Lakeland, FL on April 6 (11 reports)

from Coco

WHAT A NIGHT. Prince U DA MAN. I have 2 start with saying thanks, and 2 A LOT of people. 2 Bobbi, my best friend, 4 sharing such a beautiful xperince with me. 2 the man that gave me my wrist band at the door, I was just a little xcited (giggling shaking babbling) U were super cool. 2 the fams we were sitting around, 4 enjoying the xperince as much as we were. 2 the NPGMC 4 getting us 4th row seats. 2 the NPG, 4 sounding funky beyond belief. And 2 Prince 4 giving me ‘one night alone’ with U. N a sea of 2200 people I felt like it was all 4 me. THANK YOU ALL!!

Xcitement was N the house. Love was N the house. Funk was N the house. God was N the house. Prince was all up N the house. The house was Rocking. I’ll have 2 try hard 2 put n2 words what my personal xperince was like. Purple Rain came out when I was 11 years old. I had 2 wait 18 years 2 see the man behind the music I’ve loved since then. It was worth the wait. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I sang and mostly I shook my pants. I never dreamed that Prince & The NPG would sound better than I had imagined. But they did. I couldn’t give a good set list if I tried. It started with The Rainbow Children, Ended with Anna Stesia, and was filled with the best music I’ve ever heard, live or otherwise, in my life. The horns, The bass, The keyboards, and those drums. Just on fire. So many times during the night I just closed me eyes and was swept away. But, when my eyes were open they were focused on the most amazingly talented man I’ve ever seen. Those sexy eyes made me blush, that smile made me weak in the knees, that voice melted my heart and that guitar playing made me wish it would last forever. What a moving and beautiful xperince. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Florida Loves U Prince. Please come back soon. I can’t wait another 18 years. Right now I don’t feel like I can wait 18 seconds. Love and Joy 2 us all!!!

Coco

from Tamera

THANK YOU for being available to Prince's fans. I attended the April 6 Lakeland concert. It was one of the best day's of my life!! Because of NPG I was able to meet some genuinely terrific people who shared my love for Prince and his musical gifts. (I've been living in a cultural wasteland since I left Minneapolis 9 years ago - without you I wouldn't have known what Prince is up to or that there are others who feel the same way I do.) And, Prince treated us to an amazing sound check. He really made us feel like we were important to him as an artist. So, Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great day and Smile, Tamera Connelly

from Terri

One Nite Alone with Prince? Not Saturday nite at Lakeland Center's Youkey Theater. Jesus said: "4 where there r two or three gathered 2gether in my name, there eye am in their midst." (Matthew 18:20) And when Prince stopped 2 play his guitar literally 6 inches in front of me, eye looked up and saw His face. Prince has said that his music is inspired by God. The Bible affirms this saying: "Every good gift and every perfect present is from above." (James 1:17) Saturday nite, we praised the Cre8or by celebr8ing that good gift.

As far as giving and receiving go, eye know The Truth - Acts 20:35. Eye have been a member of the NPGMC since day won. Not 4 the CDs, xclusive merch&eyez or preferred concert seating that memberz receive, but 4 the simple reason that b-ing a member of the Club is the most direct way eye can give my support 2 Prince and let him know that eye blieve in him. As far as eye'm concerned, b-ing a member of the NPGMC is all about:

Ntrusting
Prince 2
Gratify my
Musical
Craving

And, Saturday nite, he did just that.

PROPSNPOUNDZ 2 the NPGMC 4 seeing 2 it that those of us who truly recognize and appreci8 Prince's gift were seated in front of those who simply came 2 get their "Purple Rain" on. Having had negative xperiences with it in the past, eye was concerned when eye learned that seating 4 this show would b general admission. But, concern quickly gave way 2 confidence that, unlike the past, eye was among true famz and Rainbow Children this time. How did eye know? We had love among rselves. There was no pushing, shoving or line jumping. Love4oneanother went from b-ing a word simply uttered by the mouth 2 an ideal mbraced in deed and truth. Thank u 2 my fellow NPGMC Memberz and thank u 2 Prince 4 trusting we could act right.

