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Thread started 01/21/08 7:51am

yael72

The musicology tours VS the O2 concerts

I know Optimus started a similar thread but I'd love to hear your feedback/comments on the quality of the tours Anybody went to both Musicology tours and the O2 concerts?
I went to 3 of the O2 concerts and as I was watching the DVD of the Musicology opening night I couldn't help but wondering if you had as much fun at both concerts... It seems to me that the musical arrangements at the Musicology concerts were much less polished and /or orchestrated than the ones in the O2 arena.
Also, he was much less distant with the fams on stage ( It 's soooo distracting!) than he was with them at the O2.
Anyways, care to share?
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Reply #1 posted 01/21/08 8:00am

darrenj

I have the musicolgy DVD and went to 5 o2 shows.

I find it difficult to feel the atmostphere on the DVD, because like you say, it's polished.

If a DVD of the 21 nights is released, I feel it will be better, so I wait with anticipation! lol
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Reply #2 posted 01/21/08 8:05am

mentalist

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I wasn't fortunate to see Musicology live but I got that dvd. opening night of the Musicology tour!

The setlist is brilliant and very easy to notice the transition to the O2 shows, but the O2 shows seemed more polished. I went to 11.

Add the fact that he had the symbol stage and much better lighting effects and I definitely say the O2 shows have the edge over the Musicology one.
Life's a Parade! LoveLife, LoveSexy!
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Reply #3 posted 01/21/08 8:30am

Igo2DaMax

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I went to six Musicology shows and seven O2 shows.

I kinda felt that having seen Musicology, I'd seen the O2 show already - there was alot of similarity in the two, at least until he changed the O2 songs up a bit as the days went on.

There was plenty of atmosphere at the Musicology shows I went to (in Washington DC and Boston). I've seen the opening night DVD, and I'd say that was like a rehearsal of what came later - Prince in the gang didn't seem that into it yet.

Musicology was also the last tour where being a member of the NPG meant something - I had front row seats for 3 of the six shows, and 2nd/3rd row for two more. Being surrounded by long term Prince fans made for a much better atmosphere (remember all the complaints about having people sitting down for most of the O2 shows?). Even the most casual American fan was up and dancing, from what I could see.

Musical arrangements-wise, Musicology was on par with the O2. There was a version of Sign of the Times that I adored hearing in America, and for some reason I loved the version of Conterversy done here. The light show was better in the USA - you didn't get the full effect of the stage lights at the O2 unless you were further up.

As for being distant with the fans on stage with Prince, I ended up on stage at one of the DC shows, and yes, he was distant. Then again, I know better than to start hounding the guy, unlike some of the people who took to the stage at the O2. You're up there to dance, and that's it as far as I'm concerned, unless he approaches you, which he did at both tours. The invites to go on stage eventually dried up at the O2, not sure if the same happened on the Musicology tour.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents!

Maxine
...I go 2 the max...I'm not afraid...I wanna dance...
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Reply #4 posted 01/21/08 8:35am

mentalist

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Igo2DaMax said:

I went to six Musicology shows and seven O2 shows.

I kinda felt that having seen Musicology, I'd seen the O2 show already - there was alot of similarity in the two, at least until he changed the O2 songs up a bit as the days went on.

There was plenty of atmosphere at the Musicology shows I went to (in Washington DC and Boston). I've seen the opening night DVD, and I'd say that was like a rehearsal of what came later - Prince in the gang didn't seem that into it yet.

Musicology was also the last tour where being a member of the NPG meant something - I had front row seats for 3 of the six shows, and 2nd/3rd row for two more. Being surrounded by long term Prince fans made for a much better atmosphere (remember all the complaints about having people sitting down for most of the O2 shows?). Even the most casual American fan was up and dancing, from what I could see.

Musical arrangements-wise, Musicology was on par with the O2. There was a version of Sign of the Times that I adored hearing in America, and for some reason I loved the version of Conterversy done here. The light show was better in the USA - you didn't get the full effect of the stage lights at the O2 unless you were further up.

