Rolling Stone released their top guitarists list just before this performance and Prince wasn't on it. This was his "fuck you".

Check out his live version of Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love. Outstanding - he does know his way around a fret board....

Same. His music never rang my bell, but this dragged down the bell tower. Awesome.

Prince is the best guitarist of all time.

YEP YEP and likewise!

There’s also a picture of Prince rehearsing with the band

There are so many myths, tall tales, & urban legends surrounding this performance -- which is a testament to just how magical, iconic, amazing, legendary, & timeless it is. The one constant throughout the dozens of different versions is that Prince DID NOT rehearse his solo. And there were three stages in getting to the final performnace: FIrst, it was not known whether or not Prince would want to particiapte in the tribute jam, so the producer did in fact finally ask him if he would do so, & he said yes -- Now Prince is known to be a huge Beatles fan, so he most likely had heard the song before & was just being coy (or not). The next stage was when he showed up for the meet & greet/rehearsal (he had rehearsed his own 10-15 minute performance earlier that day) & Marc was playing all the solos while Prince played rhythm & strummed -- There may or may not have been another run-through where the producers had Marc & Prince both take turns on short leads here & there, but at the end of the day, Prince did say, "Let Marc do what he does. & I'll just step in at the end & take the end solo -- Don't worry about it, it will work out."So there was some concern not only about whether Prince would show up for the performance, but also what he would end up doing -- Which is exactly how Prince likes it

So you're telling me one of the greatest guitar players of all time had never heard of the song While My Guitar Gently Weeps?? Yea okay

@@rbh224 he was a huge beatles fan, there is zero way this is true

You got the story mostly right.

I think that moment is more "i'm gonna keep going" and petty says "fuck yeah!"

YES!! It’s like he knew he was killing it, but he wanted to check with everybody else if he should KEEP killing it or not. He didn’t want to step on any toes. And they all recognized the greatness that was happening and just gave him the nod to keep playing. ❤❤

Prince is sneaking in so many things in that solo , emulating and doing it better....

I love all of the comments posted here. I have followed Prince (thankfully) from his start; Prince was the front man in his band. So the reason he kept checking with Tom was because he( Tom) and Jeff were the leads on vocals and guitar, prince followed from the start If you watch the video again, you will see Tom break( at the end) the band. But when he gave the break sign, Prince Head was down and did not see Tom and went into a high pitch.Then Prince came back down and ended on point with a great performance of a great song. R.I.P. PRN.and T.P.

You can almost see him asking permission from Tom for that very last bit

@@alixus10 Indeed...Prince doing stuff with other contemporaries is a rarity...for me it shows his humility and awareness of his ego. Perhaps he felt honoured to be playing with the other legends on stage...regardless of ones talent as others see it, how you see yourself isn't always the same..so to be surrounded by great players...I reckon it meant a lot to him .

I saw him in 2007, was never a big fan before that, I just knew his biggest hits. Seeing what he did live with a guitar absolutely blew me away so much I did whatever I could to get a ticket for a (sold out) later show and ended up near the front...extraordinary to witness him cover Hendrix etc. I turned to the girl next to me (I could only get one ticket so went alone, but chatting to her beforehand knew it was her own first time to see him) in astonishment and asked what she thought...she said she was disappointed, he was shorter than she'd expected LOL. I'll never forget that!

Or maybe those that missed his Super Bowl show.

Prince plays every instrument besides composed and write pure genius !

I know and it is so strange. When we used to say we liked Prince, it was like we used to have to explain why or at least felt we had to explain why. And now, it is like everyone sort of thinks they know why, but I get this feeling they only really understand half of it. Loving a guy because of the little things he did often and loving his love for music. Loving a guy who always wants to bend and squeeze music into a place where it has never been yet but will one day seem the norm, falling for a track that stands out to you personally but no one else you know will probably ever get to hear unless you play it to them, playing them an album and realising they love a track on there that you do not quite get the same buzz from. Not to mention watching concerts that go on so long that you actually start to get tiered out yourself and just want your bed, and you know you will never be able to remember half of it because there was just so much of it. And apparently, all he needed to do was a guitar solo and a bunch of people would think they got it, and to be fair they do... because Prince hit different people in different ways, which I think was kinda what he was always trying to do.

Did you ever see the video of James Brown birthday party where Michael Jackson was trying to convince James to bring a then unknown Prince onstage to play guitar? I love James Brown but the old jackass wouldn't even let Prince plug in the guitar. You could see from his face that he was a little weirded out. Prince took it in stride.

yes just look at the incredible joy on his face watching Prince play .

