Toronto on June 15 (15 reports)

from Lorette

I went to the concert at Massey Hall in Toronto. It was small but no matter were you were you seen every thing. Prince you are amazing!!! So is your crew. Thank you very much. I waited along time and it was worth it. Had a great night and the crowed was so alive. WOW! A once in a life time. Thank you.

from Ronny

Hello Everyone,

As we stood in line up the stairwell at Massey Hall we could hear the band playing "Pop Life". Then they went into something that sounded like 'elephants and flowers'. This is when we were let in. As we took out seats Prince and the band were running through a very different take on 'elephants and flowers' - he ended this by turning the mic towards us and letting us finish 'there will be peace for those who love God a lot'. He was in the mood to play because he wasted no time in going into an extremely aggressive take on 'Bambi'. Rhonda was sitting playing the bass. Prince made very few facial expressions while playing this track. Unlike any show I have ever been to before, I could hear every single note he played. I'm convinced that I've never heard him play that awsome in my life. Of all the audio tapes I've collected of his shows, of all the video etc... I've never heard him play like that. After that, I can't help but say.. BELIEVE THE HYPE ! This guy is one hell of a guitar player. They went into "whole lotta love" by Led Zepplin. He went over to he piano soon afterwards only barely saying something in his very low voice. He took a give from a women in front of me and then did 'Pearls before swine'. He played for a good hour.

I won't get into too much detail about the 3 hour plus show but I'll say that on more than a few occasions I looked up into the balconys to see the reaction of the crowd. The overall reception was superb but there were so many people just looking like they weren't into it. I think playing TRC, unreleased (Xenophobia), and other rarities to start the show was a bit much for a lot of people. Like he said, for those who came for "Purple Rain" - they were dissapointed !!!

A few years ago I went to see Me'Shell Ndegeocello at the Phoenix here in TOronto. This is a tiny club and I stood not more than 10 feet from her. The sound was perfect and I got a chance to meet her after the show. I told her than that I was a Prince fan but that I had never heard him so clearly and that I was extremely taken aback by her playing.... She told me then that Prince was far more than his image and that he is a phenomenal player. After Sat. night, I see her point.

I'll leave it at that... I don't know if I've seen anyone report this but... during the piano solo, he started with 'One Nite Alone' and did play 'I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore". WHich has been a recent favourite of my wife MELALOO and mine.

thanks,
RONNY
p.s. I'll never see another arena show. After Massey Hall, there is no point... you can't go to a big arena and enjoy a show.

from A

Wow. Unfortunately Prince's Canadian performances have been few and far between (something we all hope is changing...) But is it ever worth the wait. I could not have asked for a better night if I had planned the entire show myself (Although I wouldn't have turned down a front row seat). The show was so tight - Prince sounded unbelievably great, he is one of very few artists who actually sound better live than they do on recorded material. His interaction with the audience was nice, and he seemed to be enjoying himself. We all know that most people either love him or hate him, but let me tell you there isn't a hater in the world who could have walked out of Massey Hall last night without changing their mind. The atmosphere was so full of love and emotion, everyone was just so happy to be there. I think this made my year. Thank you Prince, and visit us again soon!!

from B

Wow!! I just wanted to pop by and say what a wonderful time we had last night! I only became a member of the site *after* the pre-sale happened, so I was not able to attend the sound check (that will teach me!) but my 3 guests and I had the best night in a long time! It was good to see him again, the last time the 4 of us attended a show was when he played the Warehouse in T.O. about 5 years ago. I keep telling everyone, you haven't lived until you've seen Prince live. I couldn't think of a better way to kick off my summer!! Here's hoping we can see him again much sooner! Have fun everyone!! Peace & love.

from Jennifer

I have been to each and every concert Prince has held in Toronto since the early eighties. I never thought that it is possible to top those shows, and yet again he did. It takes a very special person to take a stand the way he does time and time again. The critics may say he's crazy, but many unfortunately lack the intelligence it takes to understand the meaning of what Prince is trying to say. The show was so spiritual ,and moving I have felt more at piece after the show then I have in a long time.

I hope that Prince gets to read this message. Prince I again would like to say thank you again for putting on such an amazing show. ( I was the one who screamed it to you last night) You are one of the few true artists who have managed to beat all the odds, and still stay true to yourself and fans. To me, that shows signs of integrity. I believe your music touches your fans in many ways. Your music has been there for me in many distressing times. Please come back to Toronto, your fans have always wait patiently.

