Portland, OR on April 30 (30 reports)

from Jeri Sager-Roach

Thanks for coming! It was such a great show last night! I feel blessed to be able to be there.

from RD Henderson

That was DEEP!

True music...real passion...pure artistic inspiration. Whatever IT...is you can rest assured that PRINCE has IT! The show was off the hinges...I knew I was in for a rare musical delight when I heard that the masters horn section featured Candy & Maceo! Prince's musical mastery transcends genres, cultures and time.

The FUNK lives on...keep breaking us off. Your musical genius and humanitarian spirit is soooo desperately needed in the world today!

IF you are visiting this site and have not experienced his show...WHATEVER you do see him before it's too late! Bottom line....PRINCE is the greatest musical talent of the modern music era...NO ONE...come close...NO ONE!

KEEP TELLING THE TRUTH...we all need to grow closer to what is the truth in ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods and with GOD!

My sister, wife and I where touched that you took the time to acknowledge our well wishes from your private car directly after the show. All the best to you and your beautiful wife!

PS...I can STILL smell the funk on my clothes!!!!

RD Henderson

from Sandra Hayes

What a great show. I have been a fan since the early days. Prince you are truly a wonderful person with a voice of an angel. I danced all night long, I was lucky to have an isle seat on the floor or someone would have gotten punched in the eye.
I hope you come back soon. My very sore feet thank you for a wonderful night of sharing.

from DSweet

It was so enriching to hear real music from such heavy-talented musicians. Talk about power! I could hardly believe y'all did more than an hour for the music club at the sound check, then THREE HOURS at the show.

I'm an old sentimentalist, but one of the high points of the evening for me was when Prince brought a woman from the music club onstage and did a guitar solo for her. This woman was beautiful, but she wasn't a model and probably not the body type that would show up in a music video. Didn't stop our boy loving her, and that did my heart good.

from Jen

Devoted fan, first show, indescribable experience. When the white lights came up and he sang Anastesia, I felt he was singing straight to me. Thank you thank you. I'll never forget it as it was the best show I've EVER seen, hands down. I blew you a kiss, hope you felt it.

from Cindy

Prince we loved you here in Portland. We made music together..........Thank you so much....It was divine!!

Love Cindy

from Gary & Heather

AMAZING! On sooo many levels! We were unable to get tickets to the concert but jumped on the opportunity to go to the after party and it was waaaay more than we ever dreamed - personal and stripped down, the music was really the focus. We haven't stopped talking about it. Side highlight - getting to meet John Blackwell and finding out he is working on becoming our brother!!! Hope he keeps up with the study!
THANKS AGAIN FOR A VERY MEMORABLE EVENING!!

from Julie

OUTSTANDING! Prince u knock me out! I have been reeling from the NPG Love Rollercoaster since the soundcheck! There are no words to explain this extraordinary experience. I can say that from the soundcheck, to the show, to the afterparty, even still today, I've been in another world! I can't stop shakin' it! I can't stop singing! I can't get this silly grin off my face! I'm still feelin' the LOVE! Endless thanks to u and your amazing band Prince! It's all about LOVE & HARMONY. Thank u for the real music! Thank u for the old school cuts! Thank u for the love!

Please come back soon!
Julie

from todd

Prince & the NPG toe it up!
From what I hear this is only Prince's second time through Portland. If Tuesday's One Night Alone was any reflection of the first, I'm sure Portland needed that time to recooperate. Oregon was definitely showing the love upon his highly anticipated return.
Us folk in the NPGMC were treated like royalty all night long (at the Roseland too, though it was a bit confusing at first.) & the others in attendance definitely saw the advatages of supporting an artist directly . . they take care of you.
Soundcheck was way mellow. I was actually hoping to get some discussion going on (as I have read in other member reports.) It went by quick. They basically did their thang & Prince split to "do his hair" after about an hour.
I was even gonna hit Prince with a request until he made it clear he wasn't trying to take any. My fiance' and I are getting married in a couple months. We're definitely gonna be using a Prince song or two in the ceremony but to hear the man sing a song like "When 2 R in Love" for us in such an already intimate setting would've been the best wedding present we could possibly get. But it was allgood anyways. They jammed some great ones.
& Prince, if Rhonda gave you my invitation (thank you so much for passing it on by the way), you could make it up to us.
The show at the Schnitzer & afterparty at the Roseland followed similar set lists that I have read from prior shows.
I was tripping on the autograph story.
The message of the show is what made the lasting impression. It's great to see artists use their talent like the Creator intended.
Last night was truly a beautiful thing.
HARMONY - let's keep it flowing
John 17:17-22
Open a Bible
& let God guide you into the purple Reign.
Props to Prince & the (tightest) NPG (yet) for the best live music experience that I have witnessed.
Peace & Blessings
-todd

