PRINCE EARTH TOUR O2 LONDON - Post your tour reviews and experiences here!!!

[freedom]

Use this thread to post your Earth tour & Aftershow reviews and experiences...

[The One]

Live Report - Soundcheck 31st July, London O2
Oh my God!

I have just got back fromn the O2 London where I was witness to the soundcheck for tomorrow's gig. I live a couple of miles away from the O2 and decided to go on a recce to check out where to park and what food places are there etc and I approached the O2 arena at around 11pm.

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The complex is very nice and still smells brand new!

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There is a timeline of most significant music for each year in the past 30 years.... here is 1984....

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I started checking out the place and I could hear a muffled sound of live music coming from within the arena itself. I walked around the inside perimiter and got to a large concrete section where the sound became decidedly less muffled. I could feel my head nodding up and down and my foot had a sudden urge to tap. Could it be? Nah!

It was! I made out the unmistakeable sound of a shearing electric guitar solo very much to the same tempo and in the same key as Purple Rain (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JPCI10?ie=UTF8&tag=princeorg-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=380429&creativeASIN=B000JPCI10&adid=9bdfc540-0015-42d2-b22d-effa54e87305). My jaw opened when I realised that just a couple of dozen metres away, Prince was inside with his band playing live! What did I do? Hell, what would any self-respecting Prince fan do?

I stood there for a couple of minutes trying to work out a plan of entry. As I was doing this, I could hear the unmistakeable voice of Prince singing The Ladder. Shit! I had to get in and FAST!

Now, I can't say too much on how I managed to pursuade security to let me in because of my job, but hey, it worked and I soon found myself backstage at the O2. AEG employees and Prince's crew members were strictly the only ones inside the actual arena, so I didn't get to actually see Prince, but it was the next best thing. I was sat up on a chair next to the crew's backstage door with an almost perfect sound.
I haven't been grinning as much since I was a kid!

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Now to run through the setlist. One important note... All of these were full versions (some extended) and there were no medleys. If you're hoping for a Jam of The Year Medley experience, you're not gonna be happy!

These are in order as he played. There were no breaks save for a couple of minutes in between a couple of songs. The security guy told me that Prince had the band had been playing since just before 9pm so I had missed the first 2 hours http://prince.org/i/s/icon_sad.gif



Shhh Full band version with passionate guitar solo. Great vocals, although there was no-one there to play for. What a perfectionist!

U Got The Look (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008EW3JY?ie=UTF8&tag=princeorg-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=380429&creativeASIN=B0008EW3JY&adid=be281235-d887-48a8-a606-03ecb95ff09f) Sounded much the same as the version at the Koko in May, which is to say it was LOUD!

Musicology More of an instrumental version this and let me be the first to say, this band are TIGHT! There wasn't a note out of place and you could really feel the energy coming from the room. Even the night duty security guy was bobbing his head

What a Wonderful World This definitely sounded like Maceo, although one of the crew members seems to think that Maceo won't be with him for much of this tour. He wasn't too sure though. Beautiful version. Almost sent my security escort guy to sleep and I was hoping it would so I could disappear and lurk at the back!

Somewhere Here On Earth Wow. Wow. Wow! Prince's vocals were exquisite and the band complimented him so well. This is going to be amazing live. Wow

Lolita Again, full version, very fun. Twins could clearly be heard on this and the band sounded as if they were really enjoying playing this. I couldn't keep my feet still to this.

Black Sweat (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081352315X?ie=UTF8&tag=princeorg-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=380429&creativeASIN=081352315X&adid=e0987d41-68af-436e-8463-3d02af6419ef) What can I say? I love this song live and this was turned into an extended jam. There was some deeply funky bass playing going on here and I suspect from the sound of it that it was our favourite purple guy on the 4 strings. This one will bring the roof down people

Kiss A classic song, tweaked and played well. Very warm sound to it with Morris Hayes on the keys. Oh yes, he's back!

If I was Your Girlfriend Starts of very sparse with just the looped drumbeat, much like on the record until the full band with the horn section rip into it. Very exciting to hear this. Prince sounded as if he was enjoying this one

Pink Cashmere (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000DE9J?ie=UTF8&tag=princeorg-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=380429&creativeASIN=B00000DE9J&adid=1078f2eb-2d45-447c-a050-5a4401ebf19c) Full band version here and only one verse was sung. The rest was instrumental. Liked it

Seven Starts exactly like on the record and then played with the band in a similar way to how it was on the Musicology tour, except there was no acoustic start. Sounded awesome. Can't wait to sing along to this one.

Come Together Beatles cover. Shared vocals with either Shelby or Marva King (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKO17I?ie=UTF8&tag=princeorg-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=380429&creativeASIN=B000FKO17I&adid=d73888d6-174f-4c18-88cc-42aa37d5eebc). Sounded like Marva King to me, for all I know it could have been both. Very funky cover version. Princes raw vocals on this sounded great. I would love to hear this played as it's my favourite of the beatles songs.

