Okay, I truly regret Vanity not being in Purple Rain. But that was understandable and Appolonia did a commendable job of filling her role (especially her bra).

But I would have enjoyed seeing Sheila E in a role in Purple Rain. I admit to checking the end credits to see if that was Sheila as the ex-girlfriend who gets tossed into the garbage bin by Jerome, as guided by Morris. But I forget who it was.

Anyone give me any explanation as to why Sheila did not get bit in film. I am sure she was around by then, and Prince knew her way before the filming.

Also, what role could she have played? Glad she was not the one thrown into the bin, she is way too classy to have that done to, even if it is only acting.

Apollonia and her bra

runningbear said:

I've always wondered how the movie would have turned out if Sheila had a part in it.Imagine her playing Prince's girlfriend!

Sheila was invited to work with Prince on Erotic City after principal photography on Purple Rain was already finished.



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[Edited 12/31/06 13:06pm]

I remember reading a long time ago that they started working together on the soundtrack for PR. In subsequent viewings, there is a lot of background music (not the actual songs) that has a lot of percussion, and I always wondered if Sheila did that stuff. I never saw her name in the credits though, but it would make sense.

(i.e. the mood music with just drums, congas etc.)

GaryMF said:

I agree about the mood music involving Sheila. Although it "feels" like Prince on the percussions, I have to admit it's a little advanced, even for Prince. That's never been his forte. Drums, yes. Percussions, especially as polished as those were,...nah. Good point, Gary. As far as Sheila actually acting in the film,...I don't see her in this. Sheila was always way too much like Prince. Mannerism wise. I mean, check her out at the premire to Purple Rain. During her interview, she ooozed Prince. To the point to where it was sort of a turn off. That's why I've always been in love with Lisa. She's always been her own person. She never attempted to emulate Prince. So nah,...I'm glad Sheila wasn't acting in the film. She wasn't needed.

Because Sheila can't act. I'm sure you've seen "Krush Groove".

NWF said:

Damn, that's cold. But maybe you're right; Sheila would've embarrassed herself up against Jill "Meryl Streep" Jones and Apollonia.

GaryMF said:

Sheila did play on the (background music) soundtrack. Prince could only wish he could play percussion like Ms E!

GaryMF said:

She had no involvement with the film. All incidental music in Purple Rain was composed and performed by Michel Colombier.

it would've been dope to see sheila do a cameo. a "visual shout out"

NWF said:

Acting?!?

BananaCologne said:

I believe you, but is this documented somewhere? cuz i read somewhere that they started working together on her album because "She was working on the soundtrack". It was probably in something like Black Beat or some teen rag, not The New York times

NWF said:

Uh...Apollonia can't act either and Prince was no Al Pacino himself.Clearly,'Purple Rain' didn't need alot of acting ability,lol

plus we can't forget, that at that time she didn't want to be associated with prince because she wanted people to beleive she was making it on her own.
as if we all didn't think she was prince in drag when we heard her music.....

thats a joke people.....

I think Sheila was filming Krush Groove at that time

Janfriend said:

Krush Groove was 2 or 3 years later.

I think that Sheila E was too busy touring for folks like Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie. While Sheila E appeared on Lionel Richie videos too, Prince was shooting the movie and did some music for it.

Keep in mind that Purple Rain was filmed in 1983 too, the same year Sheila was touring a lot for other artists. Sheila became more noticable and involved around Prince's camp just in time for the Purple Rain tour.

GaryMF said:

Krush Groove was released October 25th, 1985. Purple Rain was released July 27th, 1984. There could have been some rehearsal and filming conflicts
[Edited 1/7/07 22:34pm]

Sheila actually did Marvin Gaye last tour few days later he was murdered.. and it was around the Purple rain time

Janfriend said:

She didn't start filming Krush Groove til after the purple rain tour cuz she still had long hair in the PR tour and her short hair debuted with Romance 1600 and Krush Groove.