antonb said:

Seen him about 12 times I think, best show for the whole day. Was maybe Wembley stadium or gold show 2nd night in Sheffield. I was also at the power trio after show at the o2. Worst show wasn’t bad but I would say Leeds arena, his final public show in the uk

Leeds Arena was my very last show. That was a weird one, wasn't it? ... I couldn't put my finger on it, but I left the venue somewhat cold and disappointed.

in my dream fantasy land, id have loved if prince did a guitar tour for the truth album. or just later at some point. the acoustic sections he did on later tours were definitely highlights. i lost interest in his big band arrangements tbh after a while. i think its why i loved what i heard of the final tour so much. he just kept going so big as the years went on, its nice of him to strip it back. i know the 3rd eye girl tour was an example of that, but that band i think were good but limited to a certain thing (hard rock), so not really as versatile as say, his first band with dez, andre, etc.

psyche2 said:

OperatingThetan said:

I saw him live around twenty times between 1993 to 2014; concerts, aftershows and even a few soundchecks. There wasn't a 'worst' show among any of them - just different. I never saw him play the same show twice, even when I attended multiple dates on the same tour. Highlights have to be Wembley Stadium in 1993 (75,000 people singing 'Sexy MF' was quite an experience), the soundcheck and aftershow access on the One Nite Alone London dates in 2002 and Shepherd's Bush in 2014, which was the greatest single gig by any artist I'd ever experienced; he was just on transcendent form that particular night. The only regrets I have are the shows I didn't or couldn't attend.

Wembley Stadium in 1993 (75,000 people singing 'Sexy MF' was quite an experience).

You said it! What a gig!

funkaholic1972 said:

Probably LoveSexy or SOTT tour were my favorites, ONA as well.

SOTT tour was great because it was my first Prince concert (and my first big popstar arena concert ever). My parents finally agreed I could go (with some friends of them), the year before (Parade tour) I wasn't allowed to go yet unfortunately, which pissed me off a lot. The SOTT show made quite an impression on my 15 year old self. The opening was awesome, I had never heard a guitar soar so loud! The whole show was fantastic to be honest.

Lovesexy was great because it was the first time I was allowed to visit a stadium concert alone, with my own friends. We got there really early and waited all day chilling in the sunshine, while the crowd grew larger and larger. Once the doors opened we stormed in and we got very close to the stage. Prince was so nearby we could see what earrings he was wearing. It was a great show and a fantastic experience!

ONA was great because one of Prince.org's members had reacted to my post where I asked if someone with NPGMC membership would be willing to take me along to the show? The guy bought me a 100 euro NPGMC ticket, without knowing me at all. That was awesome of him and I am still grateful for that till this day! So I met him and some of his mates at the venue, gave him the money for my ticket and we had a great day/night together. We attended the soundcheck, stood at the front during the concert and went to the afterparty later, in hope Prince would play again (but he didn't unfortunately). Still it was an awesome experience!

antonb said:

Seen him about 12 times I think, best show for the whole day. Was maybe Wembley stadium or gold show 2nd night in Sheffield. I was also at the power trio after show at the o2. Worst show wasn’t bad but I would say Leeds arena, his final public show in the uk

He did two shows at The Forum in Kentish Town after the Leeds gig.

Musicology was my favorite of the arena shows. Really tight band, the acoustic set and a set list that delivered oldies without leaning too heavy on hits. It was nice to hear stuff like DMSR, Shh, The ? of U, and 7. Great sound and sight lines too being in the round.

My least favorite was Hit N Run 2000 at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. It seemed like it was over sold so it was tight moving and the crowd was kind of tense, the set list was trite and predicatable, plus I had general admission floor tickets so I could barely see shit. He made up for it later with a killer after show though (my first one).

It's hard to pick a favorite because I like them all for different reasons. The experince you have/circumstances that lead to the gig and just being at the show color the performance. Right now as i reflect my favorite would be the LA Troubador show from 3/11. I live in the bay area and found out he was doing 2 shows that night in LA. I immediately got online and was able to snag a ticket somehow, now that place is small so i did a double take not believing my luck but quickly grabbed the ducat,left work immediately and started driving south as it was already 2pm. The adrenaline of geting the ticket and the antcipation of seeing him in that super small venue almost made me blackout... lol

