Prince treated loyal fans who turned up for his Sept. 24-26 shows at Chicago’s United Center to a greatest-hits extravaganza. He was in rare form, serving up a “vintage Prince” performance worthy of his “Purple Rain” heyday and proving that he still has the showmanship and stamina to rival any artist young or old.
Opening with “Let’s Go Crazy,” Prince brought the nearly sold-out crowd of 17,000 to a frenzy by rising from below the stage, which was colored purple and shaped like the symbol he once used as his show-business name.
At 54, he still has the slender, muscular physique of his youth, as well as the unique fashion sense. He took the stage in a multicolored turtleneck, clingy banana-yellow slacks and matching high-heeled boots. Surprisingly, he did not change costumes, suggesting that he’s perhaps become a bit more practical in middle age.
The nearly three-hour set concentrated on Prince’s tenure with former label Warner Bros. Records, spanning from early ‘80s hits such as “Controversy,” the title track and other songs from 1984’s landmark “Purple Rain” soundtrack, to the 1992 chart-topper “Cream” from the “Diamonds and Pearls” album. The diverse crowd sang along to the familiar tunes, and even young fans seemed to know the lyrics.
While Prince certainly commands the stage, he’s generous enough to share it. A major highlight was when R&B diva and Chicago native Jennifer Hudson joined him for a duet of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Hudson showed off her svelte figure in a short, clingy dress, towering above Prince in platform heels.
Prince, known for bringing The Time and Sheila E. among others into the limelight, continues to groom new talent. Latest protegee Andy Allo, who resembles Grammy-winning bassist Esperanza Spalding with her beauty and funky afro, dueted with Prince on “Take Me With U” and showcased a respectable voice and stage presence by performing a dance tune from her new album “Superconductor.”
After closing the United Center show with a medley of hits that encompassed everything from “Let’s Work” mixed with Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” to the popular B-side “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore,” Prince treated fans to another 90-minute set at the more intimate House of Blues.
Prince has not yet announced any upcoming Ohio concert dates. But if the “Welcome 2 Chicago” shows were any indication, he’ll be bringing the funk for many years to come.
This review appeared in the Oct. 3, 2012, edition of the Call and Post newspaper.
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