Stay true, and piece be with you

from Lisa

I attended the Toronto concert at Massey Hall and I thought it was amazing. I was sitting up on the second balcony and it was a bit difficult to see but no matter what I'd do it all over again. I brought my girlfriend with me and she freaked. Her exact words were " Oh my God Lee, now I can see why you love him so much, his amazing"! She couldn't get over the show, it was a party, everyone was having a blast. I was dancing with people I didn't even know, and laughing my head off with my girlfriend because on the sound balcony the seats are wooden and we were standing on them, and everytime we got a little excited we would almost fall onto people below us because the seats were the flip up kind, like in the movies. By the end of the night I had no feet left, I couldn't feel them because I danced so much. A cool thing that you did which most artists don't allow, is that you let people come up on stage and dance while you played. That was cool, it was funny to see the reactions on there face as they were so excited to be up there on stage with you. Me and my girlfriend had dreamed of getting front row, we would have probably made asses of ourselves dancing away but we love to dance as we are dancers. I wouldn't have changed Saturday night at all, everything was perfect. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, I was so amazed. This was the first time I saw you live and the money I spent was well spent, I 'd do it all over again and sadly at the end it was hard to see you go as I wonder when you will return again. Please don't retire anytime soon, you are truly the most talented individual I've ever seen and I am so happy that you have shared your music with us over the years. I honestly think I have my girlfriend hooked as she has been bothering me to borrow my CD's. I now know at this point I should join The NPG Music Club, which I will be doing. Thank you for making the most beautiful music and for making me smile. :o)

Always, Lisa
xoxoxo Take Care and God Bless.

from Nina

I was blessed with front row seats to the soundcheck and concert. What an unbelievable and unforgettable experience!

The music was,

P rofound
R omantic
I ntimate
N ostalgic
C aptivating
E xhilarating

AT HIS BEST!

Thank You!

from G

I never do this but after attending Prince's show at Massey Hall on Saturday night, I feel compelled to express my thoughts. I have to be honest. I was one of I'm sure many people in the house looking to get my "Purple Rain on". I loved Prince's music as a teenager and was excited to hear this dynamic performer live. I had not paid much attention to where he had progressed artistically since that time or even to the music that had influenced or inspired him. Saturday night was an eye opener. As soon as I let go of the idea that this was a celebrity from my childhood and started to appreciate this group of musicians on the stage, so obviously enjoying playing together, I had a musical experience like I've rarely felt before. The performance was thought provoking, amazingly inspired, intense and, let's face it, just a whole lot of fun. Thank-you for putting yourself into your music and sharing it with us. It is amazing to listen to something true and honest as opposed to the hours of industry selected background noise that someone has calculated to appeal to a particular marketing demographic. You can't begin to know how profoundly your music touched me. Thank-you.

from T

I am still trying to absorb the magnitude of everything I experienced last night. My mind, heart and soul are full, it's very difficult to describe in words how I am feeling. My feet hurt from dancing so much, my throat is sore from screaming and singing. I am emotional today, and feel so much love and respect for Prince and the NPG at this moment. It was definitely one of the best nights of my life.

I am so impressed with the class the NPG Music Club members showed. Everyone was very friendly, polite, and respectful. We all knew we were getting the best seats in the house, and we respected each others' places in line. I got to meet so many wonderful people, too.

Going to the soundcheck was a dream come true! From the moment we walked in, the energy was amazing, I knew it was going to be a big party. I got to sit in the third row, which is the closest I have ever been at a Prince concert! Prince and the NPG put on such an awesome show for the members--Elephants and Flowers, Bambi, Sign O' The Times, The Ballad of Dorothy Parker, A Whole Lotta Love (Prince rocks on that song!), Days of Wild, Pearls b4 the Swine, just incredible all around. Thank-you, Prince, for allowing us access to the soundcheck--it meant so much to me to be there.

The concert itself was beyond words. The songs from The Rainbow Children and One Nite Alone sound incredible live! To witness such amazing musical talent from the entire NPG was the experience of a lifetime. Everyone was so amazing! Renato, Rhonda, Greg Boyer, Larry Graham, WOW! You blew me away! Special props to John Blackwell for, amongst other amazing feats, wiping his face with a towel or handkerchief, while playing the drums at the same time! You are incredible! Maceo, what can I say? You are a legend, and I have a special place in my heart for you. It was a dream come true for me to see you and Prince on stage together.

And, of course, the man himself. I can't even begin to describe the beauty of Prince's voice, I am just awestruck. No words can describe the guitar and piano playing--through the roof! I don't know how Prince manages to make these amazing musical leaps. After all the phenomenal Prince concerts I've seen over the years, I am amazed that Prince always outdoes himself! That he surpasses his own greatness, and takes music to levels that most of today's musicians can only dream of attaining. There were times that I just had to stop, listen in awe, and soak in the incredible talent in front of me.