I then had to call my wife and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner, she was prety understanding and always accomodated my flights of Prince whimsy. Anyway i got to the venue around 10 and I could hear the band knee deep into "Boom" After getting in I fouhd myself iterally 2 feet from the mic and the setlist was just out of view. A couple people were looking at it and i begged them not to tell me what they saw, they just turned aournd and said "i think your going to be real happy" .. It was a rock set for the ages, he scorched thru I like it There, Endorphone Machine, bambi etc. The showstopper for me was Colnized Mind which I saw him play at the Conga Room but this version was one of tnose transcendent interpretations only P could pull off. Mike Phillips came on stage & there was a musical conversation between Prince's guitar and Phillips Saxophone that went right thru your soul, it was beautiful and I hope one day everyone gets to hear it. They were both just so locked in and the synergy was electric, it also doesn't hurt that i just love that song.. I remember She's Aways in My Hair going into a long extended Coda where he really dug in with his guitar which in fact what made this show one of the tops for me, he just dug into his guitar like i hadn't seen in awhile. It was also worth noting the strict band leader came out in him when they were jamming on something and P was at the keys and he just gave a death stare to Blackwell, it was both funny & terrifying at the same time. Future Soul Song was great as he held out the mic & I was able to sing the la, la, la part into it with our impromptu choir. Anyway I left the show just buzzing and after 4 hours of sleep drove home reliving every magic moment in my mind so not to forget one of my favorite shows ever.

There are so many others I could of chosen (LA GLAM SLAM 94 w/ Stevie Wonder), Paisley Park- 9/00?- blackwells 1st llve gig w/ P I believe, The Kodak 02' show & mind blowing aftershow at HOB, the after grammy jam at HOB, NPGMC s. checks..

Worst gig mght of been the Orpheum ,SF show in 07' it was a special concert for Citibank card holders but i was able to buy a ticket thru the box office. It was a very by the numbers gig and the Orpheum wasn't built to house a rock concert. the acoustics were horrible. The highlight was Peach/Rock me Baby which blew the roof off otherwise it was pretty forgettable overall.

Farfunknugin said:

It's hard to pick a favorite because I like them all for different reasons. The experince you have/circumstances that lead to the gig and just being at the show color the performance. Right now as i reflect my favorite would be the LA Troubador show from 3/11. I live in the bay area and found out he was doing 2 shows that night in LA. I immediately got online and was able to snag a ticket somehow, now that place is small so i did a double take not believing my luck but quickly grabbed the ducat,left work immediately and started driving south as it was already 2pm. The adrenaline of geting the ticket and the antcipation of seeing him in that super small venue almost made me blackout... lol

I then had to call my wife and tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner, she was prety understanding and always accomodated my flights of Prince whimsy. Anyway i got to the venue around 10 and I could hear the band knee deep into "Boom" After getting in I fouhd myself iterally 2 feet from the mic and the setlist was just out of view. A couple people were looking at it and i begged them not to tell me what they saw, they just turned aournd and said "i think your going to be real happy" .. It was a rock set for the ages, he scorched thru I like it There, Endorphone Machine, bambi etc. The showstopper for me was Colnized Mind which I saw him play at the Conga Room but this version was one of tnose transcendent interpretations only P could pull off. Mike Phillips came on stage & there was a musical conversation between Prince's guitar and Phillips Saxophone that went right thru your soul, it was beautiful and I hope one day everyone gets to hear it. They were both just so locked in and the synergy was electric, it also doesn't hurt that i just love that song.. I remember She's Aways in My Hair going into a long extended Coda where he really dug in with his guitar which in fact what made this show one of the tops for me, he just dug into his guitar like i hadn't seen in awhile. It was also worth noting the strict band leader came out in him when they were jamming on something and P was at the keys and he just gave a death stare to Blackwell, it was both funny & terrifying at the same time. Future Soul Song was great as he held out the mic & I was able to sing the la, la, la part into it with our impromptu choir. Anyway I left the show just buzzing and after 4 hours of sleep drove home reliving every magic moment in my mind so not to forget one of my favorite shows ever.

There are so many others I could of chosen (LA GLAM SLAM 94 w/ Stevie Wonder), Paisley Park- 9/00?- blackwells 1st llve gig w/ P I believe, The Kodak 02' show & mind blowing aftershow at HOB, the after grammy jam at HOB, NPGMC s. checks..

Worst gig mght of been the Orpheum ,SF show in 07' it was a special concert for Citibank card holders but i was able to buy a ticket thru the box office. It was a very by the numbers gig and the Orpheum wasn't built to house a rock concert. the acoustics were horrible. The highlight was Peach/Rock me Baby which blew the roof off otherwise it was pretty forgettable overall.

I LOVE your re-telling, DrivingPleasure

But, "would HAVE; could HAVE"

leecaldon said:

antonb said:

Seen him about 12 times I think, best show for the whole day. Was maybe Wembley stadium or gold show 2nd night in Sheffield. I was also at the power trio after show at the o2. Worst show wasn’t bad but I would say Leeds arena, his final public show in the uk

He did two shows at The Forum in Kentish Town after the Leeds gig.

yea at the roundhouse wasnt it? I mean like as an arena show with mainly so called normal members of the public. The roundhouse gigs sounded great from what i heard.The Leeds gig he went through the setlist very quick, like 80 mins! So it felt very rushed. But then he did come back out and do a killer version of the beautiful ones on the piano. And a couple more tracks. It wasnt a bad show, it just fell short of all of the other shows on this tour.

rlittler81 said:

My favourite was ONA in Manchester, second night. Pre show sound check was super cool and the main show was mind blowing. Seeing him losing on the stage screaming at the end of The Beautiful Ones is something I’ll never forget. Least favourite is probably the O2 show I saw (can’t remember the date) it was the shortest show of all 21 dates and felt kinda rushed. The highlight was opening with “3121” which was rarely performed. Maybe seeing the after show spoilt the main show for me but it wasn’t a terrible show maybe just the least interesting.

