Seattle, WA on April 29 (22 reports)

from Dorothy

Seattle has been hit with some funk it hasn't seen or heard in years! Seattle definitely showed it's love 4 Prince & he showed us his love 2. Prince's interest in the Experienced Music Project was the main subject of the night's talk of musicians, music, and the jokes that came along with it all. He was real curious about the details and overall point of the structure. He made it a point 2 check it out 4 himself after the show & see exactly what was up.

As 4 the show itself. FUNKY ... and Prince said, "If U can describe it, it ain't funky." So all I can tell u is it was just that. He took us on a ride of emotions, covering God, Spirituality, Love, Unity, & everything Funky! Much Love, Respect, & Thanks go 2 Prince & the NPG. Words cannot describe what these shows did 4 me. Warmth was brought 2 my heart when I looked around at the response Seattle gave 2 this show, 2 the harmony & unity brought 2 Seattle, all thru the musicianship & musical creations of Prince & the NPG, who are all blessed with the ability 2 bring people 2gether thru their music. Thank U!

I Love u all. I have respect & admiration 4 each one of U. Keep inspiring thru ur music. Nobody can take the good out of what U r doing. God is a reflection in every note played, every song sung, & every dance danced, even the "drunk uncle." Prince was dancin' that dance with all seriousness 2!

Keep the Music Flowin' y'all! It is always & 4ever appreciated.

Love, Peace, & Harmony ... 4ever!
God Bless,
Dorothy

from Christafari

Hey Everybody in the Purple Universe! I did my best at scrawling out Prince's setlist throughout the show, hoping that some record of the unfolding jam session would help me to forever remember my glorious evening with the NPG! Though I missed a few songs and can't read some of my scribbles on others, I hope that this 90% accurate setlist will help all y'all remember all of the blessings that Prince & Co. conjured up for Seattle. 3 days later and I still can't put my awe, my thanktitude, my excitement and renewed passions into words... Thank U Prince, for One Night Alone in Seattle and for the 20-some years I've spent listening & dancing & growing & reveling in your artistic gifts that culminated with my front row vista last Monday night. YEAH!!!

Soundcheck:
Peach
Rainbow Children
Money Doesn't Matter 2nite *
Do You Lie? *
Billie Jean ("That's a real funky groove, if Michael only woulda had a real band to play it!")

("I'm feelin' kinda sleepy, somebody wanna make a run to Starbucks for me? Why y'all booing about Starbucks? You got a Starbucks on every corner up in here! Who's making all that money? One of the Horn Players shouts out "Kenny G!" and Candy mimics some cheesy jazz-lite on her sax ala Kenny G. Prince throws her a sour glance and says "Kenny G? Uh-oh, somebody play "Maggot Brain!" Quick!")

The Xperience: "Do y'all got your scuba gear? 'Cuz we gonna go deep tonight!"

Rainbow Children (with Maceo, Candy and Greg playing their horns as they strolled New Orleans-style down the aisles towards the stage)
Muse 2 the Pharaoh
Xenophobia
?
Mellow
1+1+1=3
"...so glad your mine..."?
"WNPG:" Strange Relationship - Pass the Peas (James Brown) - Sing a Simple Song (Sly) - La La La Means I Love You (Delfonics) - Didn'tcha Know? (Erykah Badu)
When You Were Mine
Avalanche
Family Name
Take Me with You
Raspberry Beret
Everlasting Now

Solo Piano Set:
? (can't read my frantic notes!)
Adore ("Well, maybe not the ride...what? You did what? You smashed up my ride, baby? Oh no! Lookit my grill! Who'd you hit, baby? Bill Gates! Damn, baby! Well, maybe Bill Gates can buy us a new one...")
Wanna Be Your Lover
Diamonds & Pearls *
Beautiful Ones *
Nothing Compares 2 U
Starfish & Coffee *
Sometimes it Snows in April

Show Closers:
How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?
Anastasia

*= only a fragment of the song played
I tried my best to remember some of Prince's best lines, but these aren't verbatim!
Maybe somebody out there can fill in my ? marks!

