He means nothing to me emotionally. We are not friends, he doesn’t call nor does he write.. the only correspondence I’ve had with Prince is gleefully writing a check and handing it over to the cashier at Tower and hopefully the electronic sales manifest in his bank account a short time later. Prince has my financial and artistic support.

The last time I posted something halfway relevant was to merely profess my newfound excitement and thanks, as Prince was my new metaphorical discovery. . A year later, after listening to new music (for me anyway) from NPGMC and seeing a show, going to the celebration and making a few select acquaintances… I’ve pretty much assessed the situation about fanatics, fams and the general idolizing of a rock star.

I cannot discount the continual amazement at chord progressions that hit my soul with a high euphoric C or a gumbo of instruments that will assault my ears with B flat bitch slap. I marvel at the beyond-intelligent sometimes ridiculous lyrics, and am occasionally emotionally overcome by a voice that could mirror angels’ wings fluttering.

Prince is gifted and I’m lucky to be a part of a generation while, missing the boat in his most infamous antics and musical evolutions, am also bearing witness to a new kind of light, spirit, movement of compositions…. just as equally fascinating, just as mysterious. Always amazingly beautiful. For that, I’m grateful. I don’t know of any other musician out there who is as youthful, funky, and embraces a dichotomy of schizophrenic abilities to entertain, create and inspire.

That being said there is a downfall to all of this. The underbelly of light, sometimes manifested in the form of “FAMS”… that horrid word that causes my stomach to convulse. Sometimes it’s an excuse for what I perceive, the actions of the diehard faithful that follow Prince’s tutelage and decree (which is unknown to me, other than his new religious path). I guess its difficult for me to comprehend the faithful following; the heretics who blame Larry, the chaste females that blame the new wife… of course I’m being overbearing and melodramatic… but in the context of things, it is pretty incredible to witness what is said here and what I’ve personally seen.

I went to the Celebration this year and I didn’t see camaraderie or peace among “fams”. Initially, I only caught dirty looks and stares. People shimming on up to security guards or personnel were “bitches” … and if you were exceptionally attractive (mostly females to females) glares were thrown about like daggers (I wasn’t a recipient, being that I’m a wallflower and blend into just about anything that has a slight ruddy color) . I found that the atmosphere was competitive and feverish and at times just downright rude. Was I in the wrong place? No. I might as well have been in Los Angeles. The tone, not because of Prince (but also not discouraged by Prince), but the tone of the event was more of a gathering of worship… and while Prince may have been worshipping God, I wonder just how many “fams” were worshiping Prince? It is unfair to say that everyone was like this, for they were NOT… but more than half of the people in attendance were socially inept and in need of therapy… of course this is all my observation and bit on the self-righteous side, because… well, I’m not really a “fam”.

Why do I feel the need to post this in a world where silliness evolves and slander procreates? Well because its an open forum and claims of racism, slander, freedom of speech… all of these things are attacked under the guise of anonymity. It’s easy for me to sit here and point everyone’s faults (yes I’m on the throne at this moment) but at least its on a generalized overview of an ongoing observation. I’m not personally attacking anyone, I just feel the need to open the door and let some air in (even if it’s hot air) to fan this place.

We are all responsible for our own actions. I don’t blame Prince, afterall he's just a musician, an artist who lives in his own bubble. He doesnt know or care about me. He lives his life and I have nothing to do with it other than fund it. And yet I still can have a healthy relationship with his MUSIC.

I don't blame the Org, its supposed to be a place where I can come to find out about performances, reviews and general info.

I dont even blame those of you who post such idiocy for your demented ways. Because those who are blind and bleeding purple are the ones who will not see this babbling as addressing them. They will continually believe that they are normal and will continue to feed off of Prince and every detail of his private and public life with like-minded individuals.

I apologize for the long-windedness of my diatribe, but I honestly find it horrifically fascinating at the time and energy invested in the words used on this site. You may say, “Yeah, it’s the internet baby, there are worse places out there in cyber world…" ...but … I don’t know.

I guess I initially meant to say that Prince is cool, but I dont feel the need to know his blood type. He creates music and sometimes much drama for himself. But that’s his world and this is mine. While relatable on a human level, he could never walk a mile in my high-heeled shoes (especially since I favor sneakers). And yet my history of trials and tribulations may pale in comparison to others and may wobble in someone else’s boots. Its all relative I guess.

