Chicago, IL on March 3 (18 reports)

from Lisa

I CAN NOT MAKE CLAIMS THAT PRINCE KNOWS ME
YET I WAS INTRODUCED AT A CONCERT ON MARCH THE THREE
THE ARGUS-EYED GIRL IN CENTER FRONT ROW
CAUGHT IN A QUAGMIRE WHEN I WAS CAJOLED

YOU ASKED, MAY I CHANGE PETERSON INTO BLACKBURN
I NODDED RELUCTANTLY, WAITING TO LEARN
YOU SANG ABOUT SLAVERY AND FAMILY NAMES
I LISTENED INTENTLY BUT FELT SINGLED OUT FOR BLAME

OF COARSE I'M AWARE IT'S ALL PART OF THE SHOW
AN ARTISTS HUBRIS TO THINK HE MIGHT KNOW
I'M JUST ONE FACE IN THAT CROWD WITH A STORY 2
THIS FEMALE KNOWS PREJUDICE JUST AS RACES DO

MAYBE IT'S MY OVER "SENSITIVITY"
OR PERHAPS I INTERPRETED YOUR LESSON INCORRECTLY
RIGHT NOW THIS GIRL WILL CHOOSE 2 BELIEVE THAT
BECAUSE MY ADMIRATION FOR YOU GOES WAY BACK

A LONG TIME ADMIRER
WHO FINALLY GOT FRONT ROW
STILL ENJOYED THE MUSIC, THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

from Erica

First give honor and praises to God AND Prince and The NPG. The Sunday night concert was a dream that took over 16 years to come true. This was my very first time seeing Prince in concert and it is now a few days later and I am still on a cloud. Words cannot express all of the energy and emotions that were flowing through me that evening. Prince, I truly admire your style and your spirit. The whole jazz and soul vibe was awesome. The NPG ROCKED!! Prince, you spoke words of truth that evening that made me look into my own life and I want to say THANK YOU-I TRULY ADORE YOU...

from DesertRose011

Christmas in March, literally! As we hurried to the Chicago Theatre snowflakes fell silently all over the city! What a relief to know that a few inches of the icy water doesn't discourage life (officially known as inclement weather in Atlanta where I traveled from to see both shows in Chicago. Aside from the occassional icy blasts of wind on our neck and ears, we enjoyed the bustle and excitement of downtown Chicago particularly when we rounded the corner and saw the "Prince...sold out" sign. After weeks of anticipation, we had arrived.

Authorized with my NPGMC laminated privileged pass (a great addition to my memory album) my friend, Gina, and I rushed into the sound check to find Prince filling the entire theatre with his sweet voice. What a scene! Prince within an arm's reach and under the dome of the incredibly styled Chicago Theatre. Priceless!!!

Front and center to the stage we swayed to the sounds of soul moving music. I could've swore I'd died and gone to heaven. Then much to our suprise, Prince stepped down to join his devoted fams for a brief chat regarding the politics of the Ticketmaster beast. He appeared genuinely concerned with our comments and hopefully we'll see some changes in the process for future concerts.

The sound check was an awesome experience! Funny though, I don't recall anyone saying, "Check, check!" (te, he) After sound check we tromped in the slushy snow on over to Govenor's for cocktails and the typical bar menu.

Once back at the theatre we chatted with other fams while we waited to be blessed once again with our Prince's presence. Prince no doubt, had to feel welcome with the ear piercing roar of the audience as the curtain gracefully swept upwards. Ahhh! Life is good! Didnt think it could get any better then this... but it did... I had pit row tickets to the next night.... all in all its just an undescrible experience... Im back home now .. in Atlanta...ahhh seems like a dream... but still enjoying the natural high that came from the whole experience of it all!!!

see ya in Atlanta!!!

from Jill

(Continued from the first show review)

March 3rd, 2002

The second show occurred on the coldest nite of this season, so we didn’t arrive at the Theater until 6:00 p.m. (didn’t want 2 stand outside!) but was told after awhile that the soundcheck entry was probably not going 2 happen this evening. Most folks left 2 go get a bit 2 eat but we hung around until they open the main doors (around 7:00 p.m.). We were allowed 2 go inside but had 2 wait 2 b let in4 the seating area because Prince had not finished the soundcheck. Oh well. While waiting, my friend Keta was talking with one of the security guards. He said that Prince had wanted 2 add still another show 4 Monday nite but it didn’t go through! That would have been wild...three nites in a row!

