http://www.startribune.co...18652.html

Prince goes PG: The once dirty-minded rocker reaches out to a new generation

Jon Bream, Star Tribune

June 13, 2004



Dig, if you will, this picture: An ocean of female fans dancing onstage with Prince. He swims through the revelers at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, but doesn't seem to feel the heat from these hotties. He makes no eye contact, and none reaches out to him, either.

Suddenly, he strikes a curious pose next to a young girl in a purple tie-dyed T-shirt. This 8-year-old is having trouble finding the right rhythm to dance to "Take Me With U" from "Purple Rain." He stops and shows her how to use her hands to "raise the roof" to the beat. He smiles, and she smiles, too. And he returns to leading the party.

Prince's parties might not be meant to last, but this one -- the Musicology Tour, headed to St. Paul for three shows this week -- is meant for kids of all ages. The Minneapolis rocker, who turned 46 last week, announced his intentions to Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." The once licentious libertine, who is now a practicing Jehovah's Witness, has made a big point that this tour is family-friendly.

"I wouldn't have had any problem taking my daughters, who are 17 and 14," said University of Iowa journalism Prof. Don McLeese, who covered Prince for two decades for newspapers in Chicago and Austin, Texas, and attended the Ames show with his wife. "This was definitely a PG-13-rated show instead of an R.

"Before, whatever connection he would have had with [his fans] would have been sexual; there was no sexuality involved this time. When he brought all those people onstage, it was kind of a bring-the-whole-family, Up With People moment."

Prince has been minding his Ps and Qs, judging not only from the Iowa performance but by reports from San Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities on the tour. He is not cursing. He is not singing such randy oldies as "Sexy MF,"Gett Off" and "Darling Nikki." He's not simulating sex in beds or bathtubs. He even has changed lyrics in favorite songs. In "D.M.S.R.," for instance, "whore" and "lingerie" have been deleted.

"I wouldn't want my children exposed to something that would be pretty hard to explain on the way home," Prince recently told CNBC. "I have a responsibility to the children that come to my concerts to not expose them to anything that would be, you know, considered raunchy, risqué. I'm not trying to be obscene to anybody."

Gina Matas, 37, of Santa Clara, Calif., took her 14-year-old daughter to Prince's concert in San Jose this month. Both mom, a big Prince fan, and daughter, a moderate fan, came away happy.

"He's a lot more tame than in the '80s and '90s," said Matas, who plans to take her daughter to two more Prince shows this summer. "He didn't say anything I'd be offended to bring her to. I was glad I could take Alyssa and not have to get a sitter or have her home by herself. It was a nice experience."

Prince used to be a naughty experience. "He was a bad boy in the beginning," said Dolores Pieper, a St. Louis Park great-grandmother who has been a fan since 1984's "Purple Rain" and will see him in concert for the third time Wednesday with her two daughters.

In fact, it was Prince's blockbuster soundtrack that sparked the record industry's parental-advisory-sticker movement. In 1985, several Washington, D.C., women, including Tipper Gore, started Parents Music Resource Center, citing the "Purple Rain" song "Darling Nikki," with its lines about a girl "masturbating with a magazine." They wanted parents to be warned about sexual content, and the music biz bought into the idea.

Before that, especially on 1980's landmark "Dirty Mind," Prince was even raunchier, singing about intercourse with his older sister and graphic descriptions of oral sex.

Since his very first single in 1978, "Soft and Wet," the Rabelaisian rocker has been obsessively sexual, his boldness and shock value being a big part of his appeal.

Young teens react

In a recent discussion organized by the Star Tribune, several seventh-grade music students at Ramsey International Fine Arts School in south Minneapolis -- near where Prince spent his teen years -- mentioned "Little Red Corvette" as their favorite Prince hit.

However, few understood what the 1982 song was about. (An inexperienced young man recalls a one-night stand with a flashy, promiscuous woman who "had a pocket full" of Trojans -- a brand of condoms that Prince uses as a sexual metaphor.)

Many of the seventh-graders cited rappers 50 Cent and Kanye West as their current favorites -- artists whose lyrics and sexual slang are more frank and coarse than Prince's.

