Listening to some performances of this show got me to wondering. The only version of the show I was able to see was the Dortmund Live Broadcast. During Superfunkycalifragisexy, Prince sits on a chair and a clear tubing is draped around him - is this supposed to be neon-lighting that didn't work, that night? You know, to go with the lyric?

I've had a look online for some images of this moment, and whilst I can find images of the bed that appear to show the frame being neon lighting - or at least clear plastic catching and reflecting the light - I cannot find Prince on a chair, for love nor money.

Does anyone know, did anyone see this part of the show with Prince draped in neon lighting? I don;t know why...this began playing on mind and I thought, i know...someone on the Org will know...or at least chastise me with a guide to an old post or something.

Thanks, in advance.

[Edited 8/23/20 8:54am]

SimonCharles said:

Listening to some performances of this show got me to wondering. The only version of the show I was able to see was the Dortmund Live Broadcast. During Superfunkycalifragisexy, Prince sits on a chair and a clear tubing is draped around him - is this supposed to be neon-lighting that didn't work, that night? You know, to go with the lyric?

It's supposed to mimic rope because the girl has him tied up and manipulating him sexually. He also drops in a line from "Controversy," "Was it good for you, was I what you wanted me to be?" to go with it.

You have to remember that Lovesexy was in two parts. The sinful flesh part in Act I, and the redemption of the self in Act II. All the Act I songs are about struggling between love and lust. From "Erotic City," "Head," "Sister," "When U Were Mine," "Adore," etc. The last song is his declaraction of faith, then he disappears before intermission, almost like Jesus in the grave for 3 days and nights.

Act II opens with him literally coming out of the ground like Adam, reborn, flowers popping up around the perimeter of the stage like the garden of Eden. (In some photos inside Paisley Park, you can see one of those flowers in the hallway leading to the atrium area.) Even the costumes in Act I are more black and white, monotone or high contrast. Lighting is almost the same. Act II sees them in more colorful clothing, and more colorful lighting. It's a breezier set.

So "Superfunky" being in the first section which deals with the struggle of love and lust is pretty logical. The sexual innuendo of the bed, being tied to a chair, and him playing songs from The Black Album all lend to that. He's playing that character of Camille, struggling with light and dark. He literally states that his life is "controversy" in the middle of his struggle in the chair.

And to my knowledge, those lights do light up but the spot and other lights sorta wash it out.

I saw Lovesexy in Los Angeles at the Forum. It was the most amazing show I'd seen since Bowie's Glass Spider Tour.

TrivialPursuit said:

SimonCharles said:

Listening to some performances of this show got me to wondering. The only version of the show I was able to see was the Dortmund Live Broadcast. During Superfunkycalifragisexy, Prince sits on a chair and a clear tubing is draped around him - is this supposed to be neon-lighting that didn't work, that night? You know, to go with the lyric?

It's supposed to mimic rope because the girl has him tied up and manipulating him sexually. He also drops in a line from "Controversy," "Was it good for you, was I what you wanted me to be?" to go with it.

You have to remember that Lovesexy was in two parts. The sinful flesh part in Act I, and the redemption of the self in Act II. All the Act I songs are about struggling between love and lust. From "Erotic City," "Head," "Sister," "When U Were Mine," "Adore," etc. The last song is his declaraction of faith, then he disappears before intermission, almost like Jesus in the grave for 3 days and nights.

Act II opens with him literally coming out of the ground like Adam, reborn, flowers popping up around the perimeter of the stage like the garden of Eden. (In some photos inside Paisley Park, you can see one of those flowers in the hallway leading to the atrium area.) Even the costumes in Act I are more black and white, monotone or high contrast. Lighting is almost the same. Act II sees them in more colorful clothing, and more colorful lighting. It's a breezier set.

So "Superfunky" being in the first section which deals with the struggle of love and lust is pretty logical. The sexual innuendo of the bed, being tied to a chair, and him playing songs from The Black Album all lend to that. He's playing that character of Camille, struggling with light and dark. He literally states that his life is "controversy" in the middle of his struggle in the chair.

