So, who else in Europe is feeling lost! [sorry America BUT I am 100% sure it's your turn next!]

Don't know about you but i am left breathless!, i only managed 5 [only!] 4 in Manchester & 1 in Leeds & have been blown away. The memories have been amazing i.e. the guitar playing, reworking songs, new songs, rare songs, mixed set lists, the FRO!, his dancing!,meeting so many great fans old & new etc.

There are some on here who still slate him for apparently playing the same songs over & over which is hugely unfair - he said it himself - having a solid back catalogue is important when he ain't got an album out! This tour served several purposes i.e. build up hype for P.Rain hence why sensibly playing lots from that album, showcasing 3EG ahead of their album release & likewsie playing a few new cuts from his own pending album & by sensibly playing the hits he put bums on seats!

Overall i've loved it, yes there were some sound / tech issues [unforgiveablae for an artist of his stature TBH] BUT DAYUM he's 56, he danced, he sang, he entertained & made each show more or less different. Summary - totally blown away & still beleive that he is untouchable as alive performer!

The media fell in love him again & he has proved beyond all reasonable doubt that not only does he cotinually appeal to the hard core BUT also the casual masses both young & old.

Does anyother major artist rework their songs as much as P does? - i doubt it!

[Bart over to you! ]

I know this will look like I’m being deliberately inflammatory to Orgers in Houston or Athens or some other place P rarely ventures, but I think London’s had a raw deal. Yes, he played thousands of tiny gigs in February, but they were a nightmare to get to if you had any kind of non-Prince related commitments. And they added up to a total audience of maybe 8,000 people. 8,003 if you include Lianne La Havas's kitchen. And we only got the Roundhouse gigs, presumably, because Berlin was cancelled.

.

Assuming he won’t be back in the UK till 2017 or so (it’s usually every 3 or 4 years) London will have been lucky to get the equivalent of one small arena gig in a decade.

.

Come on Prince, we’re the capital city, FFS. One of the planet’s great metropolises. What’s the problem?

[Edited 6/11/14 13:26pm]

I'm a little gutted he's gone for now, but the Hit & Run thing is a little tired now, just hoping he comes back with a new tour to promote new material next

.

.

There was a tweet earlier they they were doing Paisley Park tomorrow, it made me a little Jelous

I've been really pleased and disappointed at the same time

.

This tour has really been fantastic in musical terms..I love P's sound with 3rdeyegirl. I never tire of the hits and the odd rarity so its all good there. Nothing beats seeing P live and so each time I see him I am euphoric for a good time thereafter. Personally I'd get rid of the sampler set but thats a small niggle.

.

I hate the hit n run concept though - I missed Friday at Manchester (Feb) because I assumed there would be no tickets by the time I got there (I didn't want to chance a 3 hour trip for nothing and I couldn't leave until late). Subsequently I found out that it didn't sell out.....gutted .

.

Also with Roundhouse...getting the tickets was a joke. Sadly Ticketmaster didn't like me and I was unable to get tickets (until it was too late) but to plan time off work, travel arrangements, babysitters etc.. in 2 days isn't quite as easy as it might seem for those of us 'up north'. I also thought the tickets overall for the tour were a tad overpriced.

.

I really hope we get to see the 3EG album. I honestly think that (for me) the songs really have a good vibe. Sadly there seemed to be less and less 3EG material played as the tour went on which might lead to the impression that the WB deal has put the 3EG stuff on a backburner but I really hope not.

.

Overall, not the best tour visually and not without its sound problems BUT I've had a fantastic time, met some lovely people and got to see the great man himself twice (not as many as some I know but hey)

Robbajobba said:

I know this will look like I’m being deliberately inflammatory to Orgers in Houston or Athens or some other place P rarely ventures, but I think London’s had a raw deal. Yes, he played thousands of tiny gigs in February, but they were a nightmare to get to if you had any kind of non-Prince related commitments. And they added up to a total audience of maybe 8,000 people. 8,003 if you include Lianne La Havas's kitchen. And we only got the Roundhouse gigs, presumably, because Berlin was cancelled.

.

Assuming he won’t be back in the UK till 2017 or so (it’s usually every 3 or 4 years) London will have been lucky to get the equivalent of one small arena gig in a decade.

.

Come on Prince, we’re the capital city, FFS. One of the planet’s great metropolises. What’s the problem?

