REVIEW: Prince, Sydney Allphones Arena, Friday 11th May 2012

12 May 2012

The most common thing I was told when gearing up to see musical icon Prince perform was that his shows are one in the rare category of gigs that you 'must see before you die'.

So it is safe to say that it was with high expectations that I ventured out to Allphones arena with a sea of sequins, velvet and ruffled shirts on Friday night (11 May) to see his sold out Welcome2Australia show.

PHOTO GALLERY: Check out the incredible pics from the Sydney show!

And I have to tell you, he did not disappoint! With no supporting act, at the ripe age of 53 Prince delivered an energetic and highly entertaining set that lasted for an astonishing two and a half hours! And as Prince said at the start of his set 'If you ain't here to dance, leave now!' And dance we all did!

Despite vowing to not play his hits last time he was here, Prince delivered on all the classics that have made him so infamous - including 1999, Little Red Corvette, Raspberry Beret, When Doves Cry and Purple Rain. The latter was given a 20 minute treatment much to the delight of the very vocal crowd, but my only criticism of the show would be that Prince didn't play out full versions of his better known tracks- instead opting to include them into small medleys.

But in saying that the eclectic crowd at the arena- which ranged from 20 somethings with bright pink hair to baby boomers busting out their best mum and dad dancing- really didn't seem to mind!

WATCH classic Prince videos right here!

A legend in his own right for his incredible vocal range and ability to master multiple instruments, Prince also didn't disappoint in the area of costumes and set design. His stage was shaped in his iconic symbol, with the artist himself wearing a number of incredibly loud and flamboyant outfits- my favourite of which was an all silver sequined suit, finished of course with Prince's favourite high heels.

A prolific songwriter in the early stage of his career, Prince wrote a number of huge hits for other artists- in this show he took back possession of some of those songs, bringing the stadium to their feet for his version of Nothing Compares To U (sung originally by Sinead O'Conner) and also paying tribute to another great Michael Jackson with a cover of Don't Stop To You Get Enough.

With tambourines being sold at the merchandise stand and making themselves known throughout the stadium in the hands of people that couldn't stop moving, it was clear that what had been promised by Prince had been delivered. I give this gig five tambourines out of five!

The setlist for Prince at Allphones Arena, Friday May 11: Gold (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
Jam Of The Year (from Emancipation, 1996)
Song Of The Heart (from Happy Feet)
Money Don't Matter 2 Night (from Diamonds and Pearls, 1991)
Let's Go Crazy (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Delirious (from 1999, 1982)
1999 (from 1999, 1982)
Little Red Corvette (from 1999, 1982)
Nothing Compares 2U (recorded by Sinead O'Connor)
Take Me With U (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Raspberry Beret (from Around The World In A Day, 1985)
Cream (from Diamonds and Pearls, 1991)
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson cover) Sometimes It Snows In April (from Parade, 1986)
Love Thy Will Be Done (recorded by Martika)
Mountains (from Parade, 1986)
When Doves Cry (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Nasty Girl (recorded by Vanity 6)
Sign O The Times (from Sign O The Times, 1987)
The Most Beautiful Girl In The World (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
Forever In My Life (from Sign O The Times, 1987)
I Would Die 4U (from Purple Rain, 1984) Purple Rain (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Controversy (from Controversy, 1981) Peach (from The Hits2, 1993)

Remaining tour dates are: May 12, 22, Sydney, Allphones Arena
May 12, Sydney, Ivy Club (after show)
May 14, 15, 30 Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
May 18, 26, Brisbane, Entertainment Centre

Review: Mahalia Tanner