And to my knowledge, those lights do light up but the spot and other lights sorta wash it out.

I saw Lovesexy in Los Angeles at the Forum. It was the most amazing show I'd seen since Bowie's Glass Spider Tour.

Thanks for the response.

*

Yes - the "story" thread that wove through the two acts was beautifully played. And, yes, the whole Super/Controversy climax leading to Bob George was a tremendous way to build towards Anna Stesia and the rebirth (Isn't anastesia Greek for resurrection?) before the second act.

*

The tubing on the stage set looked like it was supposed to be a lighting effect - perhaps its the quality of the broadcast or, as you say, the other lights washed it out. That's a shame, if that's the case, a neon wrapped Prince would look pretty cool.

*

Lovesexy is an incredible production and, listening to some of the rehearsals etc, the band was so on point - the layers of the Lovesexy songs were replicated superbly. These shows are among my all time faviourite Prince memories.

SimonCharles said:

Thanks for the response.

*

Yes - the "story" thread that wove through the two acts was beautifully played. And, yes, the whole Super/Controversy climax leading to Bob George was a tremendous way to build towards Anna Stesia and the rebirth (Isn't anastesia Greek for resurrection?) before the second act.

*

The tubing on the stage set looked like it was supposed to be a lighting effect - perhaps its the quality of the broadcast or, as you say, the other lights washed it out. That's a shame, if that's the case, a neon wrapped Prince would look pretty cool.

*

Lovesexy is an incredible production and, listening to some of the rehearsals etc, the band was so on point - the layers of the Lovesexy songs were replicated superbly. These shows are among my all time faviourite Prince memories.

I never knew that about "resurrection" in Greek, but Google translate says yes. That adds even more layers. I don't knowk that Prince necessarily knew that when he wrote the song. It was probably just a cool name he wanted to use (like Phil Collins having the word "Sussudio" and trying to make it into something).

I feel like I could write a short book about the Lovesexy Tour, and its story, and the events around Prince's life coming to fruition in the show.

Lovesexy Tour is really the last conceptual tour he ever did. SOTT was the only other one with a storyline of sorts. From PR and before, it was straight performance. From Nude and beyond, despite the sets or whatever project it was related to (Mayte's dancing, the Diamond and Pearl dancers, the endorphinmachine set for Ultimate Live), Lovesexy Tour was the one truly thoughtout show that had a beginning, middle, and end that mimicked a movie. There were characters, sets. props. It really was a traveling musical that few shows had or ever did. Shows have themes, but Lovesexy had a PLOT, as loose as it was. I'd dare to say that Lovesexy Tour had a stronger story than Graffiti Bridge did as a movie. And even GB was a simple fight between good and evil, with God saving the day and saving souls, once again.

TrivialPursuit said:

TrivialPursuit said:

SimonCharles said:

Thanks for the response.

*

Yes - the "story" thread that wove through the two acts was beautifully played. And, yes, the whole Super/Controversy climax leading to Bob George was a tremendous way to build towards Anna Stesia and the rebirth (Isn't anastesia Greek for resurrection?) before the second act.

*

The tubing on the stage set looked like it was supposed to be a lighting effect - perhaps its the quality of the broadcast or, as you say, the other lights washed it out. That's a shame, if that's the case, a neon wrapped Prince would look pretty cool.

*

Lovesexy is an incredible production and, listening to some of the rehearsals etc, the band was so on point - the layers of the Lovesexy songs were replicated superbly. These shows are among my all time faviourite Prince memories.

I never knew that about "resurrection" in Greek, but Google translate says yes. That adds even more layers. I don't knowk that Prince necessarily knew that when he wrote the song. It was probably just a cool name he wanted to use (like Phil Collins having the word "Sussudio" and trying to make it into something).

I feel like I could write a short book about the Lovesexy Tour, and its story, and the events around Prince's life coming to fruition in the show.

