http://www.startribune.co...398541311/

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“This is what they call an ego boost, big time. Wow,” said photographer Tommy Smith III as I set up video cameras for our interview.

The son and namesake of the late longtime Murray’s steakhouse maître d’ has been working on me since Prince died to do a story about his avocation as a concert photographer. Smith saw Prince in concert nine times. Prince’s “1999 Tour” stop at Met Center was most notable; Symbolina threw a microphone stand at Smith when he realized unauthorized photos were being snapped. Betty Smith, his late mother, was Tommy’s original connection to great concert seats. She worked at Donaldson’s back when fans could get great seats just by being first in line.

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Q: You took a lot of pictures of Prince?

A: I saw Prince in concert nine times. From [what they call] “the Rolling Stones warmup gig.” That’s his first big crack at the major league, and they had the dress rehearsal show at First Avenue for $2. I was front row snapping pictures all night.

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Q: Why didn’t they stop you from taking pictures?

A: That show, they never really cared. The next one was “1999,” it was a whole different story. Next was “Purple Rain,” which I saw three times and the movie’s premiere night at First Avenue. I saw the Time film “Purple Rain” down there.

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Click the link for looooots more stories. In the video he shows some of his pictures.

Thanks for the link, Love that second picture.

I really like that guy, he's lovely! I love that second picture from the 1999 tour too! So cool! Thanks for posting.

Awww. Tommy's so sweet!

Nice pics of P, too.

But boy does he have the hots for Tina Turner or what?

HubbaHubba