Photo: Nandy McClean

Prince’s Australian Tour Kicks Off, But Not Without Controversy

With the first two shows of Prince‘s Australian Piano & A Microphone tour now behind us, it’s time to reflect on the shows’ good and the not-so-good vibes before the tour makes its way to other cities.

The Purple One performed two sets at Melbourne’s State Theatre last night, gracing fans with setlists which boasted hits like If I Was Your Girlfriend and I Wanna Be Your Lover, among new songs, deeper cuts from his back-catalogue and covers of tracks like Chaka Khan’s Sweet Thing and Bob Marley’s Waiting In Vain.

Both Melbourne shows saw Prince close the night with a medley of Raspberry Beret, Paisley Park and Starfish And Coffee, but as Daily Review reports, the later of the two shows was cut short, with the crowd given a one hour and 20 minute performance, instead of the two hour show many were expecting.

PEDESTRIAN.TV reports that after performing a section of Purple Rain at his second show, Prince suddenly exited the stage, leaving some ticket-holders disappointed. The crowd reportedly clapped for 10 to 15 minutes after Prince left, and were later directed out by security guards.

Having paid hundreds of dollars per ticket to see Prince, some punters literally called “bullshit” and booed Prince after the singer-songwriter didn’t return to the stage. Sneaky video of the moment, which includes a “we want Prince” chant, can be seen below.

Prince took to the stage in Melbourne yesterday shortly after the world learned of the death of his one-time love interest Vanity (real name Denise Katrina Matthews), who he mentored in the ’80s as the lead singer of his self-assembled girl group Vanity 6.

As News Corp Australia reports, Prince’s first Melbourne show saw him dedicate Little Red Corvette to Ms Matthews, saying, “Someone dear to us has passed away, I’m gonna dedicate this song to her.” Elsewhere, Prince replaced the name ‘Electra’ with ‘Vanity’ in his reworked version of The Ladder, and ended The Beautiful Ones by singing “Denise… Denise” instead of “my knees”.

Prince performs two more shows in Melbourne tonight, and looks like he’s planning an afterparty as well. His Piano & A Microphone tour then moves to Sydney and Perth. As always when it comes to Prince, expect the unexpected.

Catch footage from last night’s shows along with both setlists and all the upcoming tour dates, below.

Watch: Prince – Big City, Ruff Enuff & Little Red Corvette (State Theatre, Melbourne 2016)

https://youtu.be/FhE41Z2NJdY

Watch: Crowd Reaction After Prince’s Second Melbourne Show (Via PEDESTRIAN.TV)

https://vimeo.com/155616376

Prince Piano & A Microphone Melbourne Concert #1 Setlist

Prince Piano & A Microphone Melbourne Concert #2 Setlist

Prince Piano & A Microphone Australian/New Zealand Tour 2016

Tuesday, 16th February (2 shows)SOLD OUT

State Theatre, Melbourne

Tickets: Arts Centre Melbourne, or Ticketmaster

Wednesday, 17th February (2 shows)SOLD OUT

State Theatre, Melbourne

Tickets: Arts Centre Melbourne, or Ticketmaster

Saturday, 20th February (2 shows)

Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Tickets: Sydney Opera House or Ticketek

Sunday, 21st, February (2 shows)SOLD OUT

State Theatre, Sydney

Tickets: Ticketmaster

Wednesday 24th February SOLD OUT

ASB Theatre, Auckland

Tickets: Ticketmaster

Thursday, 25th February

Perth Arena, Perth

Tickets: Ticketek

SPECIAL TICKETING ARRANGEMENTS:

Ticket purchases for the show will be limited to two (2) tickets per person via the venues and ticketing companies noted above. No tickets will be distributed. At the time of purchase, the purchaser’s name will be recorded and a corresponding receipt issued. Physical tickets will only be available for collection from noon on the night of the concert. Photo ID will be required to match the name previously advised and individuals will be wrist-banded before entering the auditorium.

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