Hilton Coliseum - Ames Iowa
Yes, it really was a great show, but I figured I'd cut right
to the high points of the recent "Musicology" concert by Prince:
* Women think Prince is a sex idol;
* Black folks don't go to a Prince Concert;
* Not enough old tunes;
* Women show up in some funky looking threads;
* Guys don't go to a Prince Concert;
* Prince is way too good looking;
* Women think Prince is a sex idol...or something.

Women & Prince
OK, what is the deal here? I've got to admit that I've never been a big Prince fan, but then I'm a guy (see above). The MOST amazing thing I noticed about the audience was that women outnumbered men by ten to one. And, there were literally busloads of women being "off-loaded" in front of the concert venue. (Some with and some without "Raspberry Berets.") And the screaming? It started the moment Prince set his red glitter encrusted, 3" high-heels on the stage and lasted for the full two hours of the show. I think they were jealous.

African-Americans & Prince
OK, so it is Iowa...but you would figure that with the healthy dose of funk that comes with his new CD "Musicology" (that, by the way, was handed out to each person as they entered the door.... how cool is that?) we might have seen more brotha's and sista's at the party. Nope, it was a pretty "white-bread" crowd.

Old Tunes & Prince
What happened to some of the major hits from 25 years of solid work? Prince had made statements that this tour would be the last time he performs his best-known songs live. That being the case, we missed: "I Wanna Be Your Lover," "1999," "I could never Take the Place of Your Man," "Erotic City," "Alphabet St.," "Gett Off," "Cream" and "Raspberry Beret." The crowd expected more... However, all was forgiven when he went into an acoustic opening for his signature anthem "Purple Rain" during the encore.

Funky Threads & Prince
While the ladies showed up with the prerequisite bare midriffs and bouncing bosoms Prince was every bit the well dressed "man about town." He had three costume changes with the most interesting being the red suit that had tuxedo length tails on one side and dinner jacket length on the other. This man is sharp...

Guys & Prince
Me and a couple hundred other male types showed up. Among them were six members of his crack eight-piece band New Power Generation. The drummer and keyboard player were simply incredible, and the overall sound was tight and seamless.


Good Looks & Prince
Don't get me wrong here...but Prince is entirely too good-looking. He held the audience in the palm of his hand from the beginning. Singing center stage with the band scattered around him, he slipped from catwalk to catwalk towards an adoring crowd of people who stood up more than sat down. And, after a quarter-century his dance moves are still formidable.

Women & Prince
Ok.... I'm just jealous.

Bottom Line & Prince
After ten years out of the mainstream, changing his name to a Symbol and some recording troubles, Prince is ready to reclaim the throne of rock royalty. Recently, his well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his appearance at this years Grammy's raised his profile. Now he is capturing throngs of loyal fans while making a few new ones along the way. Good stuff...and the scenery ain't bad either. Go see it.