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For Prince, it's the fans who are making a comeback http://www.projo.com/musi...56bff.html
For Prince, it's the fans who are making a comeback 01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, August 15, 2004 BY ROB CLARK The Dallas Morning News DALLAS -- There's something strange and wonderful about riding in a golf cart with Prince. He's just finished a sound check, and in two hours the arena will be quaking, a crowd of more than 19,000 dancing for hours. A driver takes us whizzing through the halls on the way to Prince's dressing room, earning a trail of stares from arena personnel. It is startling, but so is the rest of a first impression: Prince is disarmingly normal. Maybe some of his mystery comes from his reluctance to do interviews. They're still rare. But lately, he has opened himself up more. Good thing, too. There's a lot to talk about. This is Prince's year. It started in February, when he opened the Grammys with a stunning performance of hits from Purple Rain with Beyonce. In March, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His Musicology album is his best-reviewed and best-selling disc in years. And the tour, which reaches Boston's FleetCenter Tuesday through Thursday, has sold out arenas across the country (though not the FleetCenter; at midweek, balcony seats were still available for the first two shows and second-level seating for Thursday's concert). The attention calls to mind the '80s run in which Prince made some of music's most memorable albums -- Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O' the Times and Lovesexy. Such flashbacks may be why many in the media call the current buzz a "comeback." But Prince has toured and released albums consistently. And he makes it clear he hasn't gone anywhere. "It's ultimately laziness on the part of the writer," he says, "to regurgitate a term that's not true." But this tour does feel different. Prince is on a mission: He's now a teacher of sorts, a mentor hoping to inspire younger artists and listeners with real music by real musicians. You'll see more kids and teens at his concerts than in years past. And you can hear his influence in at least a dozen promising soul and rap stars. What they see in him is what made him such a revolutionary in the '80s: That unmatched mix of funk, soul, rock and pop. The audacity of making the semiautobiographical movie Purple Rain when he was still a young artist, then seeing it win Grammys and an Oscar. Or that androgynous look that got people wondering the same thing he sang in "Controversy": "Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?" And, especially, the songs that seemed impossible to resist: "Let's Go Crazy," "Raspberry Beret," "Little Red Corvette." Musicology is Prince's most mainstream disc since 1999's Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic. "Mainstream" isn't a dis in this case; it's just a more straightforward album. His previous discs have been complex: the all-instrumental N.E.W.S. and the ultra-conceptual Rainbow Children. Both were so intricate, even difficult, that some casual fans stayed away. So maybe "comeback" really refers to them. The silver ring on his finger hints at another facet of his evolution. He's a married man now, to Manuela Testolini. It's his second marriage. (The first was to Mayte Garcia in the late '90s.) But personal questions are off-limits. It's strictly about the music. Prince gets comfortable on a red plush couch in his dressing room. A large keyboard is nearby. There's a fragrance in the air, like incense already burnt. And he's as tiny as you've heard. He's dressed in all black, an NPG chain dangling from his neck. Though he just turned 46, he's barely aged in 15 years. He's still a "pretty man," as he once sang, hair and makeup all in place, like a little funky porcelain doll. His speaking voice is so deep it's hard to believe it hits the high notes in "Kiss." He talks in measured tones. Yet he's animated, ending several statements with a wheezy-voiced sarcasm. He cracks himself up, and sort of throws himself about the couch for the punch line. A line from Musicology may best sum up the Prince quest these days: "Don't you miss the feeling music gave you back in the day?" That calling -- getting back to real music, not prepackaged pop or meaningless songs about clubbin' -- gets him going. "Making music about alcoholism -- is that the one topic?" he asks in frustration. "Is that it? If I grew up on that music, I wouldn't be here." Many influences What he did grow up with sparks a river of references. James Brown. Earth, Wind & Fire. Stevie Wonder's masterpieces, Innervisions and Fulfillingness' First Finale. Weather Report. Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters album. "That," he says, "was my Ludacris." For all of his issues with some of today's pop, there is a young crop of soul and rap artists raised on Prince who now hoist him up as their Hendrix, their Lennon, their Dylan. You can hear it, feel it, smell it in the manic-funk-creativity in OutKast, the piano soul of Alicia Keys, the ballads of D'Angelo, Musiq and Maxwell. "Alicia Keys gives me hope," he says. "D'Angelo gives me hope. Beyonce, she's just an incredible singer." When community involvement by soul hero Erykah Badu is mentioned, he's even more spirited. "Can I ask you a question? Can we elect her alderman? Why is it always somebody who doesn't inspire you? Elect her as a state official." He laughs at his idealism. "Can we dream sometimes?" Prince mentions the word "morality" several times. And that may surprise some. After all, this is the man who had specialized in sex appeal with songs such as "Sister," "Erotic City," "P Control" and "Darling Nikki," but balanced those with the spiritual "God," "Anna Stesia," "Thunder" and "The Holy River." He doesn't play the naughty songs in concert anymore. And he downplays the significance of that decision, saying