So, it struck me just now while reading the updates on Prince paying up on all his bills that the press consistently labels him as "reclusive." I think that is totally inaccurate... eccentric yes, but reclusive? It's not like he's JD Salinger and has hid out in the woods for decades... he tours, he appears regularly in public, he does interviews (in a highly controlled fashion, but still)...

So why does he get the label reclusive? Someone please enlighten me.

Prince goes supermarket shopping? stands in the line at the bank? goest to Starbucks? walks down the street like a regular dude?

Nope. It's not often you see paparazzi photos of him just doing what normal folks do. His life is VIP boxes away from the riff-raff who don't give that much of a toss anymore.

Somewhat reclusive i'd say. Any need to be? considering his dwindled fanbase, probably not. He could walk down the street of any city or town safely, his problem is he's so full of his own self-importance, he still thinks he's a huge superstar that couldn't.

Marrk said:

Marrk said:

Prince goes supermarket shopping? stands in the line at the bank? goest to Starbucks? walks down the street like a regular dude?

Nope. It's not often you see paparazzi photos of him just doing what normal folks do. His life is VIP boxes away from the riff-raff who don't give that much of a toss anymore.

Somewhat reclusive i'd say. Any need to be? considering his dwindled fanbase, probably not. He could walk down the street of any city or town safely, his problem is he's so full of his own self-importance, he still thinks he's a huge superstar that couldn't.

Are you freaking kidding? From this fan board and others, I don't see any dwindling fanbase? Hell, I just wrote my english lit paper on him!! The man IS still very important and would get mobbed going down any street in any town! He may not be on the radio, but he still has millions of fans and people know who he is. And whether people like you or not, if they know you are a celeb, they will come running. And PLENTY of people still love the hell out of that man. I'm glad he doesn't go around like a nobody, because he is somebody and needs to protect himself! Everyone that saw him would get star struck, he is one of the biggest celebs in the world, and recently everyone has seen him around and about on the cover of magazines, tv, etc.

To the OP, I think he is somewhat of a recluse because he hasn't sold out and done these ridiculous reality shows and he doesn't run his mouth non stop on camera. One of the reasons I do like him is that because he maintains a sense of class and keeps his personal life to himself. Rarely do you see crap about him on tv and that's good, keeps his image in tact. Of course, as a fan, I'd like to see more of him, but not at the cost of ruining his image! He does tour alot and that's good, but he keeps the cameras out of his personal life. I'm sure he's had enough of the cameras at this point! I'd flip out (in my head/heart) if I ever saw him, though I'd try to remain calm as not to scare him off! I'd be totally red in the face and probably would not stop staring at him he's so beautiful!!

shiloh66 said:

So, it struck me just now while reading the updates on Prince paying up on all his bills that the press consistently labels him as "reclusive." I think that is totally inaccurate... eccentric yes, but reclusive? It's not like he's JD Salinger and has hid out in the woods for decades... he tours, he appears regularly in public, he does interviews (in a highly controlled fashion, but still)...

So why does he get the label reclusive? Someone please enlighten me.

I think it's because he has mainly stayed in Minnesota, away from the celebrity haven of Hollywood. I wouldn't say he was a recluse, since he often goes out to clubs and concerts. I remember in the early 90s how the local media would say he lives in a luxury home, gets in his car and drives a mile to work in his own studio complex, and goes out at night to his own club. A world of his own design.

Marrk said:

Prince goes supermarket shopping? stands in the line at the bank? goest to Starbucks? walks down the street like a regular dude?

Nope. It's not often you see paparazzi photos of him just doing what normal folks do. His life is VIP boxes away from the riff-raff who don't give that much of a toss anymore.

Know why? Dude lives in Minneapolis. He can kind of walk around and people keep to themselves...there is not paparazzi here really. Seems like CJ from the Star Tribune is the only one who has hounded him over the years.

motherfunka said:

shiloh66 said:

So, it struck me just now while reading the updates on Prince paying up on all his bills that the press consistently labels him as "reclusive." I think that is totally