The bad...

I'm overjoyed by this entire experience, but there were a few things that threatened to spoil it for everybody.

Something was off on the 2nd night. The security was being extra-rude and they kept pushing back the time of the soundcheck and the show.

Prince was in the middle of his soundcheck and asked what time it was. My brother called out 9:40 and he said, "Oh, geez. We're supposed to be on in 20 minutes. We gotta go. He did a short version of "A Case of U" and left. But the show itself didnt' start until 11:30. There was some world class DJ whose name escapes me now who was supposed to come on at 3:00. The night before, they had something scheduled for midnight and Prince wrapped up a few minutes before. So I think Prince had planned on playing until almost 3. The girl who Ian lovingly described as Leather Tuscadero was the one who handled his setlists and turned his lyric book pages. I saw her with 3 small pieces of paper with the setlists written on them. I noticed the Tamar one, his main set one and then a 3rd. And I think that Prince planned on performing these songs because I could read them all on the page...

Bill Collector Blues
17 Days
DMSR
She's Always In My Hair
All The Critics Love U In New York
The Word
The Dance
Love
Get On The Boat
Shhh!
Shy
Pink Cashmere
Beautiful Strange

and a few others that I'm not remembering right now.

Anyway...they ushered the fans off the stage after "I Wanna Take You Higher", Prince left for a minute and the band were playing this quiet, eerie synth wash thing. Then this security dude walked out right in the middle of it and made a gesture chopping his hand across his throat and then put his hands out in a pushing motion as if to stop and leave. Morris just got up and left. His drummer shrugged and left as well. I think they were all really surprised by this. Then some dude who looked like Howie Long came out and said, "You all have to leave now. We're setting up for another show at 3 and we need you to clear out." Then the security basically started yelling at us all to back up and get out. It was SO tacky and SO rude and SO unexpected. You could tell that Prince was not ready to be done. If I hadn't read that setlist I wouldn't have been so disappointed, but I would've LOVED to hear those songs. If Prince is going to do an extended stay at this particular club, I hope they treat him and his fans better than they did. They really catered to the VIP's and I thought that sucked. I do appreciate them getting me a seat up front, but I think it left a sour taste in everyone's mouth. You could tell the fans were in shock.

Later, I heard an explanation that things started late because there was a problem with one of Morris' pedals. But I also overheard some commotion outside the club about them not having their VIP security in place and that the house was gonna be packed with celebs that night. Apparently, Madonna was supposed to show up. I'm not sure if she did, but I doubt she paid $312.01 to be there.

After the show there were several upset people. A huge fight broke out at one point with the security actually dragging one guy on the ground off the premises. His girlfriend was shouting out, "Fuck you! He's got a back condition! You're gonna fucking pay for this! We'll sue!" Classy.

There were a few unpleasant people up front too. Nearly everyone was concerned with how I was doing and made sure I was okay several times thoughout the show. But one girl reached over to me and said, "Could you please move over. I waited a long time for this and I'm gonna wanna be able to move." I was right up next to the velvet rope with no room to budge and I told her as much. She was like, "Well could you just move the rope then?" Nice. Another dude complained both nights and I think he was actually a roadie. Our conversation went something like this...

Dude: Who are you?

Me: Umm. I'm Nathan.

Dude: Yeah, so. Why are you here?

Me: I spoke to security about getting a stool and they put me here.

Dude: There's no seating in this venue.

Me: I was just in the hospital and they did this for my safety.

Dude: Well, couldn't you have waited a few days to get out? I really wanted my girl to stand here.

Me: Umm, no.

Dude: Whatever.

Thanks for the concern dude. Nice fuckin' straw hat too, btw. Peace out.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't mean to complain. I had a great time. I don't really fault Prince for any of this, although I'm surprised they didn't have the timing worked out. But between some extremely rude fans and staff, they could've really ruined this for some people. The good FAR outweighed the bad in this case, so I'm willing to overlook it. Some people just need to learn how to conduct themselves in public and have some common decency.

Moonbeam said:

There is no one like that girl. She has so much love and so many gifts to share.

I'm so thankful that we've all become so close in the past few years. Can't wait 'til July.

Moonbeam said:

Y'all are layin' it on thick tonight!

But seriously...sometimes I feel like you're my older brother. You're so driven, accomplished, intense and amazing. I can't believe the things you've been able to do in your 26 years. You're always growing so fast and going so far, I can barely keep up with you. I just hope that the distance doesn't get in our way. If you and Tracy can manage, I'm hoping that we can too.

GangstaFam said:

Yeah. I wanted to buy a T-shirt afterward. The stand was near the stage but on the other side. My bro and I walked around to have a look and a stern security guard said, "You have to move out fellas- the show's over." When I explained that I wanted to get a shirt, he let me through.

Moreover, one of the security people outside told us that he thought we'd be able to stay to see this "world class DJ" after the show had we wanted to. However, that was clearly not the case as we were herded out like cattle. You'd think that Prince would have more clout than some DJ. Doors were supposed to open at 8 to the general public, yet we did not get in for at least an hour. Couldn't the people there for this DJ wait for an hour so Prince could play longer?

