If you could be at either Merle Haggard’s final performance (February 6, 2016 at Manadalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas), David Bowie’s final performance (June 25, 2004 at the Hurricane Festival in Scheeßel, Germany) or Prince’s final performance (April 14, 2016 Fox Theater in Atlanta), which would you choose? And why?
FYI, none of the shows were “typical” performances by those artists. You weren’t seeing any of them at their prime, doing what they necessarily did best.
Knowing what I know now…David Bowie. I heard that Prince’s final concert wasn’t that great. Sounds like he spent almost the entire time at his piano and walking around on stage a bit. Looking back, it’s clear he already was heading downhill. And, I’ve always been a bigger fan of David Bowie than Prince, mostly because (for reasons I won’t go into here), I sort of wrote off Prince in my younger years and was always a huge Bowie fan.
Not knowing what I know now, Prince. I’ve seen David Bowie (many many years ago), so if I had to choose one, I’d probably go with Prince.
Of course, recent events may very well be skewing my decision. If, before either of them died, you offered me tickets to Bowie or Prince, I would have chosen Bowie without even thinking about it.
I would have loved to see Bowie live. Never had any desire to see Haggard live. Prince even less so. I might have enjoyed seeing Prince’s various hired guns perform if I didn’t have to see him strutting around in front of them.
:eek: For a minute, I thought you meant a concert with the THREE of them! Two legendary glam divas and…Merle Haggard? That would not end well!
I saw Bowie live twice, so I chose Prince. But if that wasn’t a factor, it would be Bowie, no contest.
I guess because he’d still been recording, I hadn’t realized Bowie had gone so long without performing.
I’d skip 'em all in favor of Motorhead’s final performance: Dec 11 2015, Berlin, Germany.
Actually, the show I’d really like to go back in time and see is what’s likely to be Rush’s final live show: August 1st, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA. Had I known they were planning to retire I would’ve made a much greater effort to attend that one. On the other hand, they could always change their minds since none of them are dead yet.
Bowie all the way. I liked a lot of Prince’s earlier stuff…Raspberry Beret is about where he lost me, and he’d probably be playing a lot of newer stuff.
Prince or the Thin White Duke? Are you kidding me?
I’m sure he’d promote newer stuff (just like everyone else), but watching recent concerts, he doesn’t seem to have any problem playing Let’s Go Crazy or Purple Rain.
I said Prince because, not only do I love his music, I’d like to visit Atlanta. Germany is too far away and really not into country music.
Prince. The 2 concerts I wanted to see above all others were Prince and the Eagles. 2016 took the chance to see both away from me.
Tough choice. Well, tough choice between Bowie and Prince. I can respect Haggard’s legacy and all, but not my type of music at all.
I went with Bowie.
I did see Bowie during his last tour when he stopped in Detroit in 2004, never realizing that was the very last tour. I saw him 5 other times prior to that. Knowing what I know now, I’d pick him again.
When Prince was in town last year I tried to get tickets, more than I ever have in years, but they sold out quickly. Since I have no connections to powerful people I missed out. He was the last artist left that I really wanted to see in concert. The rest were dead or the bands broke up.
Sad to have never seen Prince, but I’d have to pick Bowie since he’s always been my #1.
Not even a contest. Bowie was never one of my favorites but I liked him well enough. Prince I never much liked but I realize he was a very talented musician. Bowie all the way.
Bowie. But I’ve never been a Merle Haggard or Prince fan.
Merle easily. I’m a big fan of Prince, and what I know of Bowie I really like. But Merle has a very dear place in my heart.
I knew I’d be in the vast minority (me and Waymore!) but I went with Merle. I like Bowie and Prince just fine; they’re fantastic performers and I know their music (or at least their hits) better than Merle’s. But Merle just seems more … human, and relatable. Both Prince and Bowie are somewhat otherworldly, and while I admire them as artists, the music doesn’t reach me like Merle’s does.
Merle Haggard
Prince by a mile. Why? I’ve bought at least 6 or 7 Prince CDs. I have none of Bowie or Merle.
I wouldn’t of turned down tix for anyone em personally unless it was one of the ramones last tour … … although I still want to see new order and elvis Costello before I die