Prince Rogers Nelson, you did Baltimore absolutely no favors. As a matter of fact, some would say you are opportunistic. You set pricing for your show at Royal Farms Arena at a level where you denied many Baltimoreans an opportunity to see the show. These were the same Baltimoreans who watched helplessly as their neighborhoods were pillaged and ravaged ("Thousands turn out for Prince's 'Rally 4 Peace' benefit concert," May 11).
As we know, money and the desire for it tends to wrap its grisly tentacles around almost anything. Sadly, you fell into that trap. In other words, you blew it. I must now place you in the pantheon of opportunistic outside forces which include the Rev. Al Sharpton, Malik Shabazz, and CNN which was salivating at the thought of pandemonium consuming our city.
I never want to see Geraldo Rivera on our streets again!
The Baltimore Orioles were on the road this past weekend. Did it ever occur to you to approach them about playing a free show there? M&T Bank Stadium sat dormant Sunday evening. Talk about a perfect venue for a free show to bring this beleaguered city together.
You blew a chance to perhaps perform in front of 80,000 adoring, peaceful Baltimore fans. It would have produced a far greater impact for you to perform at one of those two venues than to choose the antiquated, dumpy Royal Farms Arena.
Prince Rogers Nelson, you are a consummate artist, adored by many diverse fans around the world. But just keep in mind you did Baltimore absolutely no favors.
Patrick R. Lynch, Nottingham