Very little going on yesterday afternoon, so I decided to re-watch the August 3rd 1983 show. I hadn't watched the tape in about 6 years so it was quite a treat. OK, so most fans admit this is probably one of his greatest performances, but what I found quite interesting was to try and watch the expression on those audience member's faces...

Nowadays (let's say since around 1988), watching Purple Rain being played live, is kind of like watching Prince go through some kind of obligatory chore. However, imagine the audience's reaction to the song the first time Prince ever played it... It's priceless to watch. (Of course, they had already heard the first performances of I Would Die 4 U and Baby I'm A Star too, so it must have been absolutely mind blowing).

What I would like to ask, can anybody here truthfully say they were at that show, and if so, what was it really like being there!

What I would like to ask, can anybody truthfully say they have seen this footage.

I saw a snippet of it on a British documentary on Prince, so I'm sure it's out there.

What I would like to ask is, where's my copy???

eyewishuheaven said:

I'm unaware that any of the 1983 performance has ever been released or made available for broadcast officially. I don't think any of the 1983 First Avenue gig was ever included in the documentaries made of Prince.

It is definitely unreleased circulating material though.
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CinisterCee said:

I had to search hard until I found a copy that had decent picture quality. Most circulating copies were just average. It's also professionally filmed with some decent camera angles, such as a superb overhead view during Computer Blue!!

I've seen some video footage of this show -- not great quality, but cool to see nonetheless. I've heard the whole show, and it sounds like the audience was completely mindblown at all the brand new Purple Rain songs, including "Electric Intercourse" (which should've been released as a B-side at least).

Such an incredible show.It's really strange,too..to think about those times. Prince was a star,but not a superstar.He was about 24 and really cocky and energetic. The man was primed to conquer the world.And those kids didn't really know what they were witnessing. Some of them almost close enough to touch his boots. Incredible!!

langebleu said:

The footage of him performing Purple Rain at the preview show was shown in
part in the excellent BBC Omnibus "Prince Rogers Nelson" that was shown
late in 1991.For those of you that haven't seen the preview show, ask around,
its been circulating for years and lots of people have it , its not that rare
nowadays.

D'oh! Double-post! Disregard!!!
[Edited 11/15/04 18:24pm]

Yes, that sounds like the documentary I'm speaking of, though I'm pretty sure when it debuted here in Canada it was called "Prince of Paisley Park". Anyway, I do recall that it ended with Prince performing The Ladder on solo piano during a soundcheck for the Lovesexy tour.

If I recall, the relevant clip was of the performance of Purple Rain, with Prince wearing a hooded outfit of some kind, and absolutely bathed in sweat, Can anyone confirm this?

langebleu said:

langebleu,let me preface this by saying that you are a master princeologist,a man who's facts are second to none...but...they really did include the snippets of the aug.3,1983 in "the prince of paisly park",i just checked my vhs to verify.to be exact,the clip shown was about 48 seconds of "purple rain".

I was at this show and it was fantastic! You could tell he was at the top of his game and gave a great performance. I was 19 years old. My first Prince shows had been in March 1982 (both Met Center and the next night First Ave show) so I had only been a Prince fan for a couple years. Most of his First Ave shows were last minute word of mouth gigs but this one they had sold tickets in advance for $25 as it was a benefit for Minnesota Dance Company. They did a dance performance on the main floor first and then of course the Prince show. I wish I could remember the feeling I got hearing those songs for the first time. Because by now we have heard them so many times but back then of course they were unfamilier and it was the first time I heard them! Pretty amazing. I am so glad I had the chance to see shows like this one!!

You got to be part of history my friend.

Those 3 shows you went to were unbelievable. I have heard alot about them and heard them on boots..

Great stuff. If you have not seen the Fist ave benifit show, you need to see this piece of history. Prince was at the very best he could be then.

AWESOME SHOW!!!!

I have to say that my shitty copy of this gig is my prized possession. I don't know what I would do if someone were to take this from me. It's a really incredible concert. Electric Intercourse was off da hook. When I first watched it I kind of tripped out. Purple Rain was exactly like the record/movie. I didn't know until later that they used this performance and later added strings. CRAZY!!!! Until I saw this performance I didn't realize that when Prince performs the song I WOULD DIE 4 U, he is plucking one string on his guitar. It's one suspended note. GENIUS.

Miguel

[Edited 11/16/04 13:43pm]

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

I would kiss your toes for a copy(smile)

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

Yes, somehow that ONE note manages to sound like a beautiful melody, right? Stunning!

calldapplwondery83 said:

!!!!!

Genius!!!

Miguel

Prince's performance and energy for this show are amazing. However, the audience is being hit with a bunch of unfamiliar new material and you can tell by watching it. They don't really know what they are seeing yet.

skywalker said:

Okay, how hot do you think it was in there that night. It looked like a sauna.

Miguel

wallysafford said:

Interesting. I never realised this. I've got my tape of the documentary from when it was first broadcast and I never picked up on it including parts of the 1983 performance, although I knew the BBC was given access to a fair bit of archive material from the PP vaults. I'll have to look back at that tape again!
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I know this is an old post but I watched this again last night after not watching it in many years. It is such an intimate show. What I love about the show is that Prince retains his vocal integrity throughout the show. I hate when he runs out of breath in some of his other shows and can't sing. He's busy running around and stuff. In this show he does everything without losing his voice. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A REALLY REALLY GOOD OFFICIAL COPY OF THIS CONCERT. I realized that during the PURPLE RAIN performance he goes up to Wendy and kisses her on the cheek just like in the movie. The encore is performed in his trademark leg warmers and some kind of unitard. I just wish he wasn't wearing that funky ass hat and trench. And the other piece de resistance was his performance of Electric Intercourse...."don't you wanna". Oh man. I LOVE THIS SONG. Okay I have to stop. I'm going home tonight and watching it again. Yes it's that good!!!!

Miguel

I want one!

eyewishuheaven said:

I don't know why I think this quote is so hilarious. Total kid tantrum. Love it!!!!!

Miguel

brilliant performance.this show would be a prince holy grail if it weren't available.

I gotta watch my video of this again soon. I was pretty close up front I think but I don't think I've been able to find myself on the tape. I don't remember how much of the audience gets shown. I have found myself on the Rave DVD! But it would be cool if I could find myself on this!

CinisterCee said:

I have seen it under the title of "Prince & the Revolution: The KIng of First Avenue" It is pretty amazing stuff and features Wendy's first public appearance as a member of the band. Loved seeing Electric Intercourse played live too