Prince Rocks Opening Night Of His “Welcome 2 America” Tour At The Izod

Last night, Prince kicked off what we hope is just the first leg of his “Welcome 2 America” tour with a rocking show at the Izod Center in New Jersey. Oh it was funky y’all!!

We were treated to not one, but two opening acts before Prince took the symbol-shaped O(+> stage. First up was jazz artist Esperanza Spalding who we’d seen perform at the Prince tribute during the 2010 BET Awards earlier this year. Then it was time for soul songstress Lalah Hathaway who was beautiful in a flowing blue dress. Both ladies would join Prince during his set later on – Spalding for co-vocals on “If I Was Your Girlfriend” and Hathaway sharing vocals on “Sometimes it Snows in April” and “Diamonds and Pearls”.

Then it was time for the one and only. “I am here, where r u?” Prince asked the crowd after opening with the funky, unexpected “Lay Down” track from his album 20Ten. The crowd was in a frenzy as Prince strutted around the stage in a gold ruffle shirt, black pants, sunglasses and a long leather coat. He was ready to funk.

That was the only new song we’d hear as it was a night for Prince classics and fan favorites. We were treated to “Beautiful Ones” IN ITS ENTIRETY – the ladies were going crazy for this one, especially when he screamed “Do u want me?”. Yes we do!!!

Other classic hits we heard included “Cream”, “Raspberry Beret”, “Uptown”, “Let’s Work” – so many hits, so little time! Hardcore fans were pinching themselves when Prince strapped on his new gold guitar (that will be auctioned off for charity after the tour) and launched into “She’s Always in my Hair”, a favorite b-side from 1985 (thank u Prince!!!).

Prince was backed up by three talented singers all night – Elisa Dease, Liv Warfield and Shelby J, who fans were surprised to see as she lost her father unexpectedly last week. But the music must be healing because Shelby was in great form and performed a beautiful version of “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan with her sisters backing her up. Shelby also waved a large flag during “Purple Rain” that had an angel drawn on it with some writing. A tribute to her Dad perhaps? We couldn’t read it from our side of the stage.

Prince and Shelby performed a great duet of “Nothing Compares 2 U” – great chemistry and love there. Prince acknowledged her return by saying “it’s good to have you back”.

Prince broke it down later in the show with some steamy ballads – “Insatiable”, “Scandalous”, and the lady-melting “Adore”. Wooh – we could hardly contain ourselves!! He closed out the main set with a long rendition of “Purple Rain” and had the entire arena on its feet, waving their arms. He worked every corner with his Hohner, calling for more “Woo ooo ooo ooo!”‘s from the hyped up crowd.

But we weren’t done yet! Not even close! We got a long encore that kicked off with “Kiss” – Prince’s latest substitution in the song? “You don’t have to watch…the L Word…to have an attitude”. LOL! Spalding and Hathaway performed with Prince during the encore, and we also got Prince on piano for a quick version of “All the Critics Love U in New York” – of course, how could we not have predicted he’d play this??

We go one more dose of serious funk with “Controversy” – clap your hands, stomp your feet (mine still hurt today!). It was thick! Then some fans were invited on stage to dance and party along with “Sexy Dancer” and “Le Freak” by Chic.

Prince had amazing energy all night long, and the band was in great form. Prince’s dance moves during Kiss were awesome – you could tell he was just feeling the funk and enjoying the moment. We can’t wait to see what he brings on Friday night at the Izod, when Maceo Parker and Cassandra Wilson will join him.

Thanks 2 Prince and the band for a GREAT show!!!

Comments

comments

51 Comments
  • godisloveloveisgod
    Posted at 00:29h, 17 December

    Hatethegame you are an idiot. There is more to life than pimpin, partying, being rich & famous! UGHHHH Prince is not that shallow of a human being. We are living in 2010 not 1980. Prince was awesome last night! His band is stellar!!!!!!!! Prince you get bigger & brighter every year. Keep doing what your doing. There is so much more to come from Prince, he is just getting started you all wait & see!!!!!!

