The Revolution Honors Prince's Legacy During Heartfelt New York City Show

NEW YORK — Amidst the smoke, disco ball shimmer and bittersweet commotion that filled the murky hallways of B.B. King Blues Club, Friday night (April 28) saw The Revolution further cement the legacy of the very man behind the group's inception: the late, great Prince.

Anyone who followed the Purple Wonder during his genre-bending career knew of the five bandmates that stood beside the titan as he lit the industry on fire during the era of Purple Rain. Despite adjustments to the famed lineup, the essence of The Revolution has more or less remained intact throughout the years, so when his untimely passing made waves in April 2016, it set an almost necessary call to action for guitarist Wendy Melvoin, bassist Brown Mark, drummer Bobby Z and keyboardists Lisa Coleman and Matt "Doctor" Fink.

Seven days since the tour kickoff, which was appropriately scheduled on the one-year anniversary of his death, the five-piece took to the heart of Times Square for a 90-minute reunion show that delivered on all notes for longtime Prince devotees, with enough sentimental strides to create a set of respect, honor, and pride. This wasn't just a tribute show performed by the old crew. This was a concert with just as much willing participation from attendees to match the musicians, as noted by Wendy at the top of the set. "This evening is only about you and you taking all of these songs back," she emphasized to the sold-out crowd. "We're playing them. You're going to wonder, 'What are they going to do? Who's going to do this? Who's going to sing that? Who's going to be that? Who's going to do this?' You guys are. We're the band. Okay? Enjoy the evening."

Sweeping through his wide discography, The Revolution made sure to hit (most of) the sweet spots after they kicked off their set with "Computer Blue," which transitioned into fan favorites like "Raspberry Beret," "Let's Work," and "1999." Mid-show, they invitedMint Condition's singer Stokely Williams to help lead vocals, but it only further proved the rare soul that Prince exuded over his material. Still, this night wasn't about efforts to replicate. It was about acknowledging a legacy that has forever changed the lives of so many.

Towards the second half of the show, The Revolution found a fitting way to incorporate "Sometimes It Snows in April," the cut off the soundtrack to Prince's 1986 film, Under the Cherry Moon, with Wendy revealing that she and Lisa co-wrote the song with Prince on the same day of his death on April 21st many years ago. "We thought about how we were going to do a tour. What was our intention? What's going on here? It was because of coincidences like that that we were compelled to bring this stuff to you guys," she explained to the audience, heightening the emotion in the room. "He sits in all of us now. He's by which we measure our own greatness and potential."

Despite some weeping and brief pauses, Wendy and Lisa were able to maintain the energy and brought the party back to pace when they reassembled with their bandmates for additional hits like "Let's Go Crazy," "Delirious," "Kiss," "When Doves Cry," and, of course, "Purple Rain." 

As sing-a-long chants grew stronger and the tears in the venue dried up, the feeling of loss lingered once more when The Revolution left the stage, only to return for an all-too-appropriate encore medley of "I Would Die 4 U" and "Baby I'm a Star." 372 days had come and gone since Prince passed away, but what we were left with was a rich catalogue of songs that touched on the many dynamics of his artistry. In part, that left us with our very own responsibility to carry on his legacy and everyone in that B.B. Kings venue seemingly did just that.

Photo: Getty Images