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|:. DISCLAIMER: J7 and the folx behind the 777 Update are not affiliated with TDC.Org. Rather, J7 and RolThaDice@AOL.com are part of the Prince online community, and we offered them space on the net to keep us informed of all things Paisley. It has not been edited by the TDC.Org staff in any way, well, except for coding and other small stuff, you know, to make it look nice and pretty for our Motor Babies out there. DISCLAIMER .:|. And now, the latest 777 Update, dated Thursday, June 22, 2000. "The news, not the bull ...." Special Prince : A Celebration Edition Hello and welcome 2 another edition of the 777 update, a Prince//Artist news update which is not affiliated with Paisley Park in any way. This is a Special Prince Celebration Edition of the Update. So if u had heard enough about the event and other things concerning The Celebration, check out the other news items if u so please. 4 all others who want the most in-depth report on The Celebration happenings, read on. It is very long and it may take coming back to it later. I hope y'all appreciate it, as it took bout 3 hours 2 write. So R U ReAdY? Then let's go. Newz Item #1-The Paisley Park Tour Contrary to rumored reports that registration was going to be difficult, it was a breeze. Along with a V.I.P. pass came an empty cd jewelcase and concert tickets for the final night of The Celebration, June 13. When you are given the tour of Paisley Park, u r first shown his trophy case, which they say was set up 4 the Purpleheadz 2 see. In actuality, the awards r always there in the same place. U r given a tour of studio's A, B, and C. During our tour, instead of just Studio B, we were invited in by Kirky J. to hear a brand new track. It sounded like someone trying to sing like Prince as Paul Peterson did on The Family track, "Screams Of Passion." After seeing the doves and all the platinum plaques (all were received or given to Prince except 4 "Come," which was presented 2 Mayte), we were taken by an indoor basketball court, which is covered with mirrors all around the side of it. (Made me think of the "Scandalous Sex Suite" when he sings, "(l)et's do it in front of a mirror, baby, so I can see what I want 2 see." 4 some reason I am sure this room has had more than basketballz used in it). U r as well shown countless rooms including where most of the bandmates instruments hang, and a weight room. The weight room upstairs is very close 2 where Prince's apartment is inside Paisley. Some people on the tour were brought directly inside the vault room while others were just allowed 2 stand by the door. U r then brought down a time-line of all the different looks Prince has went thru from 1978 to the present. U r also lead thru the garage 2 where the "Sexy MF" video was filmed. The most interesting thing I thought were where, in one of the studios, lies the mixing board that was in his basement of his purple house. Just suprised how big it was and how so many unreleased and released tracks were remixed on this soundboard, as well as "Sign 'O' The Times." Also impressive was that he copied the entire design of the Sunset Sound studio mixing board in California 2 a "T." The end of the tour dropped u off 2 check out countless cars used in his music videos. In the far right-hand corner were his instruments, the "habibi" guitar and the cloud guitar, plus a drum set, keyboards, purpleaxxe. And hanging from nothing but string was his gun microphone (kinda ironic it would have been easy 4 people over 6-feet 2 reach). 2 the left of the instruments were clothes that he wore in various videos and concert tours. They were held higher than the microphone and was provided with a sheet under the clothes item describing what it was used 4. On the complete other side were 7 iMac computers set to NPGonlineLTD 4 people 2 read the news updates and vote on the next release, including the next "Crystal Ball" single disc, "Roadhouse Garden," with the Revolution, a piano disc, a guitar disc, the choice of a new studio album, and a ballad disc (which is what Prince was wanting 2 release later this year with three new tracks, but had trouble with Warner Bros. since 90-percent of the songs would have been from their catalog). The top two were the guitar cd and "Crystal Ball 2." In all honesty, expect a Crystal Ball 2 b4 an all-guitar record (wouldn't it be nice if the guitar record was added as a bonus cd 2 Crystal Ball 2? Hmmm ...). On the other side was the 1-800-NewFunk clearance sale, including very hard 2 find items and extra shirts of the "1999 The New Master" and NPG Dance Company. Playing on the walls of the soundstage, where everything was set up, and in the Love4OneAnother Room were video clips circling Prince's entire career. Clips showed rare performances, including the 1983 show at First Avenue where new songs would make up a portion of "Purple Rain," were being played 4 the first time. Other clips offered the 1986 MTV interview 2 promote "Under The Cherry Moon," the 1987 performance of "Play In The Sunshine," at the 1987 MTV Music Video Awards, his performance of "Electric Chair" on Saturday Night Live's 15th Anniversary show, the live version of "PartyUp" on SNL in early 1981, plus the 1990 and 1995 American Music Award tributes, and the Soul Train Heritage Award from 1992. The video would both end and begin with "The Purple Medley" added with "Rave" tracks and footage from "My Name Is Prince." By the end of the week, the footage was replaced with Prince and the NPG performing overseas during the 1993 Act II Tour. Professionally shot footage, which was absolutely immaculate, had many Purpleheadz wanting both videotapes no matter the cost. Upon leaving the rooms, by the restrooms and exit of Paisley, there was a side room selling new NPG merchandise and "Prince: A Celebration" t-shirts and posters. The design was not very good and hard 2 see on purple. Definitely not one of Steve Parke's best. Each day, there would be a new item added 4 sale. the first was the "Beautiful Strange" video, the second night was "Come On / The One" remixes, the third night had a different design of a celebration baby t-shirt, and the fourth night had Kirk Johnson's new group (the Funky BaldHeads) t-shirts, and a "Prince: A Celebration" photo album to put your pictures in. The fifth and sixth evenings would have different flats (a promo picture of Rave or The Hits on 4 sale 4 about $1 each. If u spent over $50 dollars in the room, u were given a free GCS2000 necklace pendant. Celebration balloons were going for about $1 for 2. OK, now time 4 the dance parties (are we writing a novel?) Newz item #2-The Paisley Parties The first two (2) nights we were allowed inside the back parking lot of Paisley. There were less then a 1,000 people there at the time so when we were let inside we were allowed 2 flow freely between the sound stage room and the Love4OneAnother room. By Friday, it became a problem as more than 2,000 people were in attendance. There was also a problem of counterfeit passes being made as well. The Chanhassen city fire department was there and only close 2 about 200 people were allowed in the Love4OneAnother room. U would have 2 wait outside a gated area 4 a few hours, or a few minutes, if u just wanted 2 push thru when they finally let the gate open. If u had 2 leave the Love4OneAnother room 2 use the restroom, u were not allowed back in and had 2 wait in line again. The first night of The Celebration, the footage from earlier in the day was shown and a DJ was mixing tracks while all thought a Prince performance might take place later in the night (this was fueled by Billy Sparks, the club owner in "Purple Rain," when asked if Prince would perform, he replied, " U won't be disappointed"). A little after 1 a.m., Macy Gray took the stage. There were incredible sound problems with the main mic and feedback on Macy's mic most of the night. By that time Prince was already there and working the soundboard. He then sat up above on the side of the stage with his lady friend. During one song the man could not help himself but to come up on stage and play the keyboard 4 about 30 seconds, which brought a roar 2 the room. Later on, Macy had the entire room sing "Happy Birthday" 2 Prince. The second night, Taja Sevelle performed. I was looking very 4ward 2 her performance because her last cd, "Toys of Vanity" was absolutely amazing. Lack of promotion by Sony made it a non-hit despite every song on the release having cross-over potential. She rocked Paisley Park and was very well received. Almost everyone that I had talked to thought that she was much better than Macy Gray. outside the event that night were copies of a five-track sample of Taja's new cd, promo photos, plus autographed promo photos. U can order her cd, here. "Taja Sevelle - Fire," hot new music from a true pop diva. It includes her new remake of "Good Times," which is off the hook. Prince was seen at the soundboard the entire night. On the third night, The Funky BaldHeads, along with TKO and BKS (Best Kept Secret), performed. They all played hard and people were listening with open ears since most of the songs they played no one had heard b4. Later on in the night, Prince was sitting atop the stairway above the dance floor and watching people get their freak on. He seemed very in2 it as his lady friend joined him and were whispering in each others ear (no small task in Paisley because Prince loves loud bass). After a crowd participation by the Bay Area Purpleheadz of California 2 "U Got The Look," Prince's lady friend could not stand still any longer and just had 2 dance with us. She was mostly dancing with Bobby, the leader of a group called "The Dream Factory" from San Francisco, Ca. Simply put, it made Bobby's night. The fourth night was a Prince cover band, New York City's "Days Of Wild," which clocked in the longest performance of the week. so far, playing 4 close 2 three (3) hours. The lead singer had a high falsetto u would not expect from a man that big. Main highlight was "Days Of Wild" and "Gold." Prince was seen around 3 in the morning shaking people's hands around the stage. The fifth night was Minneapolis' own Mint Condition. They played with raw emotion and made the crowd very happy by playing all of their mainstream hits. Prince made his way up 2 the stage several times but never joined in. It was obvious he wanted 2 but since there was such a long line of people waiting outside 2 get in2 the Love4OneAnother room, he decided not 2 since it may have caused a small riot. The sixth night was just a dance party with no performers as Prince took all of the equipment and was already rehearsing at the Northrop Auditorium, on the north side of Minneapolis. While waiting outside Paisley it began 2 rain and people were standing out there 4 a little while until the doors opened. The rain stopped about 45 minutes before 9 p.m., leaving a very beautiful rainbow directly over Paisley Park. Prince was very friendly thoughout each night. While being escorted by his security guards, if someone yelled or tried talking to him, he would say hello and thank them depending on their comment, without looking at them most of the time. His mother attended one of the last nights but his father was no where in sight. Every night Larry Graham and his wife were there, as well as NPG members. The parties would last from entry (9:30 p.m.) until about 4-4:30 the next morning, except 4 the first night which ended shortly after 2 a.m. The Park staff would play different video footage each night depending on what night it was. Sunday night played new tracks "Splash," "Cybersingle," "Peace," and the unreleased long version of "Kiss," plus a new jam called "Why should I Do That When I Can Do This?," which was all leading up 2 ... Newz item #3-Prince in concert with special guests In Minnesota, the man is ridiculed, they could give a damn about him. He's made fun of in the press almost every day we were there. There r some that know he is a brilliant musician but the fact of the matter is, they see him as a rude neighbor. Well, the neighbor invited the already attending V.I.P. Purpleheadz and 3,000 other neighbors in2 the Northrop Auditorium. Around 9 o'clock, "Prince: A Celebration" and "Purple Medley" footage was shown. Right after, one by one each NPG member took the stage. Morris, then Kirk, then the Hornheadz, then Larry Graham. Morris started 2 play the boards, preferably a long note with each one. Coming from the back appeared Prince, acknowledging the crowd and with his hands 2gether, bowing. And with one touch of his keyboard, which was on its own platform, the concert was on. The begining of "Anna Stesia" was played and the crowd cheered even louder, not believing he was going 2 do this song. He performed it fully and got the crowd 2 chant the "Love is God, God is Love, girls and boys Love God above." He seemed very much at peace and wanting 2 break out and party. He then rolled in2 "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold." After the first verse he changed in2 "The Greatest," which was a tribute 2 God and incorporated words from "4 The Tears In Your Eyes." He told the crowd they were going 2 get it all. Picking up his cloud guitar, he then leaned in2 what looked like a song book with the symbol on it and started flipping the pages franticly. Kinda disturbed by it, I was wondering if he is 4getting certain songs. He then ripped in2 "Uptown," and again the crowd went nuts. He did 4get some of the lyrics but was smiling so much u just did not care. It was a brilliant performance and from then on he just kicked off. Tearing in2 "Lets Work / Delirious" the party was rolling. He then slowed it down 4 a not so special version of "Purple Rain," but always very appreciative 2 hear. He still plays it like it's new. He then called out Dr. Fink in the audience and the spotlight was put on the good doctor. Referring 2 the comments put recently on Prince.Org about Dr. Fink not aging well, Prince said, "When people try 2 put u down, u know what u say 2 him, Doctor?" U then heard the looped begining of "Prettyman" cry out - "Don't hate me 'cuz I'm beautiful." Dr. Fink was laughing hysterically and was dressed in full scrubs as well. Prince changed the lyrics 2 incorporate Elton John in2 it and had the band stop playing so he could sing the line, "I walk by the mirror and kiss it twice" He did this 3 times !!! He was having fun and was showing just how playful he can be. He then left the stage and changed outfits. During the first set people were claiming he was not wearing any shoes, only socks. I could have sworn I saw white heels. He reappeared in a gold mesh outfit with NPG written on it. The entire outfit looked 2 be made of cashmere. He jammed and exclaimed, "U r getting it all 2night. 4get curfew." Prince called out Q-Tip and the former leader of A Tribe Called Quest jammed on 2 of his hit songs, "Vivrant Thing." and "Breathe and Stop." During Q-Tip's performance, Kirk Johnson's daughter, and what looked 2 be Q-Tip's son got on stage and were groovin'. It brought a tremendous smile 2 Prince's face and Q-Tip thought it was cool as well. Doug E. fresh then came out and did his thing. Doug looked like he was in better shape than the NewPower Soul Festival gigs and was very well received by the crowd having them chant "NPG." Prince went in2 "Come On" and went from first verse 2 third, so after doing one line from the third verse, he ordered a dance contest on stage. He proceeded in2 the second verse of the joint and took 4ever 2 get in2 the third verse. He was impressed with this white man's funky dance on stage and asked him where he was. The guy replied, "Chicago" (I hope that was it). The Chicagonation reps went crazy. "The One" intro was played, but instead Prince played an instrumental version of "The ? of U." He then talked about some well known rapper who was telling him, " (Y)o G, u got 2 make more commercial sounds." Prince would reply over and over, "Why should I do that, when I can do this?" He then invited women up 2 the stage and lead the NPG in2 "When U Were Mine." While playing "Days of Wild," a chant in the crowd of "play that motherfucking bass" made Prince stop and tell the crowd, "No more cursing, throw the wild sign high." He then said, "He has an army of people. U r my army. U got my back. And in order 2 be in my army, u have 2 have Kirk's back and Larry's back." Kirk Johnson has improved very much since the last tour,still not a Michael B. he will never be, but Kirk improved 200-percent. Larry looked like he was having a good time and sort of reminisced and he had reason 2 as we will explain later. B4 bringing Angie Stone out, P went to the right-hand side of the stage and said, "I have a present 4 u," bent down and took off his gold anklet, sort of twirling it like he did 2 Appolonia's in Purple Rain. He continued, "If I give u this, u have 2 make me a promise. U can no longer celebrate birthdays. U celebrate when u r born. That is the only way u can stay young. Look at me." He touched both sides of his cheeks and smiled. "Do u promise? No more birthdays? OK." he then threw the anklet 2 the right hand of the stage 2 some lucky girl. Angie Stone came on and Prince seemed pleased as punch. When she exited the stage, Prince called her back 2 do an impromptu version of Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood," which he used 2 do with Rosie Gaines, who, unfortunately, was not at Northrup. After, Prince sat back behind the keyboard console and said, "My dad always told me, '(A)lways play a ballad when someone rocks the house.' I made that mistake playing "Come On" after Q-Tip. I will not make that mistake again." Prince went in2 a powerful "Nothing Compares 2U, " joined by a member of the gospel group "God's Voices." After doing the "Take Me With U / Raspberry Beret" medley, he talked about one of the members of "God's Voices" wanting 2 wear a silver suit. Prince said, "Sorry man, there is no way u r upstaging me," which brought a laugh from the crowd. P played a few instrumentals and then said, "While me and Angie were jamming here yesterday she just started sayin we were funky 4 no reason. I told her I thought it was so cool. I told her, 'Angie, that is the title of your next album and I want a royalty check 4 it." He brought Angie back out 2 do the funky 4 no reason chant. He talked about how Larry turned down playing with Jimi Hendrix and thought he must Larry crazy because Jimi would be pissed, stating that Larry would play with no one else but Sly and The Family Stone. That story kicked off "The Jam" with Larry doing it, and then later went in2 "Everyday people." Prince started to chant, "Freaks on this side," and said "Thank U, good night." A great girl named Allison (hope it is spelled right) came running to me, and said, "did he just say good night?," and I told her it wa diva time, and to cheer loud and he will be back. Diva time lasted about 10 minutes with several