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The story behind this performance is pretty epic too!!! Jeff Lynne's guitarist kept playing the solo during practice (the dude also plays the solo when claptons on stage for something...you literally have god amidst you). Prince was pretty angry during the rehearsals cause the sound guy wasent getting it right and he said f it, I ll wing it live. Then we got this. God was holding on to that geetaar for lessons.
@@AtomMotherHeart Spot-On accurate. I remember watching this live and getting goosebumps. I’ve been a practicing guitarist for over 40 years when this performance took place and was slack-jawed at Prince’s performance. Truely a rare moment of inspiration and greatness was witnessed by all as evidenced by the look on every other performers face and all who were there that night.
Hi guys, have a look to the prince video ''the undertaker'' He plays an amazing guitar blues named ''the ride'' (and other things) I think if you never heard this before you have to 😉
@@bbilly3407 Wow, some great playing on that Undertaker song. While I've never been a huge Prince fan I gotta admit the guy was crazy talented. Thanks for turning me on to "The Undertaker".
Hello sir, long time viewer but slow to comment. I've gotten a lot out of your videos, especially on hendrix. Thank you. If you are on the lookout for a blazing solo, may I perhaps suggest searching: 'the main squeeze redbone cover'. Has an absolutely fantastic solo
I'm 45...I've never really listened to Prince. I knew he played guitar...I ran across the video for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" about 6 months ago and, like so many others, I was completely blown away by Prince's solo. In fact, the 1st time I watched the video I remember thinking "where's Prince?" And then the solo starts...and I re-watched the video probably 10 times that day. The way he killed the solo and then walked off stage like he knew what he did was the coolest fucking thing those people had ever seen. Yeah, that was the day I learned who Prince was.
Reading through the comments on the video I watched, apparently Rolling Stone Magazine had just done a lame, 100% subjective "Top 100 Guitarists of All Time" list just prior to this show and Prince was nowhere to be found on said list. Some people like to think that this was Prince's FU to the magazine.
For someone who collects Jimi Hendrix and Dead bootlegs, I don't think there was a guitar player with a better ear that Prince. I heard John Mayer say that years ago but I only really understood it when I started getting into Prince's live bootlegs, he would solo for 10 minutes without losing it, always bringing different techniques, different melodies into the solo, always without losing it. It was like he was constantly hearing the song in his head 8 bars ahead of what he was playing.
Having been a massive guitar fan for many years and witnessed the likes of Slash, Clapton, SRV, Edge, Bonamassa, Rubin, Ronson and many many more live.but always remember Joe Bonamassa saying live on stage that Prince was always in his top 5 players. Bonamassa has a way of playing that can be Bonamassa, moves into Clapton and then Knopfler, but could never get anywhere near imitating Prince. Seen Prince live only 3 times with the last being 2014 in Manchester England with 3rdeye girl. Wow
I’m 65 and have seen most of the all time greats. Saw Prince in the 80’s it was an all out clinic on funk, rock and blues. One of the most unique musicians ever
At the end of that blazing guitar solo, Prince does a classic Prince move and tosses the guitar in the air and walks away. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen, but I've always wondered where it came down.
That one puzzled me for a while - and the fact no one ever seemed to talk about it. Apparently the guy that was holding him up when bending backwards earlier was the person that caught it. So obviously some of it must have been rehearsed.......unless he could predict the seemingly unpredictable.
The stagehand catches the guitar in front of Prince, clearly seen in the directors cut of this concert, it looks like the guitar gets thrown backwards but it is forwards and easily caught.
Finally someone has given Prince some recognition for that performance, I remember telling every guitarist I knew when it first appeared on UA-cam to watch how incredible his playing is given the fact that he is strutting and moving like he is, I still smile from ear to ear watching him do this, what a world where Prince dies and so many less than mediocre artist thrive.
It's not a guitar solo. It's theatre. Pure genius. I don't know how many times I've watched this, but I don't get bored. What a performance. In the director's cut, you can see all the other 1st class musicians lined up on the stage looking his way smiling in awe.
Wtf are you talking about you tool? Ppl have been raving about that performance since the very moment it happened. You're were late to the party even 2 years ago, Waldo.
I've been waiting years for someone to pick apart and analyze this solo, it's absolutely sublime. Perfectly weighted, beautiful tension and technique in all the right places and a masterpiece in improvising a solo on a classic song and making it fit perfectly. Prince knew exactly what to take to a piece of music, was mostly always in the zone, and when he was, just like he was here, you got nothing less than musical enlightenment. He was some one who strived to remain in that musical zone as much as possible, and attain the talent that was needed to allow him to BE the music. He was music personified, there's never been a modern day equivalent, he was more then just a guitar player. Thank you for this Pilgrim. I think any guitar player could learn more about rock and blues textures from this single solo than you could from most guitar players whole careers. Thank you so much Pilgrim. Keep up the stellar work
There are about 3-4 other videos on UA-cam of guitarists analyzing the solo. As I said, those who really know guitar and what goes into it (and how hard it is) respect Prince's solo and what he did...
@@BeatlesCentricUniverse Tbh, the leaning back and the throwing up and walking away was just showmanship. Curious though…. Exactly what did you not like? What technique was done wrong? What made it “over the top nonsense”? Do you even KNOW what you are Gatekeeping? Look up who the ORIGINAL guitar soloists were… The search bar is right there🤣
Prince had an almost god-like sense of confidence whenever he played guitar. Also had a sublime sense of musicality and ability to improvise with ease in his live performances. I heard that he didnt even rehearse this song with the band.