@@grahamanderson4466 dhani actually thought it was gratuitous...... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sLd8g8dext3DnYE.html

As they were honored to have him there as well … his appearance is chillingly like George and channeling George’s soul as it listened to this. His joy is spiritual 😇

@@daveelson213 People love conflict and controversy don't they? That's why you might choose to emphasize one word out of an interview that wasn't by a long shot a summation of his feelings; quite the opposite. A more honest, accurate description would include noting how much he enjoyed it, said it "went down so well" and recognized and appreciated being in the middle of a historic performance. In other words, the title of your link was clickbait, and you took the bait and managed to amplify one word to give the opposite impression of his overall response to the moment, which was that he fully enjoyed the privilege of being part of an epic performance.

@@Gregorypeckory no. He said it end of.

thanks for sharing!

well to be fair, when you are a genius you dont really need to rehearse...

And, I think Marc Mann makes a good job with the first solo also. For some reason I like it more since it's more classical.

@@SiFiClarki cant believe this is improvised he must have prepared for it on its own right

@@igor4305 Maybe.. for me he backed his ability to make it happen. Jazz Musicians learn a bunch of scales over time, then throw it away and improvise..you don't sit at home pre gig memorizing..in the moment man..back your talent

It was very good. I think the lead in "sultans of swing" is one of the best of all time, I also love the mike Campbell's lead on "runnin' down a dream"

You are right, I am 60 today and a hard listener of every kind of music, mostly the classic and variances of rock from 60’s up today, Prince songs never really were between my tops but that interpretation, and the style, was impressive, he was always a show man, but that night was his golden closure since he died shorty after. I have seen as I said many lead guitars as Page, Blackmore, Santana, Hendrix and too many more but never had in my mind that Prince should be so magistral playing the lead guitar. Good for hm, that video has been watched too many times more than any other of Prince

You may be right...

@@cubarch Prince died a decade or so after this performance if that's what you meant? He did plenty of amazing stuff after this, I only saw him play twice and he beat this solo a number of times!

Ever listen to The Wall, Jimi, Santana, Stevie Ray?

My dad used to always say "you gotta suffer if you want to sing the blues", I'm sure he stole the line from somewhere. Based on the solos, I'm guessing Prince suffered more.

The uncontrolled sobbing of a bad Hollywood actor trying to win an Oscar nomination.

@@carlmarks8170 and yet they made him continue because they knew it would be epic

@@JahleeyahKalonji EXACTLY. If you look at him looking at the other people on stage, they were egging him on. They wanted MORE. George Harrison's son smiled when he came on cause he KNEW what was about to happen. Tom Petty (who has probably jammed with Prince before) was pushing him to continue.

​@@JahleeyahKalonji Have another listen, but don't watch!!! Just listen to the music without any distraction. Do it.. Prince's solo is perfectly fine, but there's nothing "magical" about it. It's his visual flamboyance which kills... It's the cool vibe & gravitas he brings to the performance... because check it out: it's not just any old guitarist... IT'S PRINCE!!! the famed reclusive superstar... But if you strip away the hype and focus on the music, it's good without being amazing. Laughable when people mention this as one of the great guitar solos. That's also leaving aside the fact this is a cover version. George Harrison and Eric Clapton came up with all the original guitar parts - the chord progressions and note phrasing which Prince is incorporating for this solo.

Prince is looking off to the side a lot because he's more or less asking the producer with a look if he should keep going. The producer kept nodding at him.

The reaction conversation kinda dismissed one of the most important people on the stage

Bravo, you absolutely nailed the scenario with your brilliant observation sir!!!!

Great musicians LISTEN first, and then want to add what the song is asking for, without stepping on other components/musicians. Prince was a music and songwriting genius. Huge ego? Yes, but would never compromise the music.

I love his little smirk he gives petty like yeah, I’m a bad ass!!😂.. just a handful of legends in there element

Amen!✊🏽

Spot on, man!

Most underrated comment...;)

Same here. He was under-rated as a guitar player and also a piano/keyboard player. I was fortunate to watch his rise from the very beginning. The last song on his debut album (I'm Your's) showed his skill on the guitar then and he just got bigger from there.

I think lots of guitarists respected Princes chops but he didn't really flaunt it as a main part of his music. Princes amazing ability to shred a guitar was a bit of a secret much like his skill on the basketball court. Not putting them in the same category musically but Flava Flav is an incredibly talented multi instrumentalist but he's more known for wearing a clock around his neck and having bits of spit in the corners of his mouth.

Throw in the Beatles and anything gets magnified 10,000 times. It was a big deal that Clapton got to play with the Beatles back in 1968 too.

It made an impact because people actually got to see the performance rather than it being blocked. Good to see Prince’s estate seem to have relaxed the strict controls enabling those who might be new to his music to see that he was truly one of a kind...

Yes indeed. Lynne has one of those lovely melodic voices that is for me impossible to dislike..geezer

Ну принс того стоит!!!!

