I have such mixed feelings about this subject. If I seem awfully critical of certain P associates, it is because their "tributes" seem to tip toward self-aggrandizement more than tribute. But how does one tell the difference?

In my opinion, a true tribute to Prince is one in which his entire body of work is at least touched upon. I don't mean every song obviously. I just mean every decade. When I sense that former associates are only interested in focusing on their time with P and any songs they may have co-written with P, I immediately get weary of their intentions and sincerity.

However, I don't know if I am always right in doing so. People may have pride in having worked with him and in a way that is a compliment. They may only know how to talk about the stuff that they and P worked on together because they have their careers and lives to focus on.. In other words they are not knowledgable enough about his later work to really offer any type of tribute to it. Is it possible that we will see more comprehensive appreciation of his later work from prior associates in the upcoming years? I hope so. But to further put forth the narrative (in an indirect way) that P hasn't been good since the 80's immediately sends up red flags in my mind and at times that's what I feel some groups are doing.. (having a bias toward certain eras in P's career is one thing--behaving as if all later music was subpar is really unfair)

I wish I knew which associates sincerely cared about his guy and which did not. I don't know any other way to determine this but their actions now. But then again, musicians needs to make money and love their craft (and have their own egos to feed).

My question is "Could associates be guilty of self-aggrandizement while still respecting and caring for the man they may be exploiting?" Are people just not stopping long to reflect on their actions in all the cacophony of noise and hype about P's death?

[Edited 10/22/16 10:04am]

[Edited 10/22/16 10:06am]

[Edited 10/22/16 10:07am]

purplerabbithole said:

If I seem awfully critical of certain P associates, it is because their "tributes" seem to tip toward self-aggrandizement more than tribute. But how does one tell the difference?

In my opinion, a true tribute to Prince is one in which his entire body of work is at least touched upon. I don't mean every song obviously. I just mean every decade. When I sense that former associates are only interested in focusing on their time with P and any songs they may have co-wrote with P, I immediately get weary of their intentions and sincerity.

However, I don't know if I am always right in doing so. People may have pride in having worked with him and in a way that is a compliment. They may only know how to talk about the stuff that they and P worked on together but they have their careers and lives to focus on.. In other words they are not knowledgable enough about his later work to really offer any type of tribute about it. Is it possible that we will see more comprehensive appreciation of his later work in the upcoming years? I hope so. But to further put forth the narrative (in an indirect way) that P hasn't been good since the 80's immediately sends up red flags in my mind and at times that what I feel some groups are doing..

I wish I knew which associates sincerely cared about his guy and which did not. I don't know any other way to determine this but their actions now. But then again, musicians needs to make money and love their craft (and have their own egos to feed).

My question is "Could associates be guilty of self-aggrandizement while still respecting and caring for the man they may be exploiting?" Are people just not stopping long to reflect on their actions in all the cacophony of noise and hype about P's death?

I trust that Londell and Susan are really concerned more about what Prince wanted and to carry out his wishes. I am sure you are familiar with the two people

You may be right. But I am more talking about musicans.

lollipop2 said:

purplerabbithole said:

If I seem awfully critical of certain P associates, it is because their "tributes" seem to tip toward self-aggrandizement more than tribute. But how does one tell the difference?

In my opinion, a true tribute to Prince is one in which his entire body of work is at least touched upon. I don't mean every song obviously. I just mean every decade. When I sense that former associates are only interested in focusing on their time with P and any songs they may have co-wrote with P, I immediately get weary of their intentions and sincerity.

However, I don't know if I am always right in doing so. People may have pride in having worked with him and in a way that is a compliment. They may only know how to talk about the stuff that they and P worked on together but they have their careers and lives to focus on.. In other words they are not knowledgable enough about his later work to really offer any type of tribute about it. Is it possible that we will see more comprehensive appreciation of his later work in the upcoming years? I hope so. But to further put forth the narrative (in an indirect way) that P hasn't been good since the 80's immediately sends up red flags in my mind and at times that what I feel some groups are doing..

I wish I knew which associates sincerely cared about his guy and which did not. I don't know any other way to determine this but their actions now. But then again, musicians needs to make money and love their craft (and have their own egos to feed).

