I love how Prince didn't show up to practice, stood back through half the song then suddenly took over the guitar solo, stole the show, then threw his guitar up and strutted off the stage. It was his middle finger to the rock world for always snubbing him as one of the greatest guitarists in history. They didn't snub his guitar playing after that performance which to this day is considered one of the greatest guitar performances in history!!
Prince did show up to practice and Marc Mann, a studio musician who worked with Jeff Lynne, stepped on the first solo of two set aside for Prince 1:57 because it was his only shot doing anything anyone would ever see on a large stage. Prince evidently was non plussed by somebody attempting to upstage him and said he would just take the outro solo and just waited for his solo live to let everyone know who they were actually playing with 3:29. Search 'The Day Prince’s Guitar Wept the Loudest (Published 2016)' NewYorkTimes
My earlier comment has been scrubbed because I spoke the truth. Prince was awesome in this, but his attitude was so disrespectful when he "guitar dropped" and walked offstage as if saying..."I am better than all of you." He was so insecure that he couldn't be humble enough around other musicians who have clearly honored and respected him. What a loser...sad, sad, man.
@@jerseyjoe82364Actually it was the opposite. In the rehearsal they kinda underestimated and shunned Prince. He left the rehearsal early. You can tell Prince is very quiet and is perceived as mysterious by most. Prince showed them what time it was on that stage. That's why he threw the guitar in the air. He wasn't even using his custom symbol guitar. It wasn't arrogance but excellence.
@@jerseyjoe82364 - Olivia Harrison tried to have Prince removed from the tribute to George. The producer pushed back and made Tom Petty the peace keeper. Of course Prince was a bit uncomfortable which is why he kept looking at Tom for reassurance but he was not disrespectful. When Prince passed away Tom addressed the performance on his radio show and talked about how gracious and humble Prince was through the entire experience. He made the performance epic. Your comment has no merit and makes you seem bigoted.
I hear ya back to the future 😅. Prince was phenomenal. If you've never heard it, listen to the riff at the end of "Why you want to treat me so bad". It's intoxicating.
It’s not just the guitar playing. It’s the outfit, the dancing, the bit where he falls offstage and the big guy catches him… it’s the PRINCE of it all!
Simple they just have to have a high enough IQ to appreciate how art is a reflection of the culture at the moment to be entertained by it but if there character is empathetic and there ability to relate a feel the human condition, well then they also know prince was trying to push pull or drag us into the future but with style and grace just to show off 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Look up interviews of the other dudes talking about when It happened. Said he didn’t show up for the rehearsals or anything Or came late after they were done.
This was Prince’s response to being snubbed by Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 100 guitarists. He certainly proved his point here. And the strutting off stage at the end. Priceless.
Prince didn’t do this in rehearsal. That’s why he kept looking at Petty to see if it was okay to keep going. Petty was happy to oblige and keep singing the chorus while Prince had his moment.
Seriously was the best display of guitar playing I have ever seen. There's a reason why Clapton when asked what it's like being the greatest guitarist of all time responded with "idk ask prince."
*HOW TO PRINCE:* > Turn up late > Dress better than everyone else > Say Nothing > Shred > Be the first to leave > Write an album when you get home and don't release it
@@billtrue3017 Prince is still alive because his work transcended him and he will always be admired, enjoyed and respected in this world. And what about you and your work?
@@ykino6795 The Who playing "A Quick One While He's Away" on The Rolling Stone's Rock and Roll Circus is the greatest live performance of a song I've ever seen. I can't see how that could possibly be topped. Look it up.
The moment Prince's guitar rang out, this performance became part of rock history. This deed is exactly why he is called a genius. Rest in peace, Prince.
Prince was a Legend that was bypassed by the entire music industry! He was Magnificent! Magic Actually! I always said Michael Jackson was an entertainer, Prince was a Musician!!! There’s a Big Difference!!! Prince, your Revolution Continues to this day! You’re a one of a kind my Brother! Rest in Rythm and Rock forever! 🙏🏻
@@natashawitcher9139, I have to agree with you. This really was an awesome performance. One of my favorite comedians talked about this performance on his podcast from a few years ago and I just had to check out the remastered version for myself. Very impressive!
I dunno about that. But Prince was an unparalleled musical genius and I will always worship the ground he walks on in that regard. Utter mastery of the guitar.
Prince looks and sounds like God playing that guitar... And people behind him are not school boys - they are all music Legends!.. That performance is breathtaking and Heavenly!