One Love, Christafari

from Tracey Lang

I had been waiting for this nite since you came to the Gorge. You teased us last summer when you were coming on July 29th but had to change.

All I have to say is I think you are the most awesome musician and you blow me away everytime. What a show!! I think how can it get any better....but it does. The talking session was an experience I have never had before with a performer. What a memory to carry forever. When I think back on it I wish I would have told you .......About 8 years ago when my middle son was 8, he did a poster for me for Mothers Day from school. He was to write some of the things that are important to me. Some of the things he wrote were; I liked to have the front room tidy, everyone to have fun, hairspray, and Prince.

I think that people don't realize how much our children really do see us as parents. They absorb so much from us and we need to act, treat, and respect each other for the individuals that we are. We need to instill the values in them that you have and I am very proud of you for being so strong in your beliefs and trying to get the world to realize. I tell everyone not only what a wonderful artist you are, but that you are truly a wonderful person.

My friend, Julie, and I went together. It was her first time seeing you live and I have been lucky enough to see you 4 times in concert. Each concert I make my way closer to the stage. This time the 5th row and the next I am hoping for that front row. It is one of my life long goals. But even at the age of 38, I was screaming like a school girl. Once again you blow me and everyone else at the Paramount away. Lets all remember to Love one another,
Tracey Lang

from Jason

Before seeing Prince and the NPG at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle on 4/29/02, he was already my favorite artist. I already had nearly all of his albums on cd and vinyl and imagined that seeing him live would be some sort of overwhelming, mind blowing experience. After seeing him, I can honestly say....I had no idea! I am a twenty three year old man from Maui, who just moved to Seattle on Friday and was dumbfounded when I saw that Prince was playing the following Monday.
I can still feel the butterflies when I think back to that moment when the lights dimmed and the crowds anxiousness came to a climax as the band began to play from behind the ascending curtain. From that point on I was hanging on to every note for the next two and a half hours. I knew that Prince was amazing live, but was still astonished and impressed with the way that he held the entire crowd in the palm of his hand. When the crowd needed to liven up, he'd stop everything and say "y'all aren't ready for that," and of course everyone wanted to prove him wrong. When I thought I might pass out from dancing and yelling, he'd tell us to get comfortable and play a beautiful slow song like "Cool" or "Mellow Mellow." When I had ants in my pants and needed to dance he'd bring the funk. There was a perfect mix of new songs (I love "The Rainbow Children" album, especially "Muse 2 The Pharoah" and "Family Name"), old hits ("Raspberry Beret" had the whole crowd going off), fan favorites ("When U Were Mine", "Adore" and "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" are amongst my all time favorites) and amazing covers (from Joni Mitchell's "Case Of You" to Sly and the Family Stone's "Sing A Simple Song"). There was also a perfect balance of consciousness and silliness when he spoke to the crowd, as he consistently made the crowd laugh and/or listen.
On a personal note, for my girlfriend and I, "Adore" has been our song for a long time. When Prince came on stage for the encore and sat alone at the piano, I turned to my girl and told her "He's gonna play 'Adore'.".....and sure enough, he did. At one point during this incredibly beautiful song, I turned to my gorgeous young woman and kissed her, as we both experienced one of those PERFECT moments that only come along so often. I felt as though my body was weightless and my princess and I were going to ascend into heaven, with Prince playing "Adore" as the soundtrack. Thank you Prince...I'm gonna believe that that song was just for us.
I could not begin to explain how impressed I am with the talent and integrity I saw on stage that night. You have to respect a man who could obviously produce an infinite amount of "hits", yet chooses to break new ground and is continually challenging himself and his fans musically, mentally and spiritually. The musicians he assembles are always first rate (MACEO PARKER!?...are you kidding me?), and he has been revolutionizing the music industry for almost twenty five years. The simple format of the "One Nite Alone" tour ("Real music by real musicians") is such a welcomed change from much of the smoke screen phoniness that has taken over modern popular music. THANK YOU PRINCE, THE NPG AND FAMS AROUND THE WORLD FOR KEEPING IT REAL!!!