[Edited 6/11/14 13:26pm]

I know it was 7 years ago but I'd counter that the O2 kind of topped up that gig quota quite well. I met a guy at the Feb Academy gigs who said he managed 14 out of the 21. He finshed work, got on the tube, got a different show, got a few aftershows - a seriously lucky dude.

I managed 1 show and 1 aftershow on that run having to come all the way from Spain. So - this time round, with some careful planning I have managed 4 MCR and 1 Leeds. Yeh - organising work, family, travel etc is a challenge but its been worth it.

What’s the problem? - you are presuming there will be no more. I'm not so sure. If the ticket prices remain at this level then he will have no problem selling out more London shows - start heading down the Berlin route and there will be trouble.

I have found it a very, very exciting year. I think its great that someone as legendary as Prince is still so unpredictable and energetic in his itineries. He seems to feed off the intimacy of the small gigs and, dare-I-say, takes account of people's wishes to be within touching distance of him. Most artists who have been in the business as long as he has, tour the same old places playing the same old songs and promote a new (small old) album.

.

I have been really pleased to see so many fans under the age of 30 at the gigs which shows that he's still relevant. I've loved the queueing actually but then I work for myself so its been possible to do that, thankfully. I've loved the comradery. At most concerts - you file in, have a drink with whoever you went with and enjoy the gig and leave without sharing anything with anyone else. But not P, 3EG in the HnR! Its actually been better to go alone.

.

Management in Feb was awful. I'm still embarrassed to admit I drove 2 hours on the strength of a tweet by you-know-who for a second gig in Manchester only for it not to happen and have to sleep in the car before queueing all the next day for that night's gig. The 3rd show at Koko was a stupid thing to attempt. The Ticketmaster experience has been typically awful. I actually prefer the pay-on-the-door model. It means no scalpers and that the hardcore get as close as they want.

.

I've been going to gigs for 35 years and I'm disillusioned with the fact that as soon as an artist sells well on a first album they're playing arenas where all you get to do is stare at a screen. I'm smug at the fact that in 1988 I was telling people close to me that he was a genius and now they get it. I've loved Prince for 30 years and this year I love him more than ever.

calciumpaul said:

I have found it a very, very exciting year. I think its great that someone as legendary as Prince is still so unpredictable and energetic in his itineries. He seems to feed off the intimacy of the small gigs and, dare-I-say, takes account of people's wishes to be within touching distance of him. Most artists who have been in the business as long as he has, tour the same old places playing the same old songs and promote a new (small old) album.

.

I have been really pleased to see so many fans under the age of 30 at the gigs which shows that he's still relevant. I've loved the queueing actually but then I work for myself so its been possible to do that, thankfully. I've loved the comradery. At most concerts - you file in, have a drink with whoever you went with and enjoy the gig and leave without sharing anything with anyone else. But not P, 3EG in the HnR! Its actually been better to go alone.

.

Management in Feb was awful. I'm still embarrassed to admit I drove 2 hours on the strength of a tweet by you-know-who for a second gig in Manchester only for it not to happen and have to sleep in the car before queueing all the next day for that night's gig. The 3rd show at Koko was a stupid thing to attempt. The Ticketmaster experience has been typically awful. I actually prefer the pay-on-the-door model. It means no scalpers and that the hardcore get as close as they want.

.

I've been going to gigs for 35 years and I'm disillusioned with the fact that as soon as an artist sells well on a first album they're playing arenas where all you get to do is stare at a screen. I'm smug at the fact that in 1988 I was telling people close to me that he was a genius and now they get it. I've loved Prince for 30 years and this year I love him more than ever.

Nice summary Paul.

I'd agree re the Kiran tweet - it was bonkers to try and refill a 2,500 capacity venue on a freezing cold Friday night with 2 hours notice. Especially after the total lack of information of how many tickets were available on the door for the 1st show. Plus they kept looking at the Q from that window all afternoon - huge gamble that was never gonna pay off.

Still, the Saturday Q was a lot of fun and the Saturday gig will live with us for a long long time. Thanks for sharing the biscuits

calciumpaul said:

I have found it a very, very exciting year. I think its great that someone as legendary as Prince is still so unpredictable and energetic in his itineries. He seems to feed off the intimacy of the small gigs and, dare-I-say, takes account of people's wishes to be within touching distance of him. Most artists who have been in the business as long as he has, tour the same old places playing the same old songs and promote a new (small old) album.