@@elephantgrass631what, a guy that can play damn near every instrument? And not just play them well…nah…he played them amazingly well! Can make any instrument play like it can sing! 🤯🙌🏾
@@elephantgrass631 He isn't better than a lot of guys who were also left off the Rolling Stone list, but he's way better than some of the people who were included, like Cobain and Johnny Ramone.
How he manages to get the guitar (and strap) up and over his hat without knocking it off will always blow my mind haha! One of those performances that will never get old! MASTERPIECE
The reaction of the other musicians towards Prince during his solo tells you everything you need to know about the absolute genius that he was. He will never not be missed.
So true. When Dhani Harrison, a kid who grew up around rock legends, his own father one of them, when he smiles and nods at you while you go off on a solo- man you know your doing somthing right
If you are or have been a pro musician, seeing how Prince handles his guitar, let alone the gold he frees up for us, its clear as fuck he was just a master musician... any decent pro probably just nods their head..the other guys on stage knew...people who aren't musical will never get the different perspective we have, spending years inside music in a way that unless you are or have been a pro is just a way of hearing that is privileged, but not as a dice roll, from hours of building the craft. Prince. However he got to here who gives a fuckadoodle do...all round master musician and showman...🙏
welp... actually sorry about bursting the bubble, but Dhani was not too happy with Prince taking over and going off on the solo in such way. He said so in an interview. It's around the RU-vids somewhere
Time and history tell the tale. Both Petty and Prince die from drug over doses. Jimi Hendrix is arguably one of the greatest guitarist, never claimed to be the greatest, because he knew. He knew that the greatest doesn't ever have the ability to bestow that crown.
Rolling Stone Magazine certainly forgot. A few days before this concert, they made a Top 100 Guitarists of All Time list, and Prince wasn't on it. Those same Rolling Stones editors were in the audience at this show, which is why Prince laid it out then walked on out.
I don't think they forgot, it's the gatekeepers of Rock n Roll music where the guitar defines rock music, and Prince not being considered a rock musician. But make no mistake he'll murder most rock guitarist. Definately in the top 5 greatest guitarists.
What I like most about Prince’s solo is that while he does get a little technical, he maintains harmony with the other players instead of devolving into mindless shredding.
He does the guitar crying while Petty sings the lyric to it. Together they give us the guitarist, voice and guitar sounds. It's really brilliant stuff.
The smile on Dhani Harrison’s face (George’s only son) while he watches Prince play….his joy is palpable. The strut as Prince leaves speaks volumes…..that was a master class performance for the history books.
Dhani Harrison's face is my favorite part of the video. His natural reactions help put this video in God mode. I'm pretty sure God has this on VHS somewhere.
This is one of thee GREATEST PERFORMANCES OF ALL TIME EVER !!!! Prince knocked it into the the UNIVERSE with his guitar solo ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Prince’s outro solo - transcendent then and transcendent forever. Not possible to watch this too many times. It will always be inspiring and uplifting.
Prince's solo is obviously epic in this, but Tom Petty's volcals fit so damn perfectly in this song, it's surreal. It's like it was made for him to sing. Gives me chills.
The whole damn performance still gives me chills. Alllll that talent on one stage performing a classic song written by an absolutely amazing artist posthumously... And even having his son on stage playing along side these legends.... EPIC is all I can say.
1. Prince does a supernatural level performance. 2. Jeff Lynne is a terrific singer. 3. Tom Petty had a better voice than I knew. 4. Harrison’s son looks so much like his Dad.
Just bought my first Telecaster. I’ve wanted one since I was 14 after seeing this solo… 6 years later I finally got one. I’m putting a purple pick guard on it in honor of my hero
@@swoopi4321 do you know what pickups this guitar have? i have a future project to buy a replica of this guitar and putting the exact same pickups or putting something simillar
Kevzilla, how is Prince a narcissist? Look at Dhani smiling at Prince. His smile just sums up. Pick up your guitar which seems to gently weep right now.
Haha, you can't put the genie back in the bottle. You give prince a solo and it's gonna be the solo he wants to play in that moment no matter what was discussed prior to going on stage and I have absolutely no problem with that.
Throws the guitar, and struts off stage, CLASSIC. The outfit, the guitar, the patience, the showmanship, the TALENT. Man, Prince truly was a legend and SEVERELY underrated as a guitar player. As a performer he was truly unmatched and left it all on stage. RIP PRINCE.