from connor

This was worth the wait. Prince and the NPG busted out the "Kung-Pao Gumbo Funk" on Portland 2 times! First, at the Schnitzer, we got to xperience the Rainbow Children (1+1+1+3 wuz 2 nasty!), also among many phases of the show, we heard "Strange Relationship", "When U were mine", "Adore" and "Anna Stesia". "Purple Rain" & "Raspberry Beret" were in there for the newbies who had to get broke in 2 the real funk but Portland was definitely receptive to the messages and vibe of the "1 Nite Alone" tour. At the soundcheck we heard an improvisational instrumental jam of "Condition of the Heart". At the Rosleand aftershow we heard "Paisley Park" and a revved-up rendition of "Alphabet St.". Thank U to Prince and the NPG. Billy Sparks you are a true gentleman! Thank U for handleing a sticky situation respectfully my brother! I was the crazy fool with the "Pailsey Park" sign in the crowd! Prince does listen to his fans because I met him in Vegas in '99 @ Studio 54 upstairs and told him "Condition of the Heart" was my favorite jam by him, some time passes, then before you know it, the brother is jamming this tune! Same for Anna Stesia and Paisley Park and Strange Relationship. I DREAMED of hearing these tunes live and thought I never would. I'm becoming a memebr a.s.a.p. and making plans for the June celebration. Think I ain't!

from sheilalala

I'm not sure of all the details but one thing i know 4 sure is that was so incredible!! my brain was overloaded!!I am here 2 days later and i am still in utter amazement!! Prince you are unbelievably talented!! You don't even have to sing and the concert would still be perfect... there aren't enough words or time to describe the energy and happiness that you left all of us with. I most appreciated your spiritual messages in The Rainbow Children as a sister in the truth it feels good sometimes to scream the words to " the everlasting now" in a crowd of people it did kinda feel like we sould save the world huh? thank you for coming to our town and sharing your gift with all of us. i have to say though the best was anastasia and joy in repitition i was blown away!! i've never seen him smile sooooo much it was fantastic.. i can't wait for the next one,

keep on spreading the good news
praise Jah you people!!

from zinj

My writings about Tuesday night wound up far to long to report here. Not surprising for a night that wound up far to long to imagine. Suffice it to say that the evening surpassed any and all expectations. Musically, spiritually, and in all that I received. Something has changed within me, and I am unsure how to respond to it.

My only regret from the evening is that when I had Prince's ear, I asked for more instead of thanking him for all that I had received. And I had received so much. Prince, forgive me and please, allow me to rephrase.
Thank you. Thank you for the performances. Thank you for not being afraid to put your spiritually to the fore. Thank you for the star treatment, for putting together a series of shows better than I could have known to ask for, and thank you for turning all of Portland on to your trip. The city is still buzzing from your visit.

