A hit-heavy show possible when Prince plays Hawai'i

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Prince has said he's retiring some big hits from live shows. Gannett News Service Prince 8 p.m. Tuesday Blaisdell Arena $50-$80 (877) 750-4400 Also: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. $50-$75.

After annoying concert audiences for years with truncated live versions of his most famous hits, the enigmatic 2004 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee appears to have had a change of heart ... or finances.

Prince shows in October in Hong Kong and Australia featured set lists heavy on full-length hits from his most popular albums; in particular, the "Purple Rain" soundtrack.

Prince fan sites have since been abuzz with rumors that the hit-driven concerts (including his Tuesday concert on O'ahu and Dec. 19 show on Maui) are primers for a larger worldwide tour in 2004. The artist's promise of retiring the songs from live performance in the near future has also fueled talk that Prince is looking to quickly feather his retirement nest egg with the guaranteed cash generated by a "greatest hits" tour.

Still, don't look 4 me if U get the live entirety of "Crystal Ball" instead.

Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8005.