"Thirty years into his extraordinary career, writes Jian Ghomeshi, the artist is at the top of his game, reminding us of his unparalleled talents as a vocalist, guitarist, writer, dancer - and ageless wonder"

JIAN GHOMESHI

August 18, 2007

LONDON -- 'How old is he?" The blond girl to my left is looking straight ahead, eyes trained on the priapic purple enigma. He's in a trademark salacious mood, prancing around the stage and flirting with his microphone stand, his dancers, his band and his fans. He is coaxing extraordinary sounds out of his guitar (also purple). He is in complete control. It is the second Saturday-night show of his unprecedented 21-date, sold-out run at The O2 in London. There are 20,000 punters again this night, and they've all been standing since he hit the stage.

It is an historic and ambitious residency. He claims it is the final time he will play his big songs ("per4ming his greatest hits 4 the last time" is the billing). And this nearly two-month-long finale is rolling out in a global city that mirrors his remarkably diverse audience. A quick glance around the arena reminds us that he is the ultimate crossover artist, mixing R&B, soul, rock and pop fans. Hip-hop mogul P Diddy is in the front area just ahead of me, wearing his obligatory shades. Diddy is unable to contain his enthusiasm and is standing as well, albeit behind a small rope. The rope is purple.

"He's about to turn 50," I scream back at her, pleased with myself at this quick response to a trivial pursuit and simultaneously impressed that the focus of our attention has conquered near half a century. The blond girl barely looks at me. She's now loudly singing along to Let's Go Crazy. The song is certainly older than she is, but she doesn't care.

Yes, he's 49, but it feels as though he ought to be older. He's been a star for as long as I've bought music - forever, in the ephemeral world of popular culture. Yet right now he looks ever the youthful, sexy beast, singing like an angel and dancing like the devil - blending the nobility of a veteran with the nubility of a teenager. Ageless.

THERE IS A LOT MORE ... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070818.PRINCE18/TPStory/TPEntertainment/Music/

Peace

ooooohhh. me likey this article!

Age is just a number in Prince's case, and it doesn't mean a thing!

wlcm2thdwn said:

You got it.

This is really a great and positive article. It's about time is getting the true recognition he deserves.

Very