Lovesexy Tour is really the last conceptual tour he ever did. SOTT was the only other one with a storyline of sorts. From PR and before, it was straight performance. From Nude and beyond, despite the sets or whatever project it was related to (Mayte's dancing, the Diamond and Pearl dancers, the endorphinmachine set for Ultimate Live), Lovesexy Tour was the one truly thoughtout show that had a beginning, middle, and end that mimicked a movie. There were characters, sets. props. It really was a traveling musical that few shows had or ever did. Shows have themes, but Lovesexy had a PLOT, as loose as it was. I'd dare to say that Lovesexy Tour had a stronger story than Graffiti Bridge did as a movie. And even GB was a simple fight between good and evil, with God saving the day and saving souls, once again.

Lovesexy tour and GB (as released) do have pretty much the same narrative arc, yes...Lovesey was just better, as you say.

Here's a moment from the Toronto show when the lights go out, and you can see it is lit up.

[Edited 8/23/20 15:21pm]

luv2tha99s said:

He never played the Forum on the Lovesexy tour. It was the Sports Arena. Two totally different venues buddy.

Bless your heart.

Magic. Thank you - I figured that's what it should have looked like...or something similar. Terrific idea, a shame it got lost, somewhat.

ufoclub said:

Here's a moment from the Toronto show when the lights go out, and you can see it is lit up.

[Edited 8/23/20 15:21pm]

SimonCharles said:

*

Yes - the "story" thread that wove through the two acts was beautifully played. And, yes, the whole Super/Controversy climax leading to Bob George was a tremendous way to build towards Anna Stesia and the rebirth (Isn't anastesia Greek for resurrection?) before the second act.

*

You are correct, Anastacia is greek for resurrection.

But Prince isn't sining about Anastacia. He is singing about Anaesthesia, which is Greek for without sensation. He is seeking "Anna Stesia" to numb his pain of loneliness.

The song is acutally about his spiritual awakeninging. I never got the resurrection impression, not really sure how people come to that conclusion.

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

SimonCharles said:

*

Yes - the "story" thread that wove through the two acts was beautifully played. And, yes, the whole Super/Controversy climax leading to Bob George was a tremendous way to build towards Anna Stesia and the rebirth (Isn't anastesia Greek for resurrection?) before the second act.

*

You are correct, Anastacia is greek for resurrection.

But Prince isn't sining about Anastacia. He is singing about Anaesthesia, which is Greek for without sensation. He is seeking "Anna Stesia" to numb his pain of loneliness.

The song is acutally about his spiritual awakeninging. I never got the resurrection impression, not really sure how people come to that conclusion.

Thanks for your response,

*

Isn't spiritual awakening - coming out of a sleep or a period of ignorance - on par with resurrecting oneself?

*

A reading could be that - following the legend that has become the withdrawal of the Black Album, Prince resurrected his spiritual self through the Lovesexy album, and then show.

*

It isn't mutually exclusive from the anaesthesia idea you mention - that he wanted the hedonistic side of hisself dulled so that his spiritual side had a chance to reestablish itself.

*

Either way, it's a fantastic song, a fantastic album, and led to one of the greatest live shows the world has ever seen.

SimonCharles said:

*

Isn't spiritual awakening - coming out of a sleep or a period of ignorance - on par with resurrecting oneself?

*

A reading could be that - following the legend that has become the withdrawal of the Black Album, Prince resurrected his spiritual self through the Lovesexy album, and then show.

*

It isn't mutually exclusive from the anaesthesia idea you mention - that he wanted the hedonistic side of hisself dulled so that his spiritual side had a chance to reestablish itself.

*

It's one thing to become aware of a higher power (spiritual awakening), it's another to be raised from the dead (resurrected). To me, those are two different things.

Prince was always spiritual. Every album leading up to Lovesexy represented that in some way. How do you resurrect something you've always been? He becomes even more spiritually aware, when he realizes he doesn't need a drug to numb his pain, all he needs God/Love.

Anaesthesia/Anna Stesia is the name of the song. The lyrics describe the pain of loneliness and how he is searching for an anesthetic to numb this pain. He isn't singing about hedonism in the lyrics, it's all about the pain of being lonely and his search to relieve that pain.

