It wasn't the kind of purple hue that Vikings fans hoped for during Super Bowl week in downtown Minneapolis, but hometown pride still overtook Nicollet Mall on Monday night as Prince's friends and fans honored the little giant ahead of the big game.
Three acts closely associated with the Minnesota rock legend — none of whom had played together since his 2016 death — showed their singular dedication by performing his songs outside in single-digit temperatures for the Super Bowl Live concert series.
"Prince, we already miss you!" his California protégé Sheila E. said after opening the 2 ½-hour tribute with "Glamorous Life."
Prince's "Purple Rain"-era bandmates the Revolution and his childhood friend Morris Day of the Time also performed on the stage outside the IDS Center at 8th Street and Nicollet Mall, where free concerts by mostly all Minnesota acts are happening each day through Sunday.
More than 5,000 fans stretched down both Nicollet Avenue and 8th Street, bobbing their tassel caps and clapping their thick gloves to the music.
Foot traffic was congested around the stage, but otherwise attendees flowed steadily through the nearby blocks and skyways, which were heavily staffed with a fleet of volunteers and law enforcement officers helping smooth things along.
Managing to fit her "Purple Rain" sweatshirt over several other layers of clothing, Nancy Greene of Rosemount described the show as "one of the most Minnesotan things ever."
"This is almost as exciting as going to one of his concerts," said Greene, who — also in very Minnesotan fashion — had only one complaint about the Nicollet Mall setup: "The beer here didn't need to be so expensive." (Going price for a Budweiser: $9.)