.

I have been really pleased to see so many fans under the age of 30 at the gigs which shows that he's still relevant. I've loved the queueing actually but then I work for myself so its been possible to do that, thankfully. I've loved the comradery. At most concerts - you file in, have a drink with whoever you went with and enjoy the gig and leave without sharing anything with anyone else. But not P, 3EG in the HnR! Its actually been better to go alone.

.

Management in Feb was awful. I'm still embarrassed to admit I drove 2 hours on the strength of a tweet by you-know-who for a second gig in Manchester only for it not to happen and have to sleep in the car before queueing all the next day for that night's gig. The 3rd show at Koko was a stupid thing to attempt. The Ticketmaster experience has been typically awful. I actually prefer the pay-on-the-door model. It means no scalpers and that the hardcore get as close as they want.

.

I've been going to gigs for 35 years and I'm disillusioned with the fact that as soon as an artist sells well on a first album they're playing arenas where all you get to do is stare at a screen. I'm smug at the fact that in 1988 I was telling people close to me that he was a genius and now they get it. I've loved Prince for 30 years and this year I love him more than ever.

Totally agree with you, I went alone to Koko x 2 and met an amazing fella (Rex El) on twitter who sold me a face value tikit for the Roundhouse show 1. I had to borrow my 16 year olds Twitter account to chase Prince as I'd never been on it before. My wife thought I was insane! Meeting P fans in the queue was a real highlight. The music knocked me side ways. I'm a sesoned gigger like most but to be that excited again made me joyus...a real thrill. I have no problem with paying £70 +.

The experience was second to none. Interaction with the legend up close (front row Koko set 1) is something I will take to the grave.

My wife and grown up kids have been very tolerant with my Purple passion since Feb this year...

As a jazz collector and gig goer I have had no time for pop or rock for 30 years, since the big screen gigs and credit card culture of Ticket Theiving Scum) Master. Man for somone like prince to say sod it, first come first served, 2 days notice, how much do you want me? come queue at great little venues and have a piece of me. Genius! Like most it was a problem with family, work and money, but the fun I had chasing him about (standing in what felt like a hurricane outside King's place for hours, and did not get in!!) I was 10 foot tall the next day every time I saw him. Thanks Prince for being real, when the rest of the world don't get you. I felt he gave alot of himself to us. As I said before, for an artist to perform them songs as though it was the first time and for the crowds to respond like it was our first time hearing them, that is super special. I seriously lost my sh*t at each performance. My only regret was not going to Ronnie's the morning after KOKO, Damn! i would have got in. to be honest though I was seriously trippin for days after KoKo, I could bearly speak.

Thanks for the experince Prince, positive happy memories is what it's all about. You seriously delivered in abundence.

calciumpaul said:

I have found it a very, very exciting year. I think its great that someone as legendary as Prince is still so unpredictable and energetic in his itineries. He seems to feed off the intimacy of the small gigs and, dare-I-say, takes account of people's wishes to be within touching distance of him. Most artists who have been in the business as long as he has, tour the same old places playing the same old songs and promote a new (small old) album.

.

I have been really pleased to see so many fans under the age of 30 at the gigs which shows that he's still relevant. I've loved the queueing actually but then I work for myself so its been possible to do that, thankfully. I've loved the comradery. At most concerts - you file in, have a drink with whoever you went with and enjoy the gig and leave without sharing anything with anyone else. But not P, 3EG in the HnR! Its actually been better to go alone.

.

Management in Feb was awful. I'm still embarrassed to admit I drove 2 hours on the strength of a tweet by you-know-who for a second gig in Manchester only for it not to happen and have to sleep in the car before queueing all the next day for that night's gig. The 3rd show at Koko was a stupid thing to attempt. The Ticketmaster experience has been typically awful. I actually prefer the pay-on-the-door model. It means no scalpers and that the hardcore get as close as they want.

.

I've been going to gigs for 35 years and I'm disillusioned with the fact that as soon as an artist sells well on a first album they're playing arenas where all you get to do is stare at a screen. I'm smug at the fact that in 1988 I was telling people close to me that he was a genius and now they get it. I've loved Prince for 30 years and this year I love him more than ever.

.

