{{{Just got back from the House of Blues Sunset show with Maceo Parker and all of a sudden, at around midnight (Maceo stared playing at 10:30pm), Maceo grabs the mic and says, "Well I'd like you give a warm welcome..." and all of a sudden this super fly black chic walks out (better known as Rhonda) walks across the stage and grabs the bass...and Maceo continues..."Are y'all ready? Cause we're about to turn this mutha out!!!" And all of a sudden, pimping out a new hairstyle reminicent of Dirty Mind, with the full weave, dope grey pin stripe suit, even doper gold NPG medalion encircled with bright shiny diamonds walks out none other than The Man himself--that's right muthafuckasss, Prince strolls out onto the stage...and simultaneously, the crowd EXPLODES!!!}}}---you can't even hear the person next to you talk because the crowd is SO LOUD!!! And then Prince, with his back to the stage, walks up to the front mic, waves his hand in the air, and the band starts going through the beats of Family Name, and just when you think their about to drop "Mirror Mirror", Prince waves his hand again in the air, and the band goes through the opening notes again, and the whole crowd starts yelling in unison "Mirror Mirror!" but again, Prince waves his hand, and the band returns to the opening notes, and then, with the crowd noise at a TEN Prince whips out his hankerschied out of the fron pocket of his grey pinstripe suit and the whole band including Rhonda on the bass kicks into a super phunky beat as Prince then turns for the first time to fae the crowd, 2 feet in front of me, center stage! And I whip out my disposable camera and snap some super dope shots of the Brotha up close, in person, live as a surprise guest at the Maceo Parker show House of Blues, January 24, 2004!!! Within seconds, fools were rushing up to the front, but me and my girly stood strong, securing our spot 24 inches away from the sickest musician to ever walk the face of the earth. Now Prince didn't pick up an instrument, didn't blow out his beautiful voice, didn't really bust any crazy moves on the stage...but you know what...he didn't need to...cause the whole crowd couldn't contain themselves!!! I got pics that I'm gonna develop tomorrow and scan in...so stay tuned...Prince has done it again

Yeah, I was there as well and I kept thinking Prince might show up. Then, when Maceo kept having one Prince camp person after another join him on stage to jam, from Candy Dulfer to John Blackwell to RAD, I was tingling because I felt the presence of Prince even before he appeared. Then when he did, it was pure electricity! The show in total was mind-blowing. Maceo and his band, which included Fred Wesley, Greg Boyer, Rodney "Skeet" Curtis and Morris Hayes, kicked ass for more than three hours! They did not want to leave the stage ... it literally seemed like they could not stop jamming. I have seen hundreds of concerts since the 1970s, and this one ranks up there among the best. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if Prince had picked up a guitar. Not bad for $23.50 a ticket! BTW, Prince threw his microphone into the crowd before he left. I have never seen that before ... nice souvenir! Now that he is in L.A. with his entire band, I am wondering if maybe they will jam somewhere here this weekend??? Anyone hear any rumors???

Peace,
Scott

How I wish I could have been there!!

Phunk... U definately know how 2 tell a story!! Eye started readin, then stared salivating, then started wishing eye was of age 2 have been at the club! Thanx a lot 4 that, and eye hope that u gett those scanned pictures up soon. Peace.

Thank u so much 4 this little but great report , can't wait 2 see the pix !

Cheers for sharing that story - cool, cool, cool!!!
Wanna see that weave tho - get the pics up!!!

---

So... he didn't even sing?

MrWhatever said:

He sang Musicology and NoDiggity..

Maceo kicked out Pretty Man for one of the last encores, but Prince must have split by then..

Phunk, I was there last night! You must have been right by me cause I was up against the barrier front/center with my pal. It has to be one of the best shows I have ever seen. Maceo was amazing on his own, but with a touch of Prince thrown in it was out of control! Consider ourselves very lucky...

Cheers!

ptreefreak

Okay -- so I landed at LAX at 10:15. It's was after 11 when I got to my friend's place about 5 blocks away from HOB. As I walked up Sunset, I was saying in my head, "Prince, please don't come on stage until I get there, please wait until I get there." It was my marching mantra. I get to the door and security tells me the box office is closed, so he can't stamp my hand, that I have to stay inside once I'm in. "Fine."

I can hear the funk from outside. I walk in, check out the band, recognize the woman on keys as maybe being Rad. I don't specifically notice anyone else. I go to the back bar, get a beer. Turn around to hear The Introduction. I was there maybe 2 minutes when Prince came onstage. You've all read the rest of that already.

I can add that I was standing behind the boards, and saw the lead guy throw his arms in the air, obviously VERY PISSED, when Prince tossed the microphone. He immediately shined his flashlight into the crowd, yelling unheard for the recipient to return it. Yeah, right. Well, after less than a minute, another sound Guy JUMPS OVER the boards, into the crowd and takes the mic away. So much for a souvenir. I guess u can't give what u ain't got!