with love, soul and aloha to all,
Jason V. aka Captain Assist

from Kim Lucas

1 nite alone with prince...i have been a fan of Prince for many years,i have collected the music,videos,movies,cassettes and even the records.I have mags and clippings.
i have dreamed of seeing Prince live and i just recently got a chance... Wow,i am still speechless from what i experienced! I feel so blessed and priviledged to have witnessed one of the greatest artists of all time ask everyone for Harmony and Unity!! I have an entirely new respect for Prince. Thankyou so very much for a wonderful message and a perfectly blissful evening. This rainbow child has been harmonized! I love you Prince!

Kim Lucas
Washington, USA

from Anna

Hi. I attended the Prince concert last night at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, WA. I just wanted to say that it was THE MOST Phenomenal concerts that I have EVER attended! I wanted to say Thank You to Prince! I didn't know what to expect with everything that I had heard about this tour. I have to say that it went way beyond anything I had heard or any expectation. The band was also truly wonderful! Thank you for them too.

Usually the "Seattle" crowds aren't very receptive. They have that whole "too cool" image or something. They looked like they were very into it which made the experience better.

I really just didn't even want to sit down. It was a beautiful experience. I was so extremely happy to hear Starfish & Coffee. I have never heard that song played live. Thank You. I had a really good time.

It was a truly majickal show.

Love and Happiness to YOU Today & Always,
*~*^Anna^*~*

from Sarah

Last night I was sung to by an Angel. I've seen Prince each time he has come to Washington, and by far, this was the best I've ever seen him. Not only were the old songs just as good, if not better, but the new ones were a new experience all in themselves. The love that was in him was just inspiring. If only everyone would hold onto that love each day after this concert, we would all be better for it. The guitar riffs throughout the night blew me away. I felt as if I was at church sometimes. :) You could tell how much fun he was having up there.....with his big smile and all.....it brought tears to my eyes. His new music was great, haven't heard much of it. I, of course, didn't want the night to end. But, it was way past my bedtime. Totally worth the sleep deprivation today though. Luv U Prince.

from sexymutha

Prince, Rhonda, John, Renato, Candy, Maceo and Greg!

Thank you again!

I saw the show in Dallas on the 16th and had to come check out the Seattle show last night. Again the highlights were songs from The Rainbow Children and those songs especially for us fams. Thanks for Free, Sometimes it snows in April and Anna Stesia (twice in two weeks, WOW!)

I met a lot of fams in line and at the EMP and we partied until they kicked us out. I wish you had jammed for us at the "non-profit" EMP, but we did see you sneaking around. When do you guys sleep?

Kimberly, Purple, Theodore, Carl, Tina, and Bobby - see you in June!?!?!

Much love to Scotty, YOU are the soundman. And to the blonde girl handing out the passes, you made us all feel really special coming to us and handing out the passes.

Prince and the NPG - thanks again and I'll check you out again real soon. Hopefully before the Celebration. I don't know if I can wait that long to listen to WNPG again.

RISE UP,

sexymutha

from Michael Dean

1st off I have say thanks to ‘M’ and Kim. Ya’ll got me front row seats. THAT WAS UNREAL! To those that are wondering or are in doubt, the $100 for the NPGMC is worth it!

Things that I remember from the show.

1. Ronda: Me and my boy saw you walking to the Paramount carrying your bag. I take it coming from the Hotel across the street. We was like damn who’s that sister. So of course we had to walk alittle faster to get a good look. J Once we walked past her I looked back I was like “Ohh snap that’s Ronda.” I didn’t say anything to you since you where talking on your cell phone. I was funkin with you during the show, I was the brotha in the front row. J Also as we where waiting in line Maceo came walking by out front. I was like damn there goes a living legend right there and know body notices him. So I just gave him a shout, he looked over and said what up.

