A change up would be nice, yes. I am over Shelby J and The Twinz. At least Diamond and Pearl had a cool name.

Its not the band thats the problem, its the arrangements of songs. Crappy organ sounds and too much backing singers doing full songs which NO ONE wants just so Prince spends a minimum of time on stage.

The band are good, John and Ida, Mr Hayes and Cassandra. I think ditch the backing singers, bring back the horns. Simple.

^ I'm with RumAndRaisin on this- but i'd probably let Hayes go and get the hornheadz on board - lose one 'backing' singer (you know which one )

[Edited 5/17/12 4:59am]

Such tiny changes would make everything so much better. He had backing singers at the o2 right, no one complained then? Its because they wernt doing full songs, and when they did it was only ever 1 and Prince would still be on stage. Some stuff works well now, Cool, Lets Work, U Got The Look, great versions. The hits are ok because you always get 3 or 4 really rare ones for the fans to balance things out. But like i said its the sound, the keyboards are good on Controversy and some songs but on others like Jam of the Year or Get Wild which he recently brung back, just sounds dreadful, like cheap session musicians playing a random jam with jam of the Year lyrics over. And Get Wild is just backing singers shreiking all over a jam that goes nowhere and contains little of the original song. Bring back a slammin' setlist, the Gold Experience tour, Lovesexy, One Nite Alone all had little in the way of variation on the main shows but are considered his best tours. Why? No backing singers taking over, a proper setlist featuring full songs, (in Lovesexys case i know it was a medley but you had the visual element and a superb band to back it up) and a lot of new songs being played. The band feels so loose now, i just have no interest in bootlegs anymore. He's lost the vibe. The aftershows have been interesting, Melkweg last year was a great little show, i'm not hating, im just desperate to see Prince do what i KNOW he can do!

From bootlegs his band seems a bit too "Vegas-y" for my taste. Mainly because of Shelby's shouting.

I'm not sure about the instrumentallists. They are technically brilliant, but there hasn't been much call for them to play new material and put their own stamp on it.

I think the band is brilliant. All the instrumentalist are top flight musicians. No doubt. I'd been following Cassie for years and was happy she got the Prince gig.

I have to put out there that I saw Prince live for the first time in March 2011...and I went as a very casual fan that only owned Musicology and only really knew the hits from the 80's and early 90's.

Prince's performance and that of the band backing him up turned me into a MAJOR fan and I've since purchased every record. I also spend a portion of my spare time scouring for and listening to bootlegs from the 80's til present.

I'm currently stuck in a big SOTT/Lovesexy period phase. Spending the past few weeks listening to rehearsals and live shows from that period, I'd have to say that THAT band was on fire. And it's funny, I don't think any one member from that era is more technically accomplished as an instrumentalist than what's in the current band---no music degrees or anything that I'm aware of aside from maybe the horns. But collectively, I think they had an incredible sound as a unit and were very adventerous. They, along with Prince, were all young and had a reckless, youthful urgency WHILE still being tight. Great chemistry.

As someone mentioned, that comes down to the arrangements also...not just the skill of the players.

I also see a lot of bashng of the current synth sounds. I think that's a subjective thing. Fans (who can tell the difference) want the fat analog synth sounds from the early 80's. But what's interesting is that whenever I meet musicians who were playing analog synths in the 70's and early 80's, they've all moved on to digital synths and airy digital sounds. They don't have the same romantacism with those retro sounds that we do. I don't know if that's good or bad...just an observation.

The background singers are fine. I enjoyed Shelby live in person. When I saw them, I don't remember anyone leading any songs but Prince.

As an old timer who saw Prince alot between '82 and '89, I gotta say the negative AND positive comments here are scaring me away from considering going to a show if he comes this way.

I'll admit that compared to the stripped down funk of the Controversy shows, the Lovesexy tour was a bit too Vegas for my tastes (a friend called it the best Prince cover band she ever saw), but even compared to that it sounds like he's sadly evolving into that older artist who surrounds himself with top talent and presents a technically flawless but ultimately soulless show. I certainly hope that's not the case, but if it is I understand -- we can't stay 25 years old forever, goodness knows I haven't!

^ Well, I'd say go to a concert when you get the chance and judge for yourself. We orgers in general are a jaded lot

I went to 2007 O2 UK shows and was blown away yet again - would definately rate those shows over some others (e.g. New Power Soul tour)

If nothing else the W2 Australia leg is getting massive props and even us hardcore fans seem to be appreciating some rareties and reworked classics - more of this is most welcome

I'd also say, having just read the thread about Australians appreciating Princes tour, the promotion, improved staging, and live tweeting area avery positive improvement from 2010; the shows just seem to be getting better and better.

[Edited 5/17/12 8:17am]

alphachannel said:

As an old timer who saw Prince alot between '82 and '89, I gotta say the negative AND positive comments here are scaring me away from considering going to a show if he comes this way.

