One Nite Alone... Tour

History

In January 2002, Prince began putting together a new incarnation of the New Power Generation. After Kip Blackshire and Morris Hayes, Prince hired keyboardist Renato Neto, alto saxophonist Maceo Parker, drummer John Blackwell, trombonist Greg Boyer and longtime bassist for Prince, Rhonda Smith. Prince designed the tour to put the emphasis on music; no dancers, pyrotechnics, huge stage props or other gimmicks. Most of the music played was centered on the then new album The Rainbow Children. The tour lasted for a run of 64 shows. Prince wore suits rather than his trademark unique outfits. Both the image and his new onstage persona, presented a mature Prince who wanted to be taken seriously as a musician and live performer first. The musicianship of the band was top-notch and the jazz harmonies in the music performed in theater venues gave the tour an intimate feeling. Prince played many aftershow concerts and amazingly, via his NPG Music Club, fans could attend band soundchecks and even ask Prince questions ranging from his music to spirituality.

During this tour, Prince introduced controversial subject matters like race relations. "Avalanche", which is reminiscent of "Alabama" by John Coltrane, is a blues lament about effects of slavery of Black people and Prince called out Abraham Lincoln by name for the disingenious reasons why Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery. "Family Name" is a song about Black Americans' original surnames from Africa taken away from them by white slavemasters that gave them demeaning surnames and contrasts those last names with Jewish last names that have more positive connotations. Unlike any other previous tours, Prince's onstage banter was humorous, challenging and even condescending. Also, during soundchecks, Prince was outspoken with his fans about his issues involving ownership of media outlets, the music industry, consolidation of record companies and radio stations and people's criticism of his decision to become a Jehovah's Witness.

Band

The NPG was again changed for this tour. Kip Blackshire and Morris Hayes left the band and were replaced by Renato Neto on keyboard. Funk legend Greg Boyer (and often his partner Maceo Parker) joined the horn section. Other saxophonists who played with the band on selected dates were Najee, Candy Dulfer and Eric Leeds.

Typical set list

1. Intro
2. "Rainbow Children"
3. "Muse 2 The Pharaoh"
4. "Xenophobia"
5. "A Case of You" Joni Mitchell cover
6. "Mellow"
7. "1+1+1 Is 3" incl. "Love Rollercoaster"
8. "The Other Side Of The Pillow"
9. "Strange Relationship"
10. "Sing a Simple Song"
11. "La La La Means I Love You"
12. "Didn't Cha Know"
13. "When You Were Mine"
14. "Avalanche"
15. "Family Name"
16. "Take Me with U"
17. "Raspberry Beret"
18. "Another Star"
19. Santana Medley (incl. Jungle Strut / Batuka / Soul Sacrifice / Toussaint L'Overture)
20. Piano Medley
21. "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore
22. "Anna Stesia"