Mint Condition pays tribute to Prince at NJPAC concert (with video)

by JAY LUSTIG
Mint Condition pays tribute to Prince, on the night of his death, at NJPAC in Newark.

Mint Condition pays tribute to Prince, on the night of his death, at NJPAC in Newark.

Minnesota R&B band Mint Condition paid tribute to the late superstar at the New Jersey Performing Arts in Newark tonight, where they happened to have a concert scheduled.

Before performing Prince’s “She’s Always in My Hair,” frontman Stokley Williams said, “So many memories, growing up. We’re absolutely standing on this man’s shoulders. He set the bar so high. It’s an impossible bar.”

Guitarist Homer O’Dell also spoke about Prince, talking about hearing him jamming in bassist André Cymone’s Minneapolis basement, back when Prince was just starting out.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is incredible,’ ” he said. “So, he’s been my inspiration. These guys will tell you, I listen to him 24/7.”

O’Dell also said, “We’re going to dedicate this whole show to him, and the rest of the shows, for the rest of this year. If it wasn’t for him playing that guitar, and André playing that bass, I don’t think I would be up here tonight, with these guys.”

The band also posted this message on their Facebook page:

We are devastated by the loss of our friend and mentor, Prince. He is one of the main reasons Mint Condition exists, and we can’t believe he’s gone. He was very good to us over the years, and we had the pleasure of touring with him throughout the US and Europe.

He will be missed and there will never be another one like him! Our sincerest condolences go out to all his family, friends and fans. We ask for everyone’s prayers and hope that his eternal soul will rest in Peace forever.

Check out the video from tonight’s show here:

From sweet Minneapolis with love! Celebrating the life of Prince with a group who was personally and professionally affected, inspired and transformed by him! Give it up for Mint Condition !!!!!!!!!!! Posted by New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Thursday, April 21, 2016

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1 comment

Tracey Cee April 22, 2016 - 5:21 pm

I love Mint Condition and I knew if they were scheduled to be on stage the same day Prince passed, there would be no way they were leaving that stage without a tribute to such a major inspiration of theirs. I love you, MC. Keep putting out that good shit in memory of Prince. And Prince, fly high, Purple Warrior….. This is what it sounds like when doves cry.

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