there are only five explicit tracks in his 25 albums. (It's more like a dozen, but no use quibbling.) It's another reason why more kids are at his shows. But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment. "I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Teasing the masses Even without the explicit material, a Prince show is still a sensual experience. Thousands of screaming women pant at every gyration and coy look. It's the way he moves, that swagger that straddles the line between debonair loverman and pimp daddy. He starts his classic love song "Adore" and then stops, teasing the masses while the howls grow louder, desperate for more. But, he insists, it's not just him. "It's music," Prince says simply. "Here, I'll show you." He pops up and walks over to his keyboard in the corner. He starts to play a simple but lovely tune. It's not recognizable; he's just plinking away. But such an unexpected and generous display -- a brief private concert to illustrate his point -- is a pinch-yourself kind of moment. "If [keyboard player] Renato [Neto] plays something like this, and [drummer] John [Blackwell] just touches the cymbals, you don't have to say anything," he explains while he plays. "It's just a mood. "To know that, you have to study music. If Erykah was here and she heard this, her pen would just start goin'. "Now," he says, "you're painting." Prince plays at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at the FleetCenter, Causeway Street, Boston. Tickets are $49.50 and $75. Call (508) 931-2000 or (401) 331-2211, or go to www.ticketmaster.com. | |
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"like a little funky porcelain doll".
i like that. Fuck the funk - it's time to ditch the worn-out Vegas horns fills, pick up the geee-tar and finally ROCK THE MUTHA-FUCKER!! He hinted at this on Chaos, now it's time to step up and fully DELIVER!!
KrystleEyes 22/03/05 | |
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muirdo said: "like a little funky porcelain doll".
i like that.  | |
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But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
"I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Hey, fuck you Prince! Quit being a pussy and play that shit. "You need people like me so you can point your fuckin' fingers and say, "That's the bad guy." "
Al Pacino- Scarface | |
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EvilWhiteMale said: But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
"I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Hey, fuck you Prince! Quit being a pussy and play that shit. Want some  to go with that? | |
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OdysseyMiles said: Want some
to go with that?As long as it's not blue ."You need people like me so you can point your fuckin' fingers and say, "That's the bad guy." "
Al Pacino- Scarface | |
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EvilWhiteMale said: But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
"I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Hey, fuck you Prince! Quit being a pussy and play that shit.   | |
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Lovely interview!  |
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"Making music about alcoholism -- is that the one topic?" he asks in frustration. "Is that it? If I grew up on that music, I wouldn't be here."
Thank you, Mr. Prince, for saying this! I get SOOOOO freakin' tired of hearing the CRAP they play on the radio and TV. Do we really need 12,000 versions of "Pass the Courvasier", or other such nonsense? Can we please be allowed to grow at our own pace, and not wait for someone to catch up with us (like we ever needed to in the first place?) | |
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EROTICCITYNPG said: http://www.projo.com/music/content/projo_20040815_osprince.156bff.html
For Prince, it's the fans who are making a comeback 01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, August 15, 2004 BY ROB CLARK The Dallas Morning News DALLAS -- There's something strange and wonderful about riding in a golf cart with Prince. He's just finished a sound check, and in two hours the arena will be quaking, a crowd of more than 19,000 dancing for hours. A driver takes us whizzing through the halls on the way to Prince's dressing room, earning a trail of stares from arena personnel. It is startling, but so is the rest of a first impression: Prince is disarmingly normal. Maybe some of his mystery comes from his reluctance to do interviews. They're still rare. But lately, he has opened himself up more. Good thing, too. There's a lot to talk about. This is Prince's year. It started in February, when he opened the Grammys with a stunning performance of hits from Purple Rain with Beyonce. In March, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His Musicology album is his best-reviewed and best-selling disc in years. And the tour, which reaches Boston's FleetCenter Tuesday through Thursday, has sold out arenas across the country (though not the FleetCenter; at midweek, balcony seats were still available for the first two shows and second-level seating for Thursday's concert). The attention calls to mind the '80s run in which Prince made some of music's most memorable albums -- Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O' the Times and Lovesexy. Such flashbacks may be why many in the media call the current buzz a "comeback." But Prince has toured and released albums consistently. And he makes it clear he hasn't gone anywhere. "It's ultimately laziness on the part of the writer," he says, "to regurgitate a term that's not true." But this tour does feel different. Prince is on a mission: He's now a teacher of sorts, a mentor hoping to inspire younger artists and listeners with real music by real musicians. You'll see more kids and teens at his concerts than in years past. And you can hear his influence