As for being distant with the fans on stage with Prince, I ended up on stage at one of the DC shows, and yes, he was distant. Then again, I know better than to start hounding the guy, unlike some of the people who took to the stage at the O2. You're up there to dance, and that's it as far as I'm concerned, unless he approaches you, which he did at both tours. The invites to go on stage eventually dried up at the O2, not sure if the same happened on the Musicology tour.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents!

Maxine


Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Good to hear from some-one who experienced both, and enough time to make a fair comparison.

On 2 of the O2 nights I was in the fan sections (tix thru 3121) and I have to agree, that being in a block surrounded by lots of fellow fans that also know all the words and want to dance to every songs was a blast!!!
Life's a Parade! LoveLife, LoveSexy!
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Reply #5 posted 01/21/08 8:37am

spud80

No comparison as far as I am concerned. The concerts at the 02 were far better and the Prince fans I met were much more friendly although any chance to see Prince in concert is a bonus!!!
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Reply #6 posted 01/21/08 8:50am

sexxydancer

I preferred Musicology.No twinz,no Shelby,no Marva,plus a much better seat! 2 much competition on the 02 stage! lol
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Reply #7 posted 01/21/08 9:02am

wildgoldenhone
y

Igo2DaMax said:

I went to six Musicology shows and seven O2 shows.

I kinda felt that having seen Musicology, I'd seen the O2 show already - there was alot of similarity in the two, at least until he changed the O2 songs up a bit as the days went on.

There was plenty of atmosphere at the Musicology shows I went to (in Washington DC and Boston). I've seen the opening night DVD, and I'd say that was like a rehearsal of what came later - Prince in the gang didn't seem that into it yet.

Musicology was also the last tour where being a member of the NPG meant something - I had front row seats for 3 of the six shows, and 2nd/3rd row for two more. Being surrounded by long term Prince fans made for a much better atmosphere (remember all the complaints about having people sitting down for most of the O2 shows?). Even the most casual American fan was up and dancing, from what I could see.

Musical arrangements-wise, Musicology was on par with the O2. There was a version of Sign of the Times that I adored hearing in America, and for some reason I loved the version of Conterversy done here. The light show was better in the USA - you didn't get the full effect of the stage lights at the O2 unless you were further up.

As for being distant with the fans on stage with Prince, I ended up on stage at one of the DC shows, and yes, he was distant. Then again, I know better than to start hounding the guy, unlike some of the people who took to the stage at the O2. You're up there to dance, and that's it as far as I'm concerned, unless he approaches you, which he did at both tours. The invites to go on stage eventually dried up at the O2, not sure if the same happened on the Musicology tour.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents!

Maxine

Great post.

This part reminds me of my single Prince concert experience, I think as soon as the first song, everybody (including me) was up on our feet. I don't remember if anybody was sitting down though, I was too focused on the show. lol
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Reply #8 posted 01/21/08 9:10am

yael72

Igo2DaMax said:

I went to six Musicology shows and seven O2 shows.

I kinda felt that having seen Musicology, I'd seen the O2 show already - there was alot of similarity in the two, at least until he changed the O2 songs up a bit as the days went on.

There was plenty of atmosphere at the Musicology shows I went to (in Washington DC and Boston). I've seen the opening night DVD, and I'd say that was like a rehearsal of what came later - Prince in the gang didn't seem that into it yet.

Musicology was also the last tour where being a member of the NPG meant something - I had front row seats for 3 of the six shows, and 2nd/3rd row for two more. Being surrounded by long term Prince fans made for a much better atmosphere (remember all the complaints about having people sitting down for most of the O2 shows?). Even the most casual American fan was up and dancing, from what I could see.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents!

Maxine


Thanx for sharing ! It's funny you mention the fact the opening night for the musicology tour was kind of a rehearsal and got much better later on. In my opinion, the same happened at the O2 shows: they got much better as they went along. It's peculiar as I've always thought Prince would be the kind of artist to rehearse to death before going on a tour, besides he has so much experience already.
Anybody knows why in both musicology shows and O2 shows the famous guitar intro in Doves Cry is always recorded and never actually played live?? What's the deal with that?
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Reply #9 posted 01/21/08 11:24am

cathys

I think the Musicology tour was better for people who just went to one concert, rather than several (which is after all the case for most people who went!). Many casual fans were disappointed by the O2 shows because there were so many cover versions, too many song snippets and not enough full-length songs, and some of the concerts were very short (most were under 2 hours, some less than 1.5 hours). Also, the set-lists of the Musicology tour seemed more coherent, because Prince wasn't so focused on mixing up the set-list every night.