The soundcheck alone tore the place up, figuratively...and literally! Just b-ing allowed 2 witness such an intim8 thing proves that Prince is as kind as he is talented. Eye won't go in2 dtail regarding the soundcheck. Those of us who were there already know. Those who weren't - It's an NPGMC thang, u wouldn't understand. Let's just say Prince, Rhonda, John, Renato, Greg and Najee were as tight as the pants Prince wore during the soundcheck were loose! ;)

Thanx 2 the NPGMC eye had the privilege of b-ing in the front row of the orchestra pit, 4th seat from the center...or rather that's where eye would have been sitting had the show been any less funky! Bcuz Prince's music comes from such a pure place, it cre8s an energy so intense that sitting down during a show is a real challenge. Listen 2 the radio 4 30 daze. Eye dare any1 2 find a frequency half as funky as the vibe eye felt when eye placed my hands, palms down, on the stage while Prince let some of his newest children like "1+1+1 is 3" and "Family Name" rize. There rn't enuff letters in the alphabet 2 accur8ly dscribe my xperience. Eye will say this, tho. U don't need ears 2 hear Prince's music...all u need is soul.

Special + 2 Prince 4 refusing 2 b kept down by those who just wish "old scragglyhead" would play like he used 2. Ready 4 One Nite Alone with u, eye screamed. U made love 2 the strings of ur guitar and the keys of ur piano and it was the most intim8 and beautiful sound eye've ever heard. Please know that the pearls u cast were b4 the dyvine this time... This Rainbow Child did rize!

THANK U 2 Rhonda, John, Renato, Greg and Najee 4 rizing 2 the occasion. Prince is lucky 2 b surrounded by REAL MUSICIANS like u.

And, special THANX 2 Prince. What can eye say? Ur light just keeps getting brighter every time eye c u. Keep on sharing The Truth and preaching the Good Newz and God will take care of u, brother. Eye love u.

Finally, eye want 2 end with the Bginning and THANK GOD. If it wasn't 4 Him, there'd b no reason 2 smile. Romans 12:6 says: "We have gifts differing according 2 the undeserved kindness given 2 us." After witnessing what eye did on April 6th at Lakeland Center's Youkey Theater, all eye can say is that when God got 2 Prince, He was kindest of all.

LOVE
Terri Ferriero

from Frank

Prince is, without a doubt, the best live performer and most talented artist on this planet. I brought my girlfriend, who did not know too many of the new songs. It didn't matter. She soon found out what a great musician and performer Prince is. From the moment he walked on, he took control of the stage and the crowd. His guitar and piano playing were incredible. His voice - amazing. We were in awe. The solo piano medley was the highlight of the night.

I think Prince said it best during the concert - "Real music, from real musicians." Prince - thank you for a great night. I will never miss an opportunity to see you live.

from Mark

High NPGMC,

The Lakeland leg of the "One Night Alone" tour was amazing but also special. The NPGMC members felt like Prince's personal guests (being close enough interact with him). I have been listening 2 Prince's music since high school but have only attended 2 concerts. Lakeland was my third and 1 eye will never 4get.

Prince really showed me y real music and real musicians must never die. U and the musicians (Najee, Johnny Blackwell, Rhonda, Renato?) were incredible. Since eye was front row, eye had no complaints. I particularly enjoyed Rhonda's display of talent (and yes beauty as well). She kindly acknowledged me and others with that beautiful smile of hers. She also invited the lucky guy sitting 2 seats from me 2 play her guitar as back up to Prince's invitee on stage for a rendition of "I can never take the place of ur man".

Eye LOVE the message u r bringing in the music. The truth never sounded so awesome. It is truly better 2 give than receive and u give Lakeland a memorable experience Saturday night.

Eye took the oppor2nity 2 purchase a couple of T shirts and Rhonda's CD - a welcome addition 2 my music library. Thanks 4 introducing me 2 the music of Rhonda.