No he didnt.... that song has been around for at least 40 years... in that time guitar playing evolved tech evolved ... what would have harrison sounded like on that solo if he did it present day... im not taking anything away from prince ...i really think he was one of the best guitarist ever.. but im not going to give him props on a song that he probably covered a million times

@@leonidabalante2638clearly you eyes are bad…..the performance, stage presence and playing stole the show….everyone can clearly see this except you….and back then it was all people were talking about….

Jeff’s voice in this song is legitimately my favorite part of this cover

Oh... and you’re awesome. Love the knowledge and breakdowns - awesome

No he's not, he's just not as well known as many others. Very highly esteemed by everybody that knows him.

@@rimmersbryggeri Sadly I never knew him personally but I am sure all those that knew him, like yourself, really did appreciate him yes. To millions he was "merely" an 80s/90s pop icon - not known for its virtuosic guitar

I never had the feeling that he’s underappreciated as a guitarist.

But also a showman. Perhaps he'd have been greater without the antics? The new "directors cut" of the video however, does reveal in the new close-ups a more nuanced side of Prince, which has softened my attitude slightly.

Aww man ... no, I've just got something in my eye ...

Awww my heart breaks.

Are you trying to make me cry even more!?

That one cut me deep.

Did you notice the guitar didn’t come back down - so it must be true!

+1 Purple Rain in the pouring ass rain was epic kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oqucdt2Zz8-0iGw.html

What are you talking about.. That was Prince's concert with Superbowl as additional show...lol

@@abrahambramantino1591 Truth.. and with Colts Vs Bears playing he was the most talented all night by a very wide margin

Also plugged and unplugged his guitars himself in that downpour. That's dangerous af btw and he was by definition getting shocked while playing and soaking wet. I mean water splashed off the drums!!!

And didn't mess up his hair

Amen!

Have you seen him perform it solo from the Musicology tour? Amazing

@@inspectorbudget Thanks for that I'll check that out! One of my favourites!!

Sometimes it snowsnin Apri

🤘

Dig in to Prince after show performances. Looser than the concerts and tons of jamming. Just absolute shredding backed by top notch players!

That was not a good year in my life, mainly for those reasons.

@@BytebroUK The morning I started a new job, I woke up to a text message from a friend telling me Bowie died. I listened to his stuff my first day at a new place, doing my best not to cry while I did. Same job, 3 months later, Prince died. Fuck that job. Glad I left there in July of that year.

Although not the same year, would anyone else agree that Freddie Mercury was one of those who also was one-of-a-kind?

... and Eddie Van Halen.

same 😭

totally agree ... even in the stuff i didnt like he was never abrasive ... just not the chords i would have used ...it was like with flea ... i wrote a bass line 10 maybe 15 years earlier than aeroplane ...he came out with it note for note ... what do they call it ... convergant evolution ? prince never put his foot in the dog mess of nasty commercial to my knowledge ( what do i know lol )

Yea probs not improvised

Harrison’s son was happy - so that is the clincher. Tugged at my heart strings.

I love all four of his songs on the white album, the three on revolver and both on Abbey Road.

​@@beatmet2355agree with most of that but he definitely had WAY better songs than piggies and savoy truffle on his solo albums, especially the first triple album that had lots of songs made for the beatles that were rejected!

@@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek ATMP is my favorite album by any of the Beatles and the songs are great, but so are Savoy Truffle and Piggies.

George was the best musician in the Beatles.

What tuning was he in when they did this song

Jealous here!

Only once for me…but a memory I will hold dear forever. 💕 him. He was 🔥

I used to clean at paisley Park so I've seen him a few times and I lived right down the road from him in Minnesota! Was totally awesome

Pour moi 5 fois et deux fois très très près

He's not underrated. Black people know better.

Oh my, George such a lovely person.

I don't about a dozen but to me I heard shout outs to Clapton, Hendrix, Santana, Di Meola, Atkins......

Same here I cry every time

Weeping right now.

What an artist like Prince playing with mega stars like Lynne and Petty it’s amazing but then killing the stage with his performance it’s incredible. The harmony and sentimental value he put on this song with his solo is amazing!!!😢😢❤❤

I put this on every now and again as a big Beatles and Prince fan, and I find that it always makes me weep as well.

Same

I was thinking the exact same thing. You don't often see the stank face in that setting.

Exactly!

I didnt like the fact that Prince played an ego solo to get he attention in a concert about George Harisson life and work. So it us not a giod solo. It. Would be a good solo. In an occasion where it would be ok to present himswlf instead of George Harrison.

@@innosanto I understand. Prince was definitely an ego prince!

@@innosanto Jesus wept...Why do you think they invited him to play ? To politely strum a few chords ? It wasn´t a funeral, but a celebration....and Dhani Harrison loved it. See his smile @10:00 if you don´t believe me...