It really is such a pity, that the media placed so much focus on Prince dress style, what he wore on and off the stage.😢 What they should have been focusing on and sending out to all people was that many loved his music and how incredibly great he was on that guitar. Wow! Can Prince play that guitar, which was the first time for me. . That man had tremendous talent and for some reason I didn't even know it. 🕊️ Can that guy play or what🎉. I was mesmerized. Never knew he could play guitar like that? What the hell took everybody so long to get that message out to me!! Well at least I'm going to see it now. What a great send off for George Harrison and I believe the guy in the back might just have been his son 🥰😘😘
@@SiFiClark I think I've been in love with all types of music since I've been about 14 years of age. I even had the opportunity at working one of the arenas where Prince was the performer for that evening. I wanted to see him, as many rumors were going around about how weird he looked, such as. people in my office, comedians making fun of the way Prince dressed and acted. So overall I would say here and there , I would hear derogatory statements made about anartist named Prince. So I had to go see for myself which I did and I thought he was outstanding 💥💯💥. So that's the unfortunate part of the story. I hope I cleared that matter up for you, and now he's gone 🙏 Today everyone says what a great musical genius he was. If only they had told him that more often when he was alive!! I find it to be a very sad, sad prejudice story!! Have a great weekend!💥💯💥
This has to be one of the greatest guitar solos in music history and those in attendance had no idea they would witness a guitar virtuoso. RIP Prince and TP
I don’t think you can reach power levels much higher than Prince casually walking on stage, standing on the side the whole song, and then busting out into one of the best guitar solos in history, returning your guitar back to heaven, and then casually walking back off stage again. He knows he just rocked everyone’s world, and he doesn’t even stay to get applauded. Absolute legend.
@@rezos666 yeah to me that’s just a part of the show I guess, I can’t really judge him because I feel like he’s almost earned it with his pure ability alone
He was dressed like a gangster. He stole the show. Not a dry pair of panties in the house. The other musicians were just grateful to be on the stage with him.
He would never actually put his (fake) Telecaster (Hohner Madcat) in danger. That is the instrument that played every note of every recorded guitar you ever heard from him. It's not a Fender; but it's his baby, just the same.
I watch this performance. everyday!!! PRINCE underrated as a guitar player!!! AWESOME DEADICATION for a great!! RIP Mr. Harrison!! RIP PRINCE!! ROCK ON BROTHER!!
The look on Dhani Harrisons' face as he watches Prince absolutely kill it in his Dad's song is Priceless, he knows how awesome it is and he is right there with him on stage. So good!
@@joelhenry5489 blown away, but not in a great way. He wasn’t a fan of how Prince would mislead them in practices with what kind of solo he was planning.
@Splaticus Maximus And he rode the song too. Its such a brilliant solo because it goes so many different directions but is still tied to the original track. George would have loved it if he saw it for himself.
Prince's music certainly does NOT reflect his ability to play instruments. I have listened to massive amounts of his stuff and it's not that great. Purple Rain and various early tracks are great, but all in all a far better instrumentalist than songwriter imo
@@DaddyGamerOzreally glad it's just "your opinion". Prince was a once in generation talent. The fact that he unwittedly upstaged the men beside him and showed them where rock REALLY came from was a sight to behold. Within Prince comes all that they musically come from. He stole the show for a reason.
George Harrison’s son smiling before and during Prince solo, shows you everything, and the way Prince smiles at Tom Petty, like “let’s do this,” and Tom Petty giving him the silent nod to tear it up. (Tom Petty before the performance told Prince to go for it.) Legends, icons. We won’t see another performer like Prince. Man was a true showman and entertainer, combined with genius level talent.
I would have bet anyone good money that the words "I'll never listen to the Beatles version again" would never come out my mouth. To think I'd be excited saying them in a RU-vid comment is even more crazy. 2024 and Prince is still gaining new fans because of this performance 20 years ago. Rightly so 😎
This solo proves beyond any doubt that Prince was a musical genius... My favorite part was the look of both amazement and joy on Dhani Harrison's face...
He's never really been given full credit for the amazing musician he really is. I listen to this song ALL the time. Idc how many years ago it was, it's a classic, love Tom Petty RIP and a master class from Prince. RiPP (Rest in Purple Peace) 😎🎸💯✌️
Prince...the reason why I love this classic Beatles song now. Amazing performance by all of these exceptional artists. Can't forget the adoring look on Dhani Harrison's face as he watches Prince enter the scene jamming to his Father's masterpiece. What a memorable moment.💖
OMG! I've seen it hundreds of times - and every time I get chills and goosebumps! What a great and amazing performance! Unbelievable! Prince is God with that guitar! All of them are Legends of Music! R.I.P.!