I completely agree - I've been going alone to P concerts for many many years now and actually prefer it. I've met some of the nicest, most interesting, enthusiastic and entertaining people who actually GET what all the fuss is about. Genuinely I've not experienced fan cameraderie the same at any other gig (but then I've not queued for hours on end for any other gig)

I got to see a fantastic four hour show up close at the Hollywood Palladium, I could hardly have asked for more than that. Luckily the last-minute aspect wasn't a problem, I was free that night.

I thought the Berlin concert was fantastic.Great seats, affordable tickets, very professionally managed, an overall exciting experience. I'm so glad i went as it was the only show in Germany and very thankful Prince at least made this one concert possible.

.

[Edited 6/12/14 23:03pm]

The more I think about it, the more I realise how lucky I was on this tour, Having been a fan for 15 years or so (Since I was about 10-11) I'd never had the chance to see him, partly being too young before the O2 shows then the O2 shows I had tickets for a couple of nights but failed to make it for health reasons and ended up giving the tickets away to another fan.

.

Made it to the Manchester gig on the friday in Feb, went down on my own and met up with a few good people from here and ended up within touching distance of Prince on the 2nd row or something, great experience and what a way to see him first off? Dont think that will ever be topped.

.

Took a friend to the first show at the Phones 4u arena who wasnt a big fan, and he came away with a new found love and respect for Prince which was nice to see and felt like a little achievement as over the years I've been the only Prince fan out of my friends.

.

The Saturday night at the Phones4u I really enjoyed, I went for seated, had brilliant seats and was great having my own space to sit back and enjoy with no messing around with queues etc... As a show this was my highlight, played a good mix of hits and looked like he was having a great time.

.

So waited 10 years and seen him 3 times in the space of 4 months or so, I'm very pleased with that

.

Hopefully the first 3 of many!

beatz01 said:

I thought the Berlin concert was fantastic.Great seats, affordable tickets, very professionally managed, an overall exciting experience. I'm so glad i went as it was the only show in Germany and very thankful Prince at least made this one concert possible.

.

[Edited 6/12/14 23:03pm]

+1

bobzilla77 said:

I got to see a fantastic four hour show up close at the Hollywood Palladium, I could hardly have asked for more than that. Luckily the last-minute aspect wasn't a problem, I was free that night.

That night sounded special. Have you read The Essence article? It was written that night I think.

MrGooodNight said:

calciumpaul said:

I've loved the queueing actually but then I work for myself so its been possible to do that, thankfully. I've loved the comradery. At most concerts - you file in, have a drink with whoever you went with and enjoy the gig and leave without sharing anything with anyone else. But not P, 3EG in the HnR! Its actually been better to go alone.

Nice summary Paul.

Still, the Saturday Q was a lot of fun and the Saturday gig will live with us for a long long time. Thanks for sharing the biscuits

Hope we can do it again soon, amigo. Jammy dodgers next time.

The 1st serie of concerts of 2014 contained the shows at the Academy in Manchester. For me the february shows were more interesting for the die hard fan who wanted to see new songs or rarely played songs. Although these concerts also contained the sampler sets so they had a hit vibe too.

The 2nd Manchester show was fantastic and one of the best i saw the last couple of years...It had everything in it: It was over 3 hrs, hits, new songs, prince on fire with his guitar...

The series of concerts in May i attended were for the bigger audience and were more hit orientated. Great shows, especially Amsterdam for me.

The only thing i think he should avoid in the future is last minute decissions about the number of shows. For example. In Brussels he would play 2 concerts in one night. During the 1st concert there was a third concert announced which resolves in 3 very short concerts as the curfew was 1.00

Prince rushed through the sets to be able to end the serie of bottanique shows at 0.59 hrs...

Next time: Only one show a night and give it the best!! And now : Release the Plectrum Electrum album

Any chance to see Prince is a privelage but these last few shows seemed rather lazy and he just went through the motions hits-wise only becoming interesting when he performed more off-the-wall tracks..I'm not being selfish and realise he has to appeal to everyone..just my opinion.

funkyhead said:

So, who else in Europe is feeling lost! [sorry America BUT I am 100% sure it's your turn next!]

Don't know about you but i am left breathless!, i only managed 5 [only!] 4 in Manchester & 1 in Leeds & have been blown away. The memories have been amazing i.e. the guitar playing, reworking songs, new songs, rare songs, mixed set lists, the FRO!, his dancing!,meeting so many great fans old & new etc.

