Fans pack arena to see iconic entertainer in local concert Monday night
From fedoras to satin suits, from scarves to one woman’s long, straight wig, the purple was never-ending at the Colonial Life Arena Monday night.
Iconic rock legend Prince and his band, New Power Generation, made a stop on their 2011 “Welcome 2 America” tour.
The arena was packed — a statement to Prince’s legendary nature, as the concert had been announced not even two weeks ahead of time. The intricate stage in the middle of the arena was shaped like the artist’s iconic symbol, which he famously substituted for his name for much of the 1990s. It featured lights, disco balls and what seemed like an unceasing fog machine, giving the whole arena a spacelike, ’80s feel.
And even hours before the show, a diverse mix of fans tailgated in the adjacent lots, anxiously awaiting the icon himself.
One group, whose tailgate was labeled “Purple Party People,” included Debbie Yano of Lexington, who used some Prince lyrics to express her excitement for the evening: “I’m ready to party like it’s 1999 in my little red Corvette.”
Ed Henderson, a second-year USC law student, echoed Yano’s sentiment, citing “Little Red Corvette” as his favorite song.
“We all know that girl,” he said, referencing the song’s subject, a quick-moving heartbreaker.
The opening act, a funk band called Mint Condition, started off well until the band’s final two songs, during which the lead singer’s mic went out, and the crowd quickly turned sour, booing and yelling, “We can’t hear you!” and “Turn up your mic!” to the oblivious musicians.
However, as disappointingly as the show started, a crackling of thunder and a hissing of rain special effects had the crowd standing on its feet screaming in excitement for Prince to enter the stage.
As he slowly rose on a platform elevator in the middle of the stage, striking a dramatic pose, it was obvious just how legendary an entertainer he is. His presence was electric, and as he danced across the stage in sparkling silver platform shoes mixing smiles with dramatic pauses in perfect time to the music, one could see why.
“OK, we go’n get funky now,” Prince yelled to the crowd, as he grabbed his Telecaster and soloed away.
During a cover of “Play That Funky Music,” around 30 audience members were invited to join Prince and his band on the stage. One, a Prince impersonator dressed in a curly black wig and a purple suit, was taken aside by the singer, who had him climb on the piano and dance while the band played.
The band played hits “Let’s Go Crazy,” “1999,” “Little Red Corvette” and “Purple Rain” all in a row, to the delight of the packed house, after which many audience members thought the show was over. But Prince continued with two encores and a costume change into an all-white ensemble with light-up shoes. The concert ended with a piano solo on “When Doves Cry,” pop-and-lock dancing to “Kiss” and a crowd spelling bee with “Cool.”
Near the end of the night, Prince thanked the crowd, saying, “This is the best place on Earth.”
Maybe Prince always says that during concerts. Maybe he doesn’t.
It didn’t matter to the grooving audience. They couldn’t have agreed more.