(this is actually late, it's a preview of last night's show)

http://www.rgj.com/entertainment/

Prince is back in the throne
Under the radar for years, the artist has new tour, album and is the newest member of Rock Hall
Mark Robison
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
3/25/2004 01:53 pm


Prince launches his "Musicology" tour Saturday in Reno at Lawlor Events Center.



By all accounts, Prince stole the show when he performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies last week. Grounded by his stellar guitar work, he put to shame performances by fellow performers Traffic, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty and Bob Seger.

Of course, Prince isn’t into competition, but facts are facts. His tear through “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Sign O’ the Times” and “Kiss” was jaw-dropping. And Reno fans will get to see him reign supreme Saturday night at Lawlor Events Center, where his new world tour kicks off.

The tour, featuring an in-the-round stage with full views on all sides plus Maceo Parker on saxophone, serves several purposes.

First, it supports the release of his new album, “Musicology.” (Some reports say fans who bought tickets will get a free copy at the show.) The CD finds the soul-pop-rock performer returning to a major label — Columbia — for the first time in five years.

Second, the tour will reportedly feature many of his hits for the last time in a long while. For years, Prince has merely touched on his hits in concert, often just playing the first verse and chorus or combining them in medleys. But this time out, it’s expected he’ll play full-length versions — with no programmed music or lip-syncing, two things that have become commonplace on other artists’ big tours.

And third, the tour will introduce him to new generations of funk-soul fans who might not realize how much Outkast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” album is indebted to Prince. It should also reconnect him with older fans who might’ve wandered away during Prince’s label disputes, experimental releases and more overtly religious songs.

For those not following along, two of Prince’s best albums were released during his supposed weak period: the ultra-funky “Gold Experience” and the ambitious, rock-solid three-disc set “Emancipation.” Who knows if he’ll play songs from them, but you shouldn’t be surprised to hear such hits as “When Doves Cry,” “1999,” “Alphabet St.,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Raspberry Beret” and “Purple Rain.”

Radio contest: At 10 a.m. Saturday at Lawlor Events Center, KWNZ 93.7 FM will hold a kiss contest. Contestants must remain lip-locked to stay in the contest; the last four couples standing get tickets to the show. Details: 823-1944.

Show info: Prince performs at 8 p.m. March 27 at Lawlor Events Center. Cost: $77, $49.50. Tickets are available at Tickets.com outlets, (800) 225-2277 or www.tickets.com. Details: 784-4444.

Well did anybody go?

Setlist?

Is Maceo with the band?

What's the great big guy's name? (New keyboardist that was on Leno).

Can't wait for the satellite concert tomorrow night!
[This message was edited Sun Mar 28 14:41:42 2004 by DakutiusMaximus]

no i heard maceo an rad were not there