  • hatethegame
    Posted at 23:57h, 16 December

    Hey Prince! Keep pimpin them HOES and making that CASH, you don’t need to CHANGE the world or be a ROLE MODEL just get on the stage and play music for the fans and PARTY all night long! We only live ONCE and life is too short to make a difference. He is NOT MALCOM X he is Prince with the assless pants and a harem of chicks who sings sexy mutha fu!@#!

  • Pamela Roberts
    Posted at 23:22h, 16 December

    I was there baby doc and the show was everything u said it was! I got sore feet 2 from dancing so much and screaming my head off but I had an awesome time,also 2 day iz my birthday the best present I could ever give myself! I’m hoping I can do the jan 18th show! But here’s hoping he comes this way 2 bmore! I will say a prayer!

  • EX-Posed
    Posted at 23:15h, 16 December

    WHAT, NO VIDS??? LAME. THIS IS THE AGE OF THE INTERNET. PEOPLE CAN WRITE ANYTHING BUT VIDS SUBSTANTIATES THE CREDIBILITY. YAAAAWN!!

  • Chocolatsis65
    Posted at 22:48h, 16 December

    Selfishness and egotistical tendencies have been a mainstay with HUMANS! gee peeps do something that makes u happy… does it really do something 4 u 2 try 2 tear ppl down?? Soooo sad. But hey on the upside I know Im gonna see him play sometime again soon I hope. Who ever these ppl r no body cares 2 watch them play EVER!
    And after ALL these years he’s still getting paid ALL this money( must be eating yall up eh?) He’s anything but sick, he is VERY healthy!! mind, body n spirit. Thats why every other day someone asks how he stays looking so young. he’s beautiful inside n out. Jealousy is what is what bears rotten fruit Michael.

    Oh and on a side note. My son just discovered Maggot Brain Funkadelic Yeah! he’s so cool the other day I caught him listening 2 Mr. Man he goes “I know he’s the best mom” I just like the ones that r more about social issues. *my lil hippie* so deep

  • Georgie
    Posted at 21:56h, 16 December

    Thanks for the review and twitters Doc, his energy and sense of mischief was abound in Europe so glad he has taken it back home with him. It’s got to be seen to be believed!

  • Twinkly1
    Posted at 20:38h, 16 December

    Prince showcased undeniable and amazing talent last night; from the gifted hands of Esperanza Spaulding to the angelic voice of Lalah Hathaway. Shelby J’s solo was so moving and powerful, you could feel the love throughout the Izod Center–what a voice!

    From beginning to end Prince showed us why he is the greatest musician and performer today. His ballads and funky guitar work, the dancing and showmanship all came together in, as predicted, a steamy, sticky, take your clothes off, hot, hot, hot, performance. Our section was up the entire show!

    Oh yes, and he certainly lived up to his name as he escorted Lalah off the stage in gentlemanly regal splendor.

    Thank you Prince and company for a night we’ll remember forever.

  • cosmolight
    Posted at 19:16h, 16 December

    Selfishness and egotistic tendancies have been a mainstay with Prince, since his carreer began/ he paid the cost for fame and fortune. This is reflected in his failed relationships and ever fluctuating band members, emplyees, houses, wives, girlfriends/ Maybe he knows this deep down, maybe he is in transformation mode now. You cannot count him out yet my friend.

  • Michael...
    Posted at 18:23h, 16 December

    The Planet is a entertwined blossem of circuits, disconnected for the time because of the fallen actions, from the cosmos that is an ever enlarging blossem of circuits connecting into the 1. This planet is disconnected because it was infected by those that willed to take but didn’t see they needed to give back that energy they would steal from the higher levels, and it is for this reason the virus is allowed to run its course to its end. That end is marked within the cycles of time as to a given hour and day that anyone can know if they know what knowing is.

