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Stoneman
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5/17/2011 12:54:00 PM
Prince Is A King
Just got back from a short vacation in L.A. While I was there I took in a Prince concert as my brother had tickets. This was not my first time seeing him as I saw him in the late 70's when he first came out. At that time, as a musician, I was amazed and inspired by his ability to play several instruments well and his 5 octave voice. But his overall performance was a bit lackluster for my taste at that time. I was an Earth Wind & Fire Head and I wanted earth shaking effects, huge horn sections and jazz/R&B/Funk fusion. He was a bit too much on the Rock sound for my tastes back then.
But we all know that our musical tastes mature with time. Over the years I have been overtly impressed with his songwriting skills (hit, after hit, after hit) but was still caught up in the memory of the one live performance I had seen so many years ago. So, I didn't expect his current show to prove anything different to me. I have never been more wrong in my life.
His show left me speechless. The first thing I noticed was how polished the years of performing have made him. He was flawless in every single way. The Forum was packed to the rafters with Prince fans. The stage was shaped like the symbol he used when he was fighting with his old record company. The lights on it were absolutely awesome! He had Sheila E playing percussions and he made sure to give this legendary percussionist several unbelievable solo's. The Sax player was one of the best I have ever heard and he was so versatile that he could play any genre and leave you stunned with sonic delight.
But Prince? Man, he looks timeless. It's like he just flat out doesn't age. Also, his energy was so pumped as he played, danced and sang all over the stage. He played about 15 songs (all former hits) and then disappeared from the stage. The crowd went wild and so he came out for an encore. He played about 4 more former hits and then said good night. But once again the crowd demanded his return. This time when he came back he had the great Stevie Wonder with him. I was blown away to see my personal idol on the stage. Stevie played the harmonica, sang and then they led him to the keyboard where he promptly tore up Superstition to thunderous applause. Afterwords, they led Stevie off stage while Prince played an assortment of his own hits and other artists former hits.
By then I was exhausted from all the dancing and screaming I had done. I slumped in my chair as I heard him say goodnight and leave the stage again. This time his whole band left so I was sure it was over. But noooooooo! Suddenly he came out again and did Purple Rain and a few more hits. By now it was 1:00 in the morning and I realized that Prince had been performing for 4 hours straight. Then, he said good night and I just knew it must be over. But the crowd kept chanting his name while the crew began to break down the stage. We walked down the steps and headed for the parking lot. Just as I got in my car I hear the crowd screaming He's back! He's Back! and I could hear him cranking up "Kiss" while the crowd screamed approval. I saw people running back into the stadium to see him play for another hour.
All I can say is that I have seen hundreds of performances by some of the greatest artists that ever lived. But I have never seen anything like that! In my eye's Prince is no longer Prince! He is a King!
If you get an opportunity to see him live, don't miss it................
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Bryon Tosoff
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5/17/2011 1:02:27 PM
thanks for sharing this, quite a wordsmith you are.
As for "Prince" he is a blessed man and his gifts are amazing and his influence far reaching
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Shoe City Sound
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5/17/2011 7:59:46 PM
You say his show left you speechless, just reading about it leaves me speechless. He hardly seems human. I'm beyond humbled.
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Hop On Pop
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5/18/2011 5:33:30 AM
I saw him once and, while it does not sound like the show that I saw was quite the marathon that yours was, the one that I saw was stunning, nonetheless.
I have never seen any one person play so many different instruments so very well. And yeah, the hits just kept on coming.
Plus, the man can DANCE!!!
High-energy does not even begin to describe him. Superhuman is more like it. Incredible.
Also, I happened to be staying at the same hotel that he was and, when he walked past me in the lobby, I towered over him! And I am only 5'7". The man cannot be any more than 5'1". For real.
But, put him on stage and he is 1000 feet tall.
Great story, Stoneman. Thanks for sharing. And, I'm glad that you got to see that show.
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Slimdog Productions
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5/18/2011 10:52:28 AM
Prince is one of my idols. To have a artist in any genre keep up with the times as much as music changes. Stoneman, I don't get jealous, but I am in this instance because you got to see one of the great showmen in music. I have read in different sources that Prince is a master, A MASTER of 21 different instruments. He is also considered one of the all time greats at guitar. I am SO glad you shared your experience with us. I saw him in Denver during his, Under The Cherry Moon" tour...
You need to become a writer for you are as great at this as your are with your songwriting.
Slim
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Chandra Moon
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5/18/2011 11:34:37 AM
Last night we went to see Roger Waters at the O2 in London perform The Wall - when you see the "greats" you realise why they are "great".
Even when the music isn't to your taste you can't deny their sheer brilliance, longevity and professionalism.
I love Prince - he is one of the greats without doubt!!
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