Saw and email last week that had unconfirmed rumors about Sheila E. replacing John B. for the remainder of the tour, but nothing since.

Does anyone know what's happening?

I will understand if John does not participate (certainly life and family are more important than a few rock shows), but he really will be missed if not. Sheila is a class lady, and an extremely talented percussionist, but to me, John is an incredible drummer, and the shows really need the power that he brings to the table. He has been a highlight of the live shows since coming on board.

Anyway, just wondering if wnyone had more info.


Peace.
Jpav

jpav said:

You actually DO know who Sheila E is??
Gimme Sheila E as Prince's drummer over ANY drummer, ANY time. Period!

"Ladies & gentlemen: SHEILA E!!! (not bad, for a girl...)"

i don't think john's going anywhere anytime soon.

and for those who would rather see sheila play than mr. blackwell, i have to wonder if those people have ever really experienced the way he plays drums.

don't get me wrong - i love sheila...i've been a fan for a long time, and i think she's immensely talented. but john blackwell is an AMAZING drummer.

I have to agree....Mr. Blackwell is truly an amazing drummer. I saw Sheila E do a surprise performance at MSG on 7/14 with Prince, even though Mr. Blackwell performed during that show, but the crowd went crazy when Sheila came out...I wish Prince could come back to MSG NYC and perform again...the show was truly amazing!!!

Anxiety said:

My sentiments exactly. I am glad I had the opportunity to see John in action.

I have seen John too and he is one of the best drummers i have ever seen by far

John's Phenomenal but Shelia's No SLOUCH...NY REALLY LOVED HER... She's Great!

I still don't think John has a thing on Michael Bland, so he can twirl his sticks...you can't hear that on a recording.

Michael B.

Yeah, it's really tough to say who's the baddest! Sheila is one of the best female drummer's ever, but when I saw the Musicology show at the NY afterparty, I was blown away by John's amazing skills.

Anxiety said:

I agree, 100%. Sheila's GREAT! But once you see John Blackwell live, it's hard to imagine anyone... ANY1...drumming like that. So much power and talent. It's amazing. Sheila's more of a pop drummer, which fit with Prince at the time, but Prince has jazzed his music up and I think the new style fits John like a finely lubricated condom.

Luv & Peace,
Alex
Clubbin' in Mpls/A Night w. Prince
[This message was edited Tue Jul 27 22:58:50 2004 by sloopydrew4u]

Let me remind you guys that Sheila E. is a percussionist, not a drummer.
As a drummer John is more tight, but I'll bet Sheile E. can do things John can't. Remember SOTT? when she repeatedly said to Prince that she couldn't do it? But she tried and she did! ("Not bad for a girl...")

Once again it's not a competition, but what you can bring to the party! They both can come to my party anytime, anywhere!!!

why don't bring back Michael Bland ?

he is a tight drummer.

listen to BILLY JACK BITCH.

In my opinion, Johns a more experienced drummer. I swear I really didn't even pay much attention to Drummers (Except Sheila and she's excellent) until Blackwell.

I sat behind him at my last show and was mesmerized at his talent. I actually have a stickhe used at the concert and I swear that sum-bitch is almost shattered.

Even a friend who hasn't been to a concert in many, many years was amazed at his abilities.

So if Blackwell goes, it's understandable and Sheila can fill his shoes, but she can FILL HIS SHOES.

And I'll agree with the person who said Shelia is a percussionist and not a drummer. I'm understanding "now" that there is a big difference between the two.
[This message was edited Wed Jul 28 3:36:30 2004 by CherryMoon]

dawntreader said:

When Michael & Prince 'parted company. I thought it was a terrible decision and that any replacement would not be worthy.... (Kirk A Johnson... snigger)

It took a few years but Mr Blackwell does it for me. He is amazing, and has influenced me as a drummer more than Michael (or any other drummer for that matter).

He has a tutorial DVD out and some of the stuff.... boy it makes you feel... What's the point?

Michaels drumming on Sshhhhh is the buiness tho!

CherryMoon said:

EXACTLY.

Sheila is THE most consumate percussionist around without a shadow of a doubt - no-one can take that from her, and yes, she is a good drummer - just not an excellent one. She can more than handle the duties if needed, but she will ALWAY be a percussionist.

John Blackwell is the flip side of that coin - HE will never be the percussionist Sheila is.