|:. 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 Wednesday, December 13, 2000. "The news, not the bull ...." Welcome 2 another edition of the 777 Update, a Prince newz update not afflicated with Paisley Park, NPG Records, Warner Brothers Records or NPGonlineLtd.Com in any way. Well, Prince's Hit 'n' Run Tour came and went within a short amount of time. 4 those of u who may not have seen it, or did not read a very detailed report / review of any of the tour dates, news item number's 1, 2, and 3 will cover the final date of the tour -- the Las Vegas show at The Aladdin and the aftershow at Studio 54 inside of the MGM Grand Casino. 4 those of u not wanting 2 read about it, u can skip 2 the other relevant news items. So let's skip the 4play AND get on with the show ... Newz Item #1-Prince ends Hit 'n' Run Dates with Vegas Show(s) 2 Remember With most of the Hit 'n' Run dates being announced from a week or two (2) weeks in advance 2 literally just days, the Vegas show was the only one where "Purpleheadz" were given enough time in advance 2 plan a trip 2 Las Vegas and have a very successful turnout -- even if GiGi could not make it (someone owes that girl a spanking). Meeting with other fans and talking about what Prince's music means 2 them was such a damn cool experience. But in reality, it was all just foreplay 4 what was upcoming. Me and the crew I was with arrived around 9 p.m. and decided 2 hang around downstairs 2 buy some water. From there we see Sheila E. being escorted in2 the theatre. I already had seen Kirk Johnson earlier and heard Prince had arrived at the Aladdin around 3:30 in the afternoon. B4 I went inside the theatre, I saw GiGi and friend trying 2 get 2 their seats with several men and women staring at their big Prince necklaces (or were they staring at other things, eh?). I sat in my seat and heard (finally) the new track "U Make My Sunshine" with Angie Stone. The public address system then played a 'lil bit of "the REMIX experience" 4 about five (5) minutes b4 the music faded out and the lights went down. The music then was replaced with loud roars from the crowd. A new DAT intro played over the speakers, playing snippets from "7", the intro 2 "Let's Go Crazy" and "My Name is Prince," 2 name a few. Then ... Newz item #2-Prince takes the stage ... During the DAT intro, Morris Hayes, Kip Blackshire, John Blackwell, Najee, and Rhonda Smith took the stage. From the back, appears the man himself, striking a super-cool pose with guitar in hand. Uh, Rolling Stone, Prince did not get your email. The Artist Formerly Known as Relevant? I guess u 4got 2 tell him that. Prince kicked it off with a rousing rendition of "Uptown," playing with his new dancer, Geneva. She was playing the part of the girl in Uptown that asks him if he is gay. After the first verse and chorus he immediately went in2 "Controversy," and, b4 u knew it, he slipped in2 "Mutiny" -- which some in the crowd have never heard b4. On from there, he went in2 "Cream," and after the first chorus he said, "Vegas, look at my guitar!". Prince went along the right-hand side of the stage on top of the speakers, but the spotlight did not follow him. He then went 2 the side of the stage and reappeared with Geneva on a comfy looking loveseat as they took turns writhing along it while the beginning of "Little Red Corvette" played. They proceeded 2 dance, moving from each other's left 2 right. It looked rather cool. Then, as he went in2 the song, 4 a brief second I was thinking 2 myself, "How many times in the past few years I have heard the song?" By the time P did his 'lil groove thing on the floor, he punched in2 a song I have never heard live - "I Wanna Be Your Lover," which just sounded so cool. He followed that up with another classic, " Sexy Dancer," and went 2 the right-hand side of the stage and did five (5) splits in a row. Bad-ass! "Housequake" was next in line, and of course, skipping the dirty words, but boy, was drummer John Blackwell on!!! He introduced each band member 2 do their thing, and did, then Prince went 2 the side where Kip Blackshire was and took over, twiddling the keys. What the little melody tuned in2 "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker." During it he said, "I ordered, 'let me get a fruit cocktail ... and a slice of pizza." (must be talking about a vegen slice!) It made me laugh, all I can say. He was very very playful. Prince then went back 2 playing his guitar and just tore up "I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man." Mr. Blackwell played his ass off again and Geneva was doing her thing. He went off stage and changed from the white shirt and black pants he was wearing 2 this very cool looking red outfit with a zipper down the front. It looked lavender-like. During this portion of the gig, Najee was doing a very good solo. Prince took the mic and just caressed it while going in2 "Do Me, Baby," changing the words 2 "(h)ere we r in this big ol' room." When he said, "(t)ake me, baby, " he then unzipped his outfit 2 show a lot of skin, which, in turn, made the female fans scream in ecstasy. But he was not done as he pulled someone on stage 2 sing 2. I know who she is but her name escapes me at the moment. He belted out "Scandalous" 2 her and when he sang, "(f)eel what u've been dying 4,"" from the angle I was sitting at, it looked like she was going 4 his legs or in between =-). Prince played it off so cool by waving his finger in a "no-no baby, not 2night," manner. It looked so fresh, and with the girls movements, it had people wondering if it was planned. The girl slithered across the stage. I am telling u, Prince picked the right girl. They really played off of each other. The girls fiancé could only smile in approval and looked very excited 4 her. Prince ushered the woman off stage, and segued in2 "Diamonds and Pearls," then walked near Kip Blackshire's keyboard again and sat at it b4 going in2 the bombest version of "The Beautiful Ones." Ihave never heard this song live b4, so as I collapsed in2 my seat, and started 2 cry ... just remembering how many times Prince's music has been there 4 me in times of need. I did not try 2 hide it, I just let my tears flow more with each word he sang. All I could think of is after his version and the female's reaction 2 "Scandalous," my cheeks were not the only things that were wet. "Beautiful Ones" was just every little thing I would have hoped it 2 be. He then cut in2 "Nothing Compares 2U," which I have heard several times over but he fills it with such emotion I love hearing it over and over again. Prince then proceeded in2 a long intro 2 "Let's Go Crazy," which, in the end, he had every one saying, "Let's Go!" after the end of a guitar lick -- same as it sounded on the Lovesexy Tour from years back. And u could tell Prince was having a field day by slowing down the guitar and seeing if they would miss it. The audience did not. He then went in2 "Take Me With U," and told them 2 turn on the lights because, "(I) don't want 2 be up here, I want 2 be out there - with them!". Prince has said this many times but he sure sounded like he meant it. He was playing his acoustic guitar and went 2 my left, his right side of the stage where he went up so many times during the concert, and played with the crowd. Then, going 2 my right (his left), P played with that side. B4 going in2 "Raspberry Beret" he then asked, by show of hands, "How many people here is your first time seeing me?" A large amount of hands went up. Prince then asked, "How many people have seen me b4?" A larger amount of hands went up. 2 me this was proving a point of so many people saying, "(W)hy is he doing the older stuff? Why is he doing this? Why is he doing that?" And 2 me he proved his point. Not everyone has seen him do the hits live. He then said this- "Okay, this is what u do next time, okay? Next time, somebody old brings someone new. Cool?" The audience cheered in approval. A very small majority took this moment as selling out, saying that he needs more people 2 come 2 his shows. I, and a very large majority, saw it as sharing a great experience with someone else. I love hanging out with the people I already know at these shows, but, damn, I love 2 meet new people. There r way more younger fans getting turned on2 Prince then u know. He then told the crowd, "New people, clap u're hands. Old people, sing the song," and before us blossomed a cool version of "Raspberry Beret." Shrortly after came "Darling Nikki," with Geneva filling out a school girl's uniform and Prince seducing her. Geneva pulled her dress over his head at one point ... oh lawd ... and then later dropped her white panties as P retrieved them and then started 2 hump and grind ... calling her a "nasty little bitch" ... oh lawd. Prince, u r the man. He went off the stage and a loop of his voice fleshed out from the speakers to the "When Doves Cry" beat. The New Power Generation pounded on it and funked it up. I still did not get 2 hear my fav jam of all time, but there's hope for next year. The instrumental of "Computer Blue" was played with Najee kicking some ass on the flute. Prince then came out and did the slowest version(s) of "I Would Die 4 U" and "Baby, I'm A Star," slowing it down so much, people were like, " (W)hat song is this?" ... brilliant, just brilliant. Next, the instrumental of "God" was played, followed by a long version of "Purple Rain." Prince did not rant a lot about God during it, but he did talk about what is going on in Washington D.C. about needing a new leader. Instead, we should choose God. It was cool -- not 2 much emphasis on what is right and what is wrong when it comes 2 religion. I wanted 2 be closer 2 the stage 'cuz 4 some reason, where I was sitting, they could not wave their arms from side 2 side and sing at the same time. Damn. P then said, "Thank U! Goodnight!" As the chants from the crowd became louder and louder, I was thinking how cool it was earlier in the show that he said, "2night, u r the New Power Generation. U're vote counts here. I wish I could say the same about everything." During the break, the roadies put up Sheila E's stuff, but the one problem was, Sheila E was backstage saying she was not going 2 play. Prince did not ask her 2 play, so she did not want 2 play. Shelia was told that they ordered her equipment and had her kit specially ordered. She felt bad, but still stood strong that she was not going 2 play, and she did not play during the concert. Prince then came out in a new outfit and pronounced, "U aren't going 2 let me go r u?" The crowd screamed with an authoritative, "NOOOO!!" and then Prince said, "U have it wrong. I am not going 2 let u go." Man, this guy knows how 2 play a crowd better than anyone. The NPG went in2 "Come n" and started bringing people on stage. First was 1st was Chris (his fiancé was the one who danced earlier) and he tore up the stage. Nice 2 see a white guy up there who has rhythm and can actually dance up there instead of just clap his hands. I could have sworn the night b4 someone else was wearing that purple shirt up on stage. Hmmm, maybe "The Black Chris?" (LOL, just playin', Bobby, u shoulda come) Prince brought up another woman on stage and said, "U can come up here, u don't have no kids right?" He then pulled out one more girl and proclaimed, "Oh SUKINOW!" Um, ah, those r words I never thought I would hear Prince say, and was just rolling in the aisle. After "Come On" he went in2 a funky version of "Kiss" and had the crowd up on stage sing it, which included Magic Johnson and Tavis Smiley (former of BET, currently of ABC). P then went in2 "Gett Off -- 23 positions," ... yes. One by one people were put back in2 t he auidence. Prince started to walk backstage and said, "Thank U, goodnite!" From there is was on 2 Studio 54. The girl next 2 me was like, "OhMyGawd, he's playing 54!," and left, as did several people, but Prince reappeared onto the stage. "R u satisfied? R u satisfied? U're not? Okay, well, u know, I can't leave until my fans r satisfied. So we r gonna play a little longer 'til the cops come." John Blackwell pounded the drums and Prince was sitting on the right-hand side by the speakers and said, "This song is old school, and I still think it's cool 2day. Everyone says it is old, but I say it's still good. They say it's old, but when I see pictures of me back in the day, I look younger, not older" The crowd went nuts as Prince kicked in2 a rousing version of "Pop Life." That joint just kicked some serious butt. P ended the Aladdin tour de force by saying, "Love life, love God, Lovesexy. Peace and B Wild. Goodnight! I love U!" This new version of the NPG just kicked my ass!! John Blackwell is the baddest drummer, Morris Hayes is on pace 2 be in a Prince band longer than Dr. Fink, Kip Blackshire rocks, Rhonda Smith plays that bass so well ... I wish I could switch places with then 4 a few minutes. And Geneva, what can I say? This girl is a very flexible dancer who is just bangin', and that skinny mutha with the high voice, I think his name is Prince. Oh yeah, he kicked some ass. He has reclaimed his arrogance, something he has not had since 1993. There is no one better. The public address system announced the "afterparty would be at 54," so already some people were like, "Oh, 4get it, it's an afterparty." How wrong they were. Newz item #3-Prince and Special Guests Take over 54 Although it was an aftershow that was announced at the concert, people who read NPGonlineLTD.Com the day b4 knew better. People were thinking the tickets were going 2 b $100 per person. Well when the aftercrowd got 2 Studio 54's door, there was a shock. Girls from Las Vegas with a valid Vegas identification got in FREE. All others only had 2 pay $20. Talk about a damn bargin. The best club in Vegas and Prince was gonna play 4 $20 bucks?!?!? When I came in, Prince's techs were setting up and everyone was clearly sweating over each other who stood by the stage. I decided not 2 go that route and just walked around bumping in2 people. Standing by the elevator, I ran in2 someone who I was not expecting 2 be there and he took me up 2 the VIP section where he introduced me 2 his new friends. It was none other then 2 of the members of the ""now" boy group, NSYNC. The members were Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chavez. I was kinda suprised how much Chris was really looking 4ward 2 seeing Prince in this environment. There were girlz everywhere, but just 4 them, so I headed back downstairs and hung out with 2 people named Chris by the back of the stage by where Morris Hayes would be. Prince, with Larry G., took the stage just b4 2:30 a.m. and played "ThankU Falletinme B Mice Elf Agin," Prince was chewing on some celery (LOL). Then, taking a few sips of some "Coke," Larry went in2 the same speech right b4 "Everyday people." Prince took over after that and played a cool version of "The Ride." Man, he was playin' that song 4 days. Kirk Johnson was playing on the drums the time Larry was out there (Kirk is really good). Then Larry played "The Jam." Prince was whispering in his ear 2 tell him which performer 2 call out next. Prince was smiling all throughout and threw a few looks our way. Did he remember my trademark playboy shirts from the celebration or was I dreaming he was staring right at me? A half-hour had passed and Kirk Johnson and Larry G. walked off stage, replaced by John Blackwell and Rhonda Smith. Prince went in2 the slowest jazziest version of "She's Always In My Hair," so slow in fact, many people were like, "Huh? What?" -- even the hard-core. Sheila's instruments were put on stage, just like at the concert, but this time she came out and played. The crowd shouted in approval, like seeing an old freind. The roadies took a few cymbals from Blackwell's frumkit and put them out 4 Sheila 2 play. Prince was smiling, man his hair looks like Jackie O's. It was long and bouncy. He did not talk 2 the crowd a lot but he was sure smiling and playing his guitar. Geneva was there just playing a tambourine. This one girl came up from the crowd and rocked the microphone good.. Damn, Prince. U sure were picking the right people from the crowd 2night. Prince then played a cool version of "U Got The Look." His guitar was working overtime, and I thought it was gonna smoke. He then played some blues stuff while Blackwell and Sheila were banging it out on their kits. Shiela walked over 2 Rhonda's bass and jammed with her on it. Prince took a few sips of his Coke, another bite of his celery, then offered some coke from his glass to Sheila, but she declined. P went in2 a long intro version of "Kiss" He jammed on it 4 awhile, then Sheila left and he brought up some more people 2 dance. He walked over 2 the mic and said, "U don't ...," and the audience took over the rest, singing the entire song. During the final verse he thrusted the mic in2 the audience 2 sing the song and, damn, did they freeze. LOL. After the joint, DVS walked onto the stage. I have heard about him from Paisley Parties recently and when he walked on stage, everyone thought he was Eminem, until he rapped. DVS does not have Em's flow, but he is not exactly real bad; just not a good time 4 him 2 come out because there is way 2 much of a similarity between him and "The Real Slim Shady." After DVS' take, Kip Blackshire sang a song I did not know. Prince joined him 4 a song which had the chorus, "Do you wanna dance with me." I have no idea if it is a new song. Prince did the thank u and goodnight routine a few times but still kept on jamming. The NPG played the beginning loop 2 " Days O Wild" six (6) times, but the NPG never went in2 it. iInstead, it morphed into the background 2 "Gett Off." While he played the bass and the keyboard (at the same time!!!!) Prince ran off the stage, with john Blackwell following and Rhonda smith, his bodyguard getting ready 2 escort him. Then, all of a sudden, Prince runs back 2 the keyboards and his bodyguard is running trying 2 see where he went. Less than 20 seconds later Blackwell returned to the kit. Five minutes later it was over 4 good as Blackwell threw out his drum sticks and other things 2 the crowd. Most of the audience were most likely expecting more familiar songs and not the jamming session that took place. I was thoroughly pleased and I hope Prince does more aftershows like this one. Totally off the hook the entire night was. I talked 2 DVS after the aftershow 4 a brief moment. He was cool, down 2 earth and had a small resemblance 2 Eminem from up close. All in all Vegas, is now owned By Prince. Newz item #4-Prince 2 play Super Bowl XXXV? Early last week, Prince dropped a subtle hint on NPGonlineLTD asking fans if he should play "Purple Rain" after Minnesota wins Super Bowl XXXV. So far 81-percent feel he should. The 777 Update sent an email to the National Football League in midtown Manhattan, New York City, and received a response (surprisingly) from Paul Tagliabue (NFL Commissioner) that Prince's people were being contacted thru Magic Johnson (Prince's new promoter) 2 possibly perform at the Super Bowl January 28, 2001, in Tampa, Florida. Ao far, the NFL's official Super Bowl website has noword on who will be performing yet. What a way 2 start off 2001, eh? But will he do it? He was asked after he played the Special Olympics Summer Games in Minneapolis in 1991 if he would do the closing ceremonies of the Barcelona Summer Olympics in 1992. Prince first said yes, then backed out. As was the same in 1995 4 the season opener 4 NBC's "Saturday Night Live," as well as being offered 2 play the last two (2) MTV Video Music Awards, and not accepting. Adding more fuel 2 the fire that there is a good shot of Prince doing the Super Bowl is that Prince will start a World Tour in February 2001. After the Super Bowl. or is that just a coincidence? He could work 4 a week or 2 on the performance, which would be about a 25-minute set, have a stage that is paid 4 by the NFL, with fireworks and more. Sixty-five million people in the United States alone will watch the Super Bowl in 2001. Keep checking the Super Bowl site and Prince.Org 4 up 2 date info. Newz item #5-Prince Kicks Off World Tour 2001 With the Aladdin show more than likely being the last show of the year, except maybe concerts at Paisley. Prince is not set 2 start off the full scale world tour until February, where it is being planned that the first stops will be Europe. The tour is 2 consist of what the Hit 'n' Run shows consisted of - "the hits." Prince gets dissed when he plays new stuff, he gets dissed by the other half when he plays the old stuff. I think it is a brilliant idea 2 do the old stuff right now and get people familiar with his music again. He is just stopping the train 2 pick up some new blood. The payoff will be there when he releases a new "Prince" cd, which would be smart if it was put off until the middle of the year. Release the "Rave Special Edition," do the little duets he is planning on doing, and then drop the bomb on us. Go on Oprah by yourself. Do the other talkshows. Perform more, talk less, because the only way u can help your fellow artists is by first helping yourself. Like back in the day, u would not go on Arsenio with Mavis. She would go on there and get her own performance by herself. The same goes with Tevin and Elisa Fiorillo. Let Larry and others get their own time by helping yourself back in2 the public eye. Around the first of the year will be a special 777 Update that will cover the year that passed and look in2 what 2001 could hold 4 Prince & the New Power Generation. It will be commentary and an evaluation by J7 and other select fans. It will be titled - "The State of the NPG Address." Thank u and I wish all of u that celebrate the holidays a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a very Happy New Year 2 each and every one of u. As 4 those that don't celebrate holidays, I still wish U Love ...... J7 DatelineDetroit | Dance On | Glam Slam | Mission Statement Play In The Sunshine | 777 Update | Contact | Links | Webmaster Last Update: 13 December 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.