Is commercial success the most importnant thing? No. But it sure helps more people discover his music and brilliance.
[Edited 9/23/08 13:40pm]

peter430044 said:

When Prince tried to go commercial in the 90's, that was the exact moment that he lost his commerciality.

When Prince was his least commercial and went his own way, is when he was the most commercial.

its a dichotomy
[Edited 9/23/08 14:55pm]

i think prince has more mainstream success than ever right now. he has legend status. just because his albums don't sell doesn't mean he isn't a bankable entertainer.

if it were, say, 1999 or 2000 and you were asking this question in the midst of prince's NPGMC/Rainbow Children days, then we could probably have a discussion.

Like Anxiety says...Prince will fill a Hall, As a Guitar Legend, those engraved days are already a part of His career.

Musicians can play music all of their lives, although we do realize that our youth is where we find the trophies of our works, usually. The Poet, the painter, and the scientist are a different story.

All that I am saying is that there is a difference between 25 and 50, especially with sports and high voltage theatrical performances.

I Love Prince 4 the age that He is...I'm not 25 anymore either.
It's just time for a new season. A new leaf.

All that I really mean by this is that Prince isn't Mr. 1985 anymore. Although he gets more beautiful as the days go on, as the seconds pass, truly.

Do you know how long Prince has been around? Obviously longer than YOU have.