Prince gave us what we thought the song needed from the start. True passion. Don't invite Prince on a stage with legends to play a legendary song and expect anything less. Well done. I'll have some pancakes, please.
@Todd, OMG ABSOLUTELY!!! I've seen comments from people p'd off about Prince showboating and making the performance about him... Eff that! You invite a genius to the stage and you get pure, unadulterated PRINCE! Legendary, indeed!
Prince's guitar solo I go back and back again to watch. Was an amazing song to begin with. Yes, we lost a great not only guitarist, but he did everything. Very secluded individual. Certainly not out "partying it up". He spent most of his time at home playing instruments.
He was this good without ever concentrating on just his guitar! He sang, was a multi instrumentalist, dancer, writer, producer and much more....! I'm surprised he had time to be this good on guitar. 🙌
Prince IS music - in every bone... I saw him on the "one night alone" tour many years ago... still be far the best musical experience I have ever attended... first 15 minutes just prince on stage with an acoustic guitar... He masters that as well like nothing I have ever heard...
I was fortunate enough to see Prince in concert 54 times and saw him play many solos better than this one. Don’t get me wrong, this was great but he was capable of so much more. I was also lucky enough to get into several after parties and he played the same for 70 people as he did for 15,000. He was definitely one of the best guitarists and all around musicians that ever lived. Oh, and he always went all out. Great breakdown of this performance.
That was fun to watch. He broke the fourth wall and for a second, Dhani was with us in the audience just listening to Prince while looking around to see if any other musician just saw what he did. Astonished at the master showmanship being displayed.
Thank you for the good analysis. You understood what Prince is for a guitarist. It doesn't always matter to 100% precision. He's on stage, didn't even rehearse with the band, plays in front of many musicians in the audience, with great musicians on stage, and it's still being filmed. Then he'll knock out such a solo. You can recreating it, no doubt. But bringing such a thing on stage at such a moment is unique. Only Prince could do this. He was a real genius.
I don't know how many times I've watched this performance but like every other time I watched it, I find myself squealing, smiling cheek-to-cheek, throwing my hands up involuntarily, and cheering my computer screen. Prince was special.
Reading through the comments, it is clear that Prince had the admiration of all who loved music. In my mind, the man was a Genius, in the true sense of the word. I was lucky enough to have seen him live a few times, I even got to work backstage on two of his gigs, he would play basketball to relax before the gig. One time he was playing basketball with two of the hugest bodyguards you will ever see, standing close by and he stopped, basketball in hand, and looked at me for about 30 seconds without any comment or expression, bounced the ball and carried on about his business, it probably meant nothing to him but here I am sharing my little story many years later :) And by the way, thanks for sharing the passion. Subscribed.
Every time I watch vids of Prince I always feel like I got robbed, because it’s gonna be a loooooooong time before someone of THAT caliber comes around again. Rest In Peace Prince
Talent like his only comes around every few centuries. It might take a genetically engineered musician to do it in the year 2350 or something. Even then, will he be able to write songs like Prince? Probably not.
One of the GREATEST live guitar solos ever! I have watched this performance at least100 times and still amazed every time. And the guitar disappearing upwards at the end, crazy. But that who Prince was: a genius. Great post Pilgrim(John Wayne voice)
The thing that really stands out for me is that in this solo, Prince is paying tribute to George Harrison and Eric Clapton's guitar work on the original Beatles song. He plays a lot of things neither of those two iconic guitarists played on the original song, but he expresses the flavor perfectly, and builds his solo off of that earlier material. At the time, I'm sure Prince realized he was one of the most highly-regarded guitarists around, and he had good reason to be proud of himself... and all the same, he was still there to honor George Harrison. Truly a class act.
Of course he realized he was highly regarded. A lot of people don't realize that this is the year that Prince was ALSO inducted into the hall of fame. So sure I think he was gladly paying his respect, but I think he was there to mostly showcase himself (for good reason). They probably just asked him to join in on the Harrison tribute while he was there and the genius is that he still nailed it perfectly.
@@cocoachunky9619 there hasn't been that many people ever that can take on that pressure anywhere anytime and jam play by ear like it's been rehearsed a hundred times. Only a handful ddid this and I still think prince is the best just for his energy alone. Peace
@@slyleggs4344 Not sure if this is supposed to be an argument against me haha I think Prince is awesome so I agree with you. Except the “jam by ear” part (in this case). It’s not like it’s a random song he’s never heard before. It’s literally one of the most famous guitar songs ever. He probably listened to it a hundred times growing up and maybe even practiced jamming along to it. It’s not like he had to figure out what key it’s in on the spot, (which he could do if he had to). But I think his solo here is still improvised, and yet still incredible, which is the genius part
@@cocoachunky9619 exactly what I was saying, in his later years it was rare if he wasn't improvising. He believed in doing things naturally. Even if that was rehearsed it was more rehearsed for the rest of the band and I'm pretty sure whatever prince planned he still did something different. And who else could ya trust on stage to do this and carry it off. Love the guy. No argument here friend. Peace brother
I got to see Prince not long before his tragic end. I remember him coming on stage and the first thing he said was "I have been preparing my entire life for this moment". Man that guy put on one serius show. He just exuded passion on a different level. Incedible!