Peace b with u,
Mark Anthony

from Juneau Gee

I have been fan of Prince since forever. I grew up listening to his music. My mother is a major fan of his and his music was always in the house. I am 23 years old and this was my first Prince concert and it certainly will not be my last. I don't even think I can explain in words how I felt at that concert last night. I always knew that Prince is a musical genius, but you really don't understand the depth until you experience a live concert. I am not a member of the npg music club, but I will be after this. I was up in the balcony, but I could hear and see everything. The music was so electrifying and intoxicating. I will always love Prince's old school music, but I really love the new school music. The talent that he encompasses is unlike anyone of this time. I thank God that Prince stays true to his heart and his music. I just want to say that no one, NO ONE does IT like PRINCE does IT. The next time he is in town with his crew, I will be at the concert. However, I will be downstairs in the "Orchestra Pit" experiencing things in a whole new way. Thank you Prince for giving us all that you have and knowing that we appreciate it.

from Willowdream

Wednesday night I was informed that Prince was coming to the Lakeland Center for a concert.....I KNEW I needed to go! So, I hit up the infamous TicketMaster to see how much the tickets were and when they were going on sale. I saw the prices ranging from 25$ to 100$ and laughed at the impossibility of paying 25$ and being waaay in the back! I wanted to be up front...nothing but the best for me to see Prince. I have LOVED Prince and his music since I was a litle girl...being yelled at by mom everytime she heard me listening to him :) I am a very impatient person and did NOT want to wait until friday morning...knowing I wouldnt get the best seats if I did....so I proceeded to try to find Prince's official site....and came across the NPGMusicClub! I sat here debating for all of 2 minutes on paying the membership fee and then paying for tickets.....well...I joined. And let me tell you...I dont regret it one bit!

So 300$ later.....I was trying to find someone to drive me to the concert :) I spent 2 days before I could get someone...and lo and behold...my boyfriend found a Prince fan at his work :) So she came and picked me up and off to the venue we went.....

She didnt understand why I wanted to be there so early....until we got in the line and I informed her that we were going to the soundcheck...she was definitely starting to get real excited! :)

Now let me say this.....I have NEVER, in all my years of going to concerts and going backstage, EVER seen a performer of Prince's caliber so comfortable with his fans....so interested in what his fans have to say. I would have paid JUST to go to the soundcheck! Being there for the soundcheck was almost like sitting down in a friend's living room and just hanging out. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. And then, Prince completely blew my mind by inviting 2 of his fans up to play a song for him!! He handed over his beautiful white guitar and had a seat behind the guys while they jammed with the rest of the NPG. Those two guys were really good :) I got to talk with them a little later..just for a second...and they were still high off the experience! Prince you are just amazing!

After they were done Price said "I can't follow them!" and he went back to get changed!

Not too long after...all the Ticketmaster fans poured in wondering who the rest of us were that we were already there :) I felt at that point that I was an ELITE fan of Prince.

And then the concert started.....I couldnt even tell you the set list....All I can tell you is that I was lost in Prince and the music for the next 2 and a half hours. Never have I seen an artist request that his audience sit down and relax for a little while while he sang to us. AND never have I ever seen the entire audience sit down immediately like that!

Prince really enjoys what he does. It is so apparent. He didnt give off the impression that he was following a set list....he seemed to do what felt right to do at the time. He was so comfortable up on stage...not because he was performing for an audience...but it seemed like he was performing for friends.

Out of all the concerts I have ever been to....out of all the times I have been backstage at various concerts, I would have to say that the soundcheck with Prince was FAR more intimate then anything I have ever been to. And this was by far the BEST concert I have ever been to!

Prince......thank you so much for the experience! I will never forget this....and COME BACK TO THE TAMPA AREA SOON!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Always,
Willowdream

from GEMINIEV

I have been a "fam" since the beginning of time, and have been to countless shows. I wanted to write to personally thank Prince for allowing us the opportunity of a lifetime! Being witness to his soundcheck and being in the "Orchestra Pit" seats (2nd row from the stage) was truly the highlight of my evening...and the show hadn't even started!!

Being a member in the NPG Music Club, is a "fams" dream come true access to the greatest artist there ever was, and ever will be. I urge everyone, who loves this man and his music, to JOIN NOW!

Prince, I thank you for a wonderful evening, filled with memories, I will NEVER forget.

As always.... peace....

