From the Oakland Press, August 17, 1999 (a suburban Detroit newspaper)



written by Michael Bencsik:



"DETROIT--He was once a Prince but now perhaps he is just another pauper.



A local company that leases a $1-million-plus customized motor coach for use
by musicians touring the nation claims the musician, singer, songwriter won't
pay his bill.



'The Artist Formerly Known as Prince', 'Prince', and 'Prince Roger(sic)
Nelson' are named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in federal court and
assigned to U.S. District Court Judge John Feikens.



In addition to the trio of names, other defendants in the suit are a squiggly
symbol that 'Prince' uses in place of his name and a pair of Prince-owned
companies--Paisley Park Enterprises Inc. and Jam of the Year Inc.



The lawsuit says Prince used the motor coach between May and October 1998.
It rents for $550 per day and is described as 'customized with every possible
convenience and is used by various musical acts for traveling between concert
venues'.



'Many groups have used this before, including Ozzy Osborne and The Dave
Matthews Band', said attorney Alan C. Harnisch, who is representing the motor
coach company, Thides Leasing Corp., which has offices in Detroit and Bingham
Farms.



The owner of Thides once worked for Prince helping to set up concerts,
Harnisch said.



The lawsuit stated that Prince owes $42,109 for days he used the tour bus.
'In December of 1998, the artist promised Thides that he would rent the motor
coach for the months of December 1998 through June of 1999.'



'As a result of the defendant's promise, plaintiff Thides did not lease the
motor coach to any other performers, despite inquiries and requests. . .'
The company said it lost $116,600 for that period.



Neither Prince under his various names, nor his companies could be reached
for comment Monday."