Awesome Video! The Super Bowl Halftime Show Prince did some years ago Prince came out and showed everyone of these little boy bands and auto tuned hip hop “Singers” what a Rock Star looks like! Rest In Peace Sir!
This is the best guitar solo ever, IMHO. I never get tired to watch this clip. I wonder what Eric Clapton thinks about it. See how happy Dhani and Tom are.
Prince’s solo relies totally on Claptons original melody ,, that is not so hard to do particularly when it’s a perfect melody . Issue here is it’s been overrated & it’s overplayed, not complimentary to the song but grandstanding in so doing its not in the spirit of the performance . He lost the plot ,, but of course fans will rave on about it that’s the way it goes.
@@motherlessblues1565 i would't say your comment is stupid like some other posters would say,but if Prince didn't" lose the plot" that tribute would have been long forgotten
@@motherlessblues1565 " Issue here is it’s been overrated & it’s overplayed, not complimentary to the song but grandstanding in so doing its not in the spirit of the performance" Nonsense. Prince is being totally complimentary to the song because Prince's wailing guitar acts as the character of the guitar that "weeps" of the song. Prince actually even makes sure to never drown out Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne vocals. Prince either stops playing to allow them to sing out or gives them enough space through his guitar playing so that you can still hear them singing. Then when they stop Prince ramps it back up. Prince was 100% jamming with the other greats on that stage.
When you feel that someone has found that door to your soul and opened it up, exposing everything inside you. Subtle and magnificent all at the same time. The flood of emotions that his playing brings out in us cannot be defined with words but can always be understood with emotion. Thanks for breaking this solo down as it is one if my favorites. Jeff
I’ll never forget his performance in the Super Bowl years ago. Especially when we found out later, he was playing in the rain! We lost so many legends in the last 10 years!
Walked out of “rehearsal” when the other guy who played lead at the beginning thought he was going to be “solo” 😂😂 Do you know who he was ? I don’t recognize him ?
@@martinbrotherton5153 Lol. I dint know his name . But they all seemed salty , except the kid. But even the kid low key hated on Prince in an interview after the performance.
Fantastic ! I've watched this solo many times now and it's turned in to a favorite. Thanks for breaking it down and showing how truly great Prince was 👏
I've watched that solo several times over the years. It certainly was very memorable to me and is definitely the clip I would provide to anyone making a top N list of guitarists.
The Super Bowl half time show and this ^ made me a Prince fan. When I was a kid, I remember my family busting on the outfit he was wearing at the half time show, but they all quickly shut up and quietly started watching once he started playing. :D
Well done! I’ve watched this performance in awe for a gazillion times, but you’ve pointed out some things that made me realize just why exactly this performance is so incredible! Prince was truly one of the all time greats on the axe!
I always thought Prince is criminally underrated as a guitarist, his solo on Purple Rain in Syracuse 85 is still one of the best examples of someone "making a guitar sing" i ever heard. Been a huge fan of his my whole life n hes pretty much the reason i started playing guitar in the 1st place, Its nice to see him getting the respect for his guitar skills that he deserves, excellent vid dude, really enjoy ur work, hats off to ya.
The vibrato he could generate for hours takes a lot of strength in those fingers. I also never saw him use a capo ever to change the key. He would always do it manually. Thanks for the video.
He sure was all about feel with him. Look at his mouth. He himself is not in h as s own body. His soul took over on that solo. I've always thought Prince was one of the best musicians of his time. I still remember where I was when I heard him do the solo in his hit. When the doves cry. I know there was a few crying on the day we lost him. I know I did.
It was one of the most spectacular guitar solos I can think of. I think it was very unexpected by the others on stage. The creativity, technique and style all came together, like a volcanic eruption...that spewed lightening bolts.
I've been a Prince fanatic for most of my life and have probably watched this performance and breakdowns of it fifty times. This video is BY FAR the best breakdown I've ever seen of it. Extraordinarily well done, sir.
At the end of his solo, he unstraps that beautiful Telecster and tosses it up over his head. The first time I ever saw this whole video, I nearly jumped out of my chair reacting to that moment. I'm sure the same guy that caught him when he intentionally fell back was there again to catch the guitar. Prince always felt shunned by the very people on that stage, at least so he says in interviews. I think, for him, this moment was a cry out for recognition and acceptance. Little did he realize that he could dwarf most of them with his musicality. Losing Prince and Tom Petty has been devastation go true rock fans. They are missed.
Prince has been overly underrated for years. This is just one example of his virtuosity on the guitar. Thanks for doing the breakdown of this insane masterpiece of musicianship.
I keep hearing this. It's bullshit. He was the most critically acclaimed artist of the 1980s. It's only the crusty old rocker white community who come out with this as he delivers another mind and soul bending guitar solo. Prince was far more than an electric Guitar. He was beyond that shit.
Prince is the most underrated guitarist ever. The George Harrison solo - pinch harmonics + the shotgun move + backwards stage dive + best guitar face ever = F*cking God mode. The best was how the directors purposely de emphasized Prince on the corner of the stage until he steals the show. And Harrison’s smiling face knowing whats coming. Watch crazy guitar toss at end. (Btw he gifted guitar to Oprah)
As a kid I was mainly a classic rock enthusiast. I did like Prince back then but only saw him as a pop star. Then, I saw him play Purple Rain at a music awards show. Holy crap, I couldn’t believe how he played that guitar. Then, I found out he played many of the instruments on his album. He shot up to the status of my classic rock band legends. Prince is the real deal.
