I was under the assumption that Prince had played First Avenue many times in the early 80's, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone have any idea when he has performed at First Avenue? The first time that I can find that he performed there was in 1983 at the dance school benefit where he premiered and recorded many of the songs on Purple Rain. Other than shooting the movie, I can't find many times that he actually played there.

Let's see if we can compile a list of the dates he actually played at First Avenue. (Including 07-07-07)

He played there in '81 a couple of times I believe, but it was called Sam's at the time.

TNorrisjr said:

That explains why I was having trouble finding it then. I saw some performances at Sam's in "The Vault". I didn't know that was the same place as First Avenue.

I saw him there in March 1982 (during the Controversy Tour)

he used to hang out there too i believe, not only perform there.

The place was called Sams? There's a discoutn store in my town called Sams! I couldn't see myself getting jazzed about a place called Sams. I'm glad they changed the name!

And I bet Prince was a sexy little doll hanging around the place.

yeah he use to play thier. My mom would always go their to party thats until purple rain came at it became a big tourist attrraction (cant spell) my mom was some cool stories about prince