in at least a dozen promising soul and rap stars. What they see in him is what made him such a revolutionary in the '80s: That unmatched mix of funk, soul, rock and pop. The audacity of making the semiautobiographical movie Purple Rain when he was still a young artist, then seeing it win Grammys and an Oscar. Or that androgynous look that got people wondering the same thing he sang in "Controversy": "Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?" And, especially, the songs that seemed impossible to resist: "Let's Go Crazy," "Raspberry Beret," "Little Red Corvette." Musicology is Prince's most mainstream disc since 1999's Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic. "Mainstream" isn't a dis in this case; it's just a more straightforward album. His previous discs have been complex: the all-instrumental N.E.W.S. and the ultra-conceptual Rainbow Children. Both were so intricate, even difficult, that some casual fans stayed away. So maybe "comeback" really refers to them. The silver ring on his finger hints at another facet of his evolution. He's a married man now, to Manuela Testolini. It's his second marriage. (The first was to Mayte Garcia in the late '90s.) But personal questions are off-limits. It's strictly about the music. Prince gets comfortable on a red plush couch in his dressing room. A large keyboard is nearby. There's a fragrance in the air, like incense already burnt. And he's as tiny as you've heard. He's dressed in all black, an NPG chain dangling from his neck. Though he just turned 46, he's barely aged in 15 years. He's still a "pretty man," as he once sang, hair and makeup all in place, like a little funky porcelain doll. His speaking voice is so deep it's hard to believe it hits the high notes in "Kiss." He talks in measured tones. Yet he's animated, ending several statements with a wheezy-voiced sarcasm. He cracks himself up, and sort of throws himself about the couch for the punch line. A line from Musicology may best sum up the Prince quest these days: "Don't you miss the feeling music gave you back in the day?" That calling -- getting back to real music, not prepackaged pop or meaningless songs about clubbin' -- gets him going. "Making music about alcoholism -- is that the one topic?" he asks in frustration. "Is that it? If I grew up on that music, I wouldn't be here." Many influences What he did grow up with sparks a river of references. James Brown. Earth, Wind & Fire. Stevie Wonder's masterpieces, Innervisions and Fulfillingness' First Finale. Weather Report. Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters album. "That," he says, "was my Ludacris." For all of his issues with some of today's pop, there is a young crop of soul and rap artists raised on Prince who now hoist him up as their Hendrix, their Lennon, their Dylan. You can hear it, feel it, smell it in the manic-funk-creativity in OutKast, the piano soul of Alicia Keys, the ballads of D'Angelo, Musiq and Maxwell. "Alicia Keys gives me hope," he says. "D'Angelo gives me hope. Beyonce, she's just an incredible singer." When community involvement by soul hero Erykah Badu is mentioned, he's even more spirited. "Can I ask you a question? Can we elect her alderman? Why is it always somebody who doesn't inspire you? Elect her as a state official." He laughs at his idealism. "Can we dream sometimes?" Prince mentions the word "morality" several times. And that may surprise some. After all, this is the man who had specialized in sex appeal with songs such as "Sister," "Erotic City," "P Control" and "Darling Nikki," but balanced those with the spiritual "God," "Anna Stesia," "Thunder" and "The Holy River." He doesn't play the naughty songs in concert anymore. And he downplays the significance of that decision, saying there are only five explicit tracks in his 25 albums. (It's more like a dozen, but no use quibbling.) It's another reason why more kids are at his shows. But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment. "I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Teasing the masses Even without the explicit material, a Prince show is still a sensual experience. Thousands of screaming women pant at every gyration and coy look. It's the way he moves, that swagger that straddles the line between debonair loverman and pimp daddy. He starts his classic love song "Adore" and then stops, teasing the masses while the howls grow louder, desperate for more. But, he insists, it's not just him. "It's music," Prince says simply. "Here, I'll show you." He pops up and walks over to his keyboard in the corner. He starts to play a simple but lovely tune. It's not recognizable; he's just plinking away. But such an unexpected and generous display -- a brief private concert to illustrate his point -- is a pinch-yourself kind of moment. "If [keyboard player] Renato [Neto] plays something like this, and [drummer] John [Blackwell] just touches the cymbals, you don't have to say anything," he explains while he plays. "It's just a mood. "To know that, you have to study music. If Erykah was here and she heard this, her pen would just start goin'. "Now," he says, "you're painting." Prince plays at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at the FleetCenter, Causeway Street, Boston. Tickets are $49.50 and $75. Call (508) 931-2000 or (401) 331-2211, or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Can someone show me how Beyonce is an "incredible singer?" | |
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EROTICCITYNPG said: It's another reason why more kids are at his shows. But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
Or, maybe they just LIKE THE DAMN SONG and WOULD ENJOY HEARING IT LIVE. It's not always about 'living in the past' or 'holding onto that moment'. Sometimes people merely enjoy a particular song that contains a swear word or be more explicit in nature, just cuz they LIKE THE SONG ANYWAY. "I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds."
