Performed by Mambo’s Combo – First Avenue nightclub Minneapolis 8-4-23
Story and photographs by Jimmy Steinfeldt
I attended a remarkable show Friday night celebrating the 40th anniversary of the recording of the song Purple Rain. Prince recorded it at First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis on 8-3-83. Back then Prince brought a recording truck from Los Angeles and parked it outside the venue running cables into the club. Legendary record producer/engineer David Z. hunkered down in the truck recording the evening’s concert. Friday night’s show occurred almost 40 years to the day from the date of the recording. The band Dr. Mambo’s Combo (many of whom worked with Prince) played the same set of songs Prince played all those years ago.
The show in 1983, which I photographed, was a benefit concert Prince put together for the Minnesota Dance Theatre. The concert Friday night was in three parts. First, Dr. Mambo’s Combo performed some of Prince’s favorite songs including Outstanding, Can’t Hide Love, Proud Mary, Family Affair, I’ll Take You There. Second, two talented dancers from the Minnesota Dance Theatre performed a program of dance. Third, Dr. Mambo’s Combo performed the 1983 Prince set list: Let’s Go Crazy, When You Were Mine, A Case of U, Computer Blue, Delirious, Electric Intercourse, Automatic, I Would Die 4 U, Baby I’m A Star, Little Red Corvette, Purple Rain, D.M.S.R.
The performers put on a great show while the lighting accented the title of the hit song and movie. The audience, a house full of Prince fans, showed their appreciation throughout.
