Vancouver, BC on May 28 (16 reports)

from e.l.

What a great time! Tour after tour, the music always feels fresh. Rainbow Children has taken on a different light after hearing the music live. A sprinkling of older tunes like When U Were Mine and Take Me With U fit right into the night's jam session. I love Maceo, but kudos to Eric Leeds who came out and blew that horn like he meant it! And, the second set solo at the keys just had to be experienced.

Thanks for reaching out to the music club and just chilling and chatting with us. While other stops got to hear more music during the soundcheck, I thought the casual conversation Vancouver fams had with you was the best experience I've had at a show... and that was just the beginning! Unfortunately, I couldn't make the afterparty, but definitely won't miss it next time. Let's hope that the future brings more artists that enjoy their music and share it with their fans in the same way.

Can we get a funk check?!?

from Angelica

Oh my gawd!!!! I cannot believe that it has only taken 5 years for me to wish Prince into my city...."somehow i knew, that sooner or later this power, would manifest itself into a rendez-vous" and OOOOHHH!!!!

What can i say? it was everything i thought it would be and soo much more...only one person can announce a concert and sell it out in 3 days...don't bring your cameras or umbrellas though (this is really stupid if you consider that it's vancouver, but oh well) you'll have to stay in endless lineups to check it all...but it's worth getting soaked for!!!

My favorites...he played them all....Girls and Boys, Starfish and Coffee, When You Were Mine, How Come you don't Call....Adore, Mellow Mellow, Diamonds and Pearls...I would have like to hear Stolen Kisses, So Dark, Sex in the Summer, The One, Uptown, I read on the site that he played Anastesia elsewhere and i was waiting..but oh well, next time! :)

He established himself as political from the get go with Money don't Matter 2nite and Abraham Lincoln was a racist...also I felt the bit about commercial radio...RISE UP!!!

I heard that He married a Canadian girl and is living in TO, all the more reason for me to move there in a year...THANK-YOU SO MUCH for rockin' our house..i graduated there 5 years ago...and i made a surprise trip and tripped on the surprise of seeing you....LOVE! Angelica (cutie@uvic.ca)

from Adriana,

I'm sure you've all heard it all before, but I'll say again, that was an amazing show! Real music by real musicians for the real music fans. I was front row centre and I don't think I could have been more grateful. I skipped school just so I could assure good seats and it was well worth it.

I remember being around 9 years old and dancing around in my room listening to "Controversy" and "Lovesexy", and now I'm doing the same with "The Rainbow Children".

These small venues really bring the fans together; everyone in the line up seemed to just totally click. The soundcheck was just so cool, it was a small crowd and it was much more personal and interactive than I ever expected it to be. I regret not asking any questions, but for the fans who did ask questions, Prince was really charming and funny. I think that one of the main highlights of the evening was at the afterparty, when about 8 of us gathered around a table just talking about God. I was in full bible thumper mode:) It was all so surreal. This was by far the best concert I've ever been to.

Thanks to Prince and the NPG

from Melissa

Beautiful. Two things that I was thinking about after our conversation:

Harmony. Harmony is not two people singing the same note. Harmony is two people singing *different* notes within the same melody. If everybody sings the same note, no harmony, and a less beautiful song.

Time. Where things come from, how they begin, cause and effect, are all concepts dependent upon time. They only matter if you believe in the reality of time. Do u?

Thanks for the show, thanks more for the thoughts.

Doves,
Mel!ssa

from Shawn

I have never been on such an emotional ride within such a short time-frame. I have never witnessed such a perfect blending between slow and downtempo songs, and pure unbridled upbeat funk. I have never openly wept in public to "Nothing Compares 2 U." I have never been on such a tight, intense, funny, educational, spiritual, and funkdified journey. I have never witnessed the closest thing to a perfect performer in my life. I have never known an ARTIST who trancends all notions of gender, race, sexuality, religion, truth, self, and all of the connotations that music brings with it.

Until Now.

I have seen, the greatest musical experience that these wise, yet innocent eyes can imagine. The only love there is, is the love we make...

Thank U 4 the miracle (ticket) Aimee! U R a blessing in so many ways.

Peace & Blessings
Shawn LaRock

from the Jukebox

Vancouver fans came out in full purple force last night to show their support of the Prince, the New Power Generation, and their new traveling radio station "WNPG". From the moment Prince strode on stage, the crowd were on their feet, cheering every move or gesture the purple one offered. The intimate setting of the Orpheum theatre was a perfect setting for the love affair that transpired between Prince and his fans. From early on, it was obvious that the crowd was putty in his hands, eagerly responding to every cue given by the artist, who encouraged them to sing along with most every tune, or cued them to "get comfortable" (have a seat), or to clap, snap, or whatever. We were eager puppets as he artfully pulled the strings, guiding the emotions and responses.

