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André Paine's rating
The artist currently known as ... towel?
By
André Paine
11 May 2007
About 140,000 tickets went on sale at 9am today for seven Prince shows at the 02 Dome in August, with 14 more dates across London to be announced.
But 1,500 lucky fans were able to see him make his London comeback several months early at an extraordinary two-hour performance that confirmed his status as rock royalty. Little Britain star David Walliams, singers Mika and Will Young and DJ Chris Moyles were among the stars who saw him at Koko.
Pictures: See the star-studded audience here
At 48, Prince remains untouchable as a musician and performer. But this was also a reminder that while he was happy to walk among the people, he is evidently not of the people. As such, his zealous bouncers ensured he was never actually touched by the crowd.
His late arrival - around 11.45pm - was to be expected. That came after his (admittedly brilliant) band had launched into a funk workout that included a tedious trombone solo in the first song.
When he strolled on stage in a furry white hat and started yelping and sliding around during Satisfied, the audience reaction was noisily ecstatic. But the mercurial singer decided to tease us, leaving the stage to his band again, before returning to say mockingly: "So many hits, so little time!"
Mercifully, he then sang Girls And Boys alongside a couple of dancers who resembled a pair of Beyoncés, and the honking funk of the Eighties classic caused the venue to erupt.
From that point, the showmanship was superb - this was, after all, a gig that transferred from a Vegas residency - and Prince helped his case by repeatedly stating how much he loved London.
After that, it should have been easy. But rather than the hits he teased us with, there was material from last year's merely adequate 3121 album, and plenty of showing off, as when Prince demanded the crowd chant for him to play bass, which he duly did with, predictably, great skill.
It was often incredible to watch, especially when Kiss got a welcome airing.
But a bizarre incident halfway through nearly scuppered the evening. Several fans were pulled on stage to dance and, amid a party atmosphere, one girl gave him a peck on the cheek.
Apparently joking, Prince fell to the floor, but a bouncer appeared and removed the fan from the stage. Prince disappeared and then returned with his head wrapped in a towel, muttering darkly about being kissed by a stranger.
Suddenly, the atmosphere sagged noticeably. That made the recovery from the performer who in the Nineties changed his name to a symbol in a dispute with his record company all the more remarkable with a simply awesome 40-minute finale.
There were great covers performed with vocalist Shelby J, including Gnarls Barkley's Crazy and Amy Winehouse's Love Is A Losing Game. ("Respect to Amy," said Prince.) Then we got hits, including U Got the Look, followed by encores of Nothing Compares 2 U and Let's Go Crazy, adorned with Prince's squealing guitar.
He returned to the stage for one final speech in praise of the London crowd - and a promise that the 02 shows will be his greatest gigs yet. On this form, he could be right.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (10)
I was there - right at the front! He was truly inspring. He did not come on stage with a towel over his head but put it on his head for a couple of seconds before throwing it in my direction. Sadly the girl next to me practically sprained my wrist to get it out of my hands!
He still has the magic, still works the crowd and DID walk amongst everyone, suddenly appearing in the balcony amongst standing fans. Maybe it'd disappointing for some that he isn't as weird as he used to be - and gave respect to the crowd by inviting them on stage only to have a girl take advantage of this on stage. It was embarrassing for her and for us to watch - and for Prince, he had to carry on performing and I think he was a true star.
We can all say what we like about him - but his talent supercedes any words that can be written. And that's the way I hope it stays.
- Alison Crombie, UK, 11/05/2007 16:11
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The girl didn't get taken off for kissing Prince. That was still jovial. It was after he fell to the ground and she tried to straddle him. To point out Prince was quite happy being touched, walking out and shaking our hands at the beginning and stage diving into the crowd.
- Indahouse, London, 11/05/2007 14:54
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Absolutely blinding! What a night. If someone had woken me yesterday morning and said I would be watching Prince play in such a cosy venue then I would have clipped them round the face with my purple glove!
...and Maceo Parker on sax! Please, please, please!
Rock, funk, jazz, soul, pop, metal, blues, hiphop and dance rolled into the greatest performer still alive to strut the boards.
Once in a lifetime baby!
Thank you Prince.
- D'Arcy, Northampton, UK, 11/05/2007 14:52
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I remember seeing him at Maine Road 1989. He made us wait when he eventually came on he was absolutely awesome! I love his eccentricities, long live Prince.
- Anon, UK, 11/05/2007 13:21
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I was there last night with one of my friends...oh my word - can that boy play! First time seeing him live and it was absolutely amazing...words cannot describe what happened last night - a 2 hour blinding set with 3 encores... fantastic! What a legend!
- Luke, University of Hertfordshire, 11/05/2007 13:15
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Was at Koko last night for my 1st Prince gig. Not a huge fan previously, but was blown away by the little man's talent and energy!
The backing band were world class, giving the night much more of a blues and funk feel than I expected.
My only complaint was the number of z-list celebs there talking over one of the final solo vocal songs. No respect.
- Evster, London, UK, 11/05/2007 13:01
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Great talent. Well worth the late night.
- Simon B, London, UK, 11/05/2007 12:40
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I was there last night and agree it was a fantastic show. There were a couple of sections that dragged a bit for me, but with an artist with such an incredible range of talents and the ability to play such a wide range of material there are always going to be some aspects you prefer more than others.
I didn't think he was all that precious about being touched by the crowd, he jumped into it near the end - so obviously wasn't that scared of us, and was clearly hamminng it up with the whole kiss/falling over thing.
- The Elephant, London, UK, 11/05/2007 12:26
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I managed to get tickets this morning for his August gig. I cannot wait, I am so excited.
- Marcia, Reading, UK, 11/05/2007 11:36
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I saw Prince at Koko last night - amazing how such enormous talent and creativity lives in such a minuscule person. Fabulous!
- Mini, London, UK, 11/05/2007 10:54
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