2. Walking in the Paramount and getting front row seats! Ya’ll don’t here me...FRONT ROW!! Princes guitars where right of front of me. Homie that tunes Princes guitars (I’ll just call him Jet Li) was holding it down. So we are sitting in our seats and out walks Prince. I turn my head and he’s standing right there in front of me. On the low ya’ll I had to hold it in. The little b**** in me was trying to come out. J

3. The soundcheck was to much. 1st of all Prince walked up the mic amid cheers and screams. He said something to the effect of ; ‘What makes a man wanna scream like a women over another man?’ He was kind of embarrassed I guess, he mumbled something like ‘I don’t wanna know the answer or I don’t have nuttin to do that with.’
   Let see me my memory is kinda funny, he asked us about the EMP. He said that “We gonna be at the EMP tonight, and it’s free.” Everybody cheered. Then somebody asked if he was gonna perform, Prince said no. What followed was a long discussion on who gets the profits from the EMP. Prince wanted to know who was benefiting finically from EMP. To sum it up Prince was cracking jokes, being serious and making some good conversation. Paul Allen and Microsoft where mentioned a lot. Classic! Somebody mentioned to Prince that Maceo is featured in one of the EMP exhibits (Funk Blast film). Prince was like “whaaat??” Maceo caught some good natured ribbing from Prince. There was a Kenny G diss/joke that was kinda cold, Prince ya’ll aint right. Haha. People where shouting out comments and questions to Prince and Prince would make a point to repeat what was said so everybody could hear. One point some fool asked “Why Shelia E and Wendy & Lisa haven’t released albums threw Paisley Park?” Prince: “You should ask them that question. Slight pause…”The last time I spoke the Wendy & Lisa they where sick of the whole music business game.

There where a few funny things that happened. I can’t remember everything. I went to the show with ‘M’ from www.freemyheart.com. M brought up Meshell N De Chello and Prince asked if her album had been released yet. M was like it’s really good. Prince said how did you know. M said he had it, Prince was like where did you get it? Ahh ahh….M: I do her website. Prince joked “bootlegger” M: I can make you a copy. Prince: no I’ll buy it. It was funny. Another guy in the front was looking away from the stage or something. Prince noticed him and said “Hey are you recording this?” The guy looked up like huh. Prince was like yeah you, that’s a pretty big shirt you got on. Tho Prince was only joking a security guy started to walk up on ole boy. Prince waved them off like no no he’s cool. Prince was like ‘wow they was bout to move on him cool.’(not his exact words so don’t trip) Everybody laughed.

Somebody asked about live albums. Prince said he’s coming with a live cd, but he’s gotta talk with Ronda’s manager 1st.(teasing Ronda) At some point Prince launched into Peach. He ripped it. As far as the set list and all that, I can’t remember exactly what was played cuz I was blown away.. Keep in mind I was in the front row like in front of Ronda, and Princes guitars where arms length in front of me. UNREAL! The killer of the nite was when Prince stopped playing whatever song he was playing at the time and said: “The next time somebody starts singing, I’m gonna make them sing to this.” Prince was at the keyboard trying to figure out the cords. Prince: “Play the 1+1+1=3 beat.” Then Prince starts playing Billie Jean. After a few bars he stops and says “This is a funky jam, play this with a real band, it’s the jam. Then the NPG launched into Billie Jean and Maceo Killed it! That moment right there I was done. Tho I had seen Prince in concert before (Purple Rain, Lovesexy and Jam Of The Year), this was my real 1st concert.

The concert it self was tight, I’m not gonna even get into that. Prince THANK U playa. This is from your boy from Players World/Molove, we talked for a sec years ago. I was the brotha you asked what my Family Name was during the show. Dean…Michael Dean. See how God works.