Other things that were better about the Musicology tour: the acoustic set; no Twinz; no synth set (a travesty, in my opinion, especially from someone who keeps harping on about 'real music by real musicians').

Re the song snippet thing: I know Prince is notorious for doing this, but does anyone else think his attention span is getting shorter when it comes to playing his songs all the way through?
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Reply #10 posted 01/21/08 11:41am

ToraToraDreams

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yael72 said:

Igo2DaMax said:

I went to six Musicology shows and seven O2 shows.

I kinda felt that having seen Musicology, I'd seen the O2 show already - there was alot of similarity in the two, at least until he changed the O2 songs up a bit as the days went on.

There was plenty of atmosphere at the Musicology shows I went to (in Washington DC and Boston). I've seen the opening night DVD, and I'd say that was like a rehearsal of what came later - Prince in the gang didn't seem that into it yet.

Musicology was also the last tour where being a member of the NPG meant something - I had front row seats for 3 of the six shows, and 2nd/3rd row for two more. Being surrounded by long term Prince fans made for a much better atmosphere (remember all the complaints about having people sitting down for most of the O2 shows?). Even the most casual American fan was up and dancing, from what I could see.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents!

Maxine


Thanx for sharing ! It's funny you mention the fact the opening night for the musicology tour was kind of a rehearsal and got much better later on. In my opinion, the same happened at the O2 shows: they got much better as they went along. It's peculiar as I've always thought Prince would be the kind of artist to rehearse to death before going on a tour, besides he has so much experience already.
Anybody knows why in both musicology shows and O2 shows the famous guitar intro in Doves Cry is always recorded and never actually played live?? What's the deal with that?

WDC intro is a guitar intro that was recorded, then played in reverse. Its impossible to play in real life.
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Reply #11 posted 01/21/08 12:05pm

yael72

WDC intro is a guitar intro that was recorded, then played in reverse. Its impossible to play in real life. eek eek eek REALLY??! Wow, never knew that !! Can I ask if it has been officially confirmed by Prince. It's fascinating since it really doesn't sound played reverse
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Reply #12 posted 01/21/08 6:43pm

goku

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I went to the Musicology show in Penn State and sat at a purple table at the August 18th O2 show. I can't say that one was better than the other, because the energy of the shows was different. The Musicology show had a more intimate feel, partly due to the acoustic set - which was spectacular, and also, because it truly was an in-the-round performance. The O2 show had a more frenetic feel to it. At Musicology, you had Candy, Maceo, Rhonda, John Blackwell, Mike Scott, Renato etc. and the band felt more a part of the show - coming out and around for solos and interacting with Prince, moreso than the O2(IMHO - the band lineup for the Musicology Tour was better than the O2). The O2 had The Twinz and Shelby and Marva and the band was centralized - and the pacing was more grandiose and over-the-top. (And I agree that the whole snippets of songs thing and the truncated doodling on the keyboard needs to be retired.) I was up close at both shows and Prince's interactions with the audience was equal.

I guess the best way that I can put it is: Musicology was a coy Prince trying to seduce his American audience into loving him again. O2 Prince was brash and bold, somehow trying to show that his badass self had never left.

Of course, the aftershow on the 18th sealed the deal for my London trip.
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Reply #13 posted 01/22/08 12:36am

yael72

goku said:

I went to the Musicology show in Penn State and sat at a purple table at the August 18th O2 show. I can't say that one was better than the other, because the energy of the shows was different. The Musicology show had a more intimate feel, partly due to the acoustic set - which was spectacular, and also, because it truly was an in-the-round performance. The O2 show had a more frenetic feel to it. At Musicology, you had Candy, Maceo, Rhonda, John Blackwell, Mike Scott, Renato etc. and the band felt more a part of the show - coming out and around for solos and interacting with Prince, moreso than the O2(IMHO - the band lineup for the Musicology Tour was better than the O2). The O2 had The Twinz and Shelby and Marva and the band was centralized - and the pacing was more grandiose and over-the-top. (And I agree that the whole snippets of songs thing and the truncated doodling on the keyboard needs to be retired.) I was up close at both shows and Prince's interactions with the audience was equal.

