Prince and the O2 Arena

In what was a busy week last week, I also went to see Prince at the new O2 Arena, which will probably be better known to many as the Millennium Dome. What is absolutely amazing is the transformation that O2 and AEG have done to the place since it was last used in 2000. I still disagree with the Government shutting the place down at the end of that year, but as it is, the new owners have done a damn good job.

On entry, you are face with the Arena itself sitting at the very heart of the dome - hard to think that it is a 20000 seat Arena fully contained in its own structure, with the Dome roof over the top of it all. The facilities also include the IndigO2, a new VUE Cinema and a whole arcade of dinning restaurants. And they're still building. Coming soon is the O2 Bubble which will host an exhibition of Tutankhamen artefacts, and further shops are still to be added. I'd recommend going along just to see the Dome area, which is open most nights, if not all nights, even if there isn't a gig.

The Concert itself was a drawn out affair. With doors opening at 6, Prince's warm up act was Beverly Knight and she came on stage at 7.30. She was excellent - marred only by extremely poor acoustics in the Arena and far too high levels of bass. She sang very well, doing a number of her more famous songs and you could she enjoyed it - even if the Arena was half full, and only filling up towards the end of her 50 minute set.

The man himself arrived just before 9, and what a reception: you could almost believe the roof would come off, due to the sheer noise levels in the place. Starting with one great song after another, he did a great show. Purple Rain was early on in his set, and he had the whole crowd on their feet. His rendition of Kiss was lively, exciting and full of energy - how a man like him can dance non-stop for the better part of two hours is utterly beyond me. His show was supported by an excellent band - the brass section along deserve special praise for enlivening the show with standout solos, top class swing and jazz and just adding a different character to the performance.

With many songs in his repertoire, every show is meant to be different, so it was no surprise (although a little disappointing) not to hear two of his more famous songs - When Doves Cry and 1999. After a little over 80 minutes he disappeared for the first of three encores - one of which included a guitar acoustic set which was original and fun. Prince really does still cut the mustard and his show was excellent.

All in all, a good night out.