Saginaw, MI on March 1 (18 reports)
from Marlee
Crucial is all I can say about the show!
It's been almost two weeks since I heard it and I'm still in afterglow.
This has to be the best tour by far from Prince, and I've attended more than a
few. The man just keeps getting better and better; he's amazing. Prince took
guitar solos that had me dazzled. The drummer made me jump off the floor and
scream. The music was so compelling that I could not sit or be still during the
three hours. The band was so tight and everyone grooved beyond my musical
dreams. As far as I am concerned, this show becomes the standard for live
performances. Forget the hype, the lights, the smoke and mirrows. Get
musicians on stage and jam! Love and gratitude to Prince and crew for giving
music lovers a real good dose. I dug the past and I'm digging the new. Thanks
for continuing the musical journey; I'm grooving on the ride. Prince you are my
muse!
Marlee Brown
freelance writer based in Detroit
from Real McCoy
Hello ur Badness,
Meshell & I enjoied the show verrrrry much..
I am a Prince fan from back n the day My first concert was @ Joe Louis Arena Nov, 7 1984 OH YEA HOTTTT.
Meshell has grown up listening & viewing Prince from my collection & NPG Club.
She had written a Afro American report 4 school last month on the entertainer Prince.
After that I saw the tour list and what other way than 2 experience Prince than N real life.
So we did just that March 1st WOW...... Meshell made it up onto the stage to dance and hang out
She had a background view of the Artist & NPG at work. She was lovin it..............
The Show was so clean & Spiritual it made ME feel enriched. After the show Meshell was being stopped by Fans
telling her how good she was and that she was fun 2 C.... Meshell is 9 and does gymnastics compititions & dancing program at school but the Greatest Audiance 4 her was March 1 with the FAM
There was More new music than the last 2 shows N Detroit. I was suprised 2 C Prince without the Piano (purple) or
Geniva. The organist ? BAD, We all know blackwell FAST Hittin, Rhonda SLAMMIN, Macio SMOOTH &the other horn ? KICKIN
Keep the funk alive and share that WORD MAN it shall set us free......
OH ABE LINC was a What? That was strong. Oh Yea: opposite of NATO is _ _ _ _ _ _.
I will B watchin and spredding ur experience n my world
Detroit, Real McCoy
P.S. Thanks J 4 lookin out 4 Meshell on stage
from Estara
I got to experience one of the most brilliant performers of our time! Prince came to Saginaw, Michigan on his "A Night Alone" Tour. I last seen Prince, when he was just the "symbol" in 1998 in Detroit at the Palace. This experience was much more personal, I felt closer to him as a performer, and it was alot less choatic.
I truly enjoyed his performance, his new album, and just him as a artist. He is always reinventing himself, but this new invention seems more permanent and more calming. His renewed faith made him glow on stage! I know this from experience, once you truly get to know God and have a fellowship with Him, you want to share it with the world! He showed it that night. Prince, keep spreading the glory of God's name because God is love. Love, Estara Garcia
from Tracie
Dear Sir/Madam:
My husband, Brian, and I attended the Prince concert on Friday, March 1, 2002 in Saginaw, Michigan. We have seen Prince in concert seven other times in the past 4½ years at much larger venues, such as the Palace of Auburn Hills, Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, CSU Convocation Center in Cleveland and the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. This concert was, by far, our favorite concert yet! That is saying a lot for this concert because we loved each one of the others as well. We enjoyed this concert so much more than the others for many reasons:
- It was a smaller, more intimate venue than the larger arenas, which gave it a more personal feel;
- We had AWESOME seats - second row, center stage;
- Prince played the full song instead of a medley of short clips of many songs; and
- Foremost, because of the music selection. The first seven times we saw Prince, he played mostly hits, which everyone adores and with which we can all sing along. But we’ve always wanted to hear Prince do the songs we love that they don’t play on the radio. Songs that only true “friends” know. Well…that is what he did at the concert on Friday night and we truly appreciated it! We loved that he played many songs from his newest CD, threw in a few favorites that everyone knows, like Raspberry Beret and Take Me With You, but also played several songs that not everyone knows, like Cool As the Other Side of the Pillow, Free, How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore and Anna Stesia.
