Chicago review From Tom:



“You know, we’re like battered wives: we suffer and suffer but as soon as he gets on stage we’re like, “I’m sorry, that’s ok, it was all worth it,” and the next time we’re right back in line for the beatings.”


--paraphrased from Derek



OK, so this is going to be a personal report, since I’m sure there will plenty of set lists and costume explanations posted (especially since that part didn’t vary much from the other nights). I’ve seen a couple of Jams up at the Park – incredible experiences all of them, but this was going to be my fist time seeing a full blown concert. So after getting my tickets on the web (three windows refreshing on a T3), I showed up to get in line at about 2:30 Thursday afternoon. I was totally prepared to sit by myself and stare at the wall for the next 5 hours or so. Then I was reminded how wonderful the community of Prince fans really is. I was soon joined by Derek, Lisa, Bernice, Kim, Rich, Tina, Michelle, Donna, Nikki, Tina (II), and Derek and Nikki’s tall friend whose name eludes me (sorry) – Love you all!! We sat and traded stories and were awed by Derek’s collection of videos and ‘views.’ It was such a fantastic time, one I will remember for the rest of my life, and that was before the show! Once we got in (half an hour before they said we would, but two hours after the posted time), we ran to the far exit on a tip from one of the ushers. We could here just the tail end of the sound check, which got me totally stoked!!! Another fifteen minutes and we bolted for the front. And there we were: packed in like sardines 3 feet from the stage for the next two hours (at least) and we didn’t care. Again surround by such wonderful people (Vivian, Jo, Angie, Ria, and April), the time seemed to fly! Every minute they would send somebody across the stage with a flashlight to make sure everything was plugged in (of course it’s plugged in, you just checked it a minute ago!). But sure enough, every time I was sure it was the final check and they were ready to start, despite the fact that it was only 7:30. Every time the CD (Seal) changed songs, we would all cheer like the band was coming out. We were being played, and we knew it, but I cheered just the same. Eventually, they started playing some megamix of prince and NPG tunes. We lost it, up front at least. Dancing and singing. . . what a trip. Then we heard Najee – couldn’t see him, but he was definitely playing. He was up in the stage left balcony playing away, when he fell onto a note that he must have held for 2 full minutes. Then he left the balcony, and came back in on the floor, made his way to the front and climbed up on stage STILL HOLDING THE SAME NOTE. Unbelievable. He was soon joined by Rhonda (sexy MF!) and Morris and the rest of the newest NPG. This band is T-I-G-H-T!!! Easily one of the tightest bands I’ve ever seen. And Blackwell on the kit – he must be seen to be believed. There’s no reason to describe Prince. Singular in his mastery of performance. Personally, I thought the sound was excellent. I could hear everything perfectly and clearly, even if I was in the front. A couple of timeless moments: Prince seemed genuinely shocked that we (as a crow) knew every song from the first chord, and furthermore could sing every one of them. I don’t think he even sang any of Raspberry Beret. “How many of you have never seen me live before? . . . That’s why I’m playing all my hits for you. How many of you have seen me live before? . . . So that’s why you know all the lyrics!” At one point, we sere cheering so much he could even start whatever song he wanted to. That’s when he told us that we were the reason he wasn’t worried about not getting radio play. ;o) He was really enjoying himself, and I could see in his face that he was going to jam after the show. He had people dancing for Come On (fantastic Live, surprisingly), but the real treat was when he brought that Big, Beautiful woman back up to the stage and then let the local impersonator up there too – they were certainly getting down!! He threw the imposter (Julian?) the mike during Kiss – and he tore it up!! Prince was on the floor, doubled over in laughter. It was awesome. As for the set list – mind-blowing. I even knew it coming in, but every turn surprised me. The ballad medley (Do Me, Baby – Scandalous – Diamonds and Pearls) almost had me in tears, as did Purple Rain – that man really loves that song! The old school first half felt like I was at First Ave in ’83! This truly is a magnificent tour, no ass kissing or anything. Remember, this is a ‘rehearsal’ for the big tour this spring. Take it for what it is.



With the full show plus the after gig, it was certainly a night that I won’t ever forget. An absolute dream come true. Much love again to my line and front row people. Let’s do this again!



Peace and B Wild!



~Tom in Chicago (South Side)