"There's not a big difference from what they're listening to and what Prince was doing," said Ramsey music teacher Tom Wells.

Even though none of the eight Ramsey students interviewed claimed to be a Prince fan, many gave him props.

"He's cool," said Mikesha Barnes, 13, who plays cello and clarinet. "My parents listen to him all the time. He's got a lot of soul. He's crazy."

Andrew Smith, 13, said a "Purple Rain" cassette he discovered in his parents' car made him serious about music. He now plays violin and flute; his favorite artists are the rock bands Sum 41 and Good Charlotte.

The Ramsey students weren't up on Prince's new music. But the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is trying to reach out to young people with his new album, "Musicology." The video for the title track features a youngster who, as Prince told CNBC, is "buying his concert ticket for the first time and gets a record for the first time, and he's a guitar player and he puts the needle on the record and he has to learn the song. And that's kind of how I grew up."

No fan rebellion

How are hardcore fans putting up with the PG Prince? Are they disappointed that he's eschewing prized oldies?

"I'm surprised people aren't complaining loudly," said Ben Margolin, who runs Prince.org, a popular fan Web site. "I think the hardcore fans are placated because he's playing a lot more guitar."

One of those fans, Dale Miles of San Francisco, had no complaints about the song selection. "When you have a body of work as large and varied as he does, you always have other arrows in your quiver," said Miles, 38, a marketing consultant who has attended nearly 50 Prince concerts since 1982.

He cringed at only one moment at a recent San Jose concert: During "Purple Rain," Prince suggested that people open their Bibles.

He said Prince sang songs about commitment from his monogamy-preaching "Musicology" CD and dedicated a few numbers to his wife, Manuela, whom some people credit with his transformation. Miles was surprised that Prince's "sexy side is still there. He's still the flirt, the romantic and the Casanova. But nothing goes over the edge. It's OK to see growth and evolution."

Miles also noticed an evolution in Prince's audience. Not only were there children, but also a fair number of 20-somethings and folks over 50.

"The lady in front of me was in her 70s with a purple scarf," he said. "He's not only safe for those younger; he's made it safe for those older than his traditional fan base."

Pieper, 73, a Twin Cities real-estate agent, took her daughter and granddaughter to see Prince at Target Center seven years ago.

"If my great-granddaughter were here [she's 15 and lives in California], we'd all go this time -- four generations," Pieper said.

"I went out and got his new CD," she said, even though she knows all concertgoers will receive a free copy. "Some of it I don't think little kids should be exposed to. But I'm broad-minded. It's fun to watch him mature. He's not going to bare his butt again. You don't hear about him and drugs. He's not in the headlines in a negative way. He's real thoughtful. There's still a lot of playfulness to Prince. I knew his mother a little bit. He's got a really warm heart."

And a new attitude.

When Entertainment Weekly asked for Prince's reaction to Janet Jackson's Super Bowl breast-baring flap, he sounded like a Purple Prude: "We've gone too far now. We've pushed the envelope off the table and forgotten there was a table. You can't push the envelope any further than I pushed it. So stop! What's the point?"

Whether you credit -- or blame -- his wife or his commitment to Jehovah, Prince has evolved.

"I've changed. I'm a different person," he told the magazine. "I'm about the present and moving forward. New joke, new anecdote, new lesson to be discovered."

Prince

When: 7:30 Wed. & Thu., 8 p.m. Fri.

Where: Xcel Energy Center, W. 7th St. & Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul.

Tickets: $47.75-$75 (limited availability). 651-989-5151.

Say what? Somebody went out and bought Musicology from the store even though they're going 2 the concert and will receive the concert cd. Nooooo way! Freakychurch say it ain't so bro, bcuz u told us that nobody was buying the cd's at retail stores!

U DROVE IN HERE IN A LITTLE RED CORVETTE.....

WELL U MIGHT BE SUPRISED AT WHAT U WON'T GET...

PORTLAND CAN U HEAR ME 2 NIGHT?..

