My name is Craig Franks, and I am funky. At least last night I was when I had a dream come true for me. At the sound check in Indianapolis, I got to go on stage with Prince and jam! Initially I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to do this because there were at least 200 people waiting and the sound check started very late. When we were finally escorted into the venue (Murate), My wife Nancy and I quickly made our way to the front row.

After watching the band tune up for a couple of minutes, Prince made his way out on the stage to a round of applause from the NPGMC Members. He expressed his concerns about the situation with how tickets were being distributed, then went into a jam (sorry, I don't remember what it was, someone back me up here). Afterwards, someone signaled that it was time to wrap things up. After 1 song! Someone a few rows behind me asked "Who's in charge here?" Prince answered "I guess you are!" Then he made a funny comment like "One more outburst like that young man and..." We all laughed, then he paused for just a second... Here was my chance.

I yelled "Prince, can I do a song with you?" He replied "What do you play?" I said guitar, then he motioned for me to get on stage! I literally leaped from my seat on stage in one motion! Prince proceed to hand me his vintage Horner guitar and pick. As I reached to take them, time froze for just a minute, and I can't believe this is happening. The guitar was a little high on me, but I wasn't about to adjust the strap that was customized for Prince! I motioned for him to take the mike so we could jam, then he motioned for ME to take the mike, while he stepped back with his hands behind his back!

Okay, great, now I have to sing and play while he watches!! Which song do I play? I approach the mike, take a deep breath, and go into The Christ. I try to focus in on my wife, because I'm used to singing in front of her as opposed to a couple hundred hardcore Prince fans.

Just as I'm ready to sing the first verse of the Christ, I hear addition music. I look to my left, and Prince is looking back at me playing the keyboards! Oh my God, I'm getting light headed. I can't believe this is happening. I feel like I'm going to faint, but I must go on with this.

I manage to make it through the song to a round of applause from the people in attendance. Prince walked over to me and said "That was the best so far! Good job!" Which I take as meaning the people who have performed with him on the tour up to now. I shook his hand and took my seat. I asked my wife could she believe what just happened, at the same time Prince was asking me a question. She pointed up at him, then I looked and Prince said "What kind of guitar do you have?" I was so surprised, I almost couldn't answer him! Fender! I replied back. He did a couple of more songs (I was on a nature high, I don't remember what they were) and we went back to the entrance area to await the concert. I will never be the same again!

Now I have a couple of requests. Obviously, there were no cameras or recording equipment allowed, so I need testimony from those in attendance of what they witnessed. Matt was there, and he didn't even mention it in his post! What up wit da, Matt? Can you give a brother some love and tell the people what you thought? Deion, where you at? Testify brother!

One last thing, I didn't get the chance tell Prince something:

Thank you for letting me get my piece in!

Wow, what an experience! The Indy soundcheck, concert and aftershow sounds like it was great.

Goose Bumps my friend! What a great nite for u. I wish I could have been there to see this unfold. G-D was truely with u last night. G-D bless you and all!

GamerX said:

Sorry, I got home so late last night that I only did a quick post about the aftershow.

That said, I witnessed and will attest to your excellent performance. I was impressed, and it seems that Prince was too.

What an experience..WOW Wish I could had been there!!!!!

What a wonderful time for you...glad to hear it!

You did rock the house. Prince was definately amsued...he had a huge smile on his face while he was backing you on keys. He was also encouraging the rest of the band to join in too. Blackwell was about to split open he was smiling so big. Good Job man!

THAT IS AWESOME I AM SO HAPPY 4 U WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN IT

I know how u feel man. Myself and 2 other people got to play guitar in front of him at the Louisville soundcheck. It's pretty amazing when u think out it. A dream come true


Peace,
Woody

this is what all the NPGMC & Prince Famz have been waitin' 4. Dayum... i gotta make the Florida Concert. i swear P Music is like Purple CraCk Rock or somethin'. but i would relate the xperience 2 a God Conscience

You lucky lucky bast*rd

This is amazing to me. i know prince loves his fans, but these soundchecks and concerts sound really cool. the interaction between prince and you guys. letting people play with him up on stage, and having discussions etc. everyone is so happy and having soooo much fun. i thought opening his studios for the fri. parties was great, and it is, and now this interaction with his fans on this tour. how cool!!! personally, i feel manuella might have had something to do with this, as she was a fan, and through her, may have gotten some insight into prince on what the fans would love. of course he probobly reads comments we make here on the org as to how we feel about things? whatever, he's the bomb.

Thanks for the love people! I had a few mis spellings in my post, but I'm still on a NATURAL high, and I haven't slep since my one song gig, but it's all good I assure you!

wow...I can play The Cross/The Christ, When you were mine and PurpleRain (of course they are all very easy), but I NEVER could have done this!
My respect to you!

Seems like Prince really became a whole new person!

Wow!! so cool for you! musta been a trip!

This is very cool.

Well done Gamerx!

Did you play the indian lead line too or just the chords? That must have been incredible.

AMEN! Matt & GamerX were the first 2 org'ers I met in Indy. X asked me if I played, I said no, he said man i wanna play w/ Prince. When we got in there sure enough he got his wish. Prince, Greg, John, Najee, they all looked very impressed. Take care!

i wanna know who's gonna be the first to play the guitar solo at the end of LETS GO CRAZY?

Oh yeah - "natural high" he and the NPG Muuuuusic band will do that to ya!

Much happiness 4 u - u have to b - well - uh - way excited!

COOLLLLL

Awww, laaawd ... ... sniff ... sniff ... that was beautiful, man. (pass me some tissue!)

Dayam! That's awesome love, congratulations...totally one for the books!

Man! Cool! Funk on!

Sweet day in the morning!!

I don't think anyone here really understands the gravity of this event for one particular GamerX. An Unearthly experience to be sure. I think I might. You haven't yet lived until you reach your dream, however small it may be.

Wake up, your dream continues...follow.

Matt W - Iowa

Sunscreemer said:

I believe I can understand. It must have been an incredible moment !!! I wonder if he's still awake !!!


Congratulations !!! Great story !!!

So happy for you. You are right, you will never forget it.

Wow! And you didn't even lose your cool!
Great job, GamerX!

I was there when GamerX performed for Prince, and I can tell you he was really terrific. The look on Prince's face when he started playing was absolutely priceless!

By the way, I am new to this forum. Hi y'all! My name is Paul. I hope to participate here from time to time.

Paul

Not to sound like an egotistical-tootin'-his-own-horn sob but, everyone needs to thank me for settin' this 'get up on stage and play with Prince' thang.

I think I was the first. It happend at the Oakland soundcheck:

http://www.prince.org/msg...1&tid=6705

It was much fun and kudos to ya kid for having the balls to do it too. I might try again but this time i'm gonna sing!