The Purple One put on a classy show on December 13th at the Rexall Place. I could have had a better seat, but it was still a very inspiring way to celebrate my birthday. How nice of Prince to show up for my birthday!
It took a long time before he started playing. The start of the show was delayed more than an hour, and there seemed to be some glitches at the beginning, since the lights started flickering and smoke bellowed, but no Prince or band appeared. Oh well, on the 3rd try, the show was on!
Prince started out with a rocking version of Let's Go Crazy, and the whole arena was jumping up and down. Prince is such an amazing performer - it's hard to sit still when he does his thing. He came out onto the stage from a platform under stage. He walked out front and said, "Dearly Beloved...:", and the crowd just screamed. Now that was a cool way to open the show! Amazing.
The show was full of Prince's older hit material, for example, When Doves Cry, 1999, I Would Die For You, Cream, Delirious, Controversy, and so on. He even did a couple of covers - Play That Funky Music and a song by KC and Sunshine Band - Get Down Tonight.
At one point, Prince asked, "Do you know James Brown? Well, Maceo Parker knows James Brown too!" And Maceo blew his horn as the master he is, while Prince walked around him digging it, being just as impressed as we were.
He came out for 3 encores, and he kept people waiting for each. Quite a few actually left after the 2nd one, not thinking there would be a 3rd one! Nothing Compares 2 U was beautifully performed, and Prince had people singing along with ease. Another big hit, Kiss, was received with a roar from the almost packed Rexall Place. After just over 2 hours, the fun was over, sadly enough, but it was steaming and cooking while it lasted. And oh, what a band he brought along! Stunning musicians and happening grooves. Yes sir!
All in all, an amazing way to spend an evening, let alone a birthday! Prince is completely amazing live - you should make an effort to see him if you ever have the chance to. He effortlessly goes between ballads and pop songs to rock and funk, like the true Master he is.
Simply put - Nothing Compares 2 Prince - call it cliche, but it is true.
By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com
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