God bless, zinj, aka redhat, aka boy george

from Julie

My Oh My can one person have any more talent running through their veins? I highly doubt it. I am just now recovering my voice and my body from the Portland concert. What a beautiful thing. Yes there was harmony atleast for that one moment. I truly believe that if we had music instead of television this world would be a better place. I lost my husband about two years ago and tuesday night freed me from that sorrowful place to a higher place that my body and soul needed to be. I think it was already getting there, but the music he sang inspired me to look at all that is good and kind in the world, but he also opened my eyes to another side of the world that needs to be re-evaluated. Thank you so much for all your wonderful years of producing and composing the music that will not only inspire me, but for others, years to come. Please come back again or like you were saying at the concert put together a inspirational radio station that will have the funk you played on tuesday. Maybe you should create a masterpiece to inspire us all......Thank you again from the depths of my soul. Julie Wilson

from Mark

At this point, a lot has been said about your stop in Portland. Much of it does not need to be repeated by me. But what is worth repeating is the appreciation I have for Prince, the band, the touring crew and the crew at Paisley Park. I am convinced that this Club is like no other. We were allowed to connect and interact with some of the most amazing artists anywhere. Prince, please know how truly thankful I am for the experience you gave us Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The NPGMC members were treated...well...not surprisingly...like princes! And princesses, of course. I say these words to you in the hopes that you will share them with the rest of your band and crew. Smile and feel good about what you are doing - you deserve to! You are doing wonderful things that are appreciated by many. Don't forget us, 'cause we won't forget you. Much love from Portland. We hope to see you again.

from shawna

Prince, I waited 20 years to see u, and it was definitely worth the wait. There is a time and a place for every thing and I am so glad April 30, 2002, was that place and time, First the Sound check was awesome and u played wonderfully. Thanks the concert was absolutely amazing I screamed, yelled laugh and cried. I wanted to be that girl on stage but I never got there but that's OK, I was close enough and I think you seen me anyway. My sister had to grow up listening to you so she went with me and after the show she said she would by the next tix.

I left the concert with a new light of u. God Bless and keep spreading the Word. SF. Your are definitely a new Prince in my book and the NPG is jus amazing thanks for the music and the word.

If you remain in me and my word remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15: 7-8

Prince I just can't believe you are telling the word of God to every one bless you. You are just amazing the way you play the guitar i just died. Thanks for the experience I will never forget. God Bless, shawna

from Maria

Brother:

You are truly beautiful.

I am sure you don't remember this, but about two months ago, my 17-year old daughter and I saw you and your wife getting onto an airport cart ride at Minneapolis airport. I was surprised, but recovered enough to tell my daughter to ask if she could shake hands with you. I saw a glimpse of a smile on your face as you graciously shook her hand.

Now, this is a young girl who mostly listens to hip hop and rap--though she does enjoy Sir Bob (Marley) and some others. When we heard you were coming to Portland, she asked if we could go to see you and I knew that I had to introduce her to a fine artist who created music so memborable that it will always be a part of many peoples' consciousness. We barely got tickets and we were both excited to see you for the first time. You did not disappoint. Dang, off the hook is not complete enough to describe what you and your band did.

We both enjoyed getting to know you--thank you so much. Do not listen to the critics. You are super fine, and good, god, what a guitar solo!

My daughter will be starting college in the fall; she wants to be a neonatal doctor and would be the first member of her tribe to start medical school. When I mentioned that your own infant's life was cut short, she seemed more determined than ever to make her goal.

I wish you all the beauty in life that you give to others.

Peace,
MTT

from Al

I was unable to make the concert but I didn't mind after watching Prince perform at the After Party. To have Prince play at a small venue like the Roseland Theatre was fantastic. Prince seemed to be quite impressed by the passion of the crowd. Prince started around 12:30am and ended the show around 2:45am. He jammed a lot at the beginning of the show and eventually played "Paisley Park", "Peach", "Joy in Repitition" and "Alphabet Street" (2 different versions). When Prince sang "Joy in Repitition" he seemed really impressed with the crowd reciting it word for word, especially "soulpsychedelicyde" (he had the crowd repeat it twice). I saw Prince when he came to Portland a few years ago. I loved the concert (he played the "hits") but I liked this concert even more because it was truly for the fans. I have watched Prince perform over the years and unlike so many artists who had great fame in the 1980's, I think Prince has become an even better live performer over time. I think the ability to captivate an audience "live" is what sets Prince apart from almost all other artists today. Just Prince, his band and the music. At the After Party, Prince kept telling the crowd to shout the anthem for the evening "it ain't over", well I hope that's true because I'd love to see you in Portland again.