He may not have been among the greatest players, but without doubt one he was one of the greatest performers in all of music history. I would be very surprised if we see another player-live-performer at that level in my lifetime.
I’m so happy you acknowledged he was acknowledging the other chords. People thought he was just off but that’s clearly untrue. He was completely aware.
I just watched the amazing interview with Susan Rogers (It's on the channel Sunset Sound Recorders) and apparently Prince was fairly upset nobody talked about his guitar playing early on in his career, articles would mention his ability with multiple instruments but by the sounds of it he was mostly proud of his abilities on guitar and not happy they weren't recognised.
Hey GP, thanks so much for this!! I love this performance so to hear you explain it and show your usual enthusiasm is great. Prince was amazing.. I never met him but have friends that did and they said he was the calmest, kindest person. Keep it up! Love your channel.
I never liked Prince nor his music. This performance changed my mind completely. I am in awe. Fabulous technique, enormous energy, superb stage presence, and a fantastic interpretation of a beautiful song. All, while clearly enjoying himself - which speaks to tremendous self confidence. 10/10. Truly sorry we lost him.
Jaime, I'm right there with you! I never cared much for Prince or his music, but MAN!!!, after seeing this I have jumped on the Prince band wagon. Now I know why his death was so sad for music fans everywhere.
This is one of my favorite videos to watch on repeat. Prince killed it. I've been waiting on a breakdown of this for us mere mortals! Great video, Pilgrim!
I’ve not even watched this yet and I’m giving you a thumbs up. I remember the first time I saw this clip. You cannot help but be blown away by his playing and then you remember he is performing with some of the greatest musicians alive and he’s making them look ordinary. Possibly the best live guitar performance I’ve seen
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The story behind this performance is pretty epic too!!! Jeff Lynne's guitarist kept playing the solo during practice (the dude also plays the solo when claptons on stage for something...you literally have god amidst you). Prince was pretty angry during the rehearsals cause the sound guy wasent getting it right and he said f it, I ll wing it live.
Then we got this. God was holding on to that geetaar for lessons.
@@AtomMotherHeart Spot-On accurate. I remember watching this live and getting goosebumps. I’ve been a practicing guitarist for over 40 years when this performance took place and was slack-jawed at Prince’s performance. Truely a rare moment of inspiration and greatness was witnessed by all as evidenced by the look on every other performers face and all who were there that night.
Hi guys, have a look to the prince video ''the undertaker'' He plays an amazing guitar blues named ''the ride'' (and other things) I think if you never heard this before you have to 😉
@@bbilly3407 Wow, some great playing on that Undertaker song. While I've never been a huge Prince fan I gotta admit the guy was crazy talented. Thanks for turning me on to "The Undertaker".
Hello sir, long time viewer but slow to comment. I've gotten a lot out of your videos, especially on hendrix. Thank you. If you are on the lookout for a blazing solo, may I perhaps suggest searching: 'the main squeeze redbone cover'. Has an absolutely fantastic solo
I'm 45...I've never really listened to Prince. I knew he played guitar...I ran across the video for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" about 6 months ago and, like so many others, I was completely blown away by Prince's solo. In fact, the 1st time I watched the video I remember thinking "where's Prince?" And then the solo starts...and I re-watched the video probably 10 times that day. The way he killed the solo and then walked off stage like he knew what he did was the coolest fucking thing those people had ever seen.
Yeah, that was the day I learned who Prince was.
Reading through the comments on the video I watched, apparently Rolling Stone Magazine had just done a lame, 100% subjective "Top 100 Guitarists of All Time" list just prior to this show and Prince was nowhere to be found on said list. Some people like to think that this was Prince's FU to the magazine.
Literally same
Same here.
When did Prince NOT go all out? One of the finest songwriters and musicians of our time!
Facts
💯
Totally agree. For me he is the Greatest of all Time.
Arranger, producer, multi instrumentalist. A giant
We've lost an incredible guitarist, thanks for reminding everyone about him.
I agree...
Prince was an incredible songwriter and artist. Thanks for taking time to make ppl aware of his talent.
For someone who collects Jimi Hendrix and Dead bootlegs, I don't think there was a guitar player with a better ear that Prince. I heard John Mayer say that years ago but I only really understood it when I started getting into Prince's live bootlegs, he would solo for 10 minutes without losing it, always bringing different techniques, different melodies into the solo, always without losing it. It was like he was constantly hearing the song in his head 8 bars ahead of what he was playing.
The most accessible example of that being Purple Rain live at Syracuse, 8 minutes of amazing guitar work.
So right absolutely..
@@sfilipee I was there!!!! 💜🎸☔️
He's is fucking amazing and no I will never use it in past tense until someone can do the same or better I'll wait
Having been a massive guitar fan for many years and witnessed the likes of Slash, Clapton, SRV, Edge, Bonamassa, Rubin, Ronson and many many more live.but always remember Joe Bonamassa saying live on stage that Prince was always in his top 5 players. Bonamassa has a way of playing that can be Bonamassa, moves into Clapton and then Knopfler, but could never get anywhere near imitating Prince. Seen Prince live only 3 times with the last being 2014 in Manchester England with 3rdeye girl. Wow
I’m 65 and have seen most of the all time greats. Saw Prince in the 80’s it was an all out clinic on funk, rock and blues. One of the most unique musicians ever
At the end of that blazing guitar solo, Prince does a classic Prince move and tosses the guitar in the air and walks away. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen, but I've always wondered where it came down.