The after-party at the Red Drink was a lot of fun, too. It was great to go to a club and hear all the great retro-funk tunes, instead of the crap that's on the radio today.

All in all, it was an experience I will always remember. Getting to hear Prince and the NPG perform for a little more than 4 hours (including the soundcheck) is something I am so grateful for. I told my friend that I just wanted to bottle up this concert and take it home with me so that I could have this experience over and over again. This is a tour that one shouldn't see and hear only once. Though I couldn't possibly ask for more, it would be REALLY cool if the NPG Music Club could release a live CD/video/DVD of this tour for NPGMC members.

Thanks again for a beautiful night!

from Greg Cohen

I went to the Prince concert expecting to see an excellent show but what I saw was much more than excellent, words cannot explain the show. My whole life I have been waiting to see Prince live and the wait was worth it. I would like to thank Prince for having a show in Toronto and after this wonderful experience I wait eagerly for the next Prince concert. He is the king of music. Peace.

from T

If I could turn back time I would. This second concert I've gone to and it definitely isn't going to be the last. I loved what I saw and heard in Buffalo, but this definitely was more than I had ever imagined! Some of the best seats in the house along with the soundcheck. Throughout the night so many favorites, old and new along with the words of spiritual enlightenment and guidance.

Each song, Days of Wild, Raspberry Beret, Sometimes it Snows in April, the list goes on and on. Each of them you could feel the power and just the amount of emotion it put on everyone. The reaction from the crowd and the performance was so strong, everyone became a close friend of Prince. Definitely the best concert I've ever witnessed and will continue to attend them as long as you continue to perform here.

Don't stay away too long Prince!!!!

Toronto Loves You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

from C

I had the unbelieveable and rare luck of getting a ticket to your Toronto concert on June 15th. One word - BEAUTIFUL!

It's been 2 days since and I am still dawning an incredibly huge smile! One of my biggest regrets of my youth, not seeing you when you were last in TO ('93, I think), when I had the op, has now been cleared off the list.

You seem so happy and at peace. You were enjoying yourself and that made it all the easier for us to enjoy you. I can't believe that you gave us 3 hours of yourself. I loved the intimate feel that your show had. You were reachable, real. Even though I had one of the "obstructed" seats with a pole in my face, and now being able to contort my neck into about 8 new positions, seeing you through people's armpits and a lot of the time, not being able to see you at all, you were still amazing. I got a return on my $ 3 times over.

Now to clear the 2nd regret off my list, not getting my motorcyle license!

Thank you for the beautiful time that I was allowed to spend with you.

KEEP SMILING!

Love, C. :-)

from a member

I didn’t think he could top what I witnessed in Hamilton, but he did it!

Both the sound check and the actual show were stupendous My membership has returned its investment several times over!

Okay so let’s begin:
Pre-sound check:
We had a total of about 160 members/guests tickets sold here in Toronto. I am very proud of that! I had no clue how many folks were members. We also had some visitors from LA, SF, Chicago, Detroit and Dallas I believe. But Toronto was Definitely showing a ton of LOVE! Just like I knew we would! Some people started to line up around 8:30, I myself arrived around 10 and started a line list. Luckily as far as I saw, throughout the day everything weren’t very smoothly and like good Canadians, everyone was polite J (sorry even good stereotypes are bad!) I had the chance to meet some great people, put some faces to names and see some good folks again!

So we were allowed inside the lobby around 5:15, which was unusually early. Well all it meant was we had a 45 minute wait inside. During this wait we could hear Pop Life being pumped from inside.

We knew it was gonna be a good show when we received an omen. Close to 6 pm the door lobby door opened and like a magical leprechaun Prince popped his head outside, to thunderous applause, smiled and disappeared! Alright, he wanted to be playful…cool!

2. Sound check
WE were led to our seats, as usual, in an orderly fashion. My lovely friend Samantha and I opted for the first 2 seats left of centre, first row. PERFECT! It was worth the wait in the rain and cold JUNE weather! The band was already jamming to a funky tune I didn’t quite recognize. Soon enough I realized it was a new arrangement of Elephants and Flowers! First time I heard it live.
At this point, a girl named Christine handed him a trinket of some sort. It was too far to the edge of the stage to tell what. He hesitantly accepted it and placed it in his pocket.
Next he said a few quick hellos. No Q&A session though…like I said he wanted to PLAY! he ripped right into Bambi and rocked that muther out! As solid as ever, u know he didn’t need to run through that one…that was strictly for US!

The third song was a great highlight. I think the only other live performance if this cover was at the mysterious Winnipeg aftershow…Zeppelin’ s Whole Lotta Love! Oh yeas folks!
With the Fender Stratocaster, I have never heard such a vibrant, bluesy rock sound coming from any of prince’s prior performances…stunning!

