Live review: Prince at the Forum, April 14
Chastity belts -- even metaphorical ones -- hinder rocking. No performer has built a more ecstatic three-decade career by channeling carnal desires than the artist formerly known as the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. Watching one of the sexiest men on Earth trying to perform a PG show is like watching Kobe Bryant trying to play basketball with his shoelaces tied together. Prince wanted the room to get hot Thursday night, during the first of a promised 21-night stand at the storied but aged Forum. But the Jehovah’s Witness had to keep his libido in check.
Tension between sin and salvation, blues and gospel, has fueled the fire of many great singers, including Little Richard -- whom Prince more and more resembles -- and Al Green, whom he increasingly sounds like. The pull of Prince’s youthful drive whipped him into a sort of existential fervor on the 1982 hit "Little Red Corvette"; he tweaked the lyrics -- "A body like yours ought to be in my jail" -- as the reformer wrestled with the rocker.
There was a feeling of imprisonment, that the indefatigable, elfin erstwhile glyph was trapped in an identity crisis. The veteran performer played in fits and lulls, seemingly unable to get the pacing right. There were several false starts; the show began 90 minutes after the announced curtain time, and the lights and house music went off repeatedly before comedian George Lopez finally took the stage, announcing Prince with the intro to "Let’s Go Crazy." There were false endings too; more than half the house cleared when the lights came on after one encore, only to have Prince and his old cohort Sheila E. return for her song "The Glamorous Life," and an additional half hour of music.
Still, even an off show for Prince is a night to remember, especially if you paid only $25. He certainly didn’t skimp, playing for more than three hours. At 52, he looks gorgeous, tiny and trim even in heels, like Peter Pan with a lascivious grin. He has a solid band, although, with three keyboard players, they have a tendency to play quiet-storm schmaltz. And even without the smut, he has an incredible catalog to draw on: "Purple Rain," "Uptown," "Controversy" and "When Doves Cry" were among the hits played Thursday.
Prince tried to substitute spiritual energy for sexual, creating a revival atmosphere (a la Al Green). He also celebrated his black roots. "Welcome to the 'hood," he said by way of introduction. He announced that this would be the first of a series of Forum shows -- every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, beginning April 21, "for as long as you will have us." This extended L.A. stay on the Welcome 2 America tour is intended to boost the fortune of the struggling former Lakers home. "With your help we can save this place," he said, sounding more like a community activist than a legendarily mysterious star.
With the cheap seats (as well as expensive VIP tickets that could get you on-stage), Prince is trying to get in touch with his fan base. Unfortunately, there were a fair number of empty chairs Thursday. In an old showman’s trick, the singer repeatedly sought affirmation from the audience: "Is it OK if I play guitar?" (Yes; I wish he had played it more.) "Can I stay?" These were rhetorical questions, but for the first time in 29 years of seeing Prince perform live, I also sensed insecurity. We love you, Prince. Now please, play "Darling Nikki."
RELATED:
Prince at the Forum: Three hours, massive setlist, many medleys
Prince keeps things affordable at the Forum for $25, but how close does that get you?
Prince announces first set of Forum dates
-- Evelyn McDonnell
Photo: iPhone photo of Prince at the Forum. Credit: Tony Pierce / Los Angeles Times
$25. for a ticket? Who paid $25 for a ticket? They cost me alot more then that. I am going tonight and looking forward in seeing my favorite artist of the 80's.
Posted by: Suzanne | April 30, 2011 at 12:51 PM
I was at this show and have seen Prince performer many times. This reviewer obviously has no clue about how Prince operates!!! I don't know where you got the idea, that he is showing insecurities?? Seriously? He has never looked, or sounded better!! The energy he gives is amazing. I agree with the other reader about the light and encores. IF you know anything about his shows, this is part of what he does. He is known for "making an entrance" long breaks before an encore. This is nothing new. Get your facts straight about an artist before you write a review. Do your homework.
THE show was AWESOME, playing the classic tunes like Pop Life, Little Red Corvette, even the B Side classic She is always in my Hair. Prince and Sheila together. His performance was incredible. I think this reviewer had OFF DAY, because it sure was not Prince.
Posted by: Isela | April 30, 2011 at 02:34 PM
The show was great. But coming on 90 minutes late? Very disrespectful to the fans, for whom you claim to have so much respect.
Posted by: Tommy | May 02, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Coming on 60min-90mins late ... this has been known for decades by Prince fans wh0 attend his concerts when he comes to town. Didn't know any better? Don't arrive 2 decades late to the party. Same with the encores. I haven't been the LA Forum shows but everything seems to follow suite with every Prince concert I have ever been to when it comes to start times and encores. As for as "insecurities" that's one thing this man does NOT have when performing live on stage. There's not a single artist today (especially today's current crop of new pop artists) that can match his diversity of music styles on stage, stage presence and band command. To the reviewer, horrible journalism. Go back to blogging.
Posted by: Tom Kretts | May 02, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Since he's always done it, that makes it acceptful. Gotta love the lack of logic in that argument.
Posted by: Tommy | May 02, 2011 at 03:24 PM
He gives you 3 hours plus ... a rarity in a concert these days. Get over the start time and enjoy the time he actually gives you. It's not like he starts late and then gives you an hour. Don't think it's acceptable then do not go to another concert. He's been selling out for over almost 30 years, don't think it's hurt his concert fanbase one bit.
Posted by: Tom Kretts | May 03, 2011 at 09:22 AM