His guitar tech caught it and handed it to Oprah. She later gave it back. facebook.com/peopleofpaisleypark/posts/457438364673663
Caught in the Heavens
That one puzzled me for a while - and the fact no one ever seemed to talk about it. Apparently the guy that was holding him up when bending backwards earlier was the person that caught it. So obviously some of it must have been rehearsed.......unless he could predict the seemingly unpredictable.
The stagehand catches the guitar in front of Prince, clearly seen in the directors cut of this concert, it looks like the guitar gets thrown backwards but it is forwards and easily caught.
The musical regret of my life is never having seen this genius perform live.
Me too!
I have said this so many times...
Yes. I do regret too
I was lucky enough to see him 3 times, the naked tour at wembley arena was my favorite.
Same here.. And what is more sad that i became a fan after his death :"(
Finally someone has given Prince some recognition for that performance, I remember telling every guitarist I knew when it first appeared on UA-cam to watch how incredible his playing is given the fact that he is strutting and moving like he is, I still smile from ear to ear watching him do this, what a world where Prince dies and so many less than mediocre artist thrive.
Prince is still with us.....
holy shit this is my first time seeing this. Amazing
It's not a guitar solo. It's theatre. Pure genius. I don't know how many times I've watched this, but I don't get bored. What a performance. In the director's cut, you can see all the other 1st class musicians lined up on the stage looking his way smiling in awe.
@@aleksandarpesic1412 I promise it won't be the last time. Look for the director's cut. Released only a few weeks ago.
Wtf are you talking about you tool? Ppl have been raving about that performance since the very moment it happened. You're were late to the party even 2 years ago, Waldo.
Didn't he play and record all the instruments on his first album? A genius he was.
he played all the instruments on like 90% of his albums
@@markosmi81 Yep indeed a genius.
Yes, all instruments, vocals, hand claps, finga snaps, even whistling occasionally.
Rock in peace
on almost every album
First 5 for sure, after purple rain was when he was more open to letting others do their thing with him
I've been waiting years for someone to pick apart and analyze this solo, it's absolutely sublime. Perfectly weighted, beautiful tension and technique in all the right places and a masterpiece in improvising a solo on a classic song and making it fit perfectly. Prince knew exactly what to take to a piece of music, was mostly always in the zone, and when he was, just like he was here, you got nothing less than musical enlightenment. He was some one who strived to remain in that musical zone as much as possible, and attain the talent that was needed to allow him to BE the music. He was music personified, there's never been a modern day equivalent, he was more then just a guitar player. Thank you for this Pilgrim. I think any guitar player could learn more about rock and blues textures from this single solo than you could from most guitar players whole careers. Thank you so much Pilgrim. Keep up the stellar work
Damn straight. Also Play that funky music. GOAT.Peace.
Chet Atkins.
There are about 3-4 other videos on UA-cam of guitarists analyzing the solo. As I said, those who really know guitar and what goes into it (and how hard it is) respect Prince's solo and what he did...
@@BeatlesCentricUniverse Tbh, the leaning back and the throwing up and walking away was just showmanship.
Curious though…. Exactly what did you not like? What technique was done wrong? What made it “over the top nonsense”?
Do you even KNOW what you are Gatekeeping? Look up who the ORIGINAL guitar soloists were…
The search bar is right there🤣
Prince had an almost god-like sense of confidence whenever he played guitar. Also had a sublime sense of musicality and ability to improvise with ease in his live performances. I heard that he didnt even rehearse this song with the band.
*****Musicology
Prince gave us what we thought the song needed from the start. True passion. Don't invite Prince on a stage with legends to play a legendary song and expect anything less. Well done. I'll have some pancakes, please.
That is exact what I thought, fire works in a lazy song -perfect combination.
@Todd, OMG ABSOLUTELY!!! I've seen comments from people p'd off about Prince showboating and making the performance about him... Eff that! You invite a genius to the stage and you get pure, unadulterated PRINCE! Legendary, indeed!
Prince's guitar solo I go back and back again to watch. Was an amazing song to begin with.
Yes, we lost a great not only guitarist, but he did everything. Very secluded individual. Certainly not out "partying it up". He spent most of his time at home playing instruments.
Prince in one of my all-time favorite guitar players. He throws in so many flavors to his playing that it’s intoxicating.
This solo especially is amazing indeed!
Intoxicating it is my friend
Still an amazing performance more than a decade later. Rest in Peace to Prince
And George
Prince's solos were wreckless abandon under complete control.
Imagine him doing "I'm yours" from his debut album. ....
So missed
Simultaneously tight and precise yet loose and down & dirty. Mind blowing.
He was this good without ever concentrating on just his guitar! He sang, was a multi instrumentalist, dancer, writer, producer and much more....! I'm surprised he had time to be this good on guitar. 🙌
Prince IS music - in every bone... I saw him on the "one night alone" tour many years ago... still be far the best musical experience I have ever attended... first 15 minutes just prince on stage with an acoustic guitar... He masters that as well like nothing I have ever heard...
I was fortunate enough to see Prince in concert 54 times and saw him play many solos better than this one. Don’t get me wrong, this was great but he was capable of so much more. I was also lucky enough to get into several after parties and he played the same for 70 people as he did for 15,000. He was definitely one of the best guitarists and all around musicians that ever lived. Oh, and he always went all out. Great breakdown of this performance.
I've heard Prince didn't even rehearse this! Incredible.
