I was at the 8/13 MCI Center Musicology show, and during “Telelmarketer’s Blues,” Prince sang a bit about how only Telemarketers and “fams” were on his phone, and mentioned that asking for an autograph was “stupid idol worship.” I know his policy on autographs, but I still thought phrasing it that way was a little bit harsh. That started me to thinking, isn’t all “fan/fam dom” idol worship in some way?

How is asking for an autograph MORE an incident of idol worship than, for example, going to multiple Musicology shows in multiple cities. Or, purchasing and wearing items from the Club (symbol wristbands and the like)? How about buying NPG incense when you can just something locally that’s WAY cheaper and smells just as good. Or buying Prince water at Paisley Park, and keeping the bottle, because it’s Prince water? Or having your whole entire day made because he smiled at, looked at, pointed to, or spoke to/acknowledged you in some way?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that doing any of these things are a problem. I think if that’s what you want to do, that’s just great. In fact, I am guilty of some of these things myself. I am just curious as to when the line between being an admirer and “idol worship” is crossed, when something simple like asking for an autograph is idol worship? Any ideas or thoughts? (Once again, the kid is bored at work).

S

he's right. it is stupid, if you think about it--someone's name on a piece of paper/some various souvenir. same with goin from show to show to show, what's the point in it (besides bragging rights and the like)?

He's against idol worship unless he is getting paid. It's as simple as that.

I disagree... the sane reason for asking for an autograph is to capture the moment of meeting someone famous. It's not everyday, you have the opportunity to see Prince up close and personal, outside of the arenas.

I know I will never get Prince's autograph, but if I had it it, I would frame it with a picture from the era he signed it, and showed it to friends and family... not for my own personal glorification, but to remember and appreciate the moment.

I WOULD NOT take the autograph home and worship or pray to it every night. But I am a reasonably sane person.

Anyone who does this, or seeks out celebrity autographs to sell in stores or on the internet, is WRONG.

To each their own, and he doesn't have to sign autographs if he doesn't want to. The people that know him through his music, know and accept this... but he comes off as an ass to people who don't know his policy.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

I see your points, and don't completely disagree. But, I am wondering why he doesn't just say something like "No, you jokers can't have my autograph, because it would be on ebay tommorrow, and if I signed one for you everybody else would want one too and I wouldn't ever get out of here." This seems more truthful to me. Saying that asking for autographs is idol worship can't be reconciled with the fact that at the concerts/at the club, etc, there are all kinds of Prince t-shirts, posters, tourbooks, etc for sale. Isn't wearing someone's face on your chest or hanging their picture on your wall tantamount to idol worship? Am I the only one that thinks that these two don't jive?


S
[Edited 8/30/04 15:29pm]

Redayh said:

I agree, you've got an excellent point. Must be what lovemachine was saying as well.

I completely understand your points and I agree with you.

IMO, as far as 'idol worship' goes, there really isn't any difference between a fan wanting to obtain an autograph of an artist vs. wearing items that have that artist's name, face (or symbol) all over them, getting a tattoo of that artist's name on their own body, etc, copying that artist's personal style or lifestyle choices, buying EVERY little thing that artist does or has anything remotely to do with, etc.

I've also been confused as to Prince's stance on "idol worship" when he himself sells items to his fans with his name and symbol all over it, or like when he would plaster that gigantic symbol everywhere - on walls at PP, on stage behind him in huge lights like on the Rave concert as if he's some sort of diety.

Here's what I think, and it's basically what lovemachine already said - the autograph is an intrusion on his privacy and autograph hounds are a nuisance. He pawns off his detest for that nuisance & his refusal to give autographs with the 'I don't believe in idol worship' explanation. However, selling posters of himself, tshirts with his face and name all over them, keychains and necklaces with his symbol, and the like don't interfere with his daily life (and they make him a few bucks) so he doesn't mind THAT kind of 'idol worship'.
[Edited 8/30/04 17:00pm]

i typed up this big ol' reply, but then the org went ka-blooey and didn't add it on.

lovemachine said:

I agree that he probably doesn't consider it idol worship, and if he did we know he's not one to deter his devoted followers. Why else would he love to perform? That's just his rationale for not doing it. If he's anything like me it's the time and personal space he doesn't want to sacrifice for something so mundane. Not everybody considers an autograph mundane, but I for one don't have posters or autographs of anybody who's work I admire. If I like somebody's music I buy the cds and concert dvds. If I'm fascinated with somebody's life story I buy the book.

The only One I worship has no specific image and I don't need reminders of his/her greatness-- they're everywhere.

I don't want to come off as if I'm above anything. I am here afterall. That's just my take on things.
[Edited 8/30/04 16:50pm]
[Edited 8/30/04 16:51pm]

I dont beleive asking for an autograph is "stupid idol worship" even though I dont ask celebrities for their autographs when I see them. Idol worship is when a person has a shrine built up for the celeb and goes in to worship every night or something. That was a bit harsh how he said it, I think it was a careless remark on his part.

