Prince (August 6, 1988) – “At the court of a crazy genius” Concert Review – Coventry Evening Telegraph
The 6 August 1988 edition of the Coventry Evening Telegraph reviews Prince’s NEC concert under the headline “At the court of a crazy genius.”
Publication: Coventry Evening Telegraph
Date: August 6, 1988
Country: United Kingdom
Written by Chris Wilson, the review describes Prince’s extraordinary entry driving a gleaming white Cadillac onto the stage at the National Exhibition Centre. From that moment the performance is called weird and wonderful.
Prince is said to have oozed sexuality, simulated torrid love-making with singer Cat on a luxurious bed, removed items of clothing and been tied up. Later, strapped to a chair in hot pants, suspenders and outrageously tall boots, he preached the gospel with the Lord’s Prayer and a Dylan-esque song.
The stage rose skyward and the ever-changing set and lighting are praised as possibly the best the writer has seen. The piece concludes that for the 12,000 fans the only thing that mattered was being near their idol, describing Prince as barmy, brilliant, enigmatic and enthralling.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The review covers the final night of Prince’s British tour at the NEC.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Concert review
Era: 1988 (Lovesexy era) Tone: Enthusiastic, descriptive Photography: Black-and-white full-length performance photograph of Prince on stage
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Headline “At the court of a crazy genius”
Description of the Cadillac entrance and stage theatrics
Comments on sexuality, gospel elements and lighting
Performance photograph of Prince
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