[quote]

school's in

teacher got a saxophone

u didn't come 2 turn it out,

might as well leave it alone.[u]

This is a really good article. I'm glad he's reaching out to the young folks like myself. Me being 18 and attending my 1st Prince concert in Nashville, May 2004, I was the youngest person in my section and kind of felt out of place, but as everybody started having a good time, I didn't notice anybody else was there but Prince and myself. I think we had a moment too cause I was real close and I kind of looked young, and I had on a white shirt, so I was nocticable-we made contact. Unfortunately, it didn't last cause this older person's arm got in the direction of my face! I love the old Prince, but appreciate the new Prince. I wonder if he'll try having children again.

Nice read...

find it amazing how is bending over backwards 2 please everyone, and succeeding !
His diplomacy is impecable.Everyone is in awe of His talent , he's relaxed and compromising; a phenomenal experience to witness. If he was a politician i'd be very suspicious! Arnold schwartzeneger, governor of California..Prince; King of America! Truly inspirational times.

This is the best article I have read in a while. Thanks.

Word up Ben ... eye feel U (no homo) ... that is true ... BUT, if he pulls out that axe - we all get slain (in a good way)

...(talkin in General right here- not 2 Ben) I think it is the Music tho...NOW It is RESPECTED and in-turn, LOVED ... Whereas b4 it was more like, LOVED, and in-turn RESPECTED ... The ELemenTs R the same... but the Chain Reaction is linked differently... Musicology is kool...u no? (cinnamin Girl, the marrying kind, mr.man, the album is kool - ThaT is the word 4 it) ... but 2 US (well at least 4 me), Dirty Mind + Diamonds Nd Pearls (when u were mine + gettoff - oh lawd- eye was 10!!!, now 22), , and Come did it 2 me... shieeet
As the Record turns, the Story goes... Eye got Love 4 P ... he's (his music) been there, so eyem gonna b there. Even if it aint the same... It is still quality ... ur thoughts might keep u from Cing different... But Peep the Daisy Chain, underneath the Cream, Supercute , My Medallion, when eye lay my hands on u (Cn the video?), (come on - U no U Love those - Even tho it was takin away, and then sold right back 2 us... by the way:When Will WE b PAId 4 the Work we did?? - hehe) + there R more... EAST and WEST < HOT.

ok ... eye am not bout 2 right a page... eye got drum loops 2 make . Nd - no, it aint some fruity loops, If Ur using that... do us all a favor... Nd go buy a drum machine at least. which one? , come on now - Research. U gotta take Music (especially urs) serious or no one else will (< Ben - thats a heads up 4 u right there... Seems they callin Tails on UR sight - U want the BALL 1ST in this game, But thats ur Pocket(eye dont mean cash) - NO OFFENSE (little word play) PLEASE, just an opinion, (U gotta take Music serious or no one else will) PLeaSe get some Defense in that org artist comunnity - eye could swear it was some S&M stuff 4 a video there - eye dont dig that stuff - ALL U that been there NO what eye am talking about... the button is delete... Eye no... Where is My Music if am eye talking like this?, Eyem working on it - nd eye aint gonna rush it 4 none of U that think like that. Eye got MY PLaN, keep U all updated, right now eyema go take a bubble bath with my pants on. Shut up already!.... DAMN. )

One Love,
Michael
[This message was edited Sun Jun 13 8:14:11 2004 by FonkAy]

FonkAy said:

Love yo spirit bro! Keep doin yo thang, and i agree with what u're sayin it's so on point!

Dear Prince, ( LOL )

Can you please xplain to your PG audience what ' I wanna go down south ' means ??

Pretty please ?

To Jacksonville ?


Er ...



LOLOL

Fact is: Prince exists as the celebrity he is today on the basis of his pushing the sex envelope farther than anyone in mainstream "rock" had before. If Prince were to take his present show back to 1981 and proceed... he'd probably just have jazz musician status today.

Face it: rock is SEX! The term "rock and roll" was a euphemism for the act of vigorous "lovemaking!" -- And its not so much the lyrics as the sound/beat/rhythm of the music... i.e. the term "jazz" came from the expression to "jazz it up" referring to a certain moment in the act of vigorous "lovemaking."

And, think about it, it’s SUPPOSED to piss off your parents!

