Prince (August 6, 1988) – “Prince the royal ruler!” Concert Review – Black Country Evening Mail

The 6 August 1988 edition of the Black Country Evening Mail reviews Prince’s concert at the NEC under the headline “Prince the royal ruler!”

Publication: Black Country Evening Mail Date: August 6, 1988

Country: United Kingdom

Written by Paul Cole, the review describes Prince’s three-hour show at the NEC as sensational, stating that he left “Wacko Jacko” well and truly in the shade. The diminutive dynamo is said to have out-sung, out-played, up-staged and almost out-danced Jackson in the most spectacular rock show ever seen at the venue.

He arrived in a flashy Ford Thunderbird, performed around 30 songs, and disappeared in a simulated nuclear cloud. In between he danced sexy duets with singer Cat, played basketball and romped on a bed.

The band strutted and danced across a central stage that rose and fell on hydraulic jacks, with banknotes and rose petals fluttering down and quadraphonic sound and lighting effects. The piece concludes that the music shone through, proving Prince is more than just a curiosity, and notes that today’s show starts at 5pm.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline “Prince the royal ruler!”

• Description of the three-hour NEC show and stage effects

• Comparison with Michael Jackson

• Performance photograph of Prince singing

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