The concert at the St Pete Times Forum lasted exactly 2 hours. The only song performed from the album was Musicology. It was a good performance, however the sound was a bit distorted as the volume was on high (perhaps on Max, not good). I was in the V.I.P. section on the 4th floor, which could have explained the distortion; the lower level was probably better. I guess, I will be in NPGMC member section, where I belong.

The funny part was that every dish in XO club was named after one of your Highness' songs (e.g. Alphabet Street Medley (veggie), Purple Rain mashed Potato (yes, in purple), Raspberry Beret salmon). Sorry fams, I can't remember the names of the Shrimp and Lobster dishes. I thought that was cool.

At the end of the concert, a member of NPG announced that there would an after party at 1619 E 7th ave. It turned out to be Prahna (Ibor's Premier Nite Spot).

His Majesty was there about 1.5 hours after the concert on the 3 floor. The club had 5 floors
but Prince was on the 3rd. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors were off limits.

Usually, afterparties are free if you have concert tickets, but not that night. Any way, the DJ played 3 Michael Jackson, and I said "W.T.F. is this?. His Majesty is here and you are playing King of Pop?" I drew the Symbol Sign on a piece of napkin wrote PLAY THAT and handed that to him. He said "We're not allowed to".

Then Our Majesty showed up to the 2nd floor for about 15 minutes about 10 feet away from me (Life O' the Party was played at that point, I can't remember) and I raised my hands and formed 2 victory signs and shouted, " Keep it Up, Prince" about 3 times. That’s right, I was the guy with the pink shirt across the balcony (yeah, I know what some of you are thinking - I am not that kind). So, he lowered his songs glasses and stared a second. There were a few flashes in the club, I hope someone will post some pictures for us. Yep, his Royal Purpleness had his sunglasses on at all time and then left at about 2:30am through the back door.

No Performance. Extortion, perhaps, but it was nice to see him, though.


+++++

Open Letter


This said, I went home and listened to the cd. I must say I am disappointed (pis..ed, even) with this album. Look forward to my Open Letter to his Majesty and a review of the album, Fams. I will call for a 3-CD set to follow this letdown while he's got the Professional critics on his side. I hope, you, Fams, will support my call for more powerful grooves like "I Rock, Therefore I Am". I am die-hard fam. Frankly I don't know which Musicology album these professional critics are listening to.

Emancipation (3-cd set), Gold Experience, Rave Un2 Joy Fantastic, Crystal Ball (4-cd set) are Musicology Masterpieces. CDs with powerful jams (Rock, Funk, R&B, etc...). And that's just in the 90's, folks. Radio stations would not play you at the time. But we, fams, knew better.

"A million days", "If eye was the man in ur life", "Cinnamon Girl" are ok but weak and "Dr Mr Man" (my favorite, bit too short).

"... seems like a Million days, It's been 7 hours and 13 days, 17 days ... let the rain come down" I these sound familiar it's because it is the same formula is used in 3 different gongs, somehow it still works.

Compare the above to the "Dolphins", "Live for Love", "I Hate U", "Insatiable", "Morning Papers", "Last Heart", "Gold", "Emale", "Soul Sanctuary", "Right back in my arms", "Love we Make", "Saviour", White Mansion", "Love Sign", "Greatest Romance ever sold", "Old Friends for Sale", "Man O War", "Last December", "Dig U Better Dead", "Into the Light", "I will", "Come","Shoo-Bed-Ooh", “Freaks on this Side”, "Sleepin Around" (go listen to the horns on that last song) etc...

Now that's what I called Musicology, not the most recent ones. Now, you know I am a Sophisticated M.F. - uh! I mean listener, as you've schooled me, your Highness. Perhaps, it's time to open the vault and pick some masterpieces similar to the one I mentioned above and create a 3-CD set while the critics love you.

I have supported you for 20 years, Prince, when the record labels and critics were looking the other way (90's). I can play the 4 albums I mentioned above at home 5 times in a day.

If I can't play the Musicology cd 2 times at home, how can you expect Radio stations to play this cd?

Signing with a Major Record company does make a difference, doesn't it? Musicology is being played in New York and the critics love it another fam and friend told me. Another Fam in NYC agrees with me, in that Musicology is weak. As a Fam, I shouldn't rain on your parade after a decade plus of absence on the airwaves.

Musicology is a collector's item. I have it and that's good. Yes, Prince has spoiled me. I am used to 7 to 11 minute songs and albums with 18 to 35 songs. Like you said, Prince, we, fams, are a sophisticated audience and we expect you to produce more and often (i.e. every year) and to be different. Gee! not that different, Prince; I must be able to play it at home.

Respectfully you Highness, this is a matter to reflect upon, I “never meant to offend or unnerve”; a little critic from a die-hard Fam is good, sometimes... Now, pleeease, a 3-CD set.

In any case, at the end of time, you will still be viewed as the Greatest Artist who ever Rocked this Planet. Some just don't know it yet.

Keep it up, P.

Peace & Love

Wizard

yeah i got some good photos of him at the VIP balcony!!!

ailsy said:

Would you care to share with prince.org or can u do that?