Probably the most dominant all around talent to every live, he could literally do it all.
Dhani's reaction to Prince's solo is precious. What a tribute to his father!
That was fun to watch. He broke the fourth wall and for a second, Dhani was with us in the audience just listening to Prince while looking around to see if any other musician just saw what he did. Astonished at the master showmanship being displayed.
If you see in the original vid he was smiling right before Prince was about to rip
pure amazement and joy - love that reaction from Dhani!
Then shortly after in interview he slagged off Prince for that same performance. Spoilt brat.
@@hardlines2635 really? hat's fucking disappointing :-/
Thank you for the good analysis. You understood what Prince is for a guitarist. It doesn't always matter to 100% precision. He's on stage, didn't even rehearse with the band, plays in front of many musicians in the audience, with great musicians on stage, and it's still being filmed. Then he'll knock out such a solo. You can recreating it, no doubt. But bringing such a thing on stage at such a moment is unique. Only Prince could do this. He was a real genius.
I don't know how many times I've watched this performance but like every other time I watched it, I find myself squealing, smiling cheek-to-cheek, throwing my hands up involuntarily, and cheering my computer screen.
Prince was special.
Reading through the comments, it is clear that Prince had the admiration of all who loved music. In my mind, the man was a Genius, in the true sense of the word. I was lucky enough to have seen him live a few times, I even got to work backstage on two of his gigs, he would play basketball to relax before the gig. One time he was playing basketball with two of the hugest bodyguards you will ever see, standing close by and he stopped, basketball in hand, and looked at me for about 30 seconds without any comment or expression, bounced the ball and carried on about his business, it probably meant nothing to him but here I am sharing my little story many years later :) And by the way, thanks for sharing the passion. Subscribed.
Every time I watch vids of Prince I always feel like I got robbed, because it’s gonna be a loooooooong time before someone of THAT caliber comes around again. Rest In Peace Prince
Talent like his only comes around every few centuries. It might take a genetically engineered musician to do it in the year 2350 or something. Even then, will he be able to write songs like Prince? Probably not.
Amen🥲
Prince was a musical genius, a true prodigy. Love your videos GP 👍🏻
One of the GREATEST live guitar solos ever! I have watched this performance at least100 times and still amazed every time. And the guitar disappearing upwards at the end, crazy. But that who Prince was: a genius. Great post Pilgrim(John Wayne voice)
Same for me, at least once a week, since years..
The thing that really stands out for me is that in this solo, Prince is paying tribute to George Harrison and Eric Clapton's guitar work on the original Beatles song. He plays a lot of things neither of those two iconic guitarists played on the original song, but he expresses the flavor perfectly, and builds his solo off of that earlier material. At the time, I'm sure Prince realized he was one of the most highly-regarded guitarists around, and he had good reason to be proud of himself... and all the same, he was still there to honor George Harrison. Truly a class act.
George didn't play any lead on WMGGW. it was all Clapton.
Of course he realized he was highly regarded. A lot of people don't realize that this is the year that Prince was ALSO inducted into the hall of fame. So sure I think he was gladly paying his respect, but I think he was there to mostly showcase himself (for good reason). They probably just asked him to join in on the Harrison tribute while he was there and the genius is that he still nailed it perfectly.
@@cocoachunky9619 there hasn't been that many people ever that can take on that pressure anywhere anytime and jam play by ear like it's been rehearsed a hundred times. Only a handful ddid this and I still think prince is the best just for his energy alone. Peace
@@slyleggs4344 Not sure if this is supposed to be an argument against me haha I think Prince is awesome so I agree with you. Except the “jam by ear” part (in this case). It’s not like it’s a random song he’s never heard before. It’s literally one of the most famous guitar songs ever. He probably listened to it a hundred times growing up and maybe even practiced jamming along to it. It’s not like he had to figure out what key it’s in on the spot, (which he could do if he had to). But I think his solo here is still improvised, and yet still incredible, which is the genius part
@@cocoachunky9619 exactly what I was saying, in his later years it was rare if he wasn't improvising. He believed in doing things naturally. Even if that was rehearsed it was more rehearsed for the rest of the band and I'm pretty sure whatever prince planned he still did something different. And who else could ya trust on stage to do this and carry it off. Love the guy. No argument here friend. Peace brother
If you have been following Prince since the 80s, you will know that Prince always goes all out!
I got to see Prince not long before his tragic end. I remember him coming on stage and the first thing he said was "I have been preparing my entire life for this moment". Man that guy put on one serius show. He just exuded passion on a different level. Incedible!
Prince was a virtuoso.....at everything!
Awesome Video!
The Super Bowl Halftime Show Prince did some years ago Prince came out and showed everyone of these little boy bands and auto tuned hip hop “Singers” what a Rock Star looks like!
Rest In Peace Sir!
Love Dhani Harrison smiling when Prince leans backwards. 5:38
This is the best guitar solo ever, IMHO. I never get tired to watch this clip. I wonder what Eric Clapton thinks about it. See how happy Dhani and Tom are.
Prince’s solo relies totally on Claptons original melody ,, that is not so hard to do particularly when it’s a perfect melody . Issue here is it’s been overrated & it’s overplayed, not complimentary to the song but grandstanding in so doing its not in the spirit of the performance . He lost the plot ,, but of course fans will rave on about it that’s the way it goes.
@@motherlessblues1565 stupid comment
@@duncanjames7061 Why ? Do you understand what I am saying or is it beyond you ?
