I hope nobody came to this thread hoping for a definite answer this is just my theory (and a very obvious one) and is purely based on putting 2 and 2 together.

I dont think the NPGMC will ever be much different to how it is now...I think the days of downloads or exclusive CDs have passed as have the larger $$$ membership fees.

I think the club is going to remain as a very small thing (as it is now) with either no fees and the lack of info/output it has now or a membership fee for which you get the chance,should it arrive, to buy the NPGMC tickets.

What makes me say this...a couple of things - It cant have been overlooked that the club has either gone downhill recently or is simply in a 'transitional phase' (for those who went to the Camden NPG shop remember how certain floors were closed for "remodelling" - then they closed the whole stored down!!!) either way music is no longer a priority at the actual club. Couple this with the fact that I,and hundreds of other people probably, have heard from a usually reliable source, that Prince is talking to record companies again - i think we are going back to the good old days of reliable music distribution without the hassle of not receiving orders etc whilst NPGMC will be Prince pet-project and Voice...much like the old NPGONLINE.com SITE.

Just a theory and probably rubbish...but some of it adds up doesnt it?!

A good friend of mine says that he thinks Prince has grown bored of the club and is no longer actively involved in it. So do I.

TheOrgerFormerlyKnownAs said:

NPGMC was planning to release
a 7cd set back in Novemeber.
If this had been released to members
would you still feel the same about the club?
I don't see Prince & NPGMC
doing anything to make me think the club is doomed.
Then again I don't see Prince & NPGMC
doing anything to make me believe it will continue on.

thedoorkeeper said:

My expectations of what Prince will do are gone. I don't think the club is doomed, I just don't think Prince is really interested in it anymore. As far as the 7 CD set is concerned, maybe I would feel differently if I didn't already own it, but for them to dangle it like a carrot and yank it back wasn't cool.

I think the club as it stands now is little more than a placeholder for whatever he wants to do with it once he gets his whole comeback/major label/whatever phase in full gear. It's in limbo right now, and I think it's the least of his concerns.

Oh - I wasnt putting a downer on the club, I dont think its doomed at all - I just think its doing exactly what Prince wants it to do now...getting his voice across not his music.

I think he's tried it as his little adventured, realised the problems, realised the limitations and figured that Record comapnies work (as he said in his own words) and is going to have the best of both worlds...widespread music distribution with NPGMC club for perks...why not?!

"Damn them all ... damn them all to HELL!"

The club will just be a glorified ticket agent and merchandise shop. I dont mind that as long as the membership charge is nominal or free.

The NPG site will be gone if Prince signs long-term to a major. The majors build sites for their rosters.

squirrelgrease said:

It would be easy enough for Prince to retain NPGMC as an autonomous side-course to his major label career if he wants...Sonic Youth is signed to Geffen, yet they have their own completely indie record label which they use to release EPs on the side. So hey - it CAN happen!

Anxiety said:

Of course it can, but remember this? "when it comes to downloading your work into your fan's computers you can't have any contractual obligations"...

Funny how things change with prince.

Anxiety said:

Sonic Youth rocks! Can't wait for the Goo remaster. Prince would most likely want and get a contract such as this, he had Paisley Park records with Warners. Indeed his way of releasing his other music out the back door. I just think that he has little interest in his current site...

Abrazo said:

He's not maried to her anymore either !!