Prince’s first show was at the Minneapolis’ Capri Theater on January 5, 1979.
Throughout his long career the rock star performed his music at 1,332 concerts.
I was lucky enough to catch his Palladium gig in December 1981.
Richie Boy, my coke connection, and I was walking down West 14th Street and the concert hall’s big security guard, Benji, shouted to me, “Man, you gotta see this show.”
“Who?”
“Prince.” The giant Jamaican grabbed my arm. “Don’t say no or you got someplace to go. You going to see this show.”
“I know who Prince is.”
He had scored two surprise hits with “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?” and “I Wanna Be Your Lover” in 1979 and another Billboard bullet with UPTOWN in 1980.
Then you in for a teat.”
Benji led us inside the Palladium and got us beers.
A minute later Prince hit the stage with his band.
We danced to every song.
Richie Boy sold out his stash.
I thank Benji to dragging me to one of the best shows I have ever seen and thank Prince for all he gave us.
Rest in the stars.