Molove

Michael Dean

from Ron Larson

Wow!! Thank U so much Prince 4 the concert of a life time!! I sat in the front row in amazement as u played ur guitar like nothing I've seen b4. "Whoever thinks prince can't play needs their head examined". I brought my friend 2 the concert 2 c u 4 the 1st time. As 4 him that will b a nite he'll never 4 get!! U brought him up on stage and played a killer guitar solo 4 him. Needless 2 say u have a new fan 4 life. In Jessie's own words "Everything was insane" I felt bad when u came 2 me 2 sing, and I couldn't hit the note. Oh well I'm not much of a singer. Calling me "Bill Gates" was a riot!!! Thanxs 4 a nite that I'll never 4get!! U r amazing live, and have more talent than these radio stations r playing!! WNPG lives on. Thanxs my friend 4 One nite alone w/ U.

P.S. Tell John I'm sorry 4 squeezing his hand when I shook it, and thanxs 4 the stick.

from Sarah

Man...I don't know how to start....what an amazing show. I took my best friend to this concert for her birthday, and I'd have to say, this show blew me away. The amazing guitar playing, the amazing singing, the amazing piano, the amazing musicians. I never knew how incredible Prince was until that night. I'm sad that I didn't get better seats, but the sound was like ecstacy through your ears, through your whole body, no matter where you were sitting. Before going to this show, I didn't really know what to expect from it. I have been to many concerts in my day: Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Beck, and many, many others. I would have to say this concert topped them all. Tomorrow, I am going to go out to the Seattle musik stores and buy all of Prince's albums! Now, thanks to your amazing performance, Prince, I am a true fam. I hope someday I will get to meet you and tell you in person what an amazing effect you have had on me. You are truly blessed, Prince. May you keep bringing your talents into people's hearts and souls.
I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW HOW TRULY AMAZING YOU ARE, PRINCE!!!!
always,
Sarah Valadez

from theresa

last night at the paramount was all i expected it to be and more. free,sometimes it snows in april , for those to songs alone was well worth the trouble i went through to get the tickets to the show . that you for one of the most memoriable nights of my life. you are so groovy, fresh , fly, deep, hot and all that comes with it. thank you for the night .
you native sista in seattle,
theresa mendez

from Jessie

Most notable was the fact that every note, every rif, every flash of the light, was smooth. Thats the best was I can describe my xperience tonight. I didn't catch Prince at the Gorge...this was the better venue. The sounds, sights..wow! Candy Dulfer was just... raw. She played the horn like crazy. Renato Neto was very very hot on the keyboards; a very welcome addition to to the band. Greg Boyer, Rhonda Smith, John Blackwell!

I also enjoyed the message. 1 Band, 1 Page, 1 God... that's the vibe I got. Man, I had a really great time. Favorite song of the night?... well, I loved the old school medly, Sly. "Cool" does something for me too; but Blackwell taking a sip of juice and checkin his self out in the mirror, while still bringing the house down, was classic "come to jam or go home" stuff. Come back to Seattle and I'll be there. Prince did his thang well...

Jessie Irving

from udothat2

what an awesome concert. last year i joined the fam club and tonight's concert proved that it was money well spent! i just wished i purchased a ticket to the oregon show. not only did he and the NPG spend time with the members conversing (basically asking questions about the EMP - Experience Music Project), but he also performed. the concert itself was exceptionally good and probably the best show i've seen yet! he play several songs from the Rainbow Children CD as well as old school tunes. i especially enjoyed Adore and Family Name. several concerts ago (in california) Prince told us to bring someone new to his concerts, and this i did. boy did my girlfriend enjoy herself. she expressed, throughout the night, that of all the concerts she's been to, this was far most her favorite, and plans on purchasing ALL of Prince's CD's.

And I swear that during the concert Prince had eye contact with me - oh my!!!! if he could have only seen my fingernails, which were awesomely polished purple with the Prince sign painted gold on each nail.

the only disappointment was the after party. he went to the EMP (I'm guessing for a tour), and if you were standing in the right place, you were able to see Prince and the NPG walking around. Although a bit disappointing that he didn't perform, again, the EMP after party played a lot of old school Prince, which was pleasant to hear, after these songs have been out of circulation for so long (DSMR).

for those of you who aren't members of the NPG fam club, do so now. It's worth every penny.