GangstaFam said:

We can and we will.

And I've gotta add that Prince was looking extra sharp this weekend. His hair was almost a typhoon a la the "Diamonds and Pearls" video, but a little less severe. He looked perfect. He was wearing his do rag for the entire first night and put it on for the show during the 2nd night. Probably the sexiest thing he wore was a sleeveless black vest with this really angular collar during the first half of the 2nd night. Tamar and The Twins were dressed in black too. Fly! Prince and the girls had the gold skin glitter in full effect too. His tan and cream suit during the soundcheck was also really nice.

Moonbeam said:

Even more than that, couldn't they have scheduled the guy for another night?

Moonbeam said:

Oh and much love to Tim.

You are such a great guy and it was lovely getting to speak with you. Have a safe trip back to England and I'll definitely look you up.

Dayspring said:

If Prince keeps this up and if money and time allow, I'd love to bring you back here with me.

GangstaFam said:

Most definitely! It was a pleasure meeting Tim, as well as Nicole from DC, who was my dance patna!

Man, an hour on the internet goes fast when you're paying for it! I'll remember this when I'm just being lazy at home next time.

And thanks to Prince for the delicious goat cheese salad, salmon fillet and spinach/artichoke dip. Best meal I've had in ages!

Alright y'all. I'm Audi. See ya on the flipside.

Thanks Gangsta, Moonbeam and Romera.

Great report!

Wow!! Fabulous report guys! It feels like I was almost there with ya. And I can TOTALLY see Ian singing his heart out. oh my.


Miss you all so much.

Moonbeam said:

are Lori and Rita the ones who follow him all over the world?

SquirrelMeat said:

co-sign - glad you guys had such a great time!

HobbesLeCute said:

tolyc said:

Thanks for the reports, you make it sound awesome when some other reports have sounded very cold to the whole event.

You always get a few rude people at any concert in my experience, some people are just so desperate and obsessive it over-rides their normal behaviour. The trick is to not get into it with them and quickly letitgo.

I keep reading these concerts and it can leave the impression everyone manages to get up on stage so easily these days! That certainly hasn't been my experience or luck!

I have read on other reports that some songs that there was a segment where he quickly ripped through a few songs on electrick guitar only playing a phrase or line or 2, was that the Computer Blue to Ice Cream section? Because it's probably a good idea to put 'snippet' after on your set-list otherwise it looks to casual readers like he played the entire song, and, let's face it, would make the set-list appear a lot more impressive than it actually is (not that it was bad or anything!).

GangstaFam said:

She hosted her own aftershow party at the Tao that evening...not to say she didn't go to the Empire afterward, but I haven't heard anything about it. I'll have to check it out.



Thanks to all of you for the detailed reporting!!

GangstaFam saidHere's a brief transcript of our conversation....

GF: Hey Prince!

Prince: Hey!

GF: How are ya?

Prince: Good, good.

Prince: Do you really think it's safe to be there? (pointing at the giant-ass monitors next to our heads)

GF: (pointing to my hospital band) Well, I just got out of the hospital and they put me here so I could have a seat. I wasn't about to miss this.

Prince:

BabyNoz: Is it dangerous?

Prince: Do y'all have any earplugs?

GF: I grabbed some tissue from the bathroom.

Prince: You should put that in your ears.

GF: I just want to thank you for having us in the beautiful, small club.

Prince: Thanks for coming out.

Romera: Are we in your way?

Prince: Naw.

Moonbeam: Thank you for doing this Prince. And God Bless You.

Prince: Likewise. (big smile and he walked backstage)


DUDE!!!!!
[Edited 5/30/06 0:06am]
[/quote]

OMG you guys got to talk to Prince??? Wow! I'd be daydreaming about that for the rest of my life!

lilgish said:

Done!

Stay With My Baby (anybody know who this is by? it's great!)


This is a old tune made poplular by Bette Midler. She performs this in the film "The Rose," in it's entirety. Worth renting, just to the see and hear that one song.

SOOOOO Amazing!!!!!

I am BEYOND jealous I could not witness it all.

I am so happy you guys had the experience you did, you deserved it.

As for you my Ian, what a once in a lifetime moment, you will treasure it always, and so you should.... freaking awesome babe!

Damn I wish I could have been there.

GangstaFam said:

i totally wish i coulda been there with ya'll (coulda had a condensed version of The Circle Of Sexxy in vegas!)...but getting that totally unexpected phone call from all you guys last night was the next bestest thing. looks like ya'll had a super-good time too...and prince played "empty room"? but he's played that live already (the "c-note" boot comes to mind)...

thanx for the big-assed report!





[Edited 5/30/06 6:36am]

Funny... you (Moonie) went from your lowest moment as a Prince fan to your greatest, all within a week or so.. who would have thought it... it's a crazy life.

Moonbeam said:

Gangsta (((hugs)))

Moonbeam said:

food: the newest addition to souvenirs at a prince show! first anxy and the pizza, now you and the purple cookie...

Moonbeam said:

They are loving your performance over at npg - for real!

Handclapsfingasnapz said: