I just had to re-read this all again.

I'm so happy for all of you and equally as happy to read some positive reports.

SLEEP

SLEEP

SLEEP!!!!!

Sorry I couldn't make it but I couldn't get outta work.

I hope Darin gave you a big hug from me.

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!

That was the greatest report EVER! Thanks guys, for sharing.

WHAT an experience...

lilgish said:

I always hear people who meet him say that he just appears all of a sudden and that's exactly what happened. He just materialized right behind us.


Too cool!

Oh and another observation...the one-eyed bass was onstage, but it got no love either night. He rarely played piano either.

Should I dare ask the question? you know the ?

Is Ian gonna be immortalized for all to hear

2freaky4church1 said:

No.

Some musical observations...

I think Prince is trying to prove a point with these shows as well as the ones with Tamar. In the past, his female proteges have had a hard time being taken seriously. The club setting, the lack of props or fancy staging...just the simple, stripped back nature of what he's doing lately puts the focus squarely on the performance. He's been on this path with the One Nite Alone and Musicology tours as well, but the former definitely had and agenda and the latter definitely was trying to please everybody. I think Prince is trying to please himself now. I don't remember when he said it, but in an interview within the past 5-6 years he said something like "I just want to play my guitar. It's really all I care about." It shows. He's left the flashy symbol harpoons at home. The clouds are nowhere to be seen. He gets nowhere near enough love for his mad genius skills and I think that maybe the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame response had him craving for more. By only playing his Hohner and these new 'everyman' Fender Stratocasters, I think he's trying to show us that he can rip on ANY guitar and that it's not some kind of trick. The new guitars lovingly named 'Ice Cream' and 'Sonny' don't even fit him that well, but he wears them like they're a part of his body.

During the soundcheck he said "Hey, check out my new pedal". I didn't catch the name of it, but he then went into this several minute instrumental workout with it. I've never heard anything like it. The sound is kind of a cross between a tremolo and octave pedal, but that only gets you halfway there in terms of the tone. He busted it out a couple times during the concerts too. The best way I can describe the sound is [b]fuzzy liquid gold[/i] - metallic and liquid. I hope he uses it on some new studio songs soon.

His playing is reaching new highs. There was one part during "Joy In Repetition" on night one after the lyrics were through and he played this extended ending for a good 5 to 7 minutes. It was one of the most time-warped, abstract mindfucks I've ever heard. Seriously. I looked around and half the audience was standing there with their mouths open in disbelief, and nearly all of it was performed with his eyes closed. While playing during the Tamar songs, his licks and rhythm parts perfectly complimented his voice. Being a singer and guitar player myself, I know how hard it is to play and sing at the same time. And usually when a singer solos are plays a fill, they do it in between the vocal parts of their performance. He was so effortlessly soloing through entire songs while singing too, often with his eyes closed. That might not sound that impressive to Prince fans, since we're used to him being able to do anything, but seeing it inches from my face was mesmerizing.

I love some of the heavy new arrangements of songs too. That new version of "Anotherloverholenyohead" is so unbelievably kickass, that I hope you all get to hear it when he tours. And "Red-Headed Stepchild" is perhaps the most rocking thing I've ever heard him do. I had a hard time even hearing their vocals during the chorus. It's nice to know that he's maturing but not mellowing with age. He was in take no prisoners mode throughout. And I think if these are the style of show we get for the upcoming tour, you all should be quite pleased. I've heard many complaints about "too much Tamar" and "too many covers". But if you open your mind just a little bit and leave your expectations behind, it's impossible not to be bowled over by her and the absolute passion with which they play her original material and the covers. These are not your rote Santana medleys and obligatory Sly covers (although we did get one of those). Hearing him rip through Michael and Janet Jackson, the Mary Jane Girls, Mary J. Blige and Barry White was so fun I can't stand it. For me, it was honestly as fun as hearing the Prince classics cuz they were SO into it.

When the email came through that many songs were going to be featured that had never before been performed live, in combination with the questionnaire about favorite unreleased track, my mind was racing with the possibilities. We were giving our personal "wishlist" (sorry Prince) outside. Ian was hoping for "Moonbeam Levels". I was itching for "Witness 4 the Prosecution" and "Extralovable". Ivy wanted "Purple Music". It turns out that he didn't perform any songs that hadn't been heard live before, unless he counted the stuff from the new album that had only been seen on live tv or at the Purple Ticket party. I could've been disappointed by this or thought of it as false advertising. And I was a little bit at first. But the shows were so satisfying, I can't stay mad at him. I think my biggest disappointment was seeing that alternate setlist, and knowing that something happened mid-show that made them switch it up. I would've killed to hear "The Dance" and "Pink Cashmere" that night. But perhaps he'll bring them out at future Vegas shows.

That's all for now.

2freaky4church1 said:

No.

Some musical observations...

I think Prince is trying to prove a point with these shows as well as the ones with Tamar. In the past, his female proteges have had a hard time being taken seriously. The club setting, the lack of props or fancy staging...just the simple, stripped back nature of what he's doing lately puts the focus squarely on the performance. He's been on this path with the One Nite Alone and Musicology tours as well, but the former definitely had and agenda and the latter definitely was trying to please everybody. I think Prince is trying to please himself now. I don't remember when he said it, but in an interview within the past 5-6 years he said something like "I just want to play my guitar. It's really all I care about." It shows. He's left the flashy symbol harpoons at home. The clouds are nowhere to be seen. He gets nowhere near enough love for his mad genius skills and I think that maybe the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame response had him craving for more. By only playing his Hohner and these new 'everyman' Fender Stratocasters, I think he's trying to show us that he can rip on ANY guitar and that it's not some kind of trick. The new guitars lovingly named 'Ice Cream' and 'Sonny' don't even fit him that well, but he wears them like they're a part of his body.

During the soundcheck he said "Hey, check out my new pedal". I didn't catch the name of it, but he then went into this several minute instrumental workout with it. I've never heard anything like it. The sound is kind of a cross between a tremolo and octave pedal, but that only gets you halfway there in terms of the tone. He busted it out a couple times during the concerts too. The best way I can describe the sound is [b]fuzzy liquid gold[/i] - metallic and liquid. I hope he uses it on some new studio songs soon.

His playing is reaching new highs. There was one part during "Joy In Repetition" on night one after the lyrics were through and he played this extended ending for a good 5 to 7 minutes. It was one of the most time-warped, abstract mindfucks I've ever heard. Seriously. I looked around and half the audience was standing there with their mouths open in disbelief, and nearly all of it was performed with his eyes closed. While playing during the Tamar songs, his licks and rhythm parts perfectly complimented his voice. Being a singer and guitar player myself, I know how hard it is to play and sing at the same time. And usually when a singer solos are plays a fill, they do it in between the vocal parts of their performance. He was so effortlessly soloing through entire songs while singing too, often with his eyes closed. That might not sound that impressive to Prince fans, since we're used to him being able to do anything, but seeing it inches from my face was mesmerizing.

I love some of the heavy new arrangements of songs too. That new version of "Anotherloverholenyohead" is so unbelievably kickass, that I hope you all get to hear it when he tours. And "Red-Headed Stepchild" is perhaps the most rocking thing I've ever heard him do. I had a hard time even hearing their vocals during the chorus. It's nice to know that he's maturing but not mellowing with age. He was in take no prisoners mode throughout. And I think if these are the style of show we get for the upcoming tour, you all should be quite pleased. I've heard many complaints about "too much Tamar" and "too many covers". But if you open your mind just a little bit and leave your expectations behind, it's impossible not to be bowled over by her and the absolute passion with which they play her original material and the covers. These are not your rote Santana medleys and obligatory Sly covers (although we did get one of those). Hearing him rip through Michael and Janet Jackson, the Mary Jane Girls, Mary J. Blige and Barry White was so fun I can't stand it. For me, it was honestly as fun as hearing the Prince classics cuz they were SO into it.

When the email came through that many songs were going to be featured that had never before been performed live, in combination with the questionnaire about favorite unreleased track, my mind was racing with the possibilities. We were giving our personal "wishlist" (sorry Prince) outside. Ian was hoping for "Moonbeam Levels". I was itching for "Witness 4 the Prosecution" and "Extralovable". Ivy wanted "Purple Music". It turns out that he didn't perform any songs that hadn't been heard live before, unless he counted the stuff from the new album that had only been seen on live tv or at the Purple Ticket party. I could've been disappointed by this or thought of it as false advertising. And I was a little bit at first. But the shows were so satisfying, I can't stay mad at him. I think my biggest disappointment was seeing that alternate setlist, and knowing that something happened mid-show that made them switch it up. I would've killed to hear "The Dance" and "Pink Cashmere" that night. But perhaps he'll bring them out at future Vegas shows.

That's all for now.

Oh my gosh I love that song Anotherloverholenyohead!!! I think in 1986 he did a tour I don't know where. But theres a video of him singing it, check youtube if you want to see it. It's really good!

Velvet123 said:

Is it the one in the yellow suit from the birthday show in Detroit?

2freaky4church1 said:

No.

Some musical observations...

I think Prince is trying to prove a point with these shows as well as the ones with Tamar. In the past, his female proteges have had a hard time being taken seriously. The club setting, the lack of props or fancy staging...just the simple, stripped back nature of what he's doing lately puts the focus squarely on the performance. He's been on this path with the One Nite Alone and Musicology tours as well, but the former definitely had an agenda and the latter definitely was trying to please everybody. I think Prince is trying to please himself now. I don't remember when he said it, but in an interview within the past 5-6 years he said something like "I just want to play my guitar. It's really all I care about." It shows. He's left the flashy symbol harpoons at home. The clouds are nowhere to be seen. He gets nowhere near enough love for his mad genius skills and I think that maybe the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame response had him craving for more. By only playing his Hohner and these new 'everyman' Fender Stratocasters, I think he's trying to show us that he can rip on ANY guitar and that it's not some kind of trick. The new guitars lovingly named 'Ice Cream' and 'Sonny' don't even fit him that well, but he wears them like they're a part of his body.

During the soundcheck he said "Hey, check out my new pedal". I didn't catch the name of it, but he then went into this several minute instrumental workout with it. I've never heard anything like it. The sound is kind of a cross between a tremolo and octave pedal, but that only gets you halfway there in terms of the tone. He busted it out a couple times during the concerts too. The best way I can describe the sound is fuzzy liquid gold - metallic and liquid. I hope he uses it on some new studio songs soon.

His playing is reaching new highs. There was one part during "Joy In Repetition" on night one after the lyrics were through and he played this extended ending for a good 5 to 7 minutes. It was one of the most time-warped, abstract mindfucks I've ever heard. Seriously. I looked around and half the audience was standing there with their mouths open in disbelief, and nearly all of it was performed with his eyes closed. While playing during the Tamar songs, his licks and rhythm parts perfectly complimented his voice. Being a singer and guitar player myself, I know how hard it is to play and sing at the same time. And usually when a singer solos or plays a fill, they do it in between the vocal parts of their performance. He was so effortlessly soloing through entire songs while singing too, often with his eyes closed. That might not sound that impressive to Prince fans, since we're used to him being able to do anything, but seeing it inches from my face was mesmerizing.

