What are your feelings on fans who attend EVERY show on a tour, find a way to get front row seats and also make it to the afterparties?

Alan, you have spent time around JB, P-funk and prince. In your opinion,
who had the tightest band and the most musical "skills"?

With the exception of the Time, why do you think none of Prince's other groups really "made" it big or stayed around very long?

In my opinion, Prince is the best musician who EVER lived. Where would you rank him?

Is there a concrete plan for Prince's music once he passes away?

any insight into what was going on in prince's head when lovesexy tour and singles bombed in the US? did he care, did he lose confidence,?

who in the world chose the singles from SOTT? why was if i was your girlfriend the second second single from SOTT? were tracks like housequake, hot thing or adore ever considered for release as singles on their own? if so, what happened!

do you think prince viewed batman as a sellout?

do you think prince has any regrets for the mess that was his career from 92 - 04?

do you think he knew graffiti bridge was going to be a disaster? did it ever occur to anyone to just say forget it and take the loss rather than put out something so career damaging?

are there more collaborations with madonna besides love song? is there a prince version of like a prayer?

thanks a million.

Did the members of the Lovesexy band and touring entourage really understand the whole concept behind the album , was it explained to you all by Prince or
were you all just going along with the ride ?

A similar question , what Prince songs lyrically baffled you the most and did Prince like to explain his lyrics much when the meaning wasnt obvious ?

A lot of Prince fans would like to see his entire catalog properly remastered on compact disc and audiophile vinyl. While the industry debates on the CD vs. digital download debate, his fans will continue to purchase his music, especially if it is a major improvement over existing versions. This would also include reissues for such high-in-demand titles for Madhouse, The Family, and Sheila E.

Mr. Leeds, you had done an incredible job with the string of James Brown reissues and compilations you did through Polydor/Universal. How close are we in seeing the same treatment for Prince's music, and if remasters are being considered, would someone such as Steve Hoffman be considered to do them, and do them properly?

Alan Leeds:

Do you feel that Prince has created a self-imposed artistic freedom restriction now that an extreme religion is at the forefront of his mind just as much as sexuality was through most of his important works?

Two questions for the interview:

One - What was the darket moment you saw Prince live through?

Two - What was your favorite year that you worked for Prince?

Considering D'Angelo's past troubles, what is your greatest challenge as you guide his career back to the spotlight?

Mr. Leeds..

What was the most COMPLEX song to perform live / Compose with Prince?

Thank you, Isaiah Tolbert

bookjawn said:

I would add to that...

What exactly is the hold-up on remastered releases of Prince's catalog? Who needs to make the next move, Prince or Warner Bros.?

paisleypark4 said:

I would add to that...

how annoying is it for you to be confused with your brother Eric?

My question for Alan Leeds:

1. You introduced Eric into Prince's band, which other musician would you have liked to introduce Prince to?

OR

2. Why can't I buy Eric Leeds albums in the UK?

OR

3. Do you think Eric Leeds or Wendy Melvoin was the biggest inspiration/spur for Prince during the 86-88 period when he was at his most creative?

Alan, Prince is such a virtuoso musician, that he is probably better at many than most are at one. What genre of music would you say he is the most prolific at writing? What instrument do you love to hear him play the most over all the others?

First of all, it's an honor. Having been in the music biz for a few years myself and a fellow funky music fan for as long as I can remember, I can only image the historical music moments you witnessed and the fires you had to put out (I also managed musicians, so I totally empathize with you here). You've also written some of the most informative liner notes I've ever read, not only for Prince, but for countless other artists. You're truly a great musical historian.
With all of this in mind... Have you ever thought of writing a book about all of your experiences? Each chapter could be about a different artist or time in your career. Just a thought. I would certainly cherish a book like that.
Thanks!
[Edited 11/26/05 4:47am]

As a long time follower, and now in my mid 30s firmly struggling the rat race, I as impressed with Prince's drive and ability to get his way as much as i've always been with his music and abilities both in the studio and live. The music industry has changed and my thinking is he had a lot of music execs that were his fans in the 80s and therefore he was allowed to put out what he did and all of his pet projects. I remember being told once that a label would sign him for the status of having him less for selling large quantities of records.

In today's music industry, does Prince hold the same weight? Do you think he does not have the same presense yet that he may still think he does? Why does he continue to make albums like 'musicology' where he can make 'rainbow children' the truth, one night alone etc? Does he care still for the fame that a relatively weak album like 'musicology' will give him?

Mr. Leeds,

1) Is it true that Prince has a "contract" with band members that if they leave the camp, they're not allowed to do interviews or say anything about
him? Does he also provide new band members with free room and board, transportation, benefits, etc?


2) What was your take on the whole "Prince vs Rick James" scenario?

Mr. Leeds-

What is your favorite Prince "era" in terms of his creative output/album/band and why?

Thanks very much for your time

mr leeds,

boxers or briefs?

3121 said:

- RIGHT!! Most people here think that the Questions are for ERIC, the sax player...even I thought, in the beginning (and the photo doesnt help much)

langebleu said:

Please ask langebleu's question mods!



My Question...

Hi Alan. Thank you for doing this.
In your liner notes for The Hits you said '...our wildest imaginations couldn't conjure up what a collection like this might contain in another 15 years.' What are your opinions on the output of the past 15 years and do you believe that that statement rings true today for the next 15 years?

JimmyNothing

Three questions:

1) Is it true that you are no longer D'Angelo's manager and that Kedar Massenburg took over from you? If so, what led to your 'break up'?

2) How would you describe D'Angelo's new(er) material in comparison to his 'Brown Sugar' and 'Voodoo' album (regardless of whether it will see the light of day or night)?

3) Many of the D'Angelo 'incrowd' speak highly of his talents, saying he's the 'second coming'. Do you agree and to what degree?

I thank you in advance, mr. Leeds.

sosgemini said:

In your time with Prince, what was the most rewarding or fufilling moment in your work? If there was one.

What did you prefer doing more, managing Paisley Park or Being Prince's Road manager? which job would you have considered more difficult?

Other than Prince, who have been your favorite people to work with?

Is D'angelo going to ever release another record?

During the Craziness that was the Purple Rain tour, What was the most intense, fan frenzy, situation you guys (Prince, The Revolution, Yourself, or anyone else) ever had to deal with? Any Beatle-mania-esque moments?

Mr. Leeds, do you know who is responsible for all the illegal recordings of Prince's studio recordings/paisley park rehearsels.

Mr. Leeds, Is Prince aware of the poor marketing of his products in Holland. Better, there is no marketing at all.