GEMINIEV

from Glen

April 6th, 2002 Lakeland, Florida is a night that has changed me forever. My roommate surprised me by buying tickets on your website, which I will now be joining today. He told me I had no idea what I will be witnessing, speaking from someone who has been to 5 of your concerts himself. Yes, I’ve listened to your music faithfully for 5 years and it has grown on me like the class clown to a teacher but this would be my First concert. Boy was he right!!!

We got there at 4:50 and walked in and joined the line of about 200 people. “Everyone else can’t get in until 8”, my roommate says. I looked at him star struck.. ..”WHAT? That is great”. I thought to myself that is a great way to show your fan appreciation for the people who support you. Getting closer to the door I hear music and your voice. I lost it. “Dude, he’s in there”. I get in and I lose it. We are sitting 3 rows from the stage, there are people in the 4th row and that’s it. 200 people listening to the sound check and that is all. I couldn’t believe it.

Taking time to play requests that we yelled out and talking to us was beyond what I expected and raised up my respect for you to a higher ground. After an hour’s worth of music you said you had to go change. I sat down and everyone around me new it was my first concert. I said “That felt like a concert to me”. The response from everyone was, “You have no idea”.

The doors opened an hour later for the general public. They all came in and tried to figure out who we were and how did we get our seats. You came on and performed for 2 ˝ hours and once again took me to another ultimate peak. I was in a trance several times standing up and dancing. It was like you were performing in my mind in my own private concert. I didn’t sit down the rest of the night until you told us too. I couldn’t stop moving. The entire fan club section as well. I looked back behind me at the balcony and saw everyone sitting down. I didn’t understand it. Then thought, that would have been me 5 years ago. They didn’t “get” it or I should say “They have no idea”. I hope they all “get” it soon. I have.

Thank you,
Glen

from Jeffrey

Let me begin with a huge "THANK YOU!" to the NPG Music Club.

Since being devoted to Prince's music for close to 20 years I've never had a better experience than i had last night. The seats were the best i have ever had at any other concert. And Prince was quite the host!

First we arrived early for the will call line, we took a seat and talked with some great NPGMC people made some new friends and the time in line just flew. We were then searched then ushered inside where they gave us our passes. no pushing or line cutting the security and the system they used was excellent. Thank you, Lakeland Center. We entered Prince and the band were on stage jamming. Then the first group of us followed the usher in and down to what I thought would be our front row seats for the night. Instead we took a left and went through a door and down some steps, we were a little confused until we went up some more steps and appeared in the ORCHESTRA PIT! with prince looking down at us. We all cheered ecstatically as we were ushered to our seats for the night. My girlfriend and I were seated front row 3rd and 4th from center! After watching mesmerized as he and the npg worked through songs effortlessly, he got the two new friends next to us up stage to play a song on guitar and bass. They ripped out "Never take the place of your man" with the npg backing them up! (lucky stiffs! thanx for pick:-) then he got back up to jam beautiful strange and paisley park (while tryin' too keep his pants from falling down:-) he then ask us a few questions and joked with us. we all gave him a standing ovation at one point for the seats, coming to Florida, just everything. He smiled and said it was going to be a good night. And It was!

My girlfriend has never seen prince live. Being new to his music, she wasn't that familiar with alot of the songs, she has an appreciation for his talent and music, but not into it as much as me of course. We'll she danced and clapped along and watched in amazement as the NPG went on a rollercoaster ride of music and emotion. She says now she's a converted Prince fan. Well, I think having him about a foot away rocking the house really helped. Thanx to the NPGMC!

My experience was phenomenal. I will never forget the night at Lakeland. The best Prince show i have ever seen! I don't want to go into the song list you probably already know it. If not go see it for yourself. you will be amazed, and yes it is worth every penny spent! Again, Thank You! Prince....NPGMC.....all the friends around us ( I have your e's)..and the professionalism and courtesy of the Lakeland Center staff!

from AJGadek

Prince tore the ROOF off the mutha last night... I was so caught up in the moment (seats in the orchestra pit, 2nd row, about 6 feet away from the man for the bulk of the concert!) that I can't quite remember a full setlist, and I didn't want to miss ANYthing by writing stuff down. But I'll do my best....