After the crowd cleared out some, I got to make my way to the very front, where I knew I'd encounter The Usual Bumpsquad Suspects. And I did!!! Great to see u all.

Great night for an impromptu L.A. visit.

since when did Prince start wearing weave and hair pieces?

Prince is all natural...a brotha can grow some hair!

I wanna see Prince too!!!

Phunk said:

Uhhh...don't mean to be nitpicking but the suit was solid beige.




He did go over to the keyboards by Rad but I was right in front of them so I couldn't see if he was actually playing.


And let's not forget his little "beat boxing " moments!

Prince and the NPG!!! :wOot: :woOt: Maceo and his band!!! :wOot: :woOt:
[This message was edited Sat Jan 24 20:13:39 PST 2004 by CandyEyce]

"Now that he is in L.A. with his entire band, I am wondering if maybe they will jam somewhere here this weekend??? Anyone hear any rumors???"


Something like that but I'm not one to gossip. Ever funkin' on.

im so mad at myself, i told my self a 100 times to go to that show, i knew inside prince would be there, sigh. ok but im confused, what all songs did prince and the band play and what did he sing?

what im so surprised at is that everyone knew the words to family name!?!?! so everyone there was basically a hardcore prince fan!?

Wait a minute...what?!? You took out a camera & took shots of Prince & a goon didn't confiscate it?!?
Good for you! Reeeaaalllyyy looking forward to the pictures!

softandwet said:

Not necessarily. Maceo, his bass player Skeet and trombonist Greg Boyer bring a hardcore contingent from all PFunk shows. We are always there!

Maceo also copped a lot of flow doing a free show opening for Ani Di Franco. Ever since then there's a load of sexy white co-eds. Maceo's rapper son, Corey Parker, brings some nice flow in that area too. White babes used to be draped all over him. Prince is bringin' some stuff too now.

Word I'm hearing is Prince is camped out here until the GRAMMYS. So muggs need to be aware of code-names and alter egos cuz somethin' gonna be happening. That shit last night was like some chick giving you head, but not letting you cum in her mouth. Need to see that freak ASAP!


[This message was edited Sat Jan 24 23:41:09 PST 2004 by PFunkjazz]

softandwet said:

I don't think that "everyone" new the words. I didn't hear "Mirror Mirror" just random screaming.

PFunkjazz said:

XtrueX said:

Yeah, can't wait to see them too!!! Hope they turned out. I've tried to take pictures of Prince before, but they always came back looking like blurred lights.

How come everyone has failed to mention JOYCE was slamdancin' in the front row (and ended up being the one who caught the mic)

?

PFunkjazz said:

So I take it you liked Prince's short gig?

Taureau said:

wow

u took it there

with that dead on description

prince sure knows how 2 tease

a mutha funker

but the man pleases

as well

There's been QUITE a handful of instances where "Musicology" has been played..hmmm...
Don't u think its time SOMEONE lets us hear that song, whether it be Prince himself...or...ehh...*ahem*...

Man, sounds like you saw an awesome show. That's so cool...
Rhonda sounded as if she looked damn good! Get any pics of her walking across the stage?

Blue
Let me know

Phunk said:

- Ahhh...in the House of Blues...I was expecting him to pick up the Telecaster and make some great guitar playing... but it´s fine anyway. Thanks for the story!

TheBluePrince said:

I had a KODAK moment leaving HOB. Walked out the rear door and crowd was waitng for valet service pushed me out into the traffic lanes. Standing near a black limo was Rhonda, leaning up aganst the barricade. There was enough room for me to squeeeze between her and the limo, but I figured that'd make security jump. So I went on the other side of the barricade. Passed real close to her. Muttered something incoherent to her (I was more drunk than tongue-tied). No pics, but it's true. She's really really fine.

Here's the review I posted on NPGMC...

I just got home from the House of Blues and all I can say is Wow! What a great show! Maceo...Pure Funk!! Great to see Morris Hayes on keyboards too! Then, about 3/4 of the way through the show...a wonderful surprise!...first Candy Dulfer, then one by one Prince's band took the stage...and then yes, Prince was there! What can I say? I was front row center and he looked so happy and relaxed...and so fine (as usual!)...and (as usual) it was pure joy to experience! He sang "Musicology" and then just stayed on stage while everyone just jammed on various improvs...he just really got into the funk like the rest of us! Then after just a few minutes, he and the band left the stage and Maceo's band took over where they left off! It was, as Maceo had promised us earlier, "a night to remember". The whole show lasted at least 3 hours...maybe longer...Maceo and his band were still jamming when I left! My feet were tired and I had an hour to drive home, but (as usual) it was worth it!
Kat:)

P.S. Thanks J7 for the hint that inspired me to go to this show!...Great to see you again too RD Hull!