Prince @ the Tacoma Dome
Review by Dagmar
Whatever Prince’s health regimen is, it really works for him. Yes he is blessed with a sleek and flexible physique, captivating dance moves, and extraordinary musical prowess. But he’s also a total powerhouse. He must work at that. All of this, plus a full accompanying band, including three barefoot female backup singers in caftans, bewitched an audience at Tacoma Dome last night.
The stage, placed in the middle of the dome, was in the shape of the Love Symbol; you know . . . that symbol. After two apparent false starts where lights went on, the audience went wild, nothing happened, then Prince appeared in a black and white ensemble (one pant leg white, the other black with matching heels) and tore into “Let’s Go Crazy.” What he proceeded to unleash was a joyful and sexy collection of songs, including “Delirious,” “1999,” “Take Me With U,” “Cream” and a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” Before “Little Red Corvette,” Prince asked, “Are you ready for me?” and the audience again became way excited. An artist would want this audience every night. They knew the songs, knew the words, and jumped up and down to make the seats rattle.
Prince
During a red-lit bathed stage for “Little Red Corvette,” Prince writhed around on a piano top. For “Cream,” he danced and stated, “I wish I had a bigger bootie.” Also after singing the line “Everything you do is success,” he added, “I wrote this song when I was looking in the mirror.” As a performer he’s got a cheeky humor and a bouncy sexiness. His dancing after the song “Kiss” was just perfect.
Purple confetti drop during “Purple Rain” – cell phone photo by Dagmar
Monday’s performance featured the brilliant funk, electronic and rock elements of Prince’s work. My favorite moment was the set’s section where Prince played “When Doves Cry,” one of the most sensual songs you’ll hear, with a harder tone to it. Thunder sounds were added, and the stage was stark black and white. There were two costume changes; the last one included a fabulous pair of gold trousers.
I know I am missing a couple songs on this list, but here’s what particularly stood out -pretty much every single thing.
Let’s Go Crazy
Delirious
1999
Little Red Corvette
Take Me With U
Raspberry Beret
Cream
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
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Nothing Compares 2 U
When Doves Cry
Nasty Girl/Most Beautiful Girl
Alphabet St.
I Would Die 4 U
Hot Thing
Kiss
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Purple Rain
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Controversy