I'll admit that compared to the stripped down funk of the Controversy shows, the Lovesexy tour was a bit too Vegas for my tastes (a friend called it the best Prince cover band she ever saw), but even compared to that it sounds like he's sadly evolving into that older artist who surrounds himself with top talent and presents a technically flawless but ultimately soulless show. I certainly hope that's not the case, but if it is I understand -- we can't stay 25 years old forever, goodness knows I haven't!

The worst thing you can do is allow comments from other people to determine what you cando for yourself. With each artist passing all the time, so much this year alone, life is short and I say enjoy it while it last and go and judge with your own eyes. You'll be surprised.

The current core band: Ida can hold her own. She's just as competent musically as Rhonda or Josh, and she's a songwriter like Rhonda, so if he ever did ask her to put her own mark on material I'm sure she could do it. John B, nothing really needs to be said. He's time tested and one of the best out there. Cassie from everything Ive heard from the shows since last year she's been amazing, far better than I would have thought when I read about her. Morris, I dunno if he's really necessary. Actually he's not necessary IMO, but he has more time performing with P than just about anybody at this point, so he's around because he knows P's world and fills in the gaps where P thinks somethings needed. For the big stadium shows it makes sense for him to be there because the big stadium shows want a certain sound from him that cant be reproduced as easily with a scaled down band. The backing vox? I like the way the girls sound together and pretty consistently since 2009. Should Shelby go? I think if the main reason she's around is because shes a good positive person and she keeps everyone smiling, then i say keep her. Fuck what the hater say. Sometimes you need personalities like that in a group. The twins aren't necessary, but I can understand Prince supporting them while he's in Australia but elsewhere they should probably get back to Heroin December and continue making their own stuff. Damaris? I dunno what she's doing yet, but if he has her come out on stage while he's taking a break, and she's in her Sports Illustraited bikini I'd be satisfied.

BobGeorge909 said:

I like Ida...she works it. John B too...just drop the dancers and shelby....PLEASE! The fans r beyond that silly dancer thing....and your guitar hyped the crowd better than shelby ever could..

I needs the exercise....let me come on tour and be a dancer!

chellemac said:

actually, I'm starting to like Shelby. She sounds bold but just wish she was used sparse.

I really like the band. Of course everyone is going to have their own little opinion on what they would change if they were in charge, but at the end of the day, they're still a top-class unit.

Compared to the Revolution their shit, yes you can spout this is live music we are real musicians hoo ha, but you are Prince and your back catalogue deserves better and you know it.

lezama said:

The current core band: Ida can hold her own. She's just as competent musically as Rhonda or Josh, and she's a songwriter like Rhonda, so if he ever did ask her to put her own mark on material I'm sure she could do it. John B, nothing really needs to be said. He's time tested and one of the best out there. Cassie from everything Ive heard from the shows since last year she's been amazing, far better than I would have thought when I read about her. Morris, I dunno if he's really necessary. Actually he's not necessary IMO, but he has more time performing with P than just about anybody at this point, so he's around because he knows P's world and fills in the gaps where P thinks somethings needed. For the big stadium shows it makes sense for him to be there because the big stadium shows want a certain sound from him that cant be reproduced as easily with a scaled down band. The backing vox? I like the way the girls sound together and pretty consistently since 2009. Should Shelby go? I think if the main reason she's around is because shes a good positive person and she keeps everyone smiling, then i say keep her. Fuck what the hater say. Sometimes you need personalities like that in a group. The twins aren't necessary, but I can understand Prince supporting them while he's in Australia but elsewhere they should probably get back to Heroin December and continue making their own stuff. Damaris? I dunno what she's doing yet, but if he has her come out on stage while he's taking a break, and she's in her Sports Illustraited bikini I'd be satisfied.

Yep, you are right about all of them.

Rhonda, John and Cassie are superb.

Shelby is a good friend, so it's understandable she's there. She could be less present on stage though, people buy tickets for Prince, not for her.

The twinz can't be missed in Australia!! Especially with their recent personal loss, I would be extremely dissapointed in P if he would fire them now. That would be inhumane. And men really like the twinz on stage. P. always incorperates dancers in his shows. Mayb someday I can get over the fact that Cat is not working with him anymore.

That annoying , bald ass , fog horn sounding , dracula lookin shouting heffa shelby needs to piss off

How many times more must we stomach her going clap your hands , stomp yo feet-ah/put yo hands up

She adds noting to the band besides being a fucking nuisance

[Edited 5/20/12 7:21am]

Dewrede said:

That annoying , bald ass , fog horn sounding , dracula lookin shouting heffa shelby needs to piss off

How many times more must we stomach her going clap your hands , stomp yo feet-ah/put yo hands up

She adds noting to the band besides being a fucking nuisance

[Edited 5/20/12 7:21am]

well , he asked

Nou nou dewrede, dat is toch een beetje wreed ja?