First of all, the soundcheck was off the hook!!! We didn't get let in until almost 6 o'clock..but while waiting I met some awesome people...shout-outs to Lilaq, BatBoy (sorry, can't remember your name! you THE MAN) and the blonde guy who was behind me in line who brought his friend who ate our turkey sandwich -- how'd you like the show??? And that guy who talked to us on our way out of the concert who was from the East Coast...mad love, man!)

During the soundcheck, Prince played an instrumental version of "Joy in Repetition" - WOW, played a full version of "Peach" - ohmygod! it was incredible, played "Paisley Park" in full - YES!!! and a slamming version of "The Ride," not to mention "Beautiful Strange!!!" I can't even describe what it was like to see Prince in such a jovial mood, talking to the fans, wearing sandals, jamming on his guitar. His attitude was much more shy during the soundcheck than when he came back for the concert....but he was smiling and chewing gum throughout....the funniest part was that his pants kept slipping down his hips and he had to keep pulling them up...it was extremely cute and endearing ;) Oh! and for all the club members...he mentioned something about "We got a new CD coming out in a couple of weeks" and I tried to ask "Is it One Nite Alone?" but I got drowned out by others asking questions. So it looks like the first CD is going out soon...

As for the concert...all I can say is that I didn't think anything could top the soundcheck, but BOY was I wrong....after some confusion with a curtain rod falling down, the show finally started at about 8:25 or so. He of course opened up with "Rainbow Children" and "Muse 2 the Pharoah," during which he said "The opposite of NATO is Me!"...then, wow, this is where my memory gets extremely shady. I was overjoyed to hear him play an incredible version of "A Case of U" complete with an ultra-funky breakdown at the end. His guitar-work throughout the entire show was just pheNOMenal. It was very exciting to be right next to Takumi (sp?) and to see him get Prince's guitar ready before the next song...he seems like a really cool guy and looked dapper as hell in his suit!

Prince did an incredible "Mellow Mellow" which left every lady (and quite a few of the men, myself included) feeling a bit weak in the knees. "1+1+1 is 3" was incredible and really got the balcony crowd up on their feet, and the crowd LOVED "Love Rollercoaster" which I must admit was funky as HECK....Prince was really feeding off of the crowd's response to the "old-school" flavor and at different points in the night made comments like "I'm gonna need to rent myself a little apartment down in Florida!" I've heard that the version of "Other Side of the Pillow" is so different to the recorded one as to be barely recognizable at first...and that's the truth. It was a completely smooth, BEAUTIFUL version though. Prince's voice sounds even more gorgeous live than it does on record...and I didn't think that was possible...but wow, does it ever. At some point early on in the show, he did his thing where he asked someone in the front row if it was better to give or to receive....the poor guy said "Receive," so he asked another person...this time the guy that was in line behind me (youknowwhoyouare) - and this was SO perfect, because Prince couldn't have asked a nicer or more deserving guy to come up on stage and chill on his pillow for a song. It was truly thrilling for us fans to be such a part of the concert!

Prince gave the radio speech in which he decried radio stations owned by multinational corporations and asked "Do your radio stations suck as bad as ours do?" Of course, he's absolutely right about this, radio stations DO suck, and he got a huge response from the crowd. Then he jammed a full-length "Srange Relationship" with himself on the Rhodes...and wow was that a treat!!!!! There were so many moments in this concert where I really felt like I had to have been dreaming, b/c it was simply too fantastic, but no, it was all real. ;) He played "Sing a Simple Song" (which reminds me, Rhonda is TIGHT... WOW that woman can play, and has quite a voice too...not to mention the fact that she is fiercely beautiful!), and "LaLaLa," and then "Didn't Cha Know," which Rhonda sang with Prince coming back on for the chorus....this song was tight too!!! "When You Were Mine," though, was just intense as hell!!! The whole auditorium was on its feet and int a state of absolute bliss....Prince was tearing the joint up on his guitar and like I said earlier, I really never thought I would be able to see this song live (certainly not so close!) and have it be the full-length version, and feel like I was the luckiest man in the world. I know it sounds a tad extreme, but it's the truth! "Avalanche" is a BEAUTIFUL song, and I can NOT wait to hear this one on record....wow. Stunning.. - "Family Name" was incredible...I mean, by this time, Prince really had the whole place just in the palm of his hand...and he was totally in the zone, and -- wow, words can't even express how spiritual and powerful the evening really was. Full-length versions of "Take Me With U" and "Raspberry Beret" were obviously total crowd-pleasers, and while I thought that I would not like this part of the concert, just because I wanted to see him play stuff I hadn't heard him play live before, I realized that I've never seen him play either of these songs in their entirety...and boy does that make a difference! It was like being 11 years old again and staring at the ATWIAD l.p. cover and it just transporting me to Paisley Park!!!! a place of joy and love for God.

