Purple problems: What was right and what was wrong with Prince Celebration 2024

There are no guarantees that Webb will be part of the cast when the musical premieres April 10 at the State Theatre. But you can guarantee that a smartly conceived and well executed musical will expose Prince's music to new audiences.

As for Morris Day's half-hour performance on Saturday night, he seemed dispirited without the Time backing him. "He seemed flat, low energy," said Celebration rookie Mary Wimmer of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. And Saturday's incarnation of the NPG, which supported Day, was underwhelming in its set.

Prince never would have tolerated such lackluster performances. "You're fined," I can imagine him saying. "And you're going to rehearse for a few more hours tonight. Go back to Paisley. Now."

When it came to the "Purple Rain" panels, fams were excited to hear from Day, recording engineer Susan Rogers and especially Billy Sparks, who played the owner of First Avenue in the film. The five members of the Revolution thankfully shared different stories than they had at previous Celebrations.

Saturday's 12-hour open-to-the-public Block Party next to the Prince mural on 1st Avenue North downtown was a hit despite too much rain. I experienced three live versions of "Purple Rain" on that day, including one at midnight as I exited the State Theatre after the Day and NPG show.

Hearing unreleased material is always a highlight — and priority — for VIP ticket holders. Among the 10 pieces played at Paisley Park were demos of "Let's Go Crazy" and "Purple Rain"; a 1977 jazz jam with Prince and André Cymone; "Friction" by Prince's alter ego, Jamie Starr, from an unreleased 1985 album, and a track from the unreleased 2003 album "Calibama."

"That's a great gift they give us," McNair, who was attending her sixth Celebration, said of the peeks into the vault.

Purple followers were excited to view vault footage of a 2004 soundcheck in Reno, Nevada, on the Musicology Tour and a 1985 Miami concert from the Purple Rain Tour, but some complained that the screenings were cut short.

No shoes

A big complaint was that Celebration-goers, whether VIP ($1,350) or general admission ($750), were given limited time to tour Paisley Park. The stunning display of Prince's footwear — unquestionably the most remarkable and ambitious exhibit Paisley has ever presented — has disappointingly been replaced by an uninspired Purple Rain presentation. Bummer!

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