@@motherlessblues1565 i would't say your comment is stupid like some other posters would say,but if Prince didn't" lose the plot" that tribute would have been long forgotten
@@motherlessblues1565 " Issue here is it’s been overrated & it’s overplayed, not complimentary to the song but grandstanding in so doing its not in the spirit of the performance"
Nonsense. Prince is being totally complimentary to the song because Prince's wailing guitar acts as the character of the guitar that "weeps" of the song. Prince actually even makes sure to never drown out Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne vocals. Prince either stops playing to allow them to sing out or gives them enough space through his guitar playing so that you can still hear them singing. Then when they stop Prince ramps it back up. Prince was 100% jamming with the other greats on that stage.
The only man who can wear high heels but you forget because you are in awe of his guitar playing ability, absolutely brilliant!
To me he was the most underrated guitarist of the 20th century. Not underrated as a star he was clearly huge, but definitely underrated as a guitarist
It’s hard to attach Prince in any single talent since he can do all of them really well.
Great post! Prince was the coolest cat to ever hold a guitar.
Prince is one of the greatest forces of musical energy we have seen in a while.
This Prince performance is one of my favorites. I come back and listen often for inspiration.
Since then I consider this one of the greatest solo of all time. Thanks for making an analysis of this masterpiece.
When you feel that someone has found that door to your soul and opened it up, exposing everything inside you. Subtle and magnificent all at the same time. The flood of emotions that his playing brings out in us cannot be defined with words but can always be understood with emotion. Thanks for breaking this solo down as it is one if my favorites.
Jeff
Amen
4:05 There was only one Prince...
That line hit hard... great video!
Prince is one of the best guitarists that ever lived 🎸🔥🎵. Pro rated. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷
I’ll never forget his performance in the Super Bowl years ago. Especially when we found out later, he was playing in the rain! We lost so many legends in the last 10 years!
Come chitarrista è sempre stato sottovalutato….come musicista era in grado di suonare tutto, un vero artista!
Prince surprised all the superstars. Definitely a classic live performance
"When Prince was in the zone". Prince breathed the zone!
Prince didnt even rehears his solo with them. He just told them he got it. The GOAT
Walked out of “rehearsal” when the other guy who played lead at the beginning thought he was going to be “solo” 😂😂
Do you know who he was ? I don’t recognize him ?
@@martinbrotherton5153 Lol. I dint know his name . But they all seemed salty , except the kid. But even the kid low key hated on Prince in an interview after the performance.
@@martinbrotherton5153 It's Marc Mann that plays the Clapton solo he plays guitar with Jeff Lynne
@@tonymckinney1355 Everyone was amazed with prince, you can see petty, dhani, and lynne jamming along and smiling with prince at the end.
True
Have been watching this solo in awe for years. He was so good. Thanks for highlighting this performance.
When they asked prince where his band was he said I am the band. . Talented in everything.
Fantastic ! I've watched this solo many times now and it's turned in to a favorite. Thanks for breaking it down and showing how truly great Prince was 👏
Probably the most enjoyable guitar session enjoyed by Prince as he was left to his own devises.
Oh hell ya Prince was a monster guitar player. I’ll never forget the first time I heard “Let’s Go Crazy” that last 40 seconds is mind blowing.
I've watched that solo several times over the years. It certainly was very memorable to me and is definitely the clip I would provide to anyone making a top N list of guitarists.
Hands down one of the best solos ever caught on film. That moment when Tom Petty was like wow.... classic.
The Super Bowl half time show and this ^ made me a Prince fan. When I was a kid, I remember my family busting on the outfit he was wearing at the half time show, but they all quickly shut up and quietly started watching once he started playing. :D
Well done! I’ve watched this performance in awe for a gazillion times, but you’ve pointed out some things that made me realize just why exactly this performance is so incredible! Prince was truly one of the all time greats on the axe!
I always thought Prince is criminally underrated as a guitarist, his solo on Purple Rain in Syracuse 85 is still one of the best examples of someone "making a guitar sing" i ever heard. Been a huge fan of his my whole life n hes pretty much the reason i started playing guitar in the 1st place, Its nice to see him getting the respect for his guitar skills that he deserves, excellent vid dude, really enjoy ur work, hats off to ya.
The vibrato he could generate for hours takes a lot of strength in those fingers. I also never saw him use a capo ever to change the key. He would always do it manually. Thanks for the video.
He sure was all about feel with him. Look at his mouth. He himself is not in h as s own body. His soul took over on that solo. I've always thought Prince was one of the best musicians of his time. I still remember where I was when I heard him do the solo in his hit. When the doves cry. I know there was a few crying on the day we lost him. I know I did.
Try Play that funky music by His Purpleness. Just as good. Peace.
I could never get into Prince's music but I'm always in awe of his musicianship
It was one of the most spectacular guitar solos I can think of. I think it was very unexpected by the others on stage. The creativity, technique and style all came together, like a volcanic eruption...that spewed lightening bolts.
No, when I think of guitar players … I think of Prince. And then … Prince. Because >> PRINCE
I've been a Prince fanatic for most of my life and have probably watched this performance and breakdowns of it fifty times. This video is BY FAR the best breakdown I've ever seen of it. Extraordinarily well done, sir.
“The best moments” of the solo...so the whole damn thing 😎🌵
Yea, there's nothing like showing up, owning it, and raising the roof!! Fabulous!!