Shelby has a good voice, she works the crowd and provides the energy Prince can save. She's doing a good job. I must say, I don't know if she's singing the right songs alone coz in her solo music she sounds better or stronger. I think being bald is extremely funky and daring. Not many chicks do that. She's good with PR too on Facebook and she keeps a relationship with the fans keeping them updated.

Don't forget she also does things for good causes and she has a firm faith so though you might not like her appearance or singing, she has all the qualities needed as a Prince companion. She seems like a team girl to me.

I don't really know the ex-band members but we know Prince goes forward not backwards. Ida and John and Cassandra or Renato all good. Not sure if I'm missing anyone. Oh yes, Andy McKee, nice addition. But then so were Esperanza and Andy Allo.

Love the ladies (including Shelby) especially during his 1999 and turn me loose on the tonight show.

Although, I believe Prince needs a new sound and needs to change it up a bit. New background singers would be great.

Dewrede said:

well , he asked

I'm teasing

I share your sentiment but probably would've been a bit more tactful but I appreciate your straight talking

I actually think that Shelby has a good voice, as do Elisa and Liv, and maybe my issue is more about 'background' singers being too much to the fore. Sometimes less is more.

Mind you who knows what the next NPG icarnation will be like - could be worse - perhaps we should appreciate what we have now! (I mean, I remember the negative stuff written about Tamar when she was with NPG only to now have this line up). Having said that I listened to 3121 the album again today and had forgotten how damn good that album is.

[Edited 5/20/12 13:09pm]

gemari77 said:

I'm currently stuck in a big SOTT/Lovesexy period phase. Spending the past few weeks listening to rehearsals and live shows from that period, I'd have to say that THAT band was on fire. And it's funny, I don't think any one member from that era is more technically accomplished as an instrumentalist than what's in the current band---no music degrees or anything that I'm aware of aside from maybe the horns. But collectively, I think they had an incredible sound as a unit and were very adventerous. They, along with Prince, were all young and had a reckless, youthful urgency WHILE still being tight. Great chemistry.

I strongly believe it's because 99% of the people in that band were a part of the (1982-)1984-1986 Purple Paisley Reign. That's a chunk of Prince's greatest period Sheila E Mico Levi Boni, Dr Fink Eric Atlanta Mico -Revolution Madhouse Family

The Chemistry of the 1982-1986 period was golden

Shelby and the Twinz should have been long gone. Again, he seems to be going for image instead of substance or talent. Or perhaphs loyalty, friendship or pity is driving him. But, the audience is paying for it or should I say suffering?

Jagar said:

From bootlegs his band seems a bit too "Vegas-y" for my taste. Mainly because of Shelby's shouting.

I'm not sure about the instrumentallists. They are technically brilliant, but there hasn't been much call for them to play new material and put their own stamp on it.

oh god, i know!

i think she shouted "clap your hands y'all" about 1,000 times at my concert.. it was like SHUT THE HELL UP! and STOP YELLING AT US!

i dont get her at all.

and the 'clap your hands y'all, stomp your feet' during controversy makes me crazy...

i need her to GO AWAY!

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i like the twins tho... i think he should bring back TAMAR..

THEY KICKED ASS ON FURY on SNL!!!!!!!!!

Dewrede said:

That annoying , bald ass , fog horn sounding , dracula lookin shouting heffa shelby needs to piss off

How many times more must we stomach her going clap your hands , stomp yo feet-ah/put yo hands up

She adds noting to the band besides being a fucking nuisance

[Edited 5/20/12 7:21am]

That's a ridicuous nasty personal attack. No need to use these kind of fierce words.

You are right thooug, about the high frequency of clapping that is demanded of the audiance. If the music is good, the applause, clapping and dancing will follow. No need to force your audiance to be enthousiastic. However, Shelby is just doing what is demanded from her by her boss.

OldFriends4Sale said:

gemari77 said:

I'm currently stuck in a big SOTT/Lovesexy period phase. Spending the past few weeks listening to rehearsals and live shows from that period, I'd have to say that THAT band was on fire. And it's funny, I don't think any one member from that era is more technically accomplished as an instrumentalist than what's in the current band---no music degrees or anything that I'm aware of aside from maybe the horns. But collectively, I think they had an incredible sound as a unit and were very adventerous. They, along with Prince, were all young and had a reckless, youthful urgency WHILE still being tight. Great chemistry.

I strongly believe it's because 99% of the people in that band were a part of the (1982-)1984-1986 Purple Paisley Reign. That's a chunk of Prince's greatest period Sheila E Mico Levi Boni, Dr Fink Eric Atlanta Mico -Revolution Madhouse Family

The Chemistry of the 1982-1986 period was golden

You may be onto something... I'm still learning about Prince band "history".

If it wasn't for the bald chick, the cute twins, and maybe that new 20 something yr old model, I wouldn't know who was in the mpg. He needs to keep them becasue of their name recognition.