Just as I was getting ready for my lunch break at work that day, I started seeing news reports that local pop music icon Prince Rogers Nelson had been found dead at his Paisley Park recording studio at the age of 57. While I wasn't a fan of his music, I had to give him credit for his influence on so many other musicians, and the fact that he had a big had in putting Minnesota music in the national spotlight at times.
Prince played a lot of shows at First Ave, and I started hearing rumors that there were going to be streets blocked off around the venue that night. I later heard about an all-night dance party outside the venue later that evening. After coming home from work and having a quick supper, I made it to First Ave in time to join a few friends for the show just as workers were starting to set up for the dance party.
Shortly after 7 pm, ticketholders for the sold-out show were allowed into the building. I made my way to the front row. There was a large screen pulled down over the stage, where staff started projecting images of Prince as some of his songs began to fill the speakers overhead. Very appropriate, given the circumstances.
Shortly after 8 pm, Taylor took to the stage launching into a fitting cover of "Purple Rain." Corey live streamed this song and it has so far reached 10 million views and counting. Corey admitted the Purple One's influence on him as well.
Corey played several Stone Sour hits and the Slipknot classic "Snuff," dedicated to his late bandmate Paul Gray. Stone Sour guitarist Christian Matrucci joined Taylor onstage for several of their hits and a few more covers by the Buzzcocks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Cure, Johnny Cash and several others.
After an intermission/"pee break," Corey returned to close out the show with a few more numbers, closing out with "Little Red Corvette." I think the crowd was pleased that he started and ended the show with Prince classics.
As the house lights went up, I turned around to see the crowd of people outside the front doors-there was no way we could get out there. Instead, the staff directed us all to exits at the side doors. I walked into a sea of people. I had wanted to get a picture of Prince's star on the First Ave wall, but there were just too many people crowded around. I had to work the next day, so I made my way back to my parking spot and headed home, ready for another adventure the next night.
Friday night I went to Corey's book signing at Magers and Quinn bookstore on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. After navigating some rush hour and road construction traffic, I made it to the bookstore in time to buy a copy of his latest effort, You're Making Me Hate You and find a seat next to my friend.
Shortly after 7 pm, Corey took to the podium to talk a bit and answer questions from the audience. I got to ask him who his dream list of musicians to work with would be - some of his answers would probably surprise you!
Afterwards, we were directed to another area of the bookstore for a meet and greet and photo op. Corey's wife was standing by ready to take photos and I got to chat with Corey again and get a photo with him for the first time. For someone who's in some of the biggest rock bands in the world, he really is one of the nicest people I've ever met. Great to meet artists who are so humble!
Afterwards, I hung out with a couple of friends and got to meet and have a nice conversation about music with Christian Matrucci. Before long, I made my way back to my parking spot, noticing a few nice tributes to Prince on the way.
It turned out to be a great weekend for music and displays of "Minnesota Nice," an entertaining and somewhat unexpected pleasure. Next show is a battle of the bands for the right to play at Northern Invasion on Friday. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
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