I spent the entire ride home exclaiming, “Wow!” over and over again because it was such a great concert…everything we’ve been wanting to see for years now.
We have Row 3 seats for the concert on Wednesday, March 6, 2002 in Detroit, Michigan and plan on attending the sound check before the concert.
we just wanted to pass along our appreciation and admiration for the wonderful show we experienced on Friday, March 1, 2002 in Saginaw, Michigan. To Prince…our sincerest thanks.
Tracie L. Richards
from Amy Jones
Hey Prince and the NPG!
I attended the great as usual concert! It was so funky and smooth. Prince was great as he played, He's so smooth and you can feel his music. I loved the concert and the new stuff they played. I was in 3rd row center of the stage. It was great to be that close, My husband loved it also, He loves music and he thought it was great to be close and watch prince play. We went to the after party, We didn't get up to go see Prince though because everyone was swarming. We don't believe in that. Prince Is wonderful but we also respect him. I would love to meet him and be able to talk about his music!
A Very Devoted Fan!
Amy Jones
from Kelley
I just wanted to write a brief e-mail thanking Prince for making a stop in my hometown of Saginaw, MI. I loved every minute of it, from my oh so close seat. The crowd was great, very diverse, all ages, colors, beliefs, values, all gathered together for one main purpose; to merge differences peacefully to be serenaded by Prince.
I am glad I was introduced to the new sound of Prince, very very funky, with a taste of old school and new school. He is truly a legend. I was raised listening to Prince and had exposure at the tender age of 5. I'm glad he hasnt let his fans down and has continued jamming all these years. He is someone who has influence on many people regardless of age, sex, etc... I love the effect he has on individuals.
Thanks again for a great show Prince, come back to Saginaw again soon! You are always welcomed!!!!! And I hope He actually reads this!
stay funky and smooth--
Much Love and Devotion--Your Rainbow Child,
Kelley Popielarz
from Cevon Jones
I've been a fan since about 1981. I grew up loving Prince's music and I caught a concert every now and then. They were always AMAZING. I must say I didn't know what to expect this time. I showed up with my wife (whom I surprised with 8th row tickets) and was instantly intrigued by the intimate stage setting. And with the opening jazzy musical phrases, I knew I was going to finally get what I've been hoping to see for the last 10 years or so...A totally grown up Prince show for those of us who just love music. I'll always love his 80's work because I grew up on it, but throughout my adult life, I've secretly hoped that he would release and perform the grown up sexy jazz work that us fans could only previously hear via lame bootlegs. This was the Prince show I've been praying for. Long musical interludes with no singing needed. Killer cover tunes. Guitar work to die for. THE GREATEST DRUMMER OF ALL TIME! Sexy funk ballads. And, dare I say, a Prince that seemed totally at home and comfortable with his new format. Of the many times I've been blessed to see Prince, I've never seen him so relaxed and having so much fun. My only regret is that I couldn't personally thank him for sharing his musical maturity with a fan who grew up loving him as a teenager and can now continue loving his work as an adult. If you're listening, Prince...Thank you. As a teenager, I was inspired by you to learn to play any instrument I could get my hands on. And now as an adult, once again, I'm inspired to ignore the mold radio stations and indie record companies seem to want force on me. I'm gonna keep writing and recording what I want and maybe someday, GOD willing, you might get to hear what you've inspired. Keep it up and ignore the neigh sayers. You are in TOP FORM and I could tell you are where you want to be.
from Adam
Last nite in Saginaw Prince showed once again how versitile and commanding a performer he is. The vibe he sent out as he and the NPG laid down cuts off The Rainbow Children thrilled those in the know, and opened the minds of those who showed up 4 "the hits". "Digital Garden" was a highlight. This smaller, more intimate version of the NPG got way down, and I saw the incredible chemistry prince and his band are forging. He gave the stage 2 his players over and over all throughout show and let them drive the music.