At the end of his solo, he unstraps that beautiful Telecster and tosses it up over his head. The first time I ever saw this whole video, I nearly jumped out of my chair reacting to that moment. I'm sure the same guy that caught him when he intentionally fell back was there again to catch the guitar. Prince always felt shunned by the very people on that stage, at least so he says in interviews. I think, for him, this moment was a cry out for recognition and acceptance. Little did he realize that he could dwarf most of them with his musicality. Losing Prince and Tom Petty has been devastation go true rock fans. They are missed.
Prince has been overly underrated for years. This is just one example of his virtuosity on the guitar. Thanks for doing the breakdown of this insane masterpiece of musicianship.
I keep hearing this. It's bullshit. He was the most critically acclaimed artist of the 1980s. It's only the crusty old rocker white community who come out with this as he delivers another mind and soul bending guitar solo. Prince was far more than an electric Guitar. He was beyond that shit.
Guitar Pilgrim: That time when PRINCE went ALL OUT
Me: You mean every concert he has ever played? LOL
Legend has it, Prince just showed up and played. He didn't rehearse with everyone else.
Prince is the most underrated guitarist ever. The George Harrison solo - pinch harmonics + the shotgun move + backwards stage dive + best guitar face ever = F*cking God mode. The best was how the directors purposely de emphasized Prince on the corner of the stage until he steals the show. And Harrison’s smiling face knowing whats coming. Watch crazy guitar toss at end. (Btw he gifted guitar to Oprah)
I thought it ascended? I never saw it come back down?
@@rockinroyle it was caught by a roadie off camera. But ascended to Valhalla might be true too
Rumor has it, Jimi Hendrix caught the Guitar in Rock N RollHeaven and was waiting for prince to arrive and give it back to him.
@@thetruthhurtsu I gotta get tix to that great gig in the sky
@@MrRobertC please get two tickets. One for you and one for me. I already got my purple outfit picked out 🕺
He made that guitar SING man! 😎🎸🎶
And the fact that he didn’t actually rehearsed with them... Just said, « Trust me, i’ll solo somehing »;;. Is really amazing :)
As a kid I was mainly a classic rock enthusiast. I did like Prince back then but only saw him as a pop star. Then, I saw him play Purple Rain at a music awards show. Holy crap, I couldn’t believe how he played that guitar. Then, I found out he played many of the instruments on his album. He shot up to the status of my classic rock band legends. Prince is the real deal.
Thank you - I always thought this performance was other-worldly great and unusual from how others had done it. With George’s son standing behind him !
He may not have been among the greatest players, but without doubt one he was one of the greatest performers in all of music history. I would be very surprised if we see another player-live-performer at that level in my lifetime.
I’m so happy you acknowledged he was acknowledging the other chords. People thought he was just off but that’s clearly untrue. He was completely aware.
I just watched the amazing interview with Susan Rogers (It's on the channel Sunset Sound Recorders) and apparently Prince was fairly upset nobody talked about his guitar playing early on in his career, articles would mention his ability with multiple instruments but by the sounds of it he was mostly proud of his abilities on guitar and not happy they weren't recognised.
He didn't go all out. He was a genius like that.
I've said for years that Prince was very underrated as a guitar player. Good to see you doing the episode.
True, Prince and Frank Zappa have been underrated guitarists.
Prince played like this for decades. Every damn night.
Very cool video! I've watched this video a billion times (and I've watched a ton of reactions), but I love your phrase-by-phrase descriptions. Thanks!
When I think of great guitarists, Prince has almost always been in my top 5.
Prince is amazing talented musician, one of my favourite... appreciate your contribution....
Thank You Ever so much for giving the Props Prince Deserves!!! Thanx for settin the Record Straight!!
Hey GP, thanks so much for this!! I love this performance so to hear you explain it and show your usual enthusiasm is great. Prince was amazing.. I never met him but have friends that did and they said he was the calmest, kindest person. Keep it up! Love your channel.
I never liked Prince nor his music. This performance changed my mind completely. I am in awe. Fabulous technique, enormous energy, superb stage presence, and a fantastic interpretation of a beautiful song. All, while clearly enjoying himself - which speaks to tremendous self confidence. 10/10. Truly sorry we lost him.
Jaime, I'm right there with you! I never cared much for Prince or his music, but MAN!!!, after seeing this I have jumped on the Prince band wagon. Now I know why his death was so sad for music fans everywhere.
Me 2
I watch that song about every month. I enjoyed your tribute, and I never comment on this stuff, but you so made me smile tonight :)
Prince was ALWAYS in the zone
The most punk/hardcore dude I ever met had half a sleeve dedicated to Prince. Enough said.
This is one of my favorite videos to watch on repeat. Prince killed it. I've been waiting on a breakdown of this for us mere mortals! Great video, Pilgrim!
Before that day I didnt knew about Prince more than "its an icon". But after i saw that performance went o and discover that he is s freaking legend
If you watch the full video you see how amazed and in awe Dhani Harrison had for Prince during that solo?? He looked so happy how beautiful he played.
Prince was the REAL DEAL
I don’t play guitar at all and this made me appreciate the performance so much more. Thank you for the breakdown!
I’ve not even watched this yet and I’m giving you a thumbs up. I remember the first time I saw this clip. You cannot help but be blown away by his playing and then you remember he is performing with some of the greatest musicians alive and he’s making them look ordinary. Possibly the best live guitar performance I’ve seen