If you only exist as words on a screen how does that world become real to your senses? Your touch of the unseen? How is it beneficial for your mind to receive the minutiae of detail so fastidiously created for your enjoyment? Yet your destroying the ultimate being - the core of your seam.

I’m not sure if I’ve made any sense, but I hope you can appreciate my honesty in attempting to express myself.

Thank you.

What's your point? I'm serious.

Fantastic, obscure!

I could have loved the Celebration more if people weren't so Cold. I was trying to be friendly and people just were rude and standoffish. Prince always meant the world to me. He was always great in concert. What amazing energy. Sometimes I get overly-sexual where he is concerned only because he's so damn Gorgeous. I seriously can't help it. He drives me wild and always will. I said it once and I'll always tell you this. His music is Perfect. I've been telling people I know this since Parade. Just look at the music on that album. He never disappoints me. I will always enjoy his talent. He makes me hungry. He's so Cool. Oh Heavenly Father.

Vagina said:

Some of what you say is true, I just wish I could take you seriously!

Vagina said:

every time i see his picture, he always seem to be making a weird face so i can not see his "beauty".

Obscure.

Very very well written!

Too bad you do not write on here more often. Intelligent writing is obscure nowadays on the org.

Suprised that you are from L.A.. It is hard here & stand-offish, not to mention the flakes. I know a lot more people at the celebrations then I used to, but there are still several people I would like to talk to, (especially from L.A.) but still never have. I am quiet at times n do come out of my shell at times, but only when surrounded by more familiar faces. I was envious of how all of the Detroit Crawl would hang out with the Detroit Crawl n the same with the Chicago Nation, as I tried to get the L.A. people to all sit together one night, but a few people were more worried bout getting credit for the Banner made & hoping to present it to Prince, which is not the reason we called them over to sit with us. Nonetheless, the person walked away when we did not know where the person who was in charge of the banner was.

Self glory instead of standing united.

You can take me seriously. I know I sometimes come off ignorant or like a moronic child,but I'm not like that really . Just looking to have some fun. I'm sick of people telling me Shit. I am a grown woman and no one tells me what to do!

jseven said:

LA is tough, jseven. You know that. The people that were here yesterday don't necessarily hang around. It ain't easy but you can't be faulted for trying.

Vagina said:

You're right. I guess a balance would be nice. Hey, why not have fun and be intelligent too. YAY!!

Thanks Pald. I try. "Sometimes I feel like I don;t have a partner, sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in, the city of angels, Lonely as I am, together we cry."

I Love L.A., now if i could just find a job at a record label, I would not be stressing so much right now.

Obscure said:

Well, welcome to Princeville, where the concept of Love4oneanother is just an ideal, a myth, and far from reality. You have now seen what the rest of us already have seen. The fams and the competitiveness to be noticed. The fams who think that they are entitled to be in front and they are entitled to dance on stage. They are entitled to be near to wherever Prince will be.

Of course the atmosphere is competitive and feverish. There are all kinds of cliques, including the guys who get high and drunk before going to the Paisley shows. Then there's the women with their asses and boobs out. Then there's the crazed glassy eyed, sweaty fams who sit in the sun all day saving a spot in line. Then there's the fams who try to suck up to the Paisley employees in hopes of getting some favor.

You just have to decide which celebration clique you want to join, or you can avoid all that by just hanging with one or two friends.

jseven said:

LA is the best. I work in a tough industry here and it can eat you up but I ain't never moving. There's no place in the world like LA - and that's good enough reason to stay. Jseven- you're a native right? You already have an advantage.

Obscure summed up the Celebration better then anyone else on this site has period. People come in to worship Prince...and the behavior exhibited is nothing to be proud of.

But that said I have had my moments of this same kind of behavior and I believe that we all probably have. It seems that being a Prince fan is walking a think line between obsession and admiration. There aren't many casual Prince fans are there?

It was a very refreshing post Obscure and I hope to hear more from you in the future. You seem to have a way with words. Keep on writing!

The celebration was all I expected it to be, and more.
I had a great time!
I was never up front.
I never stared daggers at pretty females.
I met a lot of nice people.
I agree that some are fanatics; every STAR has some.
I love the music.
I don't see anything wrong with the term fam (family)
as compared to fan (fanatic). Family does not connote
undying loyalty, nor total devotion. (just look at
families, today).
Even if all of what you say is true from your
perspective, one must admit that there exist other
perspectives just as legitimate, even admirable.
Beauty and almost everything else depends upon the eye
of the beholder.