Awesome!
The transition through the "Old Skool Radio Program" was coo'. He played Sly Stone!!! Blew me off the block. "When U Were Mine" was huge, and was highlighted by the the ending, when Blackman jumped the gun on the ending and the lights went down. Prince called 4 the lights 2 come back up, laughing and givin it to his drummer, and finished the song off tight. U only get that good stuff on opening night! U can b damn sure he won't miss that hit in Chicago tonite. He threw Maceo once, calling 4 "Maceo"'s horn on "Anastasia" and turned 2 the crowd 2 "Sing". Maceo was like, "Do I play my horn or sing?", chuckled, and started singin'. That fun vibe was prevelent on stage all night.
Then he gave it up huge a la this past summer's tour, pullin' out jams u just weren't expecting at all: "Starfish and Coffee", "Anastasia", and "Take Me With U". "Family Name" took it back to Rainbow and was maybe the best song of the night, switchin' it up from piano to guitar mid-song and brought out that funky funky FUNKY Les Paul sound he's got on the new album. Prince reminded us who wrote "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" and sang his ass off, trippin' out and jumpin off the mike (cause it was just 2 hot 2 get close 2) and hangin' his hat on it (2 cool it down, I suppose). We all know how incredible Alicia is (Much respect 4 runnin' away with the Grammys), but Prince took the song way over the top with crazy falsetto action.
The sound was great up front, but my friends in the nose-bleed section had problems hearing the more chilled out, high-end stuff. Prince gave much love 2 the NPGMC, passing out percussion to the peeps up front and bringing up dancers from the crowd (my girl was bummed cause he didn't take anybody from our side of the room, like say, HER). The room matched the music perfectly, and all I got 2 say is, LOOK OUT DETROIT OPERA HOUSE. Prince is gonna break that building in like it so badly needs 2 b. By Wednesday, this show will really start coming in2 its own and, well, we know how Prince kicks it up the heat in Detroit. I wish I could b there, but I gotta show that night myself. Come by after the show and check us out. We're called 2 Di 4 and will b playin at CLUB BART til' 2 am. Come say hey and tell me what i missed (I'll b the guy playin' guitar). Hit this link 4 directions.
Thanks 4 an amazing show. It was well worth the drive 2 Saginaw, the ticket price, the cost of membership 2 the NPGMC and all my years I've spent enjoying Price's Music.
Sincerely,
Adam Laurie
from Shawn
I have seen prince live about 12 times, but last night is what I have been waiting for! Great sound, Super tight band (on opening night nonetheless) and a night with a lot of piano and guitar solos by prince. I hope you do a live album or even a dare I say MTV unplugged so all the corporate radio heads out there can see what they have been missing since they started pushing 18 year old boy and girl bands down out throat. Plus that could give you an even larger market to spread the positive message! My only complaint last night is the so called after party-the people working the door said you were showing up, and after catching you play at the orbit room in Gr. Rapids I didn't want to miss another Jam session. But no sign of you or any of the NPG. I understand you would like a quit meal, and there so called security was lame, but this is the second after show party in Michigan (Olympia room) JLA and now with no words said. I hope the $20 cover went to Love 4 oneanther and not to the Bar! Shawn in Traverse City Michigan
from Poobs
Going 2 a Prince concert was 1 of those things I wanted 2 do in my lifetime, and I did it last night. I went with a couple of friends who were disappointed because they r not familiar with his new music. Of course they wanted 2 hear the hits from the 80's and see him dance around the stage. Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed that also, but I truly enjoyed the concert. I think Prince is such a talented artist, and his talent showed with this concert. Thank you, Prince, for a night I'll never forget. God Bless, Poobs
from --tiqueman--
Last night was a long awaited evening. the first time i heard prince's music was in the early 80's, long before purple rain, at the time i was into rock and metal. My wife and i were teens during the purple rain popularity and newly married when the npg started. we lost touch during the current rainbow children era. life, kid's, work are all things that replaced the excitment of our youth. for some reason i expected prince to take me back to the easier days. the select few older songs were great. the new music was fresh and interesting. Not being a jazz fan i was surprised by the new music. there is something to be said for growing older, tastes change and mine have also. like prince i feel it is about the music. the music was hot, fresh and funky. most of the music i did not recognize, however i will now be exploring the new stuff as well as some of the unkown older tunes. prince has an approachable presence much more down to earth than you would expect from the star that he is. this was my first prince concert, it was an intelligent and satisfying experience. 3 hours is far beyond my expectations, prince you love music and it shows. --tiqueman--