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

SimonCharles said:

*

Isn't spiritual awakening - coming out of a sleep or a period of ignorance - on par with resurrecting oneself?

*

A reading could be that - following the legend that has become the withdrawal of the Black Album, Prince resurrected his spiritual self through the Lovesexy album, and then show.

*

It isn't mutually exclusive from the anaesthesia idea you mention - that he wanted the hedonistic side of hisself dulled so that his spiritual side had a chance to reestablish itself.

*

It's one thing to become aware of a higher power (spiritual awakening), it's another to be raised from the dead (resurrected). To me, those are two different things.

Prince was always spiritual. Every album leading up to Lovesexy represented that in some way. How do you resurrect something you've always been? He becomes even more spiritually aware, when he realizes he doesn't need a drug to numb his pain, all he needs God/Love.

Anaesthesia/Anna Stesia is the name of the song. The lyrics describe the pain of loneliness and how he is searching for an anesthetic to numb this pain. He isn't singing about hedonism in the lyrics, it's all about the pain of being lonely and his search to relieve that pain.

Oh, I see - you're speaking about the song in isolation. Fair enough. I was referring to its ideas within the wider scheme of the Black Album/Lovesexy conundrum that was Prince at the time - all manufactured, as we know. And, yes, Prince carried his spirituality on display throughout his career, although throughout this period of time, there did appear to be - at least to these eyes and ears - a feeling that he was searching for further clarity of what he may have perceived to be his own spirituality/religiosity. Again, that's my perception, and is fed by a similar journey I was on at the time, and what I heard in his music, at the time.

*

To engage with your point about resurrecting something you've always been, you answered that in your own statement, by and large, the rebirth of his spiritual belief comes at the realisation and the "death" of an aspect of hisself he realises he no longer needs - in the persona of the singer that is, obviously. This is a comment on the persona and not Prince himself, I have no idea what was going through his mind in actuality, I can only infer what I understand from his lyrics and, as I've said, that is bound up in my own experience too.

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

You are correct, Anastacia is greek for resurrection.

But Prince isn't sining about Anastacia. He is singing about Anaesthesia, which is Greek for without sensation. He is seeking "Anna Stesia" to numb his pain of loneliness.

The song is acutally about his spiritual awakeninging. I never got the resurrection impression, not really sure how people come to that conclusion.

It's really two sides of the same coin. Resurrection is to come back to life. He sings, "liberate my mind." The idea of being numb to a previous life based in the flesh and sin (ie: Act I) then having this more colorful love-focused view of the world (ie: Act II) supports the spiritual awakening and resurrection.

In Christianity, we are "born again." We have our own resurrection of the spirit through salvation. I think it's quite logical and fair to say Prince was speaking from both of those points. I don't think he's saying he was physically resurrected like Christ or Lazarus, etc. Prince was so about his "I wish U heaven" moments during this time, both explanations are easily applicable.

Black Conservatives Debate Black Liberals on American Politics (Extended Version)

https://www.youtube.com/w...VIoC5ROaHk

TIMECODES OF WHAT WAS DISCUSSED:

0:57 - What first comes to mind when you think of Donald Trump?

1:59 - "Drain the swap" and capitalism

3:28 - Who here voted for Donald Trump?

4:54 - What is your impression when you see a black person wearing a MAGA hat?

5:51 - Black conservatives talk about how they're treated in the black community

9:17 - Who here voted for Obama?

11:06 - Who was disappointed by Obama's presidency?

15:34 - Issues with the Trump presidency

16:28 - Why vote for Donald Trump?

19:55 - Disagreements on systems of oppression - welfare, taxes, etc

23:29 - Policies that Republicans and Democrats disagree on that help and hinder the black community

26:09 - Black wealth and reparations

29:24 - Black voters being synonymous with the Democratic party

32:26 - Student loans and college

35:22 - Should the black vote be courted?

OldFriends4Sale said:

Black Conservatives Debate Black Liberals on American Politics (Extended Version)

Am I missing something? Why is this on the Lovesexy thread?

Terrific photo. Such a beautifully choreographed show. Thanks for posting that.

OldFriends4Sale said: