Prince / CA, USA – April 2, 1983: Soundboard Edition & More

This release features two outstanding soundboard recordings from the 1999 Tour! Disc 1 contains a flawless soundboard recording of a show that stands as a definitive performance of the tour in terms of both audio quality and content. The set proceeds with a very straightforward, funky vibe up until “D.M.S.R.,” when a keyboard malfunction apparently occurs, causing a temporary halt in the show. Prince fills the time with improvised banter with the audience while the technical issue is resolved, after which the performance resumes. The piano segment is another highlight; it features “Still Waiting”—a song rarely performed live—interwoven with a few bars of “Gotta Broken Heart Again,” before segueing into a magnificent rendition of “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore.” It is truly one of the finest recordings from this tour. Disc 2 contains rehearsal recordings for the 1999 Tour, believed to have taken place in early 1983 during preparations for the tour’s second leg. These rehearsals are fascinating because many songs are performed differently than they were during the actual tour. For instance, while “Delirious” was played only as an encore during the tour itself, here it appears in the middle of the set and flows directly into “Do Me, Baby.” Another interesting arrangement is the seamless transition from “Head” into “Lady Cab Driver,” followed by the piano section—a stark contrast to the actual tour, where “Lady Cab Driver” always followed the piano section. “When You Were Mine” is also notable for being rehearsed as a duet, with Dez Dickerson sharing lead vocals with Prince. A major highlight is the superb, extended version of “D.M.S.R.,” in which the lyrics “Dance, Music, Sex, Romance” are replaced with “Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Root Beer, Pussy.” Regarding sound quality, while there is some slight hiss in the latter half, it remains a crisp and clear soundboard recording. This can be described as the definitive document capturing the *1999* era. Disc 1: 1999 Tour – Convention Center, Fresno: April 2, 1983 1. Intro 2. Controversy 3. Let’s Work 4. Do Me, Baby 5. D.M.S.R. (aborted) 6. D.M.S.R. 7. Lisa’s Solo – With You (instrumental) – Still Waiting (including Gotta Broken Heart Again) 8. How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore 9. Lady Cab Driver 10. Little Red Corvette 11. Dirty Mind 12. Audience 13. International Lover 14. 1999 Disc 2: 1999 Tour Rehearsal: January 1983 1. Controversy 2. Let’s Work 3. Little Red Corvette 4. Delirious 5. Do Me, Baby 6. Head 7. Lady Cab Driver 8. Lisa’s Solo – Free 9. Let’s Pretend We’re Married 10. When You Were Mine 11. 1999 12. D.M.S.R. (including Once In A Lifetime)