from Cinderella
I attended your concert last night in Saginaw Mi. Although I am not big into jazz music, I still thought you were awesome. I would have liked to hear more of your old stuff, but since your not into that right now, I listened to the cd instead. I liked the fact that you played at a small theatre, I felt like we could reach out and grab you. One lady actually tried. It was the couple sitting right next to us. She got removed. You played it cool, since you didnt plan that. And the cool thing was that you let 3 other people come up to dance the rest of the night. Great show. I wished we could have went to the after party to see you there too. This was my 2nd concert and I would love to see you again.
Sincerely
Cinderella
from mcklers
This is R.Scott, and I am a long time Prince fan since the beginning. I took my wife and daughter to the concert last night. By the title of the tour, I did not know exactly what to expect, but if you are a true Prince fan, it's all good. Prince showed the true musician that he is. It was almost like a jazz concert with plenty of great guitar by Prince. The man on the keyboards was amazing, and the brother on the drums was nothing short of GREAT. Maceo was still kicking the horn as always. Even though some fans of the younger set was looking for the old Prince songs, and scoffed at the spiritual, mellow, jazzy mood of the evening, my family and I had a great time. I am from the old school, and danced to the Ohio Player set that Prince kicked in his funky fashion. I went out today, and bought the CD where I can relax, and thoroughly enjoy the artistic masterful greatness of Prince. I think that it is a great idea to perform in this type of venue so that you feel up close and personal. The sound was very good, and I believe the true Prince fan will be very satisfied with hard working genius.
from Virgil
it's always been: "if i could see one performance before i'm gone, it
would be Prince." i saw him in saginaw michigan, and i was NOT
disappointed. the man is magical and the band fantastically talented.
i lost count of how many times i got chills from his voice, and i'm
still bragging about his ability on the guitar and keyboard. Prince,
thank you for the experience. signed, a beautiful mind
from Mxyzptlk
Ron & I went and checked out Prince on the "One Nite Alone" tour last night. He opened the tour in Saginaw of all places, so we figured we'd check it out. Since I am in the fan club, it got us great seats.
Anyway, the best was to describe this tour is different. For one thing, he is playing all jazz clubs & opera houses, so the atmosphere is more up close. Another difference is the selection of songs.
First and foremost, he's concentrating on material from the Rainbow Children album as opposed to a "greatest hits" syle show. The show also had an "NPG-radio old school" kind of theme, and a lot of old school covers were thrown in (Ohio Player's Love Rollercoaster & Sly & The Family Stones Sing A Simple Song to name a few) as a few of his own classics, such as "Strange Relationship" & "When U Were Mine"
Throw in a few other rarities, such as "The Other Side Of The Pillow" from The Truth album. Also, some yet unreleased new stuff such as a somewhat Madhouse styled instrumental and a song about Abraham Lincoln being a rascist and all this adds up to a rather unique three hour show. Maceo Parker, Rhonda Smith, John Blackwell, were among the musicians, and there was a new keyboard player I wasn't familar with. Candy Dulfer is supposed to be joining in on several of the later dates, which means he better come back to Grand Rapids again and bring her with him! He has a new cd coming out with her on it. The whole thing winded down with "Annastesia" as the final number, one of my all-time favorties so I couldn't complain too much! Personally I would have like to hear "The Work" or "Everlasting Now" instead of some of the other Rainbow children tracks, and I thought "Family Name" sounded a little weaker without the backing vocals (great song, nonetheless)
At the merchandising stand, they were selling the usual goods, including singles for "The Work" & "U Make My Sunshine", as well as t-shirts promoting both the "Rainbow Children" & "One Nite Alone". None of the "Xenophobia" shirts shown on the website were there. I picked up Rhonda Smith's CD, & a rainbowchildren shirt. There were also tour programs but unfortunetly I didn't get a good look at one. Maybe they'll scan it and post it up on the website for us members!