Seattle loves you Prince - and we all hope you will make the rounds to the beautiful Pacific Northwest again, soon!

Forever in the Prince Fam

udothat2

from Bill

One word - phenomenal!

Prince, Maceo, Candy, John B, Rhonda. . .the band is incredible! Without a doubt, the best music concert Seattle has ever seen. It all started with a great 30 minute jam. The crowd responded and we stayed on our fee for the whole two and a half hours (by the way, Seattle is NOT known for its enthusiastic crowds). The set list pleased all tastes, the guitar playing was beyond expectations (and that's saying a lot!), the whole vibe was very cool. So cool, I can't construct proper sentences to describe it!

Add in the soundcheck and what a treat! All I've got to say it Portland beware - brother is on a roll!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! and, oh yeah, RISE UP! RISE UP!

Bill

from ~Poetic1

The doors opened 2 a vision in white. The aura of the room seemed 2 mystically float 2 me as I made my way down the aisle. Then it surged through me as the guitar sounded. I barely remembered 2 find a seat 2 sit down- and this was just the soundcheck! The whole evening was filled with an aura of Truth, Beauty, and Love. It was true music, true artistry, true talent, true interaction, and true love. The music is still coursing through my veins leaving me breathing inspiration. Prince, U r truly captivating and an inspiration 2 all of us artists who need an encouraging voice! Thank U! And thank u NPG as well! U r welcome in Seattle anytime.

~Poetic1

P.S. I was very disappointed in u fams of the fourth and third rows fighting over seats! Remember 2 give is 2 recieve! As the fams u claim 2 b, u should know better! Besides, there wasn't a bad seat in the house!

from Jean

This is not a really a review per se since I wasn't actually witness to the concert, but I stood in line all day for my two best friends who's birthday presents were NPG Music Club seats. Having been a record geek/music fan all my life, I know what a rush and connection it is to see one of your favorite artists in person. My friends Rob (a Gemini) and Henry (a Taurus) have been Prince fans for over 22 years, back even before I got into music at all in 1981 at age 13. Rob saw the Purple Rain and Lovesexy shows in Tacoma and Seattle, but Henry had never gotten to see him play in person. I would absolutely love to see Prince myself and am well aware what an amazing experience it would be, but I also know that of all the people who've been in my life those two deserved to be there for One Night Alone.

The fams in line were wonderful, diverse, devoted and very intelligent...most were my age, at least near the front of the line...definitely from the era of mid-80's high school kids. I showed up at 6:25 am, and the next two guys arrived at 9:15am...but Ron and his friend Dan had driven from the tri-cities in eastern Washington, so they left at 3:45am!! By the time my pal Rob took over for me in line at 10:30am so I could go get Henry, the line was begining to grow. But all day talking with Ron impressed me and later my friends as well. For such a huge fan as Ron who got into "Controversy" at age 11 and obviously was more into an artist as far as a collector than anyone I have ever met, I am so glad Prince felt inspired to give these shows to him and the other fams. Ron and everyone else I talked to were kind, smart and personable, not at all the stereotype of obsessive fans so sadly thrown around in the media today. Ron was no dot.com millionaire/trust fund kid but worked a regular restaurant job and obviously used every spare penny to get more Prince stuff. He had been able to see Prince only four times in his life, though he was proud to say he'd met him for half a second in the lobby of a hotel 13 years before. What a gift this show must have been to him!

As more NPG'ers arrived, it was easy to see how ties had been made not only between the Artist and his fams with the NPG Music Club but between the fams themselves via the Positivity listserv. I just want to convey I was impressed by the quality of the people I met yesterday who laughed, loved and cared. As I watched Hank and Rob disappear into the Paramount, I was about as happy as I would have been had I gone myself. Five and a half hours later, Henry's wife Jenn and I picked them up to drop Rob off at he aftershow at EMP and then have Hank tell us every detail he could think of Rob had left out as we drove to their home. I'm sure they will both be posting something here so I'll let them speak for themselves.