Take Me With You Has the intro just like on the record and the band sounded tight on this one. This one always seems to get in the London setlists and it's a welcome addition. Sounded tight!

Guitar Prince on lead guitar with it turned up to 11! Morris Hayes adds some keys over the chorus which gives the song a warm texture and it sounds incredible. I really hope he plays this Wednesday night! Prince was having fun playing this judging by the sound of his voice. Sometimes you can hear when someone's smiling without seeing them smile

Planet Earth The first few seconds were played (I guess by Renato) and then there was a couple of minutes pause while some kind of sound issue was sorted out. Then it restarted and it sounded great. Very true to the CD with almost identical instrumentation. Let me tell you now. That guitar solo at the end. It sounds amazing on record. The hairs on the back of my head are still standing up from hearing it live. Absolutely amazing. You can feel the emotion with every bend of the string and every attack on the fretboard as Prince plays his heart out on this one.

Let's Go Crazy Extended rock out version with a guitar sound that just cuts through everything and leaves you with the world's biggest grin and shaking your head in mock disbelief. How does he still create this much energy with a song that by all rights should have been flogged to death by now?? Brilliant!



The set ended at just after 1am and then I was joined out the back by a familiar face who was popping out for a crafty cigarette while his boss wasn't looking... only Mr Renato Neto himself! I met Renato in Philly during the Musicology tour and was struck by how friendly he was. He came over and had a chat and was even kind enough to pose for a picture with me!

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I also spoke with one of Prince's sound technicians who worked with him during the 1993 Act 1 and 2 tours and up until the Gold experience. He shared a couple of anecdotes with me and was the coolest guy ever! He told me that he is trying to get Prince to play Bambi as it's a favourite of his! He also gave me the run down on the band. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as if Wendy and Lisa will be with Prince on this tour. Morris Hayes is definitely back in for the long haul and he mentioned that Sonny T has been around. Contrary to rumour, Michael B isn't with Prince on this tour but Cora (sp?) is and the sound tech is excited about her playing. He obviously loves his music and has been saying how he has been working with lots of other artists and that now he is back working with Prince, he is amazed at how much our man has got over his peers. He is very excited about this band and after hearing them tonight, so am I.





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London, you are in for the summer of your lives! Let's go crazy!!

JN (swiped from the org)

[joyinrepatition]

Im realy chufed for you! you did it man,this must have been so exciting for u !! it is beyond words,to be so close and to be part of somthing so uniqe.As we all slept you done what was in your heart and followed your emotions , you done it man what a great insight to the forthcoming days! you jammy person you.:cool:

[violetjd]

Go you!!! After reading what the sound check was like I can't wait to see the show. Only hope now til 28th flies by

[unique]

quick review!

i loved my floor seats, the sound wasn't great, it was too toppy, not enough bass or mid, the sound got worse as you got closer to the stage as the very front seats had speakers above them, so you heard the sound echoing from the back of the "accoustically perfect" auditorium

he did 2 encores, the second time he came back thru the audience to play 3 numbers alone, followed by the band, apparently this wasn't planned

the set was reminiscent of the musicology shows, but better, and they weren't like the recent vegas shows. full version of the songs, no medleys

he started with purple rain, which threw the people who wanted to leave at that point to get in line for the aftershow. i thus only heard that one song, but i was front in line of the queue for the indigo2, so i was front row

rashida played old skool and prince for 2 hours before the band came on and played jazz, and then prince came on played a bit guitar went, off and came back to rip the place up on billy cobhams stratus from the amazing album spectrum. i'd long wanted him to play that, and all i wanted from these shows was to see prince rip it up on guitar at an aftershow, so he then ripped the place apart on guitar with the most rockinest version of anotherlover u ever heard, making the superbowl preview version seem like a quite nite mix. prince only sang 1 song, a funky version of 3121 which went on for a day and a half, and the band returned for down by the riverside, turning the usual set around back to front

it was all over by 3pm, and we saw the band leave in a minivan, and the twins in another (without me, even though i did ask them to take them with me, seeing as earlier they sang take me with u), so instead i went to get on the boat, but the boat had broken down, but when i got there i found it had broken down, and when i finally got on, i ended up sitting next to a guy from grange hill series 7

other stars at the show asides myself were corrine baily rae (maybe she will play with prince after all, her vegas 3121 show was cancelled last minute, and her video was on npgmc before it closed) and lemar were in the balcony at the aftershow, and i was talking to nash from frankie goes to hollywood in the special secret fan bar ;) (much more exclusive than the white bar) who was slumming it in the nosebleeds

anyways, a really great nite, so roll on friday!