Yep. I also preferred the after shows to the main shows at the O2. Though the stage was gorgeous.

antonb said:

leecaldon said:

He did two shows at The Forum in Kentish Town after the Leeds gig.

yea at the roundhouse wasnt it? I mean like as an arena show with mainly so called normal members of the public. The roundhouse gigs sounded great from what i heard.The Leeds gig he went through the setlist very quick, like 80 mins! So it felt very rushed. But then he did come back out and do a killer version of the beautiful ones on the piano. And a couple more tracks. It wasnt a bad show, it just fell short of all of the other shows on this tour.

Sorry, in my head I was saying Roundhouse in Camden, and my fingers typed The Forum

I attended the Leeds show and the first Roundhouse one (I decided to sensible and not attend the second because I had a super early start the next day). I was front and centre, so I don't have any regrets as such. But that was my last gig.

I think he ended up playing for about 2 hrs. Those shows were too hit-heavy for me, with fairly bland renditions of the obvious songs. Much preferred the 3EG setlists from earlier in the year.

My main memory is busting to go use the toilet, and telling my partner that I was going to wait to go until he did Screwdriver, as it's one of my least favourite songs by him. The song starts, I rush to the bathroom. He aborts the song and instead plays Purple Rain. I'm not saying he saw me rush out when Screwdriver started and wanted me to pay for it, but I like to think that's what happened

I did love the rendition of Sometimes It Snows in April that he closed with.

BEST: Any one of a handful of last-minute announced rehearsal sessions in the smaller room at Paisley (in the early 00's), with 50 or less attending, and Prince conducting the crowd's collective call-and-response like we were an instrument in the band.

Best Proper Gig- October 24, 2009 at Paisley Park - just short of three hours with everyone in a great mood, and he and the band firing on all cylinders.

The Northrop Auditorium show with the Revolution reunion to end the first Celebration Week was epic as well.

WORST: Any evening at Paisley where there was a higher-than-usual door charge, and an expectation that he would play...but never made even an apperance.

PatrickS77 said:

Not again.

iamafan said:

I have been to probably a dozen Prince concerts. My favorite was the Fox Theater in Detroit in 1993. I so wish there was video of that concert. Smaller venue, so everything was incredible. The encore lasted about an hour and so many had left, so we got pretty close. I liked it even more than his birthday concert in Detroit in 1986. (Which was great, just at a large venue. I was never disappointed by a Prince concert). [Edited 2/14/21 19:13pm]

A few years ago, they were showing some unreleased concerts at Paisley Park. They did show one from the Fox Theater in Detroit. It was from April 2nd, 1993. Not sure if that is the one you attended, but at any rate, I saw the film and it was awesome. I saw him on the Act I tour a couple nights later in Chicago. I went to two main shows and the aftershow on the second night. Great times!!!

purplethunder3121 said:

JayCrawford said:

PatrickS77 said:

Wow. So old and you only saw him once??? How pathetic. You missed out. Saw him 14 times between 1998 and 2014 and there never was a dull show. My favourite would have been the aftershow at the Indigo on Sept. 7th 2007. The aftershow was longer than the main show at the O2.

[Edited 2/3/21 16:46pm]

The only difference is that. I actually saw Prince live in his prime... You saw him when he was 40+ years old. "14 times." What an embarrassment 🤣

Except, that in his forties he was the better musician and performer. So the jokes and embarrasment is on you.

PatrickS77 said:

My best ones were the Manchester Academy (went on the Friday), MEN Arena (both shows, but the second one was huge fun), the last night at the O2, and I really enjoyed the Leeds Arena show which was the last time I saw him so is now tinged with sadness.

Worst ones were either the first O2 show I saw (got everyone excited with the build up, then the show opened with "Satisfied" and everyone sat down straight away) and the 1990 show at Maine Road on the Nude tour felt a bit perfunctory and truncated.

JayCrawford said:

PatrickS77 said:

Except, that in his forties he was the better musician and performer. So the jokes and embarrasment is on you.

Yeah yeah... Keep telling yourself that. If it makes you feel better lol.

You're being kind of strangely aggressive here for some reason.

I've seen him 6 times. All were great except for the Hit N Run tour 2000 in Grand Rapids, MI. It started 90 minutes late. We were made to wait outside in the snow. I felt the show was rather lackluster, like he wasn't giving it his all. I didn't care for the dancer, Geneva, either. On the way back home, we got into a terrifying car accident and had to stay the night in a motel due to horrible weather. So that was the worst Prince concert for me.

jayceman said:

amazing performer... none better

[Edited 2/17/21 1:05am]