Rob, my manic Squirrels frontman/Poplust artist-writer/professional concertgoer/record collector pal excitedly rapid-fired all the titles of songs and descriptions of the players, then proudly exclaimed "Prince bitched me out for not paying close-enough attention, cause I leaned over and said something to Henry during soundcheck!! He kidded with me that I was taping because I had a loose flannel shirt on!(which he wasn't of course)" But Henry was way floored that Prince had asked him his full name (Henry and then Jenkins) and said that for tonight he was going to call him "Mr. Black Man"!, no doubt appropriate because for an Irish powerpop guitarist/songwriter he was decked out like a stylish blues player, which he is at heart. They both got guitar picks, which Hank proudly showed me as we drove to his place while he described every keyboard and guitar and to what extent they had been customized. A few hours later Rob woke me up at our house to tell me Prince hadn't played at least by the time he left the aftershow. Rob just continued to rave on at 2am though I know I was not awake enough to remember much of it all.

Well, enough from me and I will go next time, I promise. Thank you Prince for giving my friends the best birthday presents of their lives.
Jean Gauthier

from Lori

Real Musicians Playing Real Music.....get used to it!

What an incredible, special evening with Prince and the talented musicians accompanying him. Sound check was very cool and intimate, like hanging in a jazz club. I was lucky enough to somehow get a seat with my girlfriend in the 1st row, so when he came in, he just walked right by us and we didn't even know it was him until he got on stage. Unbelievable. He rapped with the NPGMC members about the Experience Music Project (site of the afterparty), how the current music "system" is unhealthy for music and musicians. He jammed with Maceo, Candy and Greg and then broke into "Peach" at which point I could contain myself no longer, so got up to dance (no one else was dancing yet!!!!) I talked the rows behind me into getting up and we all rocked out. At the end of the song he said, "You got the party started....I'm glad you're sitting in the front row." He Spoke 2 Me....I can't believe it but he spoke 2 me!!!. Very cool. At the check he also played "Money Don't Matter 2Night."

The concert itself was nearly 3 hrs...I didn't keep a set list because I didn't want to detract from listening. It was my first time hearing songs from the Rainbow Children...hearing them live the first time was incredibly special. If you have listened faithfully to Prince's albums, and listened to the songs *between* the hits...it was a special night for you. I didn't think I'd ever hear "Strange Relationship" or "Sometimes It Snows in April" in a concert, ever. Others I remember were "Adore," "Anna Stesia," "Starfish and Coffee," "Free," "La, La, La Means Eye Love U" which were all just fabulous if you have been singing and listening to these for years.....Prince, I'm sorry the crowd couldn't seem to get to sing together on "Anna Stesia"---"Love is God, God is Love, Girls and Boys Love God Above." Sometimes Seattle is just too restrained and polite! We fams were doing our best to carry the house.

Afterparty at EMP Skychurch was a great opportunity to talk to other fams we met at the concert. Prince showed up and took a tour of the museum. We thought he might do a meet and greet but I think he needed to get on to Portland and I did not see him. How the man does a 1+ hr sound check, 3 hr show and afterparty, and then does one the next night in another town is beyond me. All I can say is Thank U!

And Thank U Prince for the NPGMC. What a civilized and special way to go. We showed up 90 mins early to pick up armbands, got our name on a list, were able to go and get a bite to eat, line up, and even though there were 41 members in front of us (each likely with a guest), my girlfriend and I no kidding, got to sit in the front row. Unlike other concerts I've been to where the front row is a bunch of "VIPs"/execs who were just sitting there...in this one, the fams were right up front, enjoying the show. We also got to talk to each other...how awesome to talk to other people who love the music like I do (Thanks Damon, Jack, Julie, those 2 guys from Spokane behind us...my girlfriend and I had a great time with y'all.)