That being said, our rantings here on the Org are
downright pathetic at times. Other times, we inspire
one another.

I enjoyed reading your thoughts.

-

SensualMelody said:

You are a smart wellrounded cookie!

Thank you!

Obscure said:

I suppose there is a good point somewhere in this.

That's one superb post, Obscure.

right on.

SensualMelody said:

it might all depend on what we're looking for...

I know what you mean Obscure. However, I think there are a lot of reasonable Prince fans, much more than you find with other artists.
This "cold looks" thing at the celebration is another thing, though.
[This message was edited Sat Jul 13 10:17:08 PDT 2002 by calldapplwondery83]

My understanding is that in order 2 have fun there, u had 2 have previously agreed with a few other orgers that u would meet somewhere and hang out the entire week and/or rent the same room or ride in the same cars, etc.

If ur obscure on the org, as ur name suggests, u may not have made those connections.

Of course, there is no excuse 4 cold stares (and Im surprised no1 else has admitted 2 seeing this...)

People who go 2 concerts like 2 act like they're the shit and they just walked off the runway...I've learned u just have 2 look right back at them like they're nothing more than a fly.

Nep2nes said:

Yes, you're right. You have to have somebody to hang with at the celebration. It's best to make those arrangements to meet ahead of time. I saw people on here just a few days before the celebration trying to arrange to share a hotel room.

The celebration had been going on for a couple of days when I saw a post from a guy in Minneapolis who was trying to get a ride to and from Chanhassen every night. He should have made the arrangements for a ride ahead of time. Transportation in Chanhassen is something that you need to have arranged because it's not a big city with reliable public transportation.

I think that next year, maybe in January, the Prince.org site can set up the Celebration 2003 forum and people who are planning to go to the celebration, maybe for the first time, can start posting and communicating and finding one or two people with whom you feel you would be compatible. That way, no one has to be alone or a wallflower, and no one will be left scrambling to find transportation in Chanhassen at the last minute.

You post is great! Your point is something about not losing ourselves when it comes to relating to others on this site, and to Prince, and how others have lost it, and how you've noticed that (?) That's very interesting and I relate it to your point when you mentioned something about people praising Prince, while Prince is praising God. Well at least, this is what I got from it. Keep on writing!!!
[This message was edited Sat Jul 13 20:53:47 PDT 2002 by Starmist7]

Starmist7 said:

Interesting viewpoint. Keep in mind, though, that without those people who are praising and worshipping him, Prince would not be able to have events like Prince celebrations. It is the people who praise him who make it possible for Prince to survive without a major label.

Without his fanbase to join his music club and buy his $150 concert tickets, $30 T-shirts, $20 coffee mugs, keychains, posters, mouse pads etc., Prince would have to get out on the road and play the summer funk fest circuit with other acts on the bill instead of chilling in one of his mansions.

I never really thought about myself, and others as praising Prince just because I listen to his music all of the time, or because others go to his celebrations and concerts and have joined his music club, which I plan to do also.

Do you think that people who go this far are close to worshipping and Praising Prince? I thought it was just really about appreciating and admiring his music, not worshipping and praising. Now I find distinguishing the two really interesting, when a 'fan's' level is that high, (when you really think about it)!

Starmist7 said:

I think that you have gone past being a mere admirer when you spend an entire week celebrating a particular person. In a way, it can be viewed as making a pilgrimage to a place of worship. Paisley Park is Mecca in the eyes of Prince worshipper

When I first heard about the celebration, I did think it was was a little bit too long, but then I figured, if all I do is play Prince on my radio, then it would be great to go to the celebration. But truthfully speaking, seems like you're 'right on' about the Mecca part, especially when I read the reviews about the celebrations, and the feeling that was felt by many that was passed on to me. Oh oh...maybe that's why fans get mad when he gets into talking about God so much, because he's the one that they're looking up to?! (That's a joke and it ain't going nowhere).

What you brought up is something to really think about. (personally)

Starmist7 said:

An entire week, 7 days is too long for the celebration.

I'm not saying the celebration is wrong; I'm just saying that it's a great way for Prince to soak up the love and adoration that he needs, and its a great way for his fans to get their Prince "fix." So it works out great for everybody