from Hollie

I don't know where to begin or how to thank you for such a wonderful experience. Amazing is all I've been able to tell my friends and family about the show. The first thing people asked me was if you played any of your old nasty music. I replied no and was proud to say that the show was clean enough that I could have brought my 12 year old daughter. I was raised in the same religion you have been exploring but have chosen a different path for myself. Despite my issus with the religion, you have truly found peace in your life and it was evident in your music that night. The word is out that you are a changed man and people are beginning to acknowledge that. I'm not convinced enough to return to that particular religion, but you have rekindled my desire to begin searching again for "the truth". I picked up your little references here and there with regards to "the new world translation" and your use of it in the tour book. Once the confusion from my past experiences from that religion passes, I may blow the dust off of mine and begin reading again. The aftershow was more than I expected and was just as amazing. Again, I felt your energy, your happiness and your joy of life in your performance. Thank you for sharing not only your music, but small glimpses into your newly discovered life. Keep asking, keep challenging, keep probing, keep "thirsting for the truth".

from ksda sky

My son and I had just a memorable experience in Portland last night.Something we will share always.

Rhonda you were all he could talk about today going home.He wants bass lessons. He has played the accordian and piano.He wants to know what kind of bass you play and how long you have played. What 's up with that neck instrument? I can't answer him.

Prince thank you for sitting down in front of him playing the guitar, he will never for get it.

The entire night was incredible...Portland "How'd you get so funky???" No place has anything funkier than Portland last night.People went nuts! Was it 7hrs of music? The Roseland was shaking, I mean the entire building was going up and down! Most bands can't think of enough material for 90 min. Prince just brought the house down one song after the other .

Portland did themselves proud last night, right from the nicest folks in line you'd ever want to hang with, to dancing all over the place..on stage, in the aisles. Well you get the picture. I can hardly type anymore, need to sleep. Casey has to go to school tomorrow.

Lastly, thank you for maybe the best show I have ever attended and for Question of U.

peace and music,
ksda sky

from Dorothy

Like Prince said, "If u can describe it, it ain't funky." Well, I can't describe this show in a simple phrase, sentence, paragraph, or book. I could tell u it would take a lifetime 2 explain the various emotions I went thru last night, but I'd be lying because I can't even begin 2 explain that. Prince & the NPG hipped Portland 2 some funk I don't think they've ever experienced. They know what's up now though!
I am not going 2 try and give the set list, but every song was incredible. The songs that he got deep with that went straight 2 my soul were Purple Rain and Anna Stesia. I'm not going in2 detail about what was said but the feeling of those songs and messages sent should give an idea, if nothing else. They brought me 2 tears.
Thank U 2 Prince & the NPG. I appreciate everything I experienced with y'all at the Seattle show & Portland show. Much respect goes 2 all y'all. I love each one of U and Thank U. Prince, Thank u again 4 not only the show but 4 the thoughts, feelings, emotions, u left me with. I appreciate everything u did and said, and every message u gave us 2 apply to our own lives. U r an inspiration & I love seeing U work in the way u do, through ur music u bring unity, as u said, "We're all using one sheet of music." If everybody could stay on the same sheet & in the same key after we leave the theatres, as u told us, it would b pure harmony. Words can't express enough, the appreciation & admiration I have 4 u & the inspiration u r 2 me.

I am looking forward 2 seeing y'all at the Celebration in June.

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

from Jayanta

Lovesexy was my first concert experience in Washington, DC back in 1988. Since then I've been to about 14 shows between New York and Miami. Each show topping the previous.

Fast forward to last nights concert experience. The sound check was slamming. Watching Prince chill and warm the band up was beyond nice. "It's 6:15 y'all, time to do my hair." Prince left the stage and rumors of the after party location began to float around the room.

Anticipation for the actual show was in the air and Prince finally lit the house up for the masses around 8pm. 3 hours of waist shaking funk!

Cut to the entrance of the Roseland Theater. It was about 11:15 and when I walked in there was a section for NPGMC members to chill before the show. Soon after we were all allowed to the stage upstairs to jockey for a spot around the stage. Around 1am Prince took the stage and BLEW UP THE SPOT!!!!!!

