Prince has still got it. Sporting his signature high-heeled boots, he rocked The Forum as part of his 21-date residency in Los Angeles. He announced the Los Angeles segment of his “Welcome 2 America” tour via phone call to television talk show host, George Lopez.
Prince told Lopez that he and his band, The New Power Generation, would “blast the roof off that place!” beginning his residency on April 14th, 2011. Concertgoers say that he has delivered at every performance by playing his most popular hits. He is also supported by an amazing set of guest artists, ranging from Gwen Stefani to the legendary Stevie Wonder.
The hits were able to expand past the walls of the Forum. He played two “secret” shows at Los Angeles club, The Troubadour, on May 11. Although it was reported that his set lists strayed away from what he usually performs at The Forum, the reviews remained positive. Hardcore Prince fans were anything but disappointed.
With 21 dates, Prince has given fans multiple opportunities to experience his live performances. In addition to being able to provide several choices of concert dates, a vast majority of the seats were sold at an affordable price of $25.00 each. If the timing was right, a fan could log onto Ticketmaster and be able to purchase great seats for a fraction of what a typical ticket price would be.
On Friday, May 13th, the evening opened with a solid performance by Janelle Monae. The fusion of ska, soul and R&B by this promising talent was the perfect introduction to the sounds of funk that would occur later that evening.
The Grammy-nominated Monae laid down the funk, working the stage with dancers moving like droids and engaging the crowd in a high-energy dance party. Her style breaks down the walls of traditional R&B and has also brought back a hint of ska music reminiscent of the 1990s. She even dedicated the song “Smile” to Stevie Wonder, who reportedly was celebrating his birthday that evening.
Prince opened the night with “D.M.S.R.” He worked the stage with the very talented New Power Generation and continued with hits such as “Pop Life,” and “Musicology.” The majority of Prince’s set list were his classics and the crowd was on their feet, singing along and letting loose with the familiarity of the Purple One’s greatest hits. Between each set, Prince would thank the audience and disappear below the stage, leaving the band to serenade the forum with sexy saxophone and keyboard solos before Prince would reemerge.
It was a treat when “Prince girl” Sheila E. executed her eternally talented percussion skills with “Glamorous Life.” Despite the fact that this hit made her popular decades ago, the drummer and singer still looked as fabulous as she did before. Full of energy and with plenty of smiles, she stayed on stage with Prince and the two played together as if no time had passed since the 1980s.
From “Raspberry Beret,” to “Cream,” Prince did his own rendition of the late Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You get Enough.” “U Got The Look,” and the extremely sensual, “U Will Be With Me,” continued the party with Sheila E. helping with the beats on “Controversy.” The Forum was jamming along with a cover of Wild Cherry’s “Play that Funky Music,” under the house lights that Prince asked to be switched on. His dancers, dressed as flappers, worked the stage alongside the rest of the energetic band. Soon enough, the house lights were switched off and lighting was provided by the glow of many cell phones.
A break in between sets was filled by the romantic mood set by Prince’s keyboardist and as the momentum started to build, the band and the crowd erupted together into “Let’s Go Crazy.” With Prince stating the words, “dearly beloved,” it was obvious what the next song would be. There was definitely a party going on in Los Angeles that night, and the artist delivered.
This set was considered the first of Prince’s encores. It was strong, with hits such as “1999” and “Little Red Corvette,” engaging the crowd in dancing and a hypnotic sing along to Prince repeatedly saying to “slow down.” “Little Red Corvette” was sexy and it led to yet another solo break – this time on saxophone.
The next two encores were the highlights of the night. The first being “Purple Rain,” complete with the fall of white streamers and purple confetti that was released on the crowd throughout The Forum. After “Purple Rain,” Prince shouted, “I love y’all, good night!” Although he thanked the crowd throughout the duration of the evening, one could not be certain if he would step foot on stage again. At this moment, however, it was magical. Rising from below the stage, Prince was accompanied by music legend, Stevie Wonder, and together they performed, “Superstition” (with Wonder on harmonica), “You Haven’t Done Nothin,’” and “Fantastic Voyage.”
“Thank you Prince, God bless you,” said Wonder. It was a moment never to be forgotten.
After the show climax of a guest appearance by Stevie Wonder, the house lights were kept dark. It was difficult to tell if the show was over or if Prince would return for yet another encore. After some waiting, he reemerged and walked towards the purple baby grand. He playfully took a look at his wristwatch before he took his position behind the piano. “I got too many hits,” he said, jokingly.
He sang “When Doves Cry,” before breaking into a medley, with short samples from hits such as “Sign O’ the Times,” “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” and “Darling Nikki.” Full versions of “I Would Die 4 U,” and “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” finished the set.
The last encore of the night began with “Insatiable,” and a surprise number of “Scandalous,” which was on the soundtrack of Tim Burton’s film, Batman (1989). The night ended with “Adore.” After a roaring applause, Prince said, “That’s it! I got to go!” He thanked the audience, as well as Janelle Monae.
Another encore was anticipated, but after solidly performing for duration of three hours, Prince may have needed a break. There was no telling what he may have done. Prince may be approaching his 53rd birthday, but he is still partying like its 1999.
