PRINCE: City Lights [1995] BUTTERBOY

PRINCE: City Lights [1995] LIVE 1980 to 1986 (11 x CDs)

here . . . . .

City Lights is an 11-CD unofficial box set released in 1995 by Superhero Records, documenting Prince’s live performances from 1980 to 1986. Though not sanctioned by Prince or Warner Bros., this collection has become a coveted item among collectors and fans, offering a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the artist’s formative touring years. Sourced primarily from soundboard recordings, the set captures Prince’s evolution from a provocative funk upstart to a commanding global icon, all through the lens of his electrifying stage presence.

Each disc in City Lights represents a specific concert from a pivotal tour, beginning with the Rick James Tour in Atlanta (1980), where Prince was still an opening act, and culminating in the Parade Tour in Stockholm (1986), by which time he had become a fully realized auteur. Along the way, the set includes performances from the Dirty Mind Tour (New York and Paris, 1981), Controversy Tour (Columbia and Saginaw, 1981-82), 1999 Tour (Detroit and Providence, 1982-83), and the Purple Rain Tour (Atlanta, 1985). These recordings are not just concert souvenirs, they are sonic snapshots of Prince’s artistic metamorphosis.

The Dirty Mind shows are particularly raw and riveting, with stripped-down arrangements and sexually charged lyrics that challenged norms and pushed boundaries. Tracks like “Head,” “Sister,” and “When You Were Mine” are delivered with punk-funk urgency, revealing Prince’s early defiance and charisma. By the Controversy era, his performances had grown more politically aware, blending sensuality with social commentary in songs like “Ronnie, Talk to Russia” and “Annie Christian.”

The 1999 Tour discs showcase Prince’s mastery of synthesizers and drum machines, with extended versions of “D.M.S.R.,” “Automatic,” and “Little Red Corvette” that highlight his ability to stretch pop into hypnotic, danceable grooves. These shows also mark the emergence of The Revolution as a cohesive unit, adding depth and texture to the live arrangements.

The centerpiece of the box is arguably the Purple Rain Tour recording from Atlanta. Here, Prince is at the height of his commercial powers, delivering theatrical renditions of “Let’s Go Crazy,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and the title track with a mix of precision and abandon. The crowd interaction, guitar solos, and emotional crescendos make this disc a standout.

Finally, the Parade Tour show in Stockholm reveals Prince’s shift toward more experimental and orchestral sounds. Tracks from Around the World in a Day and Parade are performed with sophistication and flair, showcasing his ability to reinvent himself while maintaining his magnetic stage presence.

City Lights is more than a bootleg, it’s a historical document. It captures Prince’s live evolution in real time, offering insight into his creative process, his relationship with his audience, and his relentless pursuit of artistic growth. For fans, it’s a deep dive into the essence of Prince as a performer. For historians, it’s a vital archive of one of the most transformative figures in modern music. (Butterboy)