Jake Austen

[Editor's note: This piece was originally published ahead of Prince's 2012 performances at the United Center. In light of the artist's recent passing, we're running a version of the article that was updated by author Jake Austen to include subsequent Prince shows in Chicago.] There has long been a good vibe between Prince and Chicago audiences. We appreciate our Midwestern neighbors, and Prince (a fan of the blues, gospel, and Pops Staples’ guitar playing) has been showing us love with frequent visits Chicago since he started touring. When I interviewed Prince for Time Out Chicago (via E-mail, though his poetic, ALL CAPS answers convinced me it was he and not a publicist answering) he explained, “CHICAGO IS A MUSIC TOWN. MY FATHER SPOKE OF IT OFTEN AS BEING ONE OF THE PLACES HE LIKED 2 PLAY BEST. THEY HAVE SEEN THE BEST AND EXPECT NOTHING LESS.” Over the years Chicagoans had more than three-dozen occasions to truly see the best when we were fortunate enough to host the iconic genius. February 28-29, 1980—Uptown Theater, Fire It Up/Prince Tour After canceling the solo tour that would have seen Prince (promoting his self-titled sophomore album) debut in Chicago the previous December, the Minneapolis singer opens two shows for Rick James. Upon arriving in town Prince decides to lose Matt Fink’s prison-themed stage costume and has an assistant visit a nearby surgical supply store to buy a gown and a surgical mask, and Dr. Fink was born on the Uptown stage that night. December 26,