    Prince use to tap into the circuits of this planet and was refreshed with the energies he put out, but at one point his truth became tainted with egotistical illusions of self hood and this made his fruits rot upon the vine, being found not good, and it is for this reason every time he plays he makes himself sicker and then has to hide away to regenerate.

  • Muzicluva3121
    Posted at 17:56h, 16 December

    Shouldn’t it have been ‘All the Critics Love U in Jersey’?

  • marley peters
    Posted at 16:38h, 16 December

    Prince is still the hottest chocolate dish ever!!!
    Best performer,innovator and creator. The grand Master!

  • Sugaray 475
    Posted at 15:15h, 16 December

    Wow! That sounded like one heck of a show.. I wish I was there 🙁

  • Muzicluva3121
    Posted at 15:00h, 16 December

    Oh yes please! I’d LOVE that! But it has to be available worldwide!

  • michael
    Posted at 14:45h, 16 December

    Doc you able to tell us if a blu ray or dvd will come out of one of the shows

  • Tweets that mention Prince Rocks Opening Night Of His “Welcome 2 America” Tour At The Izod | Drfunkenberry.com -- Topsy.com
    Posted at 13:33h, 16 December

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by drfunkenberry, Kim U, Niecy aka DaDr, Carolyn , itaintover and others. itaintover said: RT @drfunkenberry: Prince Rocks Opening Night Of His “Welcome 2 America” Tour At The Izod http://dlvr.it/BX7MC […]

  • Qaid Amir Ali
    Posted at 13:23h, 16 December

    Thanks Doc … ;0)

  • justmemuchlove
    Posted at 13:16h, 16 December

    His energy is amazing indeed
    (there is no way to describe the flow during Purple Rain.. It transcends all)
    Love

  • LexAve456
    Posted at 13:11h, 16 December

    I was at the show last night and it was FONKAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY! Prince had energy that I havent seen him have in years! Everything was just so fresh and alive. Prince was dancing A LOT! He was on top of the piano a whole bunch of times and his voice was in top form! It was electrifying, for real!

    The things that I hope for in going to the next 4 shows is that he changes the setlist up everynight. He needs to play other classics like When Doves Cry, 1999, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Thieves In The Temple, etc… And with that said, he needs to play a lot of song from post 1995. People need to know that there was music after the WB days and its a disservice to all fans, casual or diehard, to not hear great songs like Soul Sanctuary or I Love U But I Don’t Trust U Anymore, Call My Name, Black Sweat and many more in the post WB days. I hope Prince delievers, but if he doesn’t, then it is what it is but I will still have a blast. I mean it’s Prince man!!!!!!!

  • Chocolate_Box777
    Posted at 13:07h, 16 December

    Sounds like a gr8 energetic show. I’m number 7

  • LadyFingers607
    Posted at 13:01h, 16 December

    Saturday night can’t get here soon enough… Say what you will about him, there’s no denying the genius that is PRINCE!!!!

  • Jessica Fennelly
    Posted at 13:00h, 16 December

    that was my first prince show. wow. wow. i was in awe. i’ve seen alot of ppl in concert and no one even comes close to that. i’m swooning! a;ll those ballads! and she’s always in my hair! OMFG. i never danced like that before and screamed my head off like that.i’m going to all 5 shows and i doubt i’ll have a voice by sunday morning……….

  • Muzicluva3121
    Posted at 12:56h, 16 December

    I know, Zspot.

  • zspot
    Posted at 12:44h, 16 December

    OMG …………..WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY…….damn its sounded like one hell of show *sniffs*

  • Muzicluva3121
    Posted at 12:21h, 16 December

    OMG… I’m crying because I’m too far away, never seen him and probably never will…. this sounded AMAZING.

  • paulito1999
    Posted at 11:56h, 16 December

    Nice to see u had a good time. You got me even more excited as i gear up to fly out of New Orleans tommorow to attend Saturday nites show. Can’t wait.
    Peace
    Paulito

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