Thursday, April 21, 2016
Prince was found dead in his Minnesota home this morning.
One week ago, I was privileged enough to catch his very last show. He performed at The Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA, to two sold out crowds. I was at the 10pm show. It was intimate. It was beautiful. And now it is filled with a mix of emotions that quite frankly are too strong to put into words.
For this performance, it was just Prince, solo with a piano. It was quiet when necessary and loud and full of dancing and screaming in every other moment.
Later, after the show, it would be reported that his plane was downed because of health problems on his way home to Minnesota. Strictly from the perspective of an audience member, he did not appear to be suffering from anything. He was alive and vibrant. He moved around the stage with excitement between songs. He cooed the audience. He was in full command of every aspect from the lights to the standing and sitting of everyone in the building. Even the security guards spent most of their night staring at the stage in awe.
There are no words to fully cover the amazing man that we lost today. He is missed. He will always be celebrated. And in that, he will live forever.
In closing, I offer this simple call. Go See Live Music! It is everywhere. It is all around you. The last bit of magic left on this planet is waiting in that forum. We are promised nothing. No time. No last request. Make every moment count. Be alive. Be here now. Hold someone you love today. Tell them you love them.
This is Prince’s final setlist.
When Will We Be Paid
(The Staple Singers cover)
The Max
Black Sweat
Girl
All Day, All Night
(Jill Jones cover)
I Would Die 4 U
Baby I’m a Star
The Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Eye Love U, But Eye Don’t Trust U Anymore
Little Red Corvette / Dirty Mind
Linus and Lucy
(Vince Guaraldi cover)
Nothing Compares 2 U
Encore:
Cream
Black Muse
How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore
Encore 2:
Waiting in Vain
(Bob Marley & The Wailers cover)
If I Was Your Girlfriend
Encore 3:
Sometimes It Snows in April
Purple Rain / The Beautiful Ones / Diamonds and Pearls