What a special night--I will never forget it. My biggest wish since I was 13 has been to dance with Prince. I think this is the closest I am ever going to get to my wish. Thank U Prince and Thank U God.

Love 4Ever,
a fam for 23 years,
Lori Taylor
"Nature Grrl"

from G-4-Real

My date and myself made the journey from Vancouver, Canada to see the show. I am a long time fan of Prince's music and knew exactly what to expect from the One Night Alone tour. Having attended Lovesexy and Jam of the Year tours, Prince's musical prowess was no secret to me. He is the greatest show on earth and the Seattle show was the proof in da puddin'. Thank you so much Prince for doing a small venue tour, the sound in that place was like listening to a CD, and I don't just mean the sound quality. The band was air tight. Now on the topic of Prince's vocal performance; Prince was in top form on Monday night. For those who actually sing, and can recognise the skill level required to sing the way he did, one would have been blown away. On top of it all, the set was chalked full of jems. The show was any Prince Fam's dream come true. Lets face it that version of Adore was possibly the highlight of my life to date. Soon to be dethroned by my wedding day in August, but the fact that Adore is going to be our first dance song probably made that one the most memorable for us. Ofcourse Anna Stesia was lovely, as was La La La means I love You. Another point that made This show so sweet was the full versions of a lot of the numbers, ie Raspberry Beret. In past shows, as we fams are aware, Prince tends to do a lot of medleys, but the full versions was just another nice touch. Now I just want Prince to know that I have seen all the players near the top of the greatest list from Bowie, Stones, Jackson 5, U2 etc. But Prince is head and shoulders above the rest. The best part is that except for the true Fams, and we know who we are, the musical power of Prince is somewhat a secret. But after seeing a show like One Night Alone, folks are gonna need a ball gag to shut me up about Prince's gift. If more people were to witness what we saw on Monday night, the world would be a better place. Thank you Prince, thank you. God is love, and I follow his lead.

ps Go Raptors!

Thanks again, Prince
G-4-Real
Vanvouver, Canada

from Julie

This was my first time to see Prince live. I have now realized what I have missed all these years. Sunday night, I dreamt that there was conversation between Prince and his fans. I was in disbelief when there actually was:) What a present!!!
I feel blessed to have had the chance to see your performance and even attend the sound check, the rest of the crowd had no idea what they missed.
The after party: Although there was no drinking done on my part, my energy level was at high gear (which is not normal for 2am). I got to hang out with people of all walks of life, with one common denominator-"We love Prince and the NPG" . And we even got a glimse of the the band a few times-What did you think of EMP?
I am going to renew my membership to keep up with the new stuff and get this opportunity again in the -hopefully- near future...
Finally thank you for your short -but much needed speech at the end of the concert, I am a "mixed breed" and feel that there is even some racism thrown my way at times. We need to get over this barrier that has covered our society for centuries and move to the future. GOD created all of us equal and lets start treating each other that way.
LOVE & PEACE FOREVER, JULIE -YOUR FAM ALWAYS (from Seattle)

from Dan

Joined the NPG on Thursday. Found out Saturday I would get to see the soundcheck. The most amazing show I've seen to date. Prince chatted with everyone in the club for awhile, then jammed on a few tunes. The show itself was amazing. From Sly and the family Stone to the rise up to God. It was worth every penny. The band he has assembled is stunning. Maceo Parker. nuff said there. and Rhonda Smith on bass. The drummer kicked much a**. Mario , Greg , Candy. This is how its done! period. end of story..........and a smile on my face. Thankyou!

from Elizabeth

We sat in row EE. 30 rows back but still the best in the house. I loved how he started the whole thing with an obscure jazz riff and everyone played it. It took over 20 minutes but we were all into that one riff. I had not heard much of the new music but it is my favorite type of music and Prince was singing what could be better. I went there to get my purple on and came out with the love of God. Amazing! My ears are still buzzing.

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