[rosies]

so unique, are you saying you didnt stay for hardly any of the main show? just the first song? was it worth it for the front row area at the arftershow? i was hoping i'd just be able to push my way past the people in the standing area to get near the front at the aftershow, or is that not really possible? was it crammed full of people? i cant wait to go but have no idea what to expect. its cool that prince and the band did put in a performance though! Glad you had a fabulous time! I'm going to get tickets for sept 6th, are you going then as i may be going alone? rosie x

[unique]

so unique, are you saying you didnt stay for hardly any of the main show? just the first song? was it worth it for the front row area at the arftershow? i was hoping i'd just be able to push my way past the people in the standing area to get near the front at the aftershow, or is that not really possible? was it crammed full of people? i cant wait to go but have no idea what to expect. its cool that prince and the band did put in a performance though! Glad you had a fabulous time! I'm going to get tickets for sept 6th, are you going then as i may be going alone? rosie x

he did a second encore which i missed as i found a quick way out to the aftershow, so i was front row. i'm not to fussed

i was front row of the tiers at the back, with no barrier, so i could walk down the floor area (and did). you won't get far in pushing, as the crowd will push you back

i have tix 4 all the shows so let me know when u r in town, i'll b in london from 6-17th sept approx, and up and down 2 the other shows

[joyinrepatition]

You so ! let your self down by effingoff early doors !!..Unique..!! having said that atleast you missed the Qs!!!!....?????????????:pissed:

[Annodsenoj]

Im going tonight - tickets say doors 6pm - anyone who has been, what time did he come on. Im thinking surely not 6 and more like 8 onwars ???? Any views?? Thanks x:)

[Funk]

Hi Guys,

Just got in from London...

What a weekend, had a ball..

1st thing to say, is that the 02 is a excellent venue, and the Arena is spot on...

3rd August

After leaving Devon at 10am, I was so excited when i arrived at my hotel. My GF being a Prince Live Virgin, was also excited. We arrived at the 02 and quickly sorted out where we had to go etc...

The Concert for me was a letdown. Not sure what i expected, but the sound was awful, even after hearing the soundcheck (which stopped us getting in the arena early).

There seemed to be to much bass, and also I couldnt hear a word Prince was saying.

I left with mixed feelings, and a lot of explaining to do to My GF, who basically said it was mostly rubbish...

4th August

Well after last nights show, I was sceptical, but assured my OH that tonight would be different...
Oh how right I was.... From the moment he arrived on stage at 9pm, you could just tell it was going to be good. Even Black Sweat sounded good tonight...
He just didnt stop dancing, singing, playing his guitar, whippingt he crowd into a frenzy. He was far more playful with us tonight.

Purple Rain was just amazing, but for me the highlight was when he arrived on stage for his encore, just him and his guitar and started jamming, then LRC and Raspberry Beret. Telling us we didnt know about Love. Then asking who we loved, and 20,000 people shouted You, for him to reply I Love you too...

This was close to the best Prince Concert I have seen... he was on fire...

Roll on September when I am there again..:bye:

[violetjd]

I'm still recovering from my trip to the O2 (show 12) well I must say the only disappointing part was the show was quite short! Don't get me wrong as expected Prince was at his funky best, only when on way out heard some say other shows had gone on til after 12. The aftershow was an other matter the main man DID turn up!!!(even with a thumpin headache and wanting nothing more to do than sleep) you just got sucked up in the moment. It was worth 9 hours on a bus

[London]

Phew was very tired 2day!
Must of been all that Dance Music Sex Romance

[cynthiarose]

i was lucky enough to go to last nights final show at the o2 and oh my god was it good. That was show number four for me at the o2 and 11th altogether and this was possibly the best of them all. The Nude tour still does take some beating for me but Prince has been playing these shows like a man posessed. I'll be honest i didn't enjoy the first one i went to on Aug 14th but that really is mostly down to the view i had from the front row of block E1 on the floor, or rather the lack of view. Also the sound down there was crap. That said I saw the next three shows from the lower tier in blocks 112 and 110. much much better. I think the highlight of all these shows for me was on Sept 12th when Prince came back for a final encore without his band and all the house lights were on. Lots of people had left and Prince ripped up the place some more with his sampler on keys. Everyone left their seats and just crowded round him on the floor. He just didn't want to go off that night. And last night too he came back for another encore after ages as the crowd had all stayed begging for more. He came back with the band and said "if ya'll ain't going home, I'm not going home". He then gave us When U were Mine and Girls and Boys. I hope that wasn't the last time I get to see the great man because I don't think he's done with the live stuff yet and I really couldn't ever see him too much. Thanks Prince for 21 great nights in London!

[Goldfigga]

Glad u had a great time Cynthiarose. I agree with u, the Nude tour was the best 1 that I have been 2. But imagine that tour being played at the O2 with that fantastic stage ..........WOW! Goldfigga x.