Well, that's it for now...
Mxyzptlk
from J
The chance to see Prince perform is what it is all about. A chance to see where he is creatively, a glimpse inside. I love his old music and was thrilled when he played some of these songs. However, if I want to only hear his old music, I can pull these cd's off my shelf and jam to them at home. This is our chance to see what he is up to and I consider this a honor. He is a beautiful man and I loved seeing him again. I was also choosen to dance on stage with him and that is something I will never forget. He is wonderful.
Love ,
j
from Poco70
I thought that last night's concert at the heritage theatre was great. I like the jazzy feel of the new music, but I don't think everyone felt this way. There were some ignorant people complaining about not hearing all the radio hits. What do you expect? It's Saginaw! I thought the selection of previous material was perfect. Take Me With U , When U Were Mine, Adore, and Starfish andCoffee were highlights. The covers were also great, Sing a Simple Song and Rollercoaster of Love. Prince spread the love vibe at the end of the show and in general proved once again what a genius he is.
from Brad
OK let me start by saying this. I've been waiting for along time to hear what I heard last night!! Prince was in Top form (as always) This was the 5th time I've seen U play in Mi and I think that you out do ur self every time. Thank U so much for coming to Saginaw! I mean come on people lets think about this for a second, This is not Detroit we're talking about it's Saginaw. Prince asked how many people are from Detroit here tonight. I thought that was kind of funny myself:) I seen the Detroit show in June, and the Grand Rapids show in Nov. prior to that and the Detroit show b4 that & the show @ the Palace b4 that one. I don't understand how U do it man, but u sure do bring the Funk with you harder every time! I was so glad to hear new songs like that (I won't spoil it for everyone else, they have to wait and see it for themselves;) ) If you get the chance to go and see Prince and you don't... well, WHAT is wrong with U? IF u don't to feel the music running thru ur blood then I guess you should stay home, but if you like me & can't sit down the whole show then U better GET up and go!! Also wanted to say that Johnny Bwell knows No boundaries!! Man I don't think that I actually saw his arms the whole time he was playing! I want to give thanks to all the rest of NPG!! U guys rule! I don't think that I can describe what I felt there last night! So NPG know this from me, I can't get enough of your funky stuff!! Prince, well what can eye say about you? Your the reason that I go to your shows, it's kind of weird to hear what I heard coming from you, what is the word that I am looking for? FUNKY pure to the soul!
Wish I was going to Detroit too on the 6th:( Also thanks to my friends for going with me, you know that you felt what I felt!! And to my wife for coming out too ( she is convinced, and we will be joining the club with a quickness!!) God is love, Love is God Raise it up!!! Thank you Prince so much, I can't get enough of your Funky stuff!!!
-Brad B 0(+>4life
from gidele
Hi Mr. Nelson and NPG
I attended the show in Saginaw last night and eye thought it was spiritual yet funky. The music made me feel. Ur old fans didn't share my thoughts.
It's looks like u're going 2 have 2 spoon feed ur older fans ur new material cuz they just don't understand. Thanks for keeping it real. Real music is always welcomed.
Thank's so much for having Maceo Parker.
God Bless u all and b carefull.
gidele
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