I guess the best way that I can put it is: Musicology was a coy Prince trying to seduce his American audience into loving him again. O2 Prince was brash and bold, somehow trying to show that his badass self had never left.

Of course, the aftershow on the 18th sealed the deal for my London trip.

Thanks Goku ! I like your review of the shows.
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Reply #14 posted 01/22/08 8:49am

sarahb

yael72 said:

I know Optimus started a similar thread but I'd love to hear your feedback/comments on the quality of the tours Anybody went to both Musicology tours and the O2 concerts?
I went to 3 of the O2 concerts and as I was watching the DVD of the Musicology opening night I couldn't help but wondering if you had as much fun at both concerts... It seems to me that the musical arrangements at the Musicology concerts were much less polished and /or orchestrated than the ones in the O2 arena.
Also, he was much less distant with the fams on stage ( It 's soooo distracting!) than he was with them at the O2.
Anyways, care to share?

I was really lucky to go to the Musicology shows in Minneapolis and 2 aftershows at Paisley Park and 5 o2 shows. The Musicology show was tightly choreographed with Candy, Maceo, P and I think Greg doing a brilliant frozen motion thing in their fine red suits. Prince was funny and on great form with the Rolling Stone thing and a great atmosphere. It's the first time I've been in a big stadium show in the US at some place that was either a Battery or Chewing Gum place (I've got the ticket somewhere). The music was great and the aftershows fantastic although I have always longed to see Larry Graham and I gather he was at PP the day I flew home so that was the only disappointment. Is Prince 50 this year? Do you think there may be something at PP again?
Anyway the O2 shows were great too, tight band, no Candy and not enough Renato but the Twinz were just excellent. On the opening night Prince opened with Purple Rain - and then it just got better and better. All the shows were different and I felt that everyone there, whether a long time fan or first time around will have been glad they went.

So glad he's still touring and making good music.
Peace and Love.
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Reply #15 posted 01/22/08 8:56am

sarahb

goku said:

I went to the Musicology show in Penn State and sat at a purple table at the August 18th O2 show. I can't say that one was better than the other, because the energy of the shows was different. The Musicology show had a more intimate feel, partly due to the acoustic set - which was spectacular, and also, because it truly was an in-the-round performance. The O2 show had a more frenetic feel to it. At Musicology, you had Candy, Maceo, Rhonda, John Blackwell, Mike Scott, Renato etc. and the band felt more a part of the show - coming out and around for solos and interacting with Prince, moreso than the O2(IMHO - the band lineup for the Musicology Tour was better than the O2). The O2 had The Twinz and Shelby and Marva and the band was centralized - and the pacing was more grandiose and over-the-top. (And I agree that the whole snippets of songs thing and the truncated doodling on the keyboard needs to be retired.) I was up close at both shows and Prince's interactions with the audience was equal.

I guess the best way that I can put it is: Musicology was a coy Prince trying to seduce his American audience into loving him again. O2 Prince was brash and bold, somehow trying to show that his badass self had never left.

Of course, the aftershow on the 18th sealed the deal for my London trip.

Damn, it was my wedding anniversary and I took my husband to the £280 seats (rather a travesty as on the opening night when I went alone I was able to buy a front row seat for £31.21!!) I didn't think my husband would put up with hanging around till 2 for am afterparty that might or might not happen, as the previous one I had gone to was a washout) Now I wish we'd stayed.. never mind.
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Reply #16 posted 01/22/08 9:02am

lottielooloo19
68

i'd love 2 have seen a musicology concert..the album's fab! & he looked perfect..
alas, it wasn't meant 2 b, but i mayb o2 had the edge as fans were at an advantage of being treated 2 additional songs..stuff from 3121 & planet earth!
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