My question is "Could associates be guilty of self-aggrandizement while still respecting and caring for the man they may be exploiting?" Are people just not stopping long to reflect on their actions in all the cacophony of noise and hype about P's death?

I trust that Londell and Susan are really concerned more about what Prince wanted and to carry out his wishes. I am sure you are familiar with the two people

purplerabbithole said:

I have such mixed feelings about this subject.

So does everyone else, good or bad. Don't like it, don't go. Like it, support it. Everyone can do what they wish with their grief or livelihood. I'm so fucking tired of the lame "they just want money" arguments. It's as juvenile and pedestrian as someone saying "oh they're just jealous". WHAT?! Frankly, either lacks any creativity in an already moot subject.

These people can't win. If Sheila or The Time didn't say anything, they're cold ass motherfuckers. If they do pay tribute in their way, then they're exploiting or taking advantage. It's a no-win argument. The Time's whole fucking set is Prince songs, even when he was alive. Prince wrote them. Were they exploiting him all these years? Nope, but once ol' boy is dead, now it's an issue. Ridiculous.

TrivialPursuit said:

purplerabbithole said:

I have such mixed feelings about this subject.

So does everyone else, good or bad. Don't like it, don't go. Like it, support it. Everyone can do what they wish with their grief or livelihood. I'm so fucking tired of the lame "they just want money" arguments. It's as juvenile and pedestrian as someone saying "oh they're just jealous". WHAT?! Frankly, either lacks any creativity in an already moot subject.

These people can't win. If Sheila or The Time didn't say anything, they're cold ass motherfuckers. If they do pay tribute in their way, then they're exploiting or taking advantage. It's a no-win argument. The Time's whole fucking set is Prince songs, even when he was alive. Prince wrote them. Were they exploiting him all these years? Nope, but once ol' boy is dead, now it's an issue. Ridiculous.

And I guess they are supposed to act like Prince never even existed, even though he wrote many of their songs and perfomed with all of them while he was still alive and put many of them on the map.

I can't remember which associate it was who said this, but I read one musician state that s/he wasn't going to tackle music from beyond the time they worked together, because s/he simply didn't think s/he could do it justice. If they hadn't played it together, the musician would have to guess about what Prince found important technically.

I don't think that's self-aggrandizement - it's understanding one's own abilities, and how to best honor a friend. We've all heard what happens when people choose to sing a song that does not suit their vocal instruments (see: almost every tribute version of Purple Rain).

No way to know, no reason to care.

I am not talking about the Time. Sheila E's t-shirts bother me a bit but not much. Plus, ease off. I expressed mixed feelings not complete condemnation.

Honoring Prince seems simple to me--groups should continue to do what groups were doing before he passed (with a sidenote, presentation or video honoring the man who wrote the songs with explanation of his contributions as well as antecdotes). No additional songs required. But, don't call it a tribute if it is only the music you worked on with him. If you are going to call it a tribute, than add a few songs that are from later decades. Seems simple to me.

TrivialPursuit said:

purplerabbithole said:

I have such mixed feelings about this subject.

So does everyone else, good or bad. Don't like it, don't go. Like it, support it. Everyone can do what they wish with their grief or livelihood. I'm so fucking tired of the lame "they just want money" arguments. It's as juvenile and pedestrian as someone saying "oh they're just jealous". WHAT?! Frankly, either lacks any creativity in an already moot subject.

These people can't win. If Sheila or The Time didn't say anything, they're cold ass motherfuckers. If they do pay tribute in their way, then they're exploiting or taking advantage. It's a no-win argument. The Time's whole fucking set is Prince songs, even when he was alive. Prince wrote them. Were they exploiting him all these years? Nope, but once ol' boy is dead, now it's an issue. Ridiculous.

[Edited 10/23/16 13:07pm]

[Edited 10/23/16 13:07pm]

It was Wendy or Lisa from the Revolution I believe. I just don't understand why they couldn't attempt one non-Revolution song. After all, he still wasn't there to give them their cues and even old "Revolution" songs would probably require rehearsal since they hadn't played them in years. I am sure people would understand if the performance of newer song was not perfect. They could always state the fact that the song was a new one to them.