Prince is the GOAT 🐐 of our time! Period

The better solo has been around for ages kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eNB6grWpnd7SnnU.html

@@fletmok3548 it’s good but it’s not Prince good

Oh please. There are MANY guitar solos by MANY guitarists in the LAST 50 YEARS that are awesome. You haven't been listening.

Only Jimi. Voodoo Chile live with Steve winwood. Might be on the Are U Experienced album.

Absolutely. Some guys like Prince, Hendrix, John Lennon, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry and others like Muddy Waters, Fat Dominos, etc., the list goes on, as you said, they come around once in a very long long time. Heavy loss you are right. I forgot to mention Elvis Presley. Who can forget the king, even though he always said he wasn't the king. He said Fat Dominos was. Great guy.

Prince to me is right handed Hendrix. They look like they're in a trance, they look like they are putting in zero actual effort and are just playing around with the guitar neck, they both rip emotion straight from the strings and into your ears. Both skinny dudes with incredibly fly taste in clothes and hats with fingers that are long, slender and perfect for playing guitar. When you can just smack the guitar around and have sound as perfect as they did, you're a special talent.

@@s.willis8426 .. and they reckon 'talent' and like this skill can be learnt .... ie. Nature or Nurture ... i think it is within the soul of some artists and no matter how good a technician/musician can be they may never capture the 'feel' of the music coming from within the person displaying it as Prince did at this gig .... my tuppence anyway ... brilliant .... i just wonder who caught the tele, or did it just go all the way up to the great gig in the sky...

@@BraveheartOBM It's a 2 part issue, you can take a trained musician and have him "learn" Prince's solo here and that trained musician can make a note for note replica of what Prince played. That said they will never "play like Prince" on their own, they can only replicate the notes and feel that his mind produced, they can't produce them as original thoughts and feelings like he did. An even better example might be David Gilmour (since the great gig in the sky came up even though he had nothing to do with that song other than being in the band). I can play pretty much every Floyd solo Gimour did because they aren't that complicated to replicate yet in no way do I compare to David Gilmour as a musician. Anyone can learn and recite a poem, it takes a special talent to write it originally.

And lost them both from the same cause.

He actually did do a few cover songs, but it was incredibly rare. (He covered Sheryl Crow's "Every Day Is A Winding Road" and Joan Osborne's "One Of Us", for example) I get the feeling that Prince covering someone else's song meant he must have had *mad* respect for the original artist.

@@fnjesusfreak same. If he covered it, it was in homage.

He covered "Best of you" by Foo Fighters at the super bowl halftime show in 2007. Dave Grohl has said being covered by Prince was his "proudest musical achievement".

Prince > MJ.

I’d say Merle Haggard was just as good. He also could play every instrument and wrote at least as many great tunes.

In the pouring rain... it was brilliant!

YEP ^^^. NO. Debate.

“Can you make it rain harder?” - Prince, preshow

Absolutely 💯!!!

Purple Rain

I've watched it countless times and still do every year. And just as you said the look on Dhani's face gets me every time. He is just super honoured and loving it. You can't fake that... Very 😎

I thought the same and someone pointed that Dani said that Prince throwing that guitar was gratuitous😳. I couldn’t believe it but I watched the interview and he really said that, so sad.

@@bohemiatotal Hmmmm...I've not seen any interview. I wonder the context, spirit of the comment or even if he understood the meaning? 😳 Perhaps he did and at the time really felt that. I do get his performance was phenomenal & perhaps the guitar antics at the end seen as unnecessary and trying to take the spotlight away from the commemorative event. Prince was definitely just in the moment & seemed to be putting all be had into the performance for George. Cheers. 👍

Not a showboat, great great ARTIST. I KNOW THE FEELING.

I think there is a back story to Dhani and Prince wanting to make him smile, and let's not forget...where did that guitar go at the end??

Nope, according to Tom Petty, he didn't.

@@inlikearefugee5194 incorrect. Prince didn’t even know this song. He rehearsed it with them and was getting upset cause the other solo guy (forget the name) was doing the solos instead and note for note. Prince left without showing his solo and told the producer not to worry

@@Jayden-sh2jt Nonsense, that's your own imagination.

@@inlikearefugee5194 stated from the director or producer

You are correct! www.nytimes.com/2016/04/28/arts/music/prince-guitar-rock-hall-of-fame.html

Yeah, I caught that!! So he just kept jammin ❤❤

thanks for pointing that out x

... and I ball my eyes out, something about the whole damn thing...

SAME

That’s exactly how I would put it ,I don’t have any Prince material but an incredible musician...👍

@@mudskipper0075 Agreed.

Damn straight.

Yes i think so bro..correct🤙

Anecdotally speaking, Eric Clapton has said this about pretty much every person who has ever picked up a guitar, fwiw.

The best guitarist? maybe.. but he was a really good one, and its merely one of a whole lot of instruments he was really good with.