Is Prince now going to re-release his entire catalog with the "dirty words and/or references" omitted? Can you imagine what that would NOT sound like?

I have no real point to make here, I'm just adding to the discussion.

EricClapton said:

U're wrong playa! P's talent is undeniable,just like Steveie Wonder's or Jimi Hendrix! It has nothing 2 do with pushing sex! Anybody can push sex but it's about the talent! If it ain't natural sex appeal people will see thru it 4 what it is. Some Jazz music is very sexy and will make u horny as hell! So don't underestimate Jazz playa.

ELBOOGY said:

A talent at pushing the sex envelope in lyrics, videos, etc. Not just anyone can do it, or has done it, quite like Prince.

That's what I meant.

Very Good...

sacredwarrior said:

what does...this mean...? ...
I find this statement quite hilarious!

AND THIS SAYS IT ALL...(u gotta feel 4 Him, He's struggling with issues, and coming up with answers..)


Prince SEE

just gotta say it...

WAY TO GO, BEN!!!

I have been a Prince fan for over 20 years. I believe one reason I first got into his music was due to the sex issue, but not the only reason. I was a teen then, it was the early 80's, sex on everyones mind. But we must all grow up. Now I am a mother of two wonderful daughters. Over the past 16 year I had to put Prince on the back burner to put my self through college and raise my children properly. Keep in mind Prince has not been out of my mind just kept to myself. I feel it is wonderful that I can now share his beautiful music with my children. I love the direction he has taken his music.

I took my girls to the Nashville, TN show. It was the 1st concert ever for both and my 2nd, (1st Knox. TN Prince). Both of them loved it. My youngest daughter, 10, loves his music. She knows most of the songs by heart. She tells me she will one day be Prince's backup singer and dancer.

Much love and thanks to Prince for the beautiful music!!
Love the Palmer girls.

EricClapton said:

Coool!

.....edit.....

Look.. HE DOESNT CARE about that part of the music n e more... apparently.. he had something happen 2 him 2 feel he was doing something wrong (nd we all no what that is - quit blaming Larry... he is a MAN, RESPONSIBLE 4 HIS OWN ACTIONS).. He is PROBABLY trying 2 make things Right 2 himself , or 2 God (if he feels he offended him)... but the funny thing is .. God nos that Prince helped me... Regaurdless of what Ppl/Prince may say or think of those lyrics..... So now eye am older and went thru some hard times.. nd Prince has went thru changes... u no what one of the best things 2 no was??.. is that regaurdless, Prince was gonna have a new joint ready 2 burn (hehehe - eye was at Club Blaq... he said 'just gimme da light n pass tha dro' (eye aint lying, but we all he dont smoke)).. it might not b what eye was looking 4, but it was gonna b there... nd one day it wont (just 4 a little while).. But its gonna b quality when it is ... Nd its gonna b made 4 U.

OneLove
Michael
[This message was edited Sun Jun 13 20:46:24 2004 by FonkAy]

The article mentioned that some Dale guy cringed when Prince mentioned in "Purple Rain" for people to open their Bibles. Sheesh! So, let me get this right: talking about drugs and explicit sex is good- suggesting that someone read the Bible is bad? Huh. How weird is that.

purpleoneisback said:

I'd much rather hear him talk about explicit sex than the NW translation of the bible . And if I had a child I would be much more concerned to protect him/her from a brainwashing cult than from some sexy songs that don't do any harm to anybody . BTW, I never understood why society always is so concerned that their kids could watch/hear some sexy stuff while there is hardly any TV program/movie that is not filled with violence. That's one of the reasons why I hardly watch any movies anymore as I don't enjoy people dying or suffering on the screen in detail in nearly every film. Now that's something I would be concerned about as a parent, not some nasty lyrics of a Prince song.

ELBOOGY said:

I have a friend who did the same...I planned to but other commitments popped up. But now that I actually know the first line is "She knew which (what?) fork to use"...

I did know that it wasn't as dirty as I thought.

I love that he is still super sexy and monogamous. He's grown up finally...lyrics are wonderful. Still codependent, but wonderful.

Nice article. Thanks.