different cheers and much enthusiasm. Morris and Kirk came back and "The One" was played, but Prince had different ideas as he reappeared in a silver suit (like the one from "God's Voices" wanted 2 wear). Seemingly out of nowhere he went in2 "Man O'War" and right after the second chorus, P flipped it again. He then went in2 "Adore," which made the crowd cheer even louder. Doing the full version (first time ever 4 this song) even guys turned 2 Jell-O watching him perform this lush joint, and started 2 cry. With each verse until he put more and more emotion in2 it, he had the crowd, plain and simple, coming everywhere. Girls were holding their chest thinking it was just 4 them. He showed everyone again and again why there is no one better then him when it comes 2 live shows. He then started jamming and called out Browmark and challenged him 2 keep up. Browmark, still looking great, played Larry's bass like it was 1986 all over again, without missing a note. Then came Dr. Fink who had 2 be told by Morris which keys 2 play since the keyboards were different models than the ones Fink used 2 use. Prince kept making remarks about how "shapely" both of them were. Stating that Dr. Fink looked like he did on the art of "Around The World In A Day." He then called Bobby Z out 4 drums. Prince said, "Where do we live? Where do we live,?" sorta talking like he did in "Prettyman" where he mentioned Tokyo and Germany being in the house and said London was kind of messy in Paisley. Then the mini-Revolution reunion ripped in2 "America" like they did not miss a beat after all these years apart -- Dr. Fink doing his little looks over the keyboard and Brownmark was jammin'. Very quickly Bobby z was replaced because when Prince called out 4 a kick drum Bobby Z missed the cue. Prince then did several instrumentals and replaced The Revolution members and started his "Funky 4 No Reason" chant. Playing "Kiss" he kept saying "Thank U, Good night," over and over again. P did play "Kiss" and while doing "Gett Off," kirky's daughter made her way on stage with the 2 other dancers, who were not mentioned at all in this article because they really bring nothing new 2 the table. Yet, following more instrumentals he then ended it with everyone back on stage, first calling Q-Tip by saying he needs his ears cleaned. Thry all ended the concert with "Push It Up" with Dougie's rap in full-check. By my watch, It was now 12:45 a.m. and everyone was in a deep sweat, racing 2 get out 2 try n get 2 a special Paisley party, which was only attended by people on the guest list. The afterparty was a dance party with Q-Tip and Mr. Fresh. Footage was played at the afterparty of the show earlier in the night and was shown on local morning shows in Minneapolis. Newz item #4-Live Concert CD Promised The next day on NpgonlineLTD.Com it said Paisley Park might release a limited edition live cd of the concert the night b4. But how long will we wait? The Rave concert video and dvd has yet 2 be released, "Rave Un2 The Year 2000," in the United States. It has been almost seven (7) months since that concert. The video should have been released in January or February. Prince likes 2 test the site 2 see what people think of the idea. But it comes off 2 us like it will be released. And that upsets people. He does not owe us a thing. But when u start bringing up things that people want, it is sort of like being teased. "Beautiful Strange" :: It was great meeting people from all over the world -- Germany, France, Canada, Norway, Tokyo, Ohio, Chicago, Washington D.C., NYC, Louisiana, Colorado, and all the rest of y'all. It was nice 2 see Purpleheadz all there 4 the same reason. I doubt this will be yearly so I will enjoy this experience and 4ever regret not talking to that girl who was staring me down all week. =) Much luv 2 the Prince.Org click that was there and 2 all the members of the NPG and the Paisley Park staff, including the security guards who, I understand, were not nice. But would u really want someone nice as a bodyguard? Just next time hire someone else 4 crowd control. A regular update will follow soon ... hope u enjoyed the novel ... much luv ...J7 p.s. Larry is out of the band, just 'cuz he cannot keep up at the hours of Prince. Brownmark may step in2 replace Larry. More in the next Update. DatelineDetroit | Dance On | Glam Slam | Mission Statement Play In The Sunshine | 777 Update | Contact | Links | Webmaster Last Update: 22 June 2000 TheDetroitCrawl.Org is an independent unofficial fan/enthusiast club. TheDetroitCrawl.Org is not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, sponsored by, or connected with Prince, NPG Records, Paisley Park Enterprises, Warner Brothers Records, or anewpowerdetroit/PrinceMusicGroupDet fan club.