Prince then left the stage, and the guy next to me had the idea of starting up the "Oh-wee-oh" chant from SOT, which we did...and a few people joined in! It was really cool.... then the rest of the crowd started chanting "We Want Prince!" and finally Prince came back out and they moved the Rhodes more towards the center of the stage (right in front of me, yes!!) and he played the piano medley, which was STUNNING. He played "Adore," part of "Do U lie?", "I wanna Be Your Lover," "Diamonds and Pearls," "Girls and Boys," (during which the front section was singing along loudly and he said something to the effect of, "Dang! You guys know everything!"), "Condition of the Heart," "Free," "The Beautiful Ones," "Starfish and Coffee," "Sometimes it Snows in April," "The Most Beauiful Girl in the World," and others that I can't think of for the life of me! It has long been a dream of mine to just see Prince playing and singing on the piano...and while this was indeed a medley (meaning he didn't play the full version of anything except "Adore," which he started off with and then finished after touching on the other songs)...this was a GREAT medley...he is an amazing pianist and to see him touch on his songs and pound on the keys and give such emotion to his music....WOW is all I can say.

He then played "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" and started off on his own, but then the band came on and joined him and it was ROCKING. This song is such a gem, and again, I never thought I would be able to see him play it...but it gets even better! During the breakdown at the end he sang, "Make a black man wanna sing!" and handed the mic to John Blackwell, who sang in a loud falsetto "Call Me!" and then Prince sang, "Make a white man wanna sing!" and handed me the mic!!! So I belted out in my best falsetto "Call Me!" and Prince made a hilarious look and took a step back, and said "I'm SCARED of you!!" The crowd cheered....and y'all will please forgive me for being ecstatic....it was the most incredible experience! ;) Wow.

Then Prince played a full-length version of "Purple Rain" with him on the Rhodes....correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first time he's done that on this tour? I really think he just felt the love in the room and wanted to give something back to the crowd...it was great because the last time I saw him sing this song was during JOTY and he jammed on the guitar...seeing him play it so close on the piano...well, it was indeed spiritual.

Prince then played a full-length "Nothing Compares 2 U" which was equally crowd-pleasing and beautiful....I THINK that this was the last song he played before the encore...but after singing into his mic and all, I was feeling a tad delirious, so I could be wrong!!

He came back and played Habibi during "Anna Stesia" - and dang!! was that a treat....the whole place was of course singing along with the "God is Love" chorus, and at one part Prince was holding a high note on Habibi and playing intense vibrato, and you could see every muscle in his body tensing up and twitching...when he finally let go, he took a deep breath and it was the only time in the show I saw him look like he was actually tired...it was so amazing to see how much energy he puts into his performance...really inspiring. We then sang a chant "Rise Up!" to a loop and Prince thanked us all and finally left the stage and off-stage announced the band members with his Rainbow Children voice...Rhonda as I said was fine, John Blackwell was TOTALLY off the hook, that boy can PLAY!!!!! and Greg was incredible, Renato was a REAL treat!!! and Najee..I gotta say, I thought he was fantastic!!!! I've heard a lot of complaints and maybe things were different on the Hit N' Run tour, but he hada few solos that were really quite masterful and funky, and other than that just played along, funky as hell.

Whew!! This show was better than I could ever have hoped for. The first 10 minutes of the soundcheck was worth the prince of the club membership and the ticket!!! THANK YOU PRINCE for teaching us what REAL music sounds like when performed live....and for reminding us that God is Love....I can't say much else....if any of you are reading this and are undecided about whether you should join the club or whether you should go to the show, DO BOTH!!! Do whatever you have to....but if you love Prince's music, you owe it to yourself to be there!!!!

Peace...and be wild y'all!!!!!

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