by his background singers. Either way you will not be getting a "hits" show. "Creating a load of hype in the media over these London shows if they are 3rdEyeGirl only is a bad idea." You just don't get it. HE"S PUSHING A NEW RECORD! That's the reason he's going to play in The UK. I really doubt he'll be playing arenas but you never know. It's Prince. He pretty unpredictable. If you want go see one of these acts that only plays songs from many years ago, go see The Stones, Paul McCartney, The Eagles or Fleetwood Mac! Prince is not living in the past and neither are a lot of fans. This new album is probably the most exciting thing he'll put out since at least the 90's. Years from now people will be bragging that they were at those awesome 3rdEyeGirl shows in the mid 2010's!

[Edited 1/28/14 19:47pm]

You are so right 3rd eye is where its at right now and its the best thing hes done in years..his guitarplaying is off the hook and if you see the videos of these shows especially Mohegan you see an intensity in his playing that i have not seen before... he truly loves this lineup

jjazznola said:

This new album is probably the most exciting thing he'll put out since at least the 90's. Years from now people will be bragging that they were at those awesome 3rdEyeGirl shows in the mid 2010's!

[Edited 1/28/14 19:47pm]

Completely disagree. Based on the little snippets we've heard so far, I think the 3rdEye stuff is some of the weakest music he's ever put out. FixUrLifeUp, Screwdriver.. they just aren't very good, regardless of how well he plays guitar. It's completely forgettable.

I know that's just my opinion and a lot of you will disagree, but I'm almost certain that the majority of people, the general public, will dislike it. The album might do fairly well just off the back of Prince's name, but it won't be well liked.

I know it's success isn't exactly important, but that's why trying to build a big buzz around this release and hyping up 3rdEye is not a good idea, because it will flop, completly.

Barbara07 said:

Okay, the waiting is driving me CRAZY! He just tweeted 'expected the unexpected' and when it redirected to iTunes I got really excited... The new album??? Feck anyway. What are we being teased with Liv Warfield for?? And why is he promoting her at the same time as 3rdeyegirl?? Mad ness. I just can't wait

Doesnt NPG play with Liv Warfield? maybe its just promotion for her.

taken from a since removed posted on nme* so could be anything

(*via http://drownedinsound.com...ic/4442604 - could be fake so don't take at face value)

edit - especially given this at the o2 that weekend (but could be at indigo I suppose) - http://www.theo2.co.uk/ev...40208.html

edit 2 - even more likely to be fake given http://www.royalalberthal...fault.aspx

sorry!

[Edited 1/29/14 5:52am]

eggy said:

taken from a since removed posted on nme* so could be anything

100 Club - Feb 3rd
Royal Albert Hall (in the round) - Feb 7th
O2 Arena - Feb 8th/9th
Royal Festival Hall - Feb 11th
Roundhouse ('Purple Love' valentine's special) - Feb 14th

http://www.nme.com/news/p...d-run-2014

(*via http://drownedinsound.com...ic/4442604 - could be fake so don't take at face value)

edit - especially given this at the o2 that weekend (but could be at indigo I suppose) - http://www.theo2.co.uk/ev...40208.html

edit 2 - even more likely to be fake given http://www.royalalberthal.../default.a

sorry!

[Edited 1/29/14 5:52am]

Prince at The 100 Club In all seriousness however, that would be a sublime run of shows catering for every level of fandom. In the round at the Royal Albert Hall, 2 arena shows for the masses, Royal Festival Hall (due to the forced seating) could have a more chilled 'One Night Alone' vibe going on...

I can dream can't I?

All I know is that this fool better keep his hands off of Lianne... I'll bust into that house like:

WHERE ARE YOU?!!! *TWIRL* ANSWER ME MUTHAFUCKA!!!!

'Hit and Run Tour' - So could we expect tickets to go on sale the day before a gig?

andykeen said:

'Hit and Run Tour' - So could we expect tickets to go on sale the day before a gig?

I think (and somewhat selfishly hope) that tickets go on sale just beforehand. It increases my chances of getting in significantly. I've emptied my diary for the next six weeks and will pay whatever it costs to get in. I personally hope it's a total 3rdEyeGirl show, I want a different experience this time.

I dare imagine how many times I must've typed PRINCE and LONDON into Twitter now.

Love the look of that itinerary btw but naturally would be hard pressed to find that that was it

It really does depend on the size of the venues. Bigger the venue the more advance notice required.

I love that potentially fake itinery too. I do think the real one will be like that though, a few small gigs and a couple of bigger venues.

I hope.

Rorywan said:

It really does depend on the size of the venues. Bigger the venue the more advance notice required.

I love that potentially fake itinery too. I do think the real one will be like that though, a few small gigs and a couple of bigger venues.

I hope.

In a Ideal world, it would be good if he did some smaller 'warm up' shows finishing with 1 or 2 dates at the O2 end of feb, In the real world that wont happen haha