LittleProfessor said:

I can't remember which associate it was who said this, but I read one musician state that s/he wasn't going to tackle music from beyond the time they worked together, because s/he simply didn't think s/he could do it justice. If they hadn't played it together, the musician would have to guess about what Prince found important technically.

I don't think that's self-aggrandizement - it's understanding one's own abilities, and how to best honor a friend. We've all heard what happens when people choose to sing a song that does not suit their vocal instruments (see: almost every tribute version of Purple Rain).

[Edited 10/23/16 12:55pm]

purplerabbithole said:

I am not talking about the Time. Sheila E's t-shirts bother me a bit but not much. Plus, ease off. I expressed mixed feelings not complete condemnation.

Honoring Prince seems simple to me--groups should continue to do what groups were doing before he passed (with a sidenote, presentation or video honoring the man who wrote the songs with explanation of his contributions as well as antecdotes). No additional songs required. But, don't call it a tribute if it is only the music you worked on with him. If you are going to call it a tribute, than add a few songs that are from later decades. Seems simple to me.

I'm talking about any associated act. I named those two because they're more prominent in people's minds. My point overall stands to whoever thinks that way in what I stated. If you don't, then it's not about you. It's more that alleged fans who are overprotective of things out of their power get in that "people should do this, and not that" mode. You and I have both read things from those type of people, I'm sure. And to add to what you said, I'm not a huge fan of Sheila having the symbol suddenly plastered on everything (including her in-ear monitors), but hey - I can't stop her, so I ain't sweatin' it.

TrivialPursuit said:

LBrent said:

TrivialPursuit said:

And to add to what you said, I'm not a huge fan of Sheila having the symbol suddenly plastered on everything (including her in-ear monitors), but hey - I can't stop her, so I ain't sweatin' it.

When did this start?

She posted a pic on her Instagram or FB the other day of her in-ears, and they were white with the symbol on them. The same symbol & butterfly was already on her drums by the time the BET tribute happened.

IMO they can all do their tributes, write their songs, make appearances, sell books, etc., to their heart's content. It is NOT disrespectful to Prince in any way. He is no longer with us. If his earthly representatives were upset with what is happening, they would stop it through Bremer. They are not stopping it. Now Londell: leave those videos up on YouTube. Generations to come need to see Prince the genius live in concert, on TV or film, or at an after-party or in a guest spot. No one associated with Prince - remember, they were all subservient to him - got rich off of the association with His Royal Badness. If they had tried while he was alive, he would have gone after them, someway, some how. You know Prince. So just let it be now. It keeps him in the present and maybe makes fams for the future.

TrivialPursuit said:

LBrent said:

TrivialPursuit said: When did this start?

She posted a pic on her Instagram or FB the other day of her in-ears, and they were white with the symbol on them. The same symbol & butterfly was already on her drums by the time the BET tribute happened.

She got a forearm tattoo fairly quickly and wrote the song Girl Meets Boy. Then the shirt (which, I could've sworn was for sale at some point). Now the symbol/butterfly is on her drums, monitors, etc.

Her cruise was "rebranded" as a Prince tribute, and now she's doing something to honor Prince's philanthropy.

I think it's a bit much.

At least they are doing their part keeping his legacy alive. It is very important to do so.

Yes I wish the associates would put aside their difference and do one great show but that is wishful thinking. Prince wasn't no ordinary guy and the associates seemed like they are following their footsteps of doing things their own way.

TrivialPursuit said:

purplerabbithole said:

I have such mixed feelings about this subject.

So does everyone else, good or bad. Don't like it, don't go. Like it, support it. Everyone can do what they wish with their grief or livelihood. I'm so fucking tired of the lame "they just want money" arguments. It's as juvenile and pedestrian as someone saying "oh they're just jealous". WHAT?! Frankly, either lacks any creativity in an already moot subject.

These people can't win. If Sheila or The Time didn't say anything, they're cold ass motherfuckers. If they do pay tribute in their way, then they're exploiting or taking advantage. It's a no-win argument. The Time's whole fucking set is Prince songs, even when he was alive. Prince wrote them. Were they exploiting him all these years? Nope, but once ol' boy is dead, now it's an issue. Ridiculous.

