I haven't seen it discussed much here---from a basic search it looks like it may never have been its own topic---but it sure is worth talking about (IMHO): The 10 minute live version of "America" is smokin'! Here's what I can remember: it was shown in its entirety only when it followed the 30 min. interview with Prince on location in Paris. Otherwise, when shown on MTV, it was cut short. Does that ring true? I had it on VHS back then and watched it faithfully for years but it has long since been lost. The augmented Revolution was on FIRE and his drum solo is wicked. Short and to the point. I guess this is as about as low on any list WEA or Rhino could make of "Prince Material Above and Beyond the Obvious That Should Be Available on CD or DVD" (Boy, now that's a topic that I'm sure gets discussed endlessly and passionately on this forum!!). Such a shame. This video came when I was hungriest for his work and therefore always gave it the same attention I gave any CD or other video he did, but it's not available anywhere! And certainly I enjoy it more than I do the 21 min. version of the studio song, which is one of the silliest things he's unleashed on us.

Jeez, I'd put that performance near the top of my favorite live shots. The '85 AMA version of "Purple Rain"--where he kicks the mic stand over during his guitar solo--is my favorite for sure.

So actually, that video was an MTV exclusive and was taped in the south of france in between takes of under the Cherry Moon, so people say. I have a bunch of copies as a small QT and sometimes the mp3 pops up around. But i agree, hot as hell. There's also studio guitar overdubs similar to how he did the sign of the times movie.

The full length America video can be viewed in the video forum of housequake.com. A log-in is required, but not difficult to get

This is one of my favorite videos...he just rocks out on here. I had my old VHS copy transferred to DVD...terrible quality but at least I have it. But also, its pretty easy to find on Housequake.com and isn't it on Yahoo somewhere?

its one of my favorie live performances of all time! its so funky, how could u not get off your ass and dance?!

The drum solo and the lace butt pants r the faves here 4 me!

sexxydancer said:

mine too!

thats his best video; pent up energy has got to come out

since when is posting to vh1.com a violation?

This appears on the videos DVD just out - and its a cut short version that appeared on the npg music club w/out the bit of him on the drums, one of my fav's along with the anotherloverhol..... live video

yeah wlcm2thdwn i posted the link to vh1's list of prince vids and it was deleted.

Fantastic performance. This and the Love Bizarre w/ Sheila E.
Also the Detroit B-day show is among the best on video to find.

I love everything about the Parade hit n run concerts. Prince was fierce and on fire during '86.

I am right now listening to the San Fran '86. live show on cd and this is one of the best audio shows that have been put out. Prince is so loose and funny iwth the audience and making fun of Wendy while on stage... Funky as hell.
[Edited 3/26/07 9:48am]

my favorite part is when then audience member grabs his coat. prince is playful about it (sticking out his tongue) but just after prince takes the coat off, you can see the security guard running across the stage towards the 'fan'

*something like that happened in a Madonna video for "like a virgin (LIVE)" dude runs up on stage and hugs her, she hugs him back until the security gets there to emmmm help him find his seat.

Good find, OP!

What i find most appealin about this performance is the sheer energy and spirit showed not only by Prince, but by the whole Revolution.

And when it comes to Princes performance: NEVER have i seen him more spirited then during this performance: dancing his ass off, teasing the public, pulling funny faces, throwing records into the public.
And you can also notices how his spirit reflects on his band: the way Eddie M. comes in with his saxophone solo is mesmerezing, the way the whole band is moving along to the groove.