“We need a new story, Oakland.  Sometimes, you just gotta make it up.  It’s called self-preservation.”  It was a show that ran a full gamut of emotions, as the ever reclusive Prince opened up to a crowd of what felt like dedicated fans of the iconic artist.  The show at Paramount Theatre in Oakland was put up for sale just a few days prior and sold out instantly, so it was likely that those sorts of fans with their ear to the ground were the only ones who had a shot at getting them.  Though pricey, it was well worth the price of admission as Prince put up a “fan service” setlist that included many hits as well as favorites that you might not expect from The Purple One.  Bathed in a digital kaleidoscope of light throughout the show, Prince (with ginormous afro and shoes with flashing red lights) sat, stood at, danced around, and at one point even lay on top of a grand piano painted an appropriate shade of his signature color.  Billed as “Prince: Piano and a Microphone”, he started this concept at his own Paisley Park in Minnesota last month.  But it was so much more than that… I think Prince stripped down inspires him to open up so much more, both with his emotions and his music.  Truly an unforgettable experience. [Read more…]