It’s so strange how I’ve watched it 10,000 times from home in Minneapolis, Minnesota and I can’t get enough of it. The voices of Tom & Jeff sound so sweet and innocent together, and Jeff’s guitarist did his thing, but if not prince, this performance would have been just a normal rock n roll performance. All of my favs on one stage..Steve, Jeff, Tom & Prince, Thank you 🙏🏽
To be fair, Rolling Stone is more political BS these days and Prince never sold himself as a gunslinger rock guitarist. It's all about blokes that shred. I mean, Slash, whilst not a technical virtuoso, has written many of the greatest guitar riffs, ever and is constantly shat on because he can't solo like EVH.
Rolling Stone once asked Eric Clapton in an interview: "What's it like being the greatest living guitarist?" His answer: "Go ask Prince!" And now that will be a lone comment as well as a reply
@@KrazySpydrLady actually infact, that is a rumour. I don't know where that statement came from but Eric claimed later on that he never called out Prince as the "Best Guitarist".
He was maybe not a virtuoso in all those instruments that he played, but even the fact that he was a virtuoso on multiple instruments, great singer, great songwriter, and was at least decent at dozens of instruments just goes to how one of a kind he was as a musician.
Prince was such a criminally underrated guitarist. I’ve seen this dozens of times and I still get chills. I also love seeing Dhani Harrison geek out while watching him.
What the fuck are you talking about? He is widely considered one of the greatest ever to pick up the instrument. His ability not only to compose but to play and improvise is fucking legendary.
Ashame he talked a bit of shit afterwards about him and this performance. He said his smiling was because he thought it was awkward and he wasn't enjoying it and he was a buffer between the others. The others who he said were probably thinking the same thing, God this is awful etc. He's full if it. He cleary loved it
Who didn’t know that Prince was this good? I did. And I guarantee you every musician on that stage knew it well in advance of this performance. You see Tom Petty and Prince, looking back and forth and smiling at each other. As soon as Prince starts, Petty does a dip and then a bow in his direction. He knows what’s coming. And both of them are gone now. Where are the new stars of music, taking us to the next level? I see my favorites getting older, and passing away with their generation. Where are the torch carriers?
I love how George Harrison’s son smiled right before Prince’s solo, because he knew that Prince was about to cut up! I adore Prince and George. Both legends in their own right. ❤
It's hard not to agree, especially if you know the background. Even more impressive imo. Prince was a musical genius, end of. Don't have to like a person's sounds or styles to see greatness. 100 x's I've heard this since I found it.
No matter if you liked him or not, you can't deny that Prince was an absolute genius: he killed it on guitar, bass guitar, drums, and piano, he composed every notes of his songs...I call it genius. RIP legend.
I saw him play at Paisley Park in 1998. I lived in Minneapolis and he invited the entire audience of his sold out concert at the Target Center to his "house" after. We stood out in the cold but I am sooo glad we did. No drinking. No drugs. He played every instrument all night long. Absolutely incredible talent.
Absolute genius and amazing musician without a doubt but while he wrote most of his songs, some were written with other composers. Purple Rain for instance was written by Wendy and Lisa just to give you an example.
as someone who has re-watched this over 500 times, I must say the following: i) Jeff Lynn's vocals are exquisite. ii) Tom Petty's vocals are perfect! iii) Steve Winwood's solos are technically immaculate. iv) the harrison kid adds something, not sure what. v) Prince's guitar solo is the most creative and virtuosic performance I have seen outside of classical music in 25 years - absolute genius! Not technically ground-breaking but musically astronomic. The reason I watch this continuously is Prince's performance, it is other-worldly.
Stairway to heaven at the Kennedy Center is right up there. When you can make Jimmy Page and Robert Plant tear 😢 up at their own song you know you done good.
It’s how they hide Prince until the solo that just increases the impact of his incredible talents, and that moment when Dhani Harrison smiles knowing what is about to happen and how we will all be blown away
That's because all the other musicians heard him in rehearsal and said, "Prince, dude. You've got to go last. No one can follow that..." If you know a guy is about to light the piano on fire make sure it's the end of the show.😂
@@davidleslie1127 love that! I can imagine Killer setting the piano on fire with Jimi burning his guitar, but this time because they saw Prince play play
@@davidleslie1127 I'm not sure if the other guys got to hear this in rehearsal. If I remember the story correctly, Prince was supposed to do a solo midway through the song, but during rehearsal another musician up and decided he himself was going to play all the solos himself and Prince just kind of went along with it. There wasn't going to be another chance for a rehearsal with Prince so the director had a talk with him about what was going to happen and Prince basically told him not to worry about it, that he'll come in at the very end and to just let the other guy do whatever. That's why when he starts his solo during the actual show, he bursts out of nowhere and at times it's almost like he's mocking the other guy. But pretty much leading up to that, only Prince knew what he was going to do.
