I've been listening to as many recordings of this tour as I can find. So far my favourite show is the first one from Oakland. Prince is so personal and intimate here, spends a lot of time talking about his life. Stunning opening with a slow, heartfelt version of "I Would Die 4 U" "Let me introduce myself... I'm not a woman, I'm not a man..." I think about this show a lot.

"I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, born to two very beautiful people who loved one another endlessly. I wanted to be like my father. I loved everything he loved: my mother, the Bible, and music." Then he plays "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Oh gosh. You can hear people swoon. I don't think he ever spoke to an audience in such a heartfelt way.

In the light of the Dallas incident recently, I found myself thinking about his final remarks of this show before he closes with 'Venus de Milo': "I just want to say that these are rough days ahead. A person I know earlier said that they have family in Flint, and, you know, as quiet as it's kept, we all got family in Flint. The sooner we think about things like that, I think the better off we'll be. Those assuming the role of God need to listen to every voice. When someone says that their lives matter, they're trying to get your attention. Don't miss the point. That's the point."

I am partial to the Oracle performance only because I was there. Great show with only his voice and a piano. He had that whole arena on their feet, it was amazing. It was during the time they buried Vanity and I suppose he was in an emotional state. So glad I got to see him right before he passed. My heart hurts...

According to Prince it was the 2nd Atlanta show, and he wanted to release it. "Black Sweat" from that 2nd show is the only recording he released from the Piano & A Microphone shows. I agree with him, but I was at both of the Atlanta shows, so of course, I would agree.

I finally listened to the one (from Melbourne) where he talks about Denise Matthews passing away in one sitting...it was very difficult to listen to...it struck him hard and he was visibly devastated by it..even people who were there said he left the stage crying-----too sad.

Still can't beieve he joined her so soon after

benni said:

According to Prince it was the 2nd Atlanta show, and he wanted to release it. "Black Sweat" from that 2nd show is the only recording he released from the Piano & A Microphone shows. I agree with him, but I was at both of the Atlanta shows, so of course, I would agree.

How eery that he went on the record saying that it was the best one and then it turned out to be the last one ever.

I'm also biased to the first Sydney Opera House show because I was there. I still maintain that version of "Purple Rain" is the single best he ever did.

Taking into account setlist, sound quality, and the amount of passion and 'getting personal', my favourites are the first Oakland Paramount Theatre followed closely by both Sydney State Theatre shows.

If not taking into account the sound quality of the available recordings thus far, my answer would be: all of 'em!

benni said:

yeahronimo said:

avajane said:

I've heard most of them and nothing compares to the Paisley Park shows or the Atlanta ones, especially because of how warm and loving the audience was towards him.

You know, that's one of the things I'm trying to hold onto in all this. At least he got to play some of those shows. I've not heard the Gala shows, but in the Sydney at Atlanta ones you can really hear the love, and his voice is just so technically spectacular and so very moving. He had never sung better I don't think. I'm glad he had a chance to show us that, and that we have these really intimate recordings to remember him by as well as all the other incredible stuff. And most of all I'm glad he got to share that with audiences, and feel how much he meant to them. I wish he's stayed home and never gone to Atlanta and looked after himself. But he always wanted to play. And at least till the end he was doing what he loved, and I take some comfort in the idea that he knew how loved he was for it.

rogifan said:

yeahronimo said:

Taking into account setlist, sound quality, and the amount of passion and 'getting personal', my favourites are the first Oakland Paramount Theatre followed closely by both Sydney State Theatre shows.

If not taking into account the sound quality of the available recordings thus far, my answer would be: all of 'em!

I wish we had recordings of the PP shows. I think he got most personal at those shows.

The Paisley Park shows are out there. I think the first show was the best, on many different levels. Prince did say at the last party he thought the 2nd show from Atlanta was the best and that they were working on it, removing the screaming audience throughout. He played the first 30 minutes from the show at that party. If that was his wish, then the estate should release that first. I love Indifference from that show. I don't know if any of the shows were professionally filmed, other than Paisley Park, but I would love for those to be released as well.

MrSquiggle said:

mikeyaddict said:

benni said:

According to Prince it was the 2nd Atlanta show, and he wanted to release it. "Black Sweat" from that 2nd show is the only recording he released from the Piano & A Microphone shows. I agree with him, but I was at both of the Atlanta shows, so of course, I would agree.

. Didn't he release dm / lrc? And joy in repetition? Maybe from the Australia shows? . Big loves purple family - miss our little guy so much.

Joy in Repetition from Australia was released on Tidal officially.

So far my favorites are the Paisley and Oakland shows.

I am really hopeful that the Atlanta Show is released officially but for me the audience is part of that show. I would not like to have all that taken out. When you listen you can feel the love the audience has for him.

The first Sydney Opera House show, the Atlanta Show and the first Melboure Show dedicated to Vanity

MrSquiggle said:

I'm also biased to the first Sydney Opera House show because I was there. I still maintain that version of "Purple Rain" is the single best he ever did.

I have listened to almost all of these performances and I agree - the first Sydney Opera House show performance of Purple Rain was his very best version. It was on another level.