I'm sorry but this bugs me. How condescending of him. So he "feels" for the people who still like the old songs that might have a naughty word in them..damn. If he doesn't want to sing those songs anymore - FINE. Don't sing them. That's his personal decision and his right and I respect both. But dont' come across with this smug, self-righteous attitude towards people who still enjoy the old songs, as though they are to be "felt" for, or patronized. And this "It takes all kinds" remark. Again, what a smug, condescending, holier-than-thou attitude. I personally don't care if he swears or sings sexually explicit songs anymore. That in itself is not a matter of consequence to me. What bugs me is his attitude, like people that do still like the old songs are loony heathen degenerates or something. I'm so glad I don't have to be around that superior 'tude 24/7. 
Sorry to be so negative but he makes me  sometimes. | |
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"If [keyboard player] Renato [Neto] plays something like this, and [drummer] John [Blackwell] just touches the cymbals, you don't have to say anything," he explains while he plays. "It's just a mood.
"To know that, you have to study music. If Erykah was here and she heard this, her pen would just start goin'. "Now," he says, "you're painting." i LOVE that...the whole alusion 2 painting and art.... i thought that was clever | |
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I agree Snow Queen.. How judgemental and Stupid a comment. I feel for Them ? why? we Love ya Work. Takes all Kinds..what your fans who love that are Wrong? that's really a bad Comment to make. why Ever record songs like this in the first place if ya Feel so bad? I don't understand why he acts like Fans who Love the Older Sexually explicit work are IMMORAL or something. That was His whole Act. His Whole Image wayy back. he's full of Crap or Brainwashed by some PRUDES. Nobody is WRONG to LOVE Darling NIKKI,Face Down, EROTIC CITY.. SEX is NOT WRONG>>> Why does Prince Feel Kinda Guilty Writing about SEX? What's his Big Problem Actually with SEX? You Can be Religious and Still Have Sex or love Sex and That is NOT Wrong. I suppose he just Wants us to see him in another light. But he should Never say what he did about that cause why is he Judging or putting down his fans? that's WRONG!!!! | |
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I happen to love his Old Music with his new music. I am Not a degenerate or is the next person for Loving his Classics. Maybe he hates his Younger way of Thinking or something,but well I think he's totally Overreacting and his work is Nothing to ever be ashamed of. It was good then as now. | |
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If he totally went Gospel I would still be into him or his music but I'd have a young Boyfriend with me for my Sexual needs! | |
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Zelaira said: If he totally went Gospel I would still be into him or his music but I'd have a young Boyfriend with me for my Sexual needs! God,Prince Really seems to Hate these Rappers... Who sings Pass the Courvouisier Anyway? I Love Ludicris by the way and Nelly and Snoop. Alot of Rappers Ja Rule and L.L. I think they are Cool and have Hot Bodies and I like their Nasty Talk Get's me Hot Prince. | |
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Zelaira said: Zelaira said: If he totally went Gospel I would still be into him or his music but I'd have a young Boyfriend with me for my Sexual needs! God,Prince Really seems to Hate these Rappers... Who sings Pass the Courvouisier Anyway? I Love Ludicris by the way and Nelly and Snoop. Alot of Rappers Ja Rule and L.L. I think they are Cool and have Hot Bodies and I like their Nasty Talk Get's me Hot Prince.No more ultimate laziness from you Prince! Keep painting, you beautiful porcelain doll!!! Just about wore out my musicology cd from listening so much, so get moving with the new stuf! WoooHoooo!!!!! | |
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Wonderful interview! LOL, but I too am a "Nikki" fan. I, however, do not try to recapture that moment seeing as I am only 17 and at that point in time I was either nonexistent or knee-high in poopy diapers. Neither of which I wish to revisit in the near future.  I completely respect his decision to pick and choose what songs he wishes to incorporate at his concerts as long as he does not feel ashamed of his past. I love it all; his past, present, and future. One thing I absolutely loved was his explination of music and the reference to painting. Beautiful. Plus, it certainly helps include those of us that are, shall we say, musically challenged. Hehehe. I can't carry a tune or play an instrument, but I can make sweet music with a canvas and brush. I agree, let that porcelain cutie paint! | |