Prince spoke of his frustrations with radio stations, pointing out that we used to hear a lot of funk on the radio in years gone by, and that it was hard to find these days while twisting the dials. So, for the night, Prince was the DJ, as he guided his band through an inspiring set. The backup artists effortlessly performed, while creating a rich textured backdrop for the sing a long. It was hard to believe that such a small group of artists could create such a complex and rich musical landscape, at times sounding like a full orchestra.

I could go on, but it is best to just state, it was a great show, where the fans knew and loved the body of work of the artist. The night was a sweet date in an ongoing love affair between Prince and his fans

respectfully submitted by the Jukebox.

from Alejandra

Rain drops snuffed by purple lights
Wailing notes filled the surreal night
Royalty’s ride was smashed
Skins of drums were lashed
The voice was violent, yet tender
He preached Power and surrender

Thank you so much for an incredible show. It was absolutely amazing.

Alejandra
Vancouver, Canada

from Jukebox2

Vancouver fans came out in full purple force last night to show their support of the Prince, the New Power Generation, and their new traveling radio station "WNPG". From the moment Prince strode on stage, the crowd were on their feet, cheering every move or gesture the purple one offered. The intimate setting of the Orpheum theatre was a perfect setting for the love affair that transpired between Prince and his fans. From early on, it was obvious that the crowd was putty in his hands, eagerly responding to every cue given by the artist, who encouraged them to sing along with most every tune, or cued them to "get comfortable" (have a seat), or to clap, snap, or whatever. We were eager puppets as he artfully pulled the strings, guiding the emotions and responses.

Prince spoke of his frustrations with radio stations, pointing out that we used to hear a lot of funk on the radio in years gone by, and that it was hard to find these days while twisting the dials. So, for the night, Prince was the DJ, as he guided his band through an inspiring set. The backup artists effortlessly performed, while creating a rich textured backdrop for the sing a long. It was hard to believe that such a small group of artists could create such a complex and rich musical landscape, at times sounding like a full orchestra.

I could go on, but it is best to just state, it was a great show, where the fans knew and loved the body of work of the artist. The night was a sweet date in an ongoing love affair between Prince and his fans

respectfully submitted by the Jukebox2.

from gumby

Hey all,
I've been in the NPG club for over a year and the free music alone has been worth the money. Over the past two weeks the membership has really paid off. Prince has been selling the front row seats to the folks in his fan club, and then making certain the fans were the ones sitting there. On top of the front row seats, we were allowed in early at 5pm and saw the band warming up the hall. In seattle this was a sweet mini-concert. Then in Vancouver they didn't warm up too much, but it was even cooler than just a sound check. the dude sitting in the front row next to me just couldn't control himself. He yelled up to Prince during a quiet moment, "How do you get out of your way??"
Prince replied, "English? Can you rephrase that? Let me get closer to you all so i can properly answer that."
Then he proceeded to sit down directly in front of me, no less than 3 feet away. He told the rest of the club to close in so we could hear what was going on. Then we all asked questions and shared opinions with him in person. This Q&A lasted almost an hour.

Questions to Prince went like:
Who are you listening to now?
Were you a batman fan before the movie?
Do you like Bilal?
How does your faith help you?
Do you like this concert tour better?
What do you feel about playing Purple Rain?
How is your relationship with the record industry?
who do you really respect in the music business now?
who is that on saxophone? (eric leeds played vancouver)
where do you see the NPG club going in the future?
What do you think of R&B nowadays?
What's up with those Santana recordings?
How is the 7 day event in Minneapolis going to go?
Can i dance with you?
Ives asked can i play bass with you?

I'm not going to put in his replies because you should just go and ask the man yourself.

Vancouver is a great and beautiful city to see a show. the Orpheum theater had great sound at least from front row center. The lineup is awesome, blackwell is a superstar on the kit, rhonda was rock steady, the man on the keys had a crazy tone, eric is unstoppable and prince had it all going on. the crowd was wrapped around his finger. you actually forget how nuts the women go for him until you look around you. it was pretty amazing.
Some of the women we met in the fan club went on stage during the show and he played a solo for them. He invited others in the club on stage during the show to dance. He constantly referred to us to let us know that we are a special part of his family and that he really appreciates our love and support.

peace, gumby

from Barry

WOW! The Funk was in the house in Vancouver. The Funk was seeping out of the walls of the Orpheum Theatre. I don't know what the Orpheum will do now that Prince and the NPG have left the building. Of all the times I have seen Prince over the years (Europe, United States, and Canada), this show is hands down the best show Prince has created. The NPG are tight. Prince showed them off in style, and Rhonda made Canada Proud. Music from The Rainbow Children came across in style and clarity for the first part of the show. Eric Leeds blew his horn magically. Then the NPG went to uptown as they remade Money Don't Matter 2Night into the grind that it was truly meant to be. They transformed Girls and Boys and had the crowd singing in stride without the Revolution. Vancouver made good when all was said and done thanks to Anna Stasia. What a way to end the show. Love is God. God is Love. Girls and Boys Love God Above. Part of the balcony waited for Purple Rain, but Prince and the NPG made the rest of us Groove so hard that even Prince had to change his fine suit at the two hour mark. That's when Prince came into his own one night alone. . .