Only two words for Prince and the NPG, "THANK YOU."

Like I mentioned earlier I've been to more than two hands full of shows. The concert package I got through the NPGMC was the best most complete Prince concert experience I've ever had. Prince, your style, funk and positive energy is infectious. You continue to inspire this young brother to

believe in God and respect and nurture ones creative energy.

Thank you for dropping so much pure funk on P-town, you did the work.

Jayanta

from Antony

Wow! What an incredible show you put on! You are a very gifted musician. What a treat it was to hear an evening of REAL MUSIC. We can see the effects you have allowed the truth to have on you. We encourage you to keep up your studies, and to continue to use your unique situation to share the truth with others.

Your brother,
Antony

from Kim

Wow! I don't know where to begin! I just flew home from Portland where I had an incredible night! This was the last of my nine shows on this tour, and it was one to remember forever!

Don't get me wrong.......every show I went to was amazing! Each was unique, and I have fond memories from all of them! From the cool conversation at the soundcheck in Columbus, to singing Last December at the soundcheck in Buffalo, or being renamed in Hollywood and Oakland, and being told to stop laughing when Frank was dancing in Phoenix (I was only smiling)! I can't begin to write about everything......that would take all day. But, Portland was an amazing experience! From the beginning of Rainbow Children 'til I was brought to tears in Anna Stesia, it was truly wonderful.

Prince- I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift you gave me! I read several chapters on the plane and was able to talk to a friend about it when she picked me up from the airport. It may sound crazy, but I believe that it was meant to happen. Before I even went to the soundcheck I called my sister and told her I was interested in finding out more about what has made you so happy! Now with your gift to me, I will know.

Oh yeah....the guitar solo wasn't too shabby either!!! haha Actually, it was amazing! THANK YOU!

Takumi- You have an incredibly challenging job and you handle the pressure so well! Thank you for being so kind to me at all of the shows! I really appreciate it! I'm so sorry that so many members have to act like fools and make your job even harder. Thanks again!

John- Wow! Wow! Wow! And thanks for taking time out in Portland to talk about drummers and drum majors! haha (thanks for the stick in Seattle)

Rhonda, Renato, Maceo, Greg and Candy- You're all incredible!

Finally, to all of the members that I had the privilege of meeting: Thank you for sharing such wonderful experiences with me! Hope to see you in June! Terry in Columbus*Kerry in Buffalo*Jim, Dennis and Virginia in Cleveland * Frank & Desiree, Donna & hubby (Hawaii), and Cody in Hollywood * As always, Bobby, Carrie, Chris, Jeremy and Tamiko in Hollywood * Vera, Cece and Vicky in Oakland * Scotty and Jimmy J in Phoenix * Jack, Jules, Tobias, Donna, Michael, Matthew, Ron, Rob and Robert in Seattle * Skooter20, The Newlyweds ( and mom ), Starr and friends, and Connie in Portland * And anyone else that I may not remember right now due to lack of sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This will be the tour that I will talk about forever! I'm counting the days 'til June!

Much Love and Many Thanks!
-Kim Campbell-

from Gay Ruiz

A day of rest after the Portland show and I am ready to share.... for those of you who are wondering whether or not to join the NPGmusicclub....quit wondering and join. Being part of this club is wonderful!!!! The soundcheck was intimate and fun, but the show, sitting THAT close was unbelievable. I have followed Prince his entire career, his presence and sometimes distraction, helped me raise my babies (now 31 & 26) as I was alone, and one of those kids went to the concert, they are fams also! I have much to thank him for. This show was the best I have ever seen from him, and the NPG band is unbelievably talented and fun .... Prince's growth as a musician and performer should NOT be missed by anyone who admires him....Thank you Prince, for coming to Portland, I have heard not one negative comment..thank you... Also, thanks to the two gentlemen that sat behind me and guarded my sequin jacket when I had to leave for a moment.....I met some really good people there. Thanks to all. B kind 2 one another... Ah, back to work.....

from GeminEye

Quite, simply, the best experience I've ever had at a concert. Been 2 his performances b4, but it was special since he was in my home state!!! Portland was not ready 4 that much funk!! The beautiful thing about the show was his positive messages about race, religion and love. These R things that many need 2 hear. He had the Arlene Schnitzer in the palm of his hand! No other can command a performance like him, and he found many more first-time believers in Portland. How funky is it that a man can play music that few may know but still grab the audience by the hand and take them on a beautiful journey!!! A true artist doesn't need 2 play so called "hits" in order 2 be accepted in concert!! Real music is alive!!!