I love some of the heavy new arrangements of songs too. That new version of "Anotherloverholenyohead" is so unbelievably kickass, that I hope you all get to hear it when he tours. And "Red-Headed Stepchild" is perhaps the most rocking thing I've ever heard him do. I had a hard time even hearing their vocals during the chorus. It's nice to know that he's maturing but not mellowing with age. He was in take no prisoners mode throughout. And I think if these are the style of show we get for the upcoming tour, you all should be quite pleased. I've heard many complaints about "too much Tamar" and "too many covers". But if you open your mind just a little bit and leave your expectations behind, it's impossible not to be bowled over by her and the absolute passion with which they play her original material and the covers. These are not your rote Santana medleys and obligatory Sly covers (although we did get one of those). Hearing him rip through Michael and Janet Jackson, the Mary Jane Girls, Mary J. Blige and Barry White was so fun I can't stand it. For me, it was honestly as fun as hearing the Prince classics cuz they were SO into it.

When the email came through that many songs were going to be featured that had never before been performed live, in combination with the questionnaire about favorite unreleased track, my mind was racing with the possibilities. We were giving our personal "wishlist" (sorry Prince) outside. Ian was hoping for "Moonbeam Levels". I was itching for "Witness 4 the Prosecution" and "Extralovable". Ivy wanted "Purple Music". It turns out that he didn't perform any songs that hadn't been heard live before, unless he counted the stuff from the new album that had only been seen on live tv or at the Purple Ticket party. I could've been disappointed by this or thought of it as false advertising. And I was a little bit at first. But the shows were so satisfying, I can't stay mad at him. I think my biggest disappointment was seeing that alternate setlist, and knowing that something happened mid-show that made them switch it up. I would've killed to hear "The Dance" and "Pink Cashmere" that night. But perhaps he'll bring them out at future Vegas shows.

That's all for now.

Can't type for shit tonight edit.
[Edited 6/1/06 0:08am]

GangstaFam said:

First and foremost I for the healing of what ever health issues you have.

Next I have just 3 words FAB-U-LOUS!!. You MB and BN had such an awesome time and through those GREAT posts I was able to envision it all! I wont normally read through more than about 3 pages of posts, but HONEY let me tell you I read all 7 pages and was lookin for more

Thanks to all three of you for gifting us with such a thorough report of how it all went down. For those of us that werent able to go, your posts has given us the precious gift of reliving it through your 's

Hats off

Great observations Gangsta. The whole thing is still so surreal in my mind. I'm glad you guys were there with me to bring out more of the concrete details because it still feels kinda magical to me.

GangstaFam said:

right back at ya kitty!

I should have invited myself along with Darin to come and meet yous!

Ivy introduced us to her beautiful friend Aliya (Babynoz), who became our partner in crime the first night. What a pleasure! Anyway, I turned around to ask my friends a question and happened to notice Prince standing right behind us!

Here's a brief transcript of our conversation....

[b]GF: Hey Prince!

Prince: Hey!

GF: How are ya?

Prince: Good, good.

Prince: Do you really think it's safe to be there? (pointing at the giant-ass monitors next to our heads)

GF: (pointing to my hospital band) Well, I just got out of the hospital and they put me here so I could have a seat. I wasn't about to miss this.

Prince:

BabyNoz: Is it dangerous?

Prince: Do y'all have any earplugs?

GF: I grabbed some tissue from the bathroom.

Prince: You should put that in your ears.

GF: I just want to thank you for having us in the beautiful, small club.

Prince: Thanks for coming out.

Romera: Are we in your way?

Prince: Naw.

Moonbeam: Thank you for doing this Prince. And God Bless You.

Prince: Likewise. (big smile and he walked backstage)

I am SO glad that you of all people had that experience - you really fuggin deserved that, it made me smile

endorphin74 said:

I should have invited myself along with Darin to come and meet yous!

uptown26 said:

Wow. I didn't think anyone else noticed.

GangstaFam said:

Yup, we noticed! Someone pointed out where he was and I looked over and saw him with you. I thought he knew you!

uptown26 said:

Prince and GF? man, they go waaaaay back! ...Old skool