Prince was approached by Rob Bowman. A local music historian who has written several books, including one he presented to prince. Soulsville USA. Covering the history of soul music. Trevor, prince’s main man stepped in and accepted the boom, and passed it onto Prince. Prince flipped through it, stating if there were no pictures, that’s no good “Cuz I cant read!” He then found something amusing, smiled and showed it to Maceo and Greg…perhaps photos of the 2 legends backinthaday?
He then exclaimed he had a gift for us. Heading to the piano, he laid down an instrumental Pearls b4 The Swine. Very lovely and soothing performance. Still at the piano the band started to riff on a bass line of Rhonda’s, simulated on the Rhodes. It vaguely sounded like Girls and Boys, but it took its form first as In The Ghetto, by Donny Hathaway, although he simply repeated the title only.
Slowly this morphed into Sign of The Times! Slightly bluesy tempo, he sang the first verse twice and repeated the chorus. Another rare treat!

Next, for his grand finale, he reached back into his bag of funky tricks and pulled out our second helping of Days of Wild!
Once he hit that loop, we were floored! I had just seen this 2 days prior, but I couldn’t get enough! Larry Graham jumped up and joined Prince in a dual bass jam of Days of Wild, which took shape into another similar jam.

He then ended the sound check abruptly…it lasted just over an hour. No goodbyes? He musta been anxious to get this show on the road!

3. The show
The energy that filled Massey Hall was unlike any other I have ever experienced. Again I am so proud of the Love Toronto showed for Prince and the NPG. A packed house, 5 rows of NPGMC members and a Prince that wasted no time getting down to business. That’s my idea of a great Saturday night!

The highlights of the main set were as follows:
Prince sitting at the edge of the stage, 2 feet away busting out TRC on guitar…this just gets better watch time I hear it. The location helped as well! Incredible seats! As usual 1+1+1=3 brought us to our feet and just kept us there with love roller coaster and sing a simple song. With Macao and Larry and Prince on vox, this classic has never sounded better. I have always loved this Sly song, and specifically the lyric "You’re in trouble when you find its hard for you to smile. A simple song might make it better for a little while.” Always meant a lot tome. Now hearing Prince sing that line…gives me chills.

During one particular round of applause, prince told us we “make him feel so good he may buy a house up in Toronto!”

The piano medley was as short as Hamilton’s. the new jam “Prince and the band” was expanded upon tonight, with a full funky backbeat (as opposed to prince in pitch darkness on keys) and Prince jumped offstage to wander through the crowd, and the song somehow turned into girls and boys…I still don’t know how that happened!

Local R&B/Neo Soulster Glenn Lewis was namechecked in Adore as the passenger and later jumped on stage to lead the crowd in a singalong…with Prince on keys. Although I personally don’t find much appeal in Lewis’ music, it was nice to see him floored by this opportunity to share the stage, acting humble, like most new musicians forget to do.

Also varied in tonight's piano medley:
Starfish and coffee
Free
Sometimes it snows in April…a very emotional into advising us to be good to our loved ones cuz we never get that time back.

All in all, the energy levels and Prince's overall fun with us made this my New favourite Prince show, knocking hamilton to #2.

4. The after party

We arrived at the Red Rink to find 100 or so ppl already jammed in, we were some of the first prince ppl to arrive, and the music was dull and dancey and drinks were $8!!!

Slowly but surely, the concert crowd filtered into the club, and the dj took action, filling the place with solid retro funk! Within 15 minutes the place was torn UP! Much thanks to Chicago’s April and SanFran’s Bobby…for making everyone else feel uninhibited and feel good about cutting loose!

from Lina

I was at last night's concert in Toronto. I've been waiting to see Prince since I was a kid - and I was not disappointed. This concert was better than can be expected! Prince sounded amazing live - and the band was fantastic. Come back to Toronto soon!

from Jay

Prince, my brother! How long I've wanted to say those words. I was so proud to hear you tonight take a stand for the truth. It moved all of us deeply. I've always known that you would be receptive to the truth...if only you could hear it. For years I hoped that you would be reached and I'm so happy that Larry has reached your heart. Please continue to progress in your understanding and knowledge of truth, with each day it becomes more precious. If the songs on your new album and the performance tonight is any indication, you are doing just that...making the truth your own! The concert tonight was an uplifting, emotional, spiritual ride that everyone enjoyed, even if they didn't understand fully the meaning behind the songs. Thank you so much. After being invited in to the concert and having a great time I wanted to show my gratitude by inviting you to one of my upcoming public talks, that is if you even get to read this. Thanks again and welcome to Toronto and more importantly, into the organization. Warm Christian brotherly love, Jay.

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