And did I mention the aftershow??? Thank U Prince 4 keeping it bumpin until 3am in the morning! U left folks in shock!! Much love 2 Candy (whom I'm in love with), Maceo, Greg, Rhonda, Renato and the incredible John Blackwell 4 keeping it in the pocket!!!

Much love 2 the NPGMC 4 the experience. From the soundcheck 2 the afterparty, U made my life a little better and inspirational. Just.... thanx.

P.S. - The Blazers will get it next year. Think they won't?

from Robert

Thank you to Prince and the NPG. i must say that this was truly the most amazing night of my life and joining the music club was worth every dime. To have been so close to all of you and in such a beautiful space made it magical. Much praise goes out to you all for helping us all have a great time. This was not a concert but really more of a party with REAL music and great friends. You asked if you could take it deep and you took it to Titanic proportions. To experience the party and then the after party all in one night was like a dream come true, the stuff of dreams and reality. Candy you rocked! Maceo, pass the p's please. Prince, thank you for bringing the Rainbow Children together and showing them what life and Unity can be like, even if for only one night. It's the kind of night that will stay with us all and hopefully help us to remember that we are all ONE RACE.

Peace and Love

Robert

from Ole-Anders

All I can say is this was like a dream come true:
One Night with Prince starting with the sound check followed by an almost 3 hour long concert with the best seats in the house.
And just like that wasn't enough: 2 more hours at the Roseland Theater, a place I thought it would be great to see Prince play, but I never expected to see him there. It is so great to see Prince play at smaller theaters rather than big stadions. Thank you Prince and the rest of the band for a very Beautiful Night.

from Alison

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.... Prince and the NPG were off the hook. From the sound check to the after party Prince didn't miss a beat. As a NPG music club member we were well taken care of. The sound check was awesome, intimate and personal... for the after party we had easy access to the front of the stage. The old school and the new school were in the house. Prince is a musical genius and once again he proved that to Portland.

from Kobi Abell

This was my first Prince concert and what an incredible experience it was!!! THANK YOU! He's such an amazingly talented musician and wonderful performer. If he ever comes back to Portland, I will be there....thanks for a wonderful evening of music and entertainment Prince! THANK YOU again!!!!

from Terra

i just had the privilege of spending an entire night with the one man who has always been a part of my world. i was a young girl when i first heard his heavenly voice, and even though i knew naught about music then, i recognized a certain magic that far surpassed anything else i had heard so last night, standing feet from him, all of his fans (who he calls friend) feeling connected to him and each other i felt again the way i did that first time, except i now knew that the person who i have thought of all these years as some unreachable angel of music, this sound that is the man, who speaks to my heart, and my body, is just that, a man. something changed in me last night. and as i left the roseland...sweaty and very tired there was a smile on my face that hasn't been there for awhile. and i slept like a baby. thank you for sharing with us. please continue to do so. and perhaps some day we will all be together in the same place, making sweet music.

terra, portland

from Linda

My Lord... I have been a Prince fan for some time and every single time I see him in concert I am reminded of what a PHENOMENAL ENTERTAINER he is. I could never be disappointed. The concert Tonight was a prime example of his gift from God. I hope You continue your quest for Unity and Know that WE the RAINBOW CHILDREN ARE HERE....AND LISTENING.
I TRULY ADORE YOU!!
THANK YOU FOR VISITING PORTLAND.. AGAIN
PLEASE COME BACK SOON!
LINDA CHAVARRIA ... (PORTLAND, OR)

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