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This is an old article | |
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This post not for the wimp contingent. All whiny wusses avert your eyes. | |
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EvilWhiteMale said: But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
"I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Hey, fuck you Prince! Quit being a pussy and play that shit. He feels for you, evil white male. Can't you feel the feeling? Luv & Peace, Alex Clubbin' in Mpls/A Night w. Prince | |
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Why does he have to "feel for them"? Thats like really...arrogant. The rest of the interview is cool  &  | |
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EROTICCITYNPG said: Such flashbacks may be why many in the media call the current buzz a "comeback." But Prince has toured and released albums consistently. And he makes it clear he hasn't gone anywhere.
"It's ultimately laziness on the part of the writer," he says, "to regurgitate a term that's not true." Amen to that, Prince. Anyone who has followed your career or who knows anything about you would know that you have been making your music and not just sitting on the sidelines. [This message was edited Tue Aug 17 21:54:22 2004 by psychodelicide] RIP, mom. I will forever miss and love you. | |
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Now you're painting. I love it when he paints!!!!! http://www.myspace.com/savage1999uk
Welcome2 the Dawn Experience http://www.thedawnexperie...ferrerid=4 | |
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Why would Prince Hate His earlier Work and then Hate his fans who love it? Sounds Crazy to me? Who put this into his mind that he's gotta be a Certain way at 46? He didn't Always Think like this. He's gotta get rid of Whomever Influenced such thinking cause he wasn't that way in his 20's or 30's. Why should he act like this? Say such things? He's gotta get Rid of That Prudish way of thinking. I Cannot even Believe he would say such Things...Feel for me For Loving Let's PRETENd WE'rE Married? ya Created It! Takes All Kinds? ya WROTE IT. So Now ya Better than All That and Cannot Sing bout Sex? PLEASE!!! Ya Hanging with Prudes Covering Up a Great Body and Hanging with a Girl thinks Pussy is a Vulgar Word..Whatcha expect..Give me a BREAK.. Will Prince Ever Comeback to The Real WORLD he Lived in? The one before 1998? [This message was edited Wed Aug 18 1:28:23 2004 by Zelaira] | |
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I wish this man would go Back to Mayte. Seriously.. Although Tommy Lee was a Negative.. she's so Cool. | |
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sloopydrew4u said: EvilWhiteMale said: But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
"I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Hey, fuck you Prince! Quit being a pussy and play that shit. He feels for you, evil white male. Can't you feel the feeling? Luv & Peace, Alex Clubbin' in Mpls/A Night w. Prince I wish he could feel my foot in his ass. "You need people like me so you can point your fuckin' fingers and say, "That's the bad guy." "
Al Pacino- Scarface | |
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EvilWhiteMale said: But there are those longtime fans who are dying to hear "Nikki" one more time, maybe trying to hold onto that moment.
"I'm not mad at them," Prince says. "I feel for them. It takes all kinds." Hey, fuck you Prince! Quit being a pussy and play that shit. Amen, Bro...Tell It like IT IS!(tha loaksta has to give props for evil keepin it real.) | |
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Hey guys... for all of those angry at Prince's "arrogant" comment...just remember this. Don't believe everything you read. Journalists are quick to "make their own opinions" about things. The leave out words. They cut in the middle of sentences. They don't explain the state or mood Prince was in. They don't always mentioned what was said before that comment. This whole comment could've been taken out of context. Trust me...I went to school for that shit. It's sad, but you can't believe everything you read...(or see, because TV interviews are just the same). Just be happy  | |
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