7 Unbelievable Prince Performances That Prove He Was the Ultimate Showman

It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since we lost the incomparable Prince. His absence leaves a void in the music world, but his legendary performances, both in the studio and on stage, continue to remind us of the depth of his genius. From breathtaking guitar solos to groundbreaking musical experimentation, here are seven unforgettable moments that showcase why Prince was the ultimate showman.

1. When He Made His Guitar Cry

One of the most iconic moments in rock history occurred at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Prince took the stage alongside rock legends like Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, and Jeff Lynne. While these musicians were solid in their own right, Prince stole the show. Halfway through a cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” he unleashed a blistering guitar solo on his Hohner Telecaster that still gives chills. With every note, he proved that not only was he a guitarist of unmatched skill, but he was the master of making his guitar speak with emotion and power.

2. Controversy (1981)

Prince’s “Controversy” was ahead of its time, blending funk, rock, and electronic music in a way that still feels fresh today. Released in 1981, the track broke boundaries with its sleek synth bass and funky groove, all while Prince played with notions of identity—racial, sexual, and spiritual. His lyrical exploration, particularly the line, “Am I black or white, am I straight or gay,” not only challenged societal norms but also set the stage for the unfiltered, boundary-pushing artist he would become. And then, of course, Prince threw in a cheeky recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. Only he could pull it off.

3. When He Went Toe to Toe with Beyoncé

Performing with Beyoncé is no easy feat. She’s a powerhouse in her own right, and anyone who shares the stage with her must be ready to shine. At the 2004 Grammy Awards, Prince did just that. In a medley of his hits, Prince let Beyoncé take center stage, even tossing in a playful horn riff from her hit “Crazy In Love.” But despite sharing the spotlight, Prince made it crystal clear who was still the star of the show. Their seamless collaboration proved that he could hold his own with the best of them while elevating the moment with his signature style.

4. When Doves Cry (1984)

In 1984, Prince created one of the most experimental and daring pop hits with “When Doves Cry.” The track made history by topping the charts for five weeks, despite lacking a bassline—a move that was unheard of at the time. The song’s complex layering, the thumping Linn LM-1 drum pattern, ethereal synth motifs, and iconic guitar riffs were all Prince’s doing. It’s a testament to his fearlessness in the studio and his ability to create timeless music that defied convention.

5. When He Blew Up the Super Bowl

Performing at the Super Bowl halftime show is an intimidating prospect. The pressure of millions of eyes watching, the vast expectations, and the requirement to deliver something spectacular—few artists are up to the challenge. Prince, however, was more than up to the task. At the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami, he delivered a performance that is now the stuff of legends. As the rain poured down, Prince played “Purple Rain,” seemingly controlling the weather itself. With an electrifying cover of Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” and an impassioned set, he proved that no one could dominate a stage like he did.

6. The B-Sides

Prince wasn’t just known for his hits; his B-sides were often just as remarkable. Songs like “Erotic City” and “She’s Always in My Hair” could have easily been chart-topping singles, but Prince stored them away, giving them life as B-sides and even allowing other artists to cover them. His ability to create a library of such high-quality material that could stand as an album on its own speaks volumes about his unparalleled creativity. In 2014, he performed “She’s Always in My Hair” on The Arsenio Hall Show with his band 3RDEYEGIRL, reminding everyone that his B-sides were not just throwaways—they were masterpieces.

7. Whenever He Got on Stage

Finally, one of the most undeniable facts about Prince was that every time he hit the stage, it was an event. Whether he was performing in front of thousands at a stadium or in a small club, he always brought his A-game. In 2014, Prince stunned audiences once again with a dynamic performance of “The Family’s” “Nothing Compares 2 U,” this time incorporating a horn section for an added flair. From his spontaneous improvisation to his unmatched presence, Prince was always an unforgettable live performer.

Prince’s career was full of jaw-dropping moments that will never be duplicated. His innovative spirit, boundary-pushing music, and commanding performances prove that he was, and always will be, the ultimate showman. Even in his absence, his legacy continues to inspire and awe fans around the world. See you in the Purple Rain.

