From the ST Louis Post Dispatch Website:

Prince
By KEVIN C. JOHNSON
Post-Dispatch Pop Music Critic
05/07/2004


All of the hype accompanying Prince these days - the new CD, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the Grammy appearance - doesn't answer the key question: Can the dynamic performer still bring it when he hits an arena near you?

His well-attended Savvis Center concert Wednesday night offered proof that he can. The still-spry Prince, full of spins and swirls at 45, hasn't missed a step.

After a videotaped introduction featuring Alicia Keys and some classic clips previously used at the Hall of Fame induction, Prince rose from beneath the stage, situated in the center of the floor for this concert in the round. The two-hour-or-so party started with "Musicology," the title track of his new CD, which was handed out to fans at the gate. The "free" CD was slyly figured into ticket prices.

The funky jam with its back-in-the-day flavor got the night off to a great start.

On this tour, Prince pledged to give fans what they want - hits, hits and more hits - and he delivered. "St. Louis, y'all ready for the best night of your life?" Prince asked, then broke into a monotone "dearly beloved," signaling the opening of "Purple Rain" hit "Let's Go Crazy."

Early songs "I Would Die 4 U" - with lyrics changed from "I'm your messiah" to "he's your messiah" - "Baby I'm a Star" and "When Doves Cry" helped fulfill Prince's "Purple Rain" obligation. They also showed that he wouldn't be content with just lazily throwing off the hits. On "When Doves Cry," for example, he toyed with the opening line, "Dig if you will the picture/Of you and I engaged in a ...," by playing a riff from his own "Kiss" rather than singing the word.

Throughout the night, Prince kept hits such as "Controversy" and "Let's Work" crisp and vital. An acoustic interlude, rare for Prince, featured the singer seated with a purple acoustic guitar for "Cream," "Little Red Corvette," "Raspberry Beret" and "Forever in My Life."

"7" and "Sign O' the Times" brought the band back for more plugged-in funk. Beginning with "U Got the Look," women from the crowd danced onstage, bringing added energy to a night that continued with "Life O' the Party," another "Musicology" track, "Kiss," "Soul Man" and "Take Me With U."

Hot-and-bothered ballad "Shhh" was among the surprise inclusions for a goodbye-hits tour. The same could be said for "The Question of U," an obscure track from "Music From Graffiti Bridge," and "D.M.S.R.," a stark funk throwdown from "1999."

The show featured little in the way of frills, keeping the focus on musical showmanship, and Prince let all his players shine. Among the standouts were saxophonist Candy Dulfer and bassist Rhonda Smith. Maceo Parker, also on saxophone, was spotlighted during the instrumental "What a Wonderful World."

Prince's encore was, predictably, the anguished "Purple Rain," performed affectionately while white streamers billowed from the rafters above. Considering the depth of his material, any number of songs ("Adore," "Pop Life," "Alphabet Street") would've nicely helped fill out the encore.

The show was downsized and altered from its opening date in Los Angeles a month ago. Among the songs dropped were "Insatiable" - Prince mostly downplays his former sexy self - "Sometimes It Snows in April" and "Nothing Compares 2 U."

In the end, fans probably never noticed. They were too caught up in His Royal Highness' triumphant return.

The show was downsized and altered from its opening date in Los Angeles a month ago. Among the songs dropped were "Insatiable" - Prince mostly downplays his former sexy self - "Sometimes It Snows in April" and "Nothing Compares 2 U."

that's too bad. I was at the LA show and it was truly wonderful.


Prince's encore was, predictably, the anguished "Purple Rain," performed affectionately while white streamers billowed from the rafters above. Considering the depth of his material, any number of songs ("Adore," "Pop Life," "Alphabet Street") would've nicely helped fill out the encore.

I was there - it was my first time seeing Prince live and I am STILL blown away. I liked the fact that he performed songs like 'Let's Work' and 'DMSR.' Prince is truly 'His Royal Badness.'

Nice article.... this dude knows his Prince!