There are some on here who still slate him for apparently playing the same songs over & over which is hugely unfair - he said it himself - having a solid back catalogue is important when he ain't got an album out! This tour served several purposes i.e. build up hype for P.Rain hence why sensibly playing lots from that album, showcasing 3EG ahead of their album release & likewsie playing a few new cuts from his own pending album & by sensibly playing the hits he put bums on seats!

Overall i've loved it, yes there were some sound / tech issues [unforgiveablae for an artist of his stature TBH] BUT DAYUM he's 56, he danced, he sang, he entertained & made each show more or less different. Summary - totally blown away & still beleive that he is untouchable as alive performer!

The media fell in love him again & he has proved beyond all reasonable doubt that not only does he cotinually appeal to the hard core BUT also the casual masses both young & old.

Does anyother major artist rework their songs as much as P does? - i doubt it!

[Bart over to you! ]

Absolutely agree with you, especially with the summary! I have been lucky to see 5 shows in London in February and the final one of the recent tour in Vienna! For me it was everything I wanted it to be, and much more!! Prince is, without any doubt, untouchable as a live performer!

calciumpaul said:

I have found it a very, very exciting year. I think its great that someone as legendary as Prince is still so unpredictable and energetic in his itineries. He seems to feed off the intimacy of the small gigs and, dare-I-say, takes account of people's wishes to be within touching distance of him. Most artists who have been in the business as long as he has, tour the same old places playing the same old songs and promote a new (small old) album

.

I've been going to gigs for 35 years and I'm disillusioned with the fact that as soon as an artist sells well on a first album they're playing arenas where all you get to do is stare at a screen. I'm smug at the fact that in 1988 I was telling people close to me that he was a genius and now they get it. I've loved Prince for 30 years and this year I love him more than ever.

The bold parts especially completely reflect my opinion and feelings!

ADAMSKI123 said:

calciumpaul said:

As a jazz collector and gig goer I have had no time for pop or rock for 30 years, since the big screen gigs and credit card culture of Ticket Theiving Scum) Master. Man for somone like prince to say sod it, first come first served, 2 days notice, how much do you want me? come queue at great little venues and have a piece of me. Genius! Like most it was a problem with family, work and money, but the fun I had chasing him about (standing in what felt like a hurricane outside King's place for hours, and did not get in!!) I was 10 foot tall the next day every time I saw him. Thanks Prince for being real, when the rest of the world don't get you. I felt he gave alot of himself to us. As I said before, for an artist to perform them songs as though it was the first time and for the crowds to respond like it was our first time hearing them, that is super special. I seriously lost my sh*t at each performance. My only regret was not going to Ronnie's the morning after KOKO, Damn! i would have got in to be honest though I was seriously trippin for days after KoKo, I could bearly speak.

Thanks for the experince Prince, positive happy memories is what it's all about. You seriously delivered in abundence.

Yes!!! Someone else who finds the words that express also my feelings! I personally loved the way he did these gigs in February, and the fact that he is doing things differently than everybody else. And I absolutely agree that he gave very much of himself in these gigs, he still performs with so much passion and true feeling - and especially the songs we all know and love and which he has played hundreds of times over the last 30 years - he still manages to make them sound fresh and new and he makes it so obvious that he just loves music and performing. Prince gives A LOT every time he is on stage, and for that I am entirely grateful.

maplenpg said:

calciumpaul said:

.

I have been really pleased to see so many fans under the age of 30 at the gigs which shows that he's still relevant. I've loved the queueing actually but then I work for myself so its been possible to do that, thankfully. I've loved the comradery. At most concerts - you file in, have a drink with whoever you went with and enjoy the gig and leave without sharing anything with anyone else. But not P, 3EG in the HnR! Its actually been better to go alone.

.

I completely agree - I've been going alone to P concerts for many many years now and actually prefer it. I've met some of the nicest, most interesting, enthusiastic and entertaining people who actually GET what all the fuss is about. Genuinely I've not experienced fan cameraderie the same at any other gig (but then I've not queued for hours on end for any other gig)

Also this is true for me as well - queuing in London has been the best experience I have ever had, for Prince or any other concerts. Mind you, I have never queued for more than 3 hours for anybody else, let alone 12+ hours (as for Prince's Ronnie Scotts gig)! It was so worth it - not only for the brilliance of the gigs, but also because I met really nice people in the queues. I had come over from Austria by myself for the February shows and never felt alone in the crowds. This was a very nice side effect of experiencing some of the best Prince gigs I've ever been to.