People want a sense of permanance when something "big" happens in their lives. If someone listens to a particular musician for years and one day they happen to be in the company of that musician, I think it's completely rational to want them to sign something so that person can look at the signature and think back on that moment.

In such a situation, is giving an autograph absolutely necessary? Of course not. In fact, I can understand how a public figure wouldn't want to be treated like a trained seal who has to whip out a pen at the fans' command. I get that. But I think it's a little presumptuous to point at someone who wants an autograph and blithely accuse him or her of idol worship.

I do agree with LoveMachine's comment. There have been times when Prince has pimped out the dreaded "idol worship" factor when it meant more money in his pocket. If he really wants his "fams" to discourage idol worship, he needs to reconcile what appears to be a really blatant inconsistency, or else he needs understand that folks will continue to hound him for autographs and photographs, and his own choices and actions feed into that mania.

lovemachine said:

I was just gonna say the same thing, in reference to

Redayh said:

If he put up autographs for $77.77 a pop in the NPGMC store, they would be fine and dandy.

Not that I hold autographs in any esteem, I see little point in them, most of them are given as a toss-off, it's just something to show your friends and brag that you got to meet someone famous, when in reality, they flew past you, scribbled their scrawl on whatever was infront on them and instantly forgot your face.

So I can see why Prince isn't too keen on doing them, but how is wanting an autograph any different from wearing a or NPG logo on a shirt or cap purchased from NPGMC?

As has been said without my pontification - $$$$$

I wonder if Prince has EVER Wanted a Performers Autograph? He kinda Worships Larry No? Looks up to him and copies the lifestyle so why is he talking about Fans wanting his Autograph as wrong? It's Not Wrong..Selling it is. But an Autograph or Picture is Harmless actually.

I have 45s, LP covers, and CD covers autographed from several celebrities. I don't worship the autographs, they usually stay in my stack with my other records. When friends come over, I sometimes like to show them off but that is all. I consider them a wonderful memory of meeting that celebrity and feel a little priveledged for having them.

Eventually one day, I would like to put them in a big collage and frame them on a wall but only to display for company. I think it would make a nice piece of art for the wall...not an idol. Now if I ever start lighting candles and bowing before them, I hope someone calls the men in the white coats.

True Super you are Right... He is My idol. He's my SEx IDOL darling when I think or PRINCE and I SEE HIM PERFORM I Get Excited and Think about Sex. Prince gets me PUMPED UP and HORNY cause he's AMAZING ONSTAGE with His Guitar. I Get so into the Music that I get into my Brain and Imagine Sex... But it doesn't Happen like That with me and any other Perfromer where I Actually Come... Prince has ALWAYS made me Scream and then I realized I would actually Twitch down below. I would feel embarassed by getting all wet between my legs watching his show. Lol.. Plus as he is My Sexual Kink I gotta dress the Part. So Dressing Naked for a PRINCE CONCERT ya Know is Part of the THRILL. Remember I Loved him since I was 12 and he Influenced my Life. He will Always be My Idol. Nobody is Ever gonna take his Place as the First Man. Prince will ALWAYS COME FIRST all other men second...

True and he'll always be my Sex Idol. Prince Comes first all other men second. Prince could influence me to do anything. Remember,I was 12 when I first saw him on T.V.

Zelaira said:

"dressing naked" - what can i say....classic zelaira, man.

Anxiety said:

Right on. That gave me a chuckle this fine mornin'.

NouveauDance said:

Well said

I think P should cut this bullshit out and give out his autograph like a good boy. If he's so concerned about his religion, it wouldn't affect him if he gave his autograph, it would affect the person receiving the autograph and worshipping it.
And if people decide to worship Prince, they'll do it autograph or not. His fans pay his damn living expenses so he should return the favour and give a damn autograph.

Zelaira said:

RU some kind of sexoholic or something ?

Dewrede said:

Don't encourage her.

lovemachine said:

lovemachine hit the nail on the head...Prince would give autographs if he made money
off of it. He has shown time and time again that the only one who should profit from his
music, image, etc. is him. Except for the hats he's thrown to the crowds at the recent concerts- i've been quite surprised about that.

i understand his view on this and all, but i still feel like not giving autographs is like a slap in the face. I know that its his choice to give them and all and it is a free country, but damn, u are a superstar, and when u r that TELL ME WHO ISN'T GONNA WORSHIP YOU!!!????

jayaredee said:

It's stuff like that that makes me glad he doesn't.

lovemachine said:

hehe maybe he should start doin like kelis and charge for his autograph.





c its stuff like this from ms zelaira that keeps the org interesting! lol maybe prince will c this a write a song about cha..hehhehe