It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since we lost the incomparable Prince. His absence leaves a void in the music world, but his legendary performances, both in the studio and on stage, continue to remind us of the depth of his genius. From breathtaking guitar solos to groundbreaking musical experimentation, here are seven unforgettable moments that showcase why Prince was the ultimate showman.

1. When He Made His Guitar Cry

One of the most iconic moments in rock history occurred at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Prince took the stage alongside rock legends like Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, and Jeff Lynne. While these musicians were solid in their own right, Prince stole the show. Halfway through a cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” he unleashed a blistering guitar solo on his Hohner Telecaster that still gives chills. With every note, he proved that not only was he a guitarist of unmatched skill, but he was the master of making his guitar speak with emotion and power.

2. Controversy (1981)

Prince’s “Controversy” was ahead of its time, blending funk, rock, and electronic music in a way that still feels fresh today. Released in 1981, the track broke boundaries with its sleek synth bass and funky groove, all while Prince played with notions of identity—racial, sexual, and spiritual. His lyrical exploration, particularly the line, “Am I black or white, am I straight or gay,” not only challenged societal norms but also set the stage for the unfiltered, boundary-pushing artist he would become. And then, of course, Prince threw in a cheeky recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. Only he could pull it off.

3. When He Went Toe to Toe with Beyoncé

Performing with Beyoncé is no easy feat. She’s a powerhouse in her own right, and anyone who shares the stage with her must be ready to shine. At the 2004 Grammy Awards, Prince did just that. In a medley of his hits, Prince let Beyoncé take center stage, even tossing in a playful horn riff from her hit “Crazy In Love.” But despite sharing the spotlight, Prince made it crystal clear who was still the star of the show. Their seamless collaboration proved that he could hold his own with the best of them while elevating the moment with his signature style.

4. When Doves Cry (1984)

In 1984, Prince created one of the most experimental and daring pop hits with “When Doves Cry.” The track made history by topping the charts for five weeks, despite lacking a bassline—a move that was unheard of at the time. The song’s complex layering, the thumping Linn LM-1 drum pattern, ethereal synth motifs, and iconic guitar riffs were all Prince’s doing. It’s a testament to his fearlessness in the studio and his ability to create timeless music that defied convention.

5. When He Blew Up the Super Bowl

Performing at the Super Bowl halftime show is an intimidating prospect. The pressure of millions of eyes watching, the vast expectations, and the requirement to deliver something spectacular—few artists are up to the challenge. Prince, however, was more than up to the task. At the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami, he delivered a performance that is now the stuff of legends. As the rain poured down, Prince played “Purple Rain,” seemingly controlling the weather itself. With an electrifying cover of Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” and an impassioned set, he proved that no one could dominate a stage like he did.

6. The B-Sides

Prince wasn’t just known for his hits; his B-sides were often just as remarkable. Songs like “Erotic City” and “She’s Always in My Hair” could have easily been chart-topping singles, but Prince stored them away, giving them life as B-sides and even allowing other artists to cover them. His ability to create a library of such high-quality material that could stand as an album on its own speaks volumes about his unparalleled creativity. In 2014, he performed “She’s Always in My Hair” on The Arsenio Hall Show with his band 3RDEYEGIRL, reminding everyone that his B-sides were not just throwaways—they were masterpieces.

7. Whenever He Got on Stage

Finally, one of the most undeniable facts about Prince was that every time he hit the stage, it was an event. Whether he was performing in front of thousands at a stadium or in a small club, he always brought his A-game. In 2014, Prince stunned audiences once again with a dynamic performance of “The Family’s” “Nothing Compares 2 U,” this time incorporating a horn section for an added flair. From his spontaneous improvisation to his unmatched presence, Prince was always an unforgettable live performer.

Prince’s career was full of jaw-dropping moments that will never be duplicated. His innovative spirit, boundary-pushing music, and commanding performances prove that he was, and always will be, the ultimate showman. Even in his absence, his legacy continues to inspire and awe fans around the world. See you in the Purple Rain.