Simple as that, the man's piano styling made two members of the crowd send their love. Prince was grateful but just asked for the deeper voice to use a higher pitch next time.

I wish I could remember all the songs - but I can remember are the feelings of love. The crowd was definitely feeling the love. God was in the house and in our hearts as Prince and the NPG rocked this mother out. Between piano solos and NPG backed numbers the show cranked out at just under three hours of music, cheering, laughter, and love

Thank you Prince and the NPG.

Then off to the After party. Around 12:30 Prince and the NPG came into the small gathering of Vancouver NPG Music Club Members. Even though the equipment for a possible after show were in place, Prince and the NPG did not perform, but Prince shared the Video from the Vancouver Show with the crowd and Prince talked with many of the NPG Music Club Members. It was a truly wonderful experience.

Thank you Prince and the NPG.

from r.o.

Last nite was the first time that I have had the privilege to see Prince and NPG live and I was positively blown away. The sounds were incredible and the vibe from the room was intoxicating. I've been a fan of Prince for years and I love the way that his music has stayed so soulful and funky, refusing to conform to the trends of today's "music". The sexiness is still there and I'm grateful that I could experience such a tribute to real music. If you have the opportunity, Go See This Show !!!!! Much Love to Prince and NPG.

from L-A

thank u thank u thank u! for an amazing concert in Vancouver. I've waited my entire life to see Prince live and I experienced a life changing event tonight. Prince was (is) the soundtrack of my youth and my life now. I appreciate his growth as an artist and a man and although he could have copped out and played three hours of his hits, I loved that he is still experimenting and creating new, unbelievable sounds. I left his concert overwhelmed by what I had seen and experienced. He is truly an artist who can continue to grow and create new vibrant material to enthrall his fans over and over again. He left me intrigued and as fledgling singer/songwriter inspired to create my own vision and listen to my own voice.
Thank u Prince for a truly remarkable experience. Come back to Vancouver soon!
L-A

from IJC

As a born and raised Vancouverite, I have to say it was nice to see some real FONK in town! My wife and I both really enjoyed ourselves, and LOVED the fact that there was no cussing or cringing (on our part) through the whole thing! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to see a range of real music with a groove. We left with BIG smiles. I was the old (40) white guy in the black suit throwing out the thinly veiled questions about Larry and the meetings... I trust your step-bros, talk went well. I was disappointed to not make it to the after show and swap some stories, but had to hit the sack (we have two young ones at home). I'm thrilled to hear and see that you're progressing down the right path, and really appreciated your subtle "witness" when you could sneak it in during the pre-concert rap. Hope to have an opportunity to see you again in a relaxed setting. Keep up the good work!

IJC

from gerry

Slammin.....was so disappointed I couldn't make the sound check, etc. but only until the first notes of the show. Wow....brought a bunch of kids from our restaurant and we have heard of nothing else but this AM. NPG was soooo tight. Prince, it was such a gift to hear your music in such a great venue (we were in the 2nd row and felt like the concert was specially for us!!) Can't believe the concerts just keep on getting better and better. Funk Check for Vancouver!! We loved you and felt all the energy and love right back.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

gerry

from SP

Today I feel tired and drained from yesterday's experience.

I have been a fan for over twenty years, and last night only served to give me more respect for his talent and presence, and decency as a person. The sound check was far more intimate, comfortable and longer than I had expected. Each and every question was answered politely and respectfully, and he seemed truly interested in spending this time with us.

I am at a loss to describe the concert and how much I enjoyed it, and I am therefore even more disappointed that I will not be able to attend Xenophobia. However, if there is a similar event next year, I will be sure not to miss it.

God Bless
Whistler, B.C.

from drthoms

Thank you for an incredible show and the oppourtunity to speak to you during the soundcheck. This is the third straight show I have seen and (Seattle,Portland & Vancouver) not to mention the aftershow in Portland. The music is "live" & funky and I just can't get enough of 1+1+1=3. RISE UP ALL and don't miss out you wont be dissapointed.

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