I still think there is a subtle way to do it.
Fdeluxe made a beautiful studio recording, they didn't show up their faces on TV networks.
They play tribute concerts, but they keep it low-profile.
I'm sure Susannah received a thousand offers to speak, and her discretion is proof she's a real lady.

I was very surprised to see Sheila taking every occasion to speak to any microphone held to her.
Worse, the marriage proposal outing, even if it was in her book, sounded like pure self-aggrandizement to me.
I like to believe she didn't mean it, but every interview I heard from her was pretty much how she's been that indispensable element in his career, blah blah.
It's blatant Sheila knows this is her last chance to rake in some cash before Prince slips slowly into oblivion.
I don't blame her, it has become extremely difficult for musicians out there.
Especially if you're not young, and that most of your career is permanently attached to a much bigger persona.

Se7en said:

She got a forearm tattoo fairly quickly and wrote the song Girl Meets Boy. Then the shirt (which, I could've sworn was for sale at some point). Now the symbol/butterfly is on her drums, monitors, etc.

Her cruise was "rebranded" as a Prince tribute, and now she's doing something to honor Prince's philanthropy.

I think it's a bit much.

The tattoo is fine. She's not the first to get one after April 21. The song is expected, really. She was very close to him for years, and she's a musician. I'd kind of wonder what was going on if she didn't release a song; although the tune is sorta lackluster. Anyone humming that lately? Nope.

The shirts are corny, but someone's gotta sell 'em. It's almost like she's the symbol now, but it's more of a different kind of love symbol. She's had butterfly symbology on her site since 1999 at least. So to mesh that and his symbol is almost like a marriage thing, like the and M when he married Mayte. It's... odd. I don't doubt her love for him, but I do question how long the "tributes" are going to continue.

I noticed the cruise was rebranded to a "Glamorous Life" cruise, the ship is photoshopped purple, and the tagline is "Party like it's 1999". Another tribe is labeled as "Honoring The Humanitarianism of Prince Purple Philanthropy". Christ - is there room for a tribute if the title gets any longer? Frankly, I don't want to hear her or anyone else sing Prince's music. Just stop with the big tributes, and the events. It's almost like some of them are trying to wave a flag (like FAMS) as to who loved him more. It's not a contest for fuck's sake.

Sheila, do yo' thang, but ...you know.

TrivialPursuit said:

sonshine said:

TrivialPursuit said:

The tattoo is fine. She's not the first to get one after April 21. The song is expected, really. She was very close to him for years, and she's a musician. I'd kind of wonder what was going on if she didn't release a song; although the tune is sorta lackluster. Anyone humming that lately? Nope.

The shirts are corny, but someone's gotta sell 'em. It's almost like she's the symbol now, but it's more of a different kind of love symbol. She's had butterfly symbology on her site since 1999 at least. So to mesh that and his symbol is almost like a marriage thing, like the and M when he married Mayte. It's... odd. I don't doubt her love for him, but I do question how long the "tributes" are going to continue.

I noticed the cruise was rebranded to a "Glamorous Life" cruise, the ship is photoshopped purple, and the tagline is "Party like it's 1999". Another tribe is labeled as "Honoring The Humanitarianism of Prince Purple Philanthropy". Christ - is there room for a tribute if the title gets any longer? Frankly, I don't want to hear her or anyone else sing Prince's music. Just stop with the big tributes, and the events. It's almost like some of them are trying to wave a flag (like FAMS) as to who loved him more. It's not a contest for fuck's sake.

Sheila, do yo' thang, but ...you know.

+1. This too. But he affected so many lives on levels we will never fully realize and I think they feel an overwhelming need to aknowlege that somehow. I'm ready to settle for a nice, tasteful annual recognition of some sort at this point.

Agreed. Also, her tour was booked before Prince passed, so after it happened, she decided to pay tribute in that way. The artists themselves aren't making it some sort of contest, some of the fans are. That is sad because we all want to honor him in our own way. They just are able to do so on a public level.