The second show’s set was identical 2 the first, except he added (or maybe exchanged) "Everlasting Now" (was I a happy camper) and "Adore" ... yes, "Adore"! He performed "I Love U, But I Don't Trust U Anymore" with such passion, he even commented on the performance. Highlights of this show included the addition of "Pass the Peas" from Prince and Maceo Parker. Talk about "old school", it was in da; house that nite!

Prince invited a couple 2 dance on stage during, I believe , "La, La, La (Means I Love You)". It was so sweet but funny when Prince goes "You can only dance like that if you have children". Prince also invited the ushers on stage during "Sing A Simple Song". Now you have 2 understand the majority of the staff are middle-age folks who probably don’t know anything about Prince music beyond (or b4) Purple Rain, so 2 see them up on stage dancing their hearts out, well U had 2 b there! This was truly a nice jester; I bet know one has ever acknowledged their presence in this way!

Prince did change outfits 4 the piano solo. He started the show in a black suit (with purple tie and pocket hanky...in fact every1 was suited up 4 both shows, even Takumi) Prince came back 4 the piano solo in black pants, a black top with a blue v-neck panel.. This time he did have his chest exposed a bit (happy ladies)

After the show, Prince’s voice come over the sound system announcing the location of the "afterparty" (which he had already mention the location at yesterday’s soundcheck), the "Parkwest". Folks headed 2 the "Parkwest" and again the NPGMC members were treated like VIP. We were allowed entry first and were able 2 either stand at the stage area of sit in the "reserved" seats around the stage. Prince’s DJ (from last year’s "celebration") was on stage spinning. Again, no performance but a GREAT party! Folk seem 2 b having a good time jamming 2 a fine mixture of Prince music, spiced with a bit of hip-hop. Motley was seen first leading a group into "The Bird" (complete with a line of folks doing "Chilly Sauce". and then taking that same line of folks through the club on a "New Position" run! Prince made another appearance about 1:30 a.m., again in the VIP area, kinda looking down at us (probably trying 2 see if he could spot that crazy lady from the soundcheck who was trying 2 either give him her telephone number or cash,. again U had 2 b there!). He then made his way 2 the stage, kidded with a few of us in the front of the stage and did a funky little dance. He left after that and at around 2:00 a.m. the "U don’t have 2 go home but U do have 2 get out of here" announcement came over the sound system and is was all over.

All and all, this was the best weekend I’ve had since the week of the "Celebration". I am looking so forward 2 this year’s "Celebration", just 4 another chance 2 hang-out with fellow Prince "fam" and 2 hopefully have another chance 2 experience the new and improved Prince!.

Jill
(aka ChitownGeneration)

from Arlene Mays-Johnson

The show was excellent. Prince best performance by far. Prince tells it like it is. This may turn so people off but that is what growth does. I personally love the new Prince.

from Vicki

Strip away the heavy make-up, costumes, and dance routines of every pop star and what you have left is still someone else's music that they don't even do justice to when they (pop stars) perform. It sounds the same over and over and over and over . . . again.

Radio personalities with free tickets who want to bemusic critics (V-103) need to think before they say things they know nothing about. (People with no taste buds can offer no seasoning. What does it say to you when a person prefers canned cranberry sauce over cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries?)

What Prince and the NPG did offer was a fresh release from "radio hits and misses" They gave us music and in its barest form (hence the title, One Nite Alone) was one hundred times better than what is played on the radio now a days. I could get deeper believe me and Prince knows I don't kiss his a** so I am being honest when I report this. Energy wise, I'm sure it took a lot for him to even be there. Mourning takes a lot out of a person. I think it showed a little. (Be blessed Nelson family.) People will try to suck you dry and when they are through they will still want their money back. As for the white fans being upset with things that were said, if it does not apply to you why take what was said personally. Like someone somewhere said previously, "the message has always been there." Why is it now that people are listening? Oh, the show is stripped of all the industry trappings and we have nothing else to do but listen to the music and words. Keep talking and playing Prince (NPG) good music is hard to come by and God knows some of these people (fans or not) still need to hear something positive to keep 'em in check. Prince, don't be nervous or start having second thoughts about this. Loosen up and let it flow.

Vicki, Chicago

from Jo!

I had a feeling about this show! One Night Alone With Prince! I have been waiting for something like this for a long time! No fillers... no extras... just Prince and his band! I knew it was going 2 b special! That's why me and my buddy's decided we needed to be at Both Shows - Saturday and Sunday!! From the very beginning on Saturday night when he opened the doors to the soundcheck and I walked in sporting my airbrushed leather with Prince's image on the back, I knew I was in store for a night unlike any other! During the soundcheck Saturday, me and my girls are on the front row, watching as Prince fine tunes before the show! I think his decision to have fams come in during the tail end of his soundcheck is one the coolest things he could've ever done for us. That "behind the scenes" flavor is so awesome! But the best part about Saturday's soundcheck was it allowed us to share our thoughts about The Club and how things are working and/or not working! I love how he just comes down and sits and talks with us. Prince really listened to our concerns and was very receptive to the things we were saying. That means alot to me! We listen to him... and he listens to us too!

As for the shows... both nights - they were off the chain as per usual! He never comes up short when he performs Live! He is still the best live performer in the world and I will put up any amount of $ against anyone who would want to dispute me on that! It was great seeing him perform songs from The Rainbow Children! "Mellow Mellow", "Muse to the Pharoah" and "TRC" were so smooth! But my favorites from Saturday night were "1+1+1 is 3" with a little taste of Love Rollercoaster stirred in, and The Santana Medley! As for Sunday, "1+1+1 is 3" got me up again, along with Prince and Maceo doing "Pass the Peas"! That was Tight! I was also lovin' the fact that he did Adore! But I gotta say I was really feeling "Anastasia" at the end the show Sunday! Maceo and the other brotha on the trombone were working in that James Brown flavor and stirring it mutha-freakin' coffee!! Renato was absolutely a Killer on the keyboards! Prince had everybody chanting "Riiiise Up" and Renato was so smooth that he literally had the keys purring!! That was a moment from Sunday that I'll never forget!

I attended both afterparties but the one that was most hittin' was Sunday's at the Park West! I would prefer that Prince play that venue everytime he comes to Chicago! That way, those who want to sit can sit and those of us Real Famz who know that sitting at a Prince show is impossible, can stand! That afterparty was reminscent of being at one of the Chicago Nation's monthly jams! The DJ from Paisley Park was there and he did an excellent job of playing all the new Prince joints we wanted to hear! And even though he did not play, I was glad to see Prince come in and acknowledge us with smiles!

Thank you Prince, JB, Rhonda and Renato for making an early stop in Chicago! You know Chicago Loves You!!!

Jo/RedZRyder!

from Minddd

Prince After 20 years, 35 shows, 5 states, you performed my Dream show. Alot of your master guitar work and mind blowing piano performances. Saturday nites show was great. For all of the people who have complained that they wanted to hear the Work, I have only two words for U. SOUND-CHECK. We all had the same opportunity, it was your choice not to attend. Prince, I have one question 4 U. My girlfriend claims she caught you checking her out during the soundcheck. Is this true? She was extremely flattered and that's just fine with me. We will give you a second look next week in Louisville. I'll refresh your memory, blonde and beautiful.

from Elfshima2

excellent show. this is the forth time i've seen prince. just an experience. ill pay any amount to see/hear/feel him. no openings acts just him for 2 and a half hours well worth it. im just sad for him not getting the reconigtion he deserves. only us fans can understand/ only us musicians can understand/ only us with open minds and hearts and all the things we will understand can understand. i guess its cool in a way. hes kinda our little secret. its amazing to see/hear/feel him showcase his talents and love...elfshima chicago

from Ivy

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Prince and the NPG music club for the time of my life this weekend. I attended both nights here in Chicago and enjoyed myself immensely. The sound check on Saturday was a wonderful surprise and Prince coming down off stage to talk to us make me nauseous(in a good way!). I lost my nephew in January to cancer and this was the first real opportunity I had to really smile again. Thank you all for the afterparties(I attended both of them). It was really cool to be the first to get in and not have to pay. If I could make a suggestion: How about Prince does a show for members only at the Park West?

Eternally grateful,
Ivy(cdaryl)

from Coffey

I have to say.... I've seen you in '88, '93, '98 -- but this concert was definitely your best to date. The best way to describe the show would be Jazz Transfusion at it's best. Excellent guitar work blended on top of a fast paced Jazz Groove - I could not ask for more. Excellent Show, and you are truly creating excellent work these days and I appreciate it!! So I have to Beg, Plead & Of Course Pray you release a Live DVD of this tour. Only because there are so many people who should see this concert and enjoy what your truly about.

(Coffee) - Frankfort, Illinois

from Venetta

I think Prince said it best: "It's 2002 not 1986, so if you came to get your Purple Rain on, you might at well leave now, it's not that kind of party". The Party was GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I really like the Rainbow Children the soulful, jazz, social issue album. First of all even if you are not a big fan, the show would have opened your mind to what his fans are feeling. The Chicago Sunday concert truly exemplied why Prince is the BEST MUSICIAN EVER. I was very annoyed by the people sitting behind me, because they insisted that I sit down. When Prince performed Starfish and Coffee, I lost my mind. The Anastasia finale, just blew me away. I truly melted at Adore. Jumped for joy on the Everlasting Now. Felt pride on Family Name and a sense of the future on the Rainbow Children and Rise Up. Keep doing what you are doing baby. And the NPG, might have the Revolution faded. That group of musicians.......the sax, bass, keyboard, drums, horn. and that lead singer =) Phew HELLUVA SHOW! Please please come back. Bless us once more. And THANKYOU for doing it again.

from Jazlyn

Prince...I do hope that you will read this! My husband is a member of the P. club and I have been a fan of P's since I was little and now I'm 33. The concert was phenomenal. I'm a mental therapist, therefore, I too believe in change! Princes's words of wisdom was truly well spoken. Prince spoke of formats regarding radio stations. I have to say that I have gotten nothing but grief from radio stations and ASCAP. I have a cd out as well...trying to promote it. I was born and raised in the United States....but I am originally from India. My songs consist of a mix of english and hindi...what did the radio stations do for me? And what did ASCAP do for me? They stated, "Jazlyn, you are Indian, your look is Indian, you won't make it here, try marketing your cd in India, your songs are great, your voice is beautiful but this is a white mans world." I was hurt. But I am not going to stop fighting. The concert for me was inspiring. Prince you are the man! Thank you!

from CFunk

I gotta tell ya, this is my first Prince concert experience and it was everything I could have hoped for, and more. He showed why he is the best live performer there is--from jazz overtones, rock ' n' roll to funk he gives you a great show. The band is tighter than a vice grip; John Blackwell is the best drummer that I've seen live. Rhonda Smith made that stand-up bass walk by itself; the new pianist is funky, and it was especially good to see Maceo! 'Nuff said! Prince did four cuts off Rainbow Children, plus the new internet jamz from One Nite Alone cd. He also did some old school--Ohio Players, Sly Stone, Santana and his own old school. The crowd was hype all night long, but they really went stooopid when he did songs like "When you were mine" , and "How come U don't call me anymore".
The underlying tone of the concert was love 4 one another, love 4 God and oneself. He has changed and it's definitely 4 the better. Keep your stations tuned in to 77.7 FR. Beyond AM, beyond FM, beyond XM. FUNKRADIO COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU! DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!
Peace,
Chris--aka Cfunk

from Thurman

Prince did a helleva show on Saturday. The crowd was older more mature. I think it was more of a music lovers show than a fan fair convention. I've seen many Prince concerts n the last 10 yrs and this was really one of the best. Not a great big production, but a musical xperience. The NPG was tight as ever and Prince... well u know. Seasoned Prince music listeners will appreciate the show. Tag-alongs won't get it. Aftershow was kinda disappointing, Prince was up n the dj booth hangin out. But it was cold and we could'nt get a cab 2 the spot so that sorta took some luster off the afterparty. Great show!!

from mrsh

Prince: U gave an excellent concert last night. It moved me in ways I never thought music could move me in. Your words throughout the night were very inspiring and told the truth. God has given u the gift of music, which u have used to inspire and enlight your fams. Please keep doing what your doing and don't let anyone else tell u otherwise.

To the rest of the members of NPG: Awesome, awesome, awesome.

from MAB

The show was "One Night Alone". A romantic and loving experience with Prince. A cool mix of Rainbow Children and old school...sign "O" the times and even older. The message is love God and be positive. The show needed more real fans. I also was asked to sit during the intro. What no dancing? Get yo grove on.

from Trisha

The show was really outstanding, Prince's anchor really jammed. I felt that he brought to us what we listen to at home, which is rarely heard by a artist in concert. The only problem i had was when i was asked to sit down during the intro of the concert. I felt like i was at the movies, concerts are to dance, sing and to really enjoy the musican. If you dont want to do that, you should stay at home and sit on your couch and watch prerecorded tapes of prince at home. I am here to dance and enjoy the spirt of his music.

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