Nothing Compares 2U ...

Wow! I have been truly blown away. From the opening chords of 1999 as the Sign flashed up in reds and golds, to the final Nothing Compares 2U which we all sang to Prince as he came back for about his third encore, and the sitting in the stadium as it slowly, ever so slowly, eventually, finally, wistfully, regretfully emptied, until the security staff had to come to those of us remaining and sorrowfully tell us that, yes, Prince really had left the building (or at least the arena, since some lucky people would be enjoying his presence at the afterparty at Indigo2), we were amazed, entertained, Partying, Crazy, in the Purple Rain of His Purpleness's throne room.

The doors opened at 6pm - we left the house about fifteen minutes before this, not sure when the concert would actually begin. Took about less than 15 minutes to get there - the O2 is my local!!! Then queued for 15 mins for the toilets. Tip - ignore the first toilet - there are plenty more in the arena! Arrived, to a real sense of occasion, then was a bit disappointed not to be able to go straight in to our seat - the actual arena doors did not open until about 7.15pm. But lots of nice places to eat and drink. We got pepperoni pizza and cod and chips. Not bad. Wine, beer, water, and other things to choose from, including healthier options.

Our seat was right up at the very top, in the very back row. It's a lot steeper than Wembley, and there's not as much leg room. But since we were dancing most of the night, that didn't matter much, and the great thing about Row U is that you can stand behind the row and dance. Fantastic!

H informed me that our support act was Beverley Knight. She was very good, very energetic; it was a shame the arena was still mostly empty and people were wandering around rather than giving her their full attention. She kept on saying Thank You and exclaiming how great it was that we were there to see Prince. After she left, we had fun sending Mexican Waves around the arena. Everyone joined in, and I think we went all the way around about three times.

There was another short break, and around 8.45pm ish, the lights dimmed, the roars started, the music began - and we watched a ten minute or so long video of people talking about how great Prince is. All eyes fixed on the dark stage ... steam billowing ... strum roar ... then all lights blazing, everyone immediately on their feet, a huge grin plastered across my face, which lasted the whole night, and we were partying like it was 1999!

It was a great evening. Prince is a consummate performer. Listening to his guitar solos was awesome. The roar reverberated through the seats and floor so my whole body was shaking with the noise. Mesmerising. The drummer (in a black and white striped dress). saxophinist, trombonist, pianist - all were excellent. The singers and dancers gave it everything. (The dancers in particular had the most amazing energy, throwing themselves around the place in good rhythm and time. When Prince disappeared, in a cloud of smoke, through a trapdoor in the middle of the stage (which was shaped like his Sign), we all clapped, cheered, whistled, as the band continued to play, until he came back. Crazy. Then he went away - but we wouldn't. The lights came up but still we cheered, no one daring to leave. And eventually he came back.

Overall, a fantastic night. Great performance, a party that made us dance and sing the whole night through. The visual light effects were excellent. The sound was great. I could hardly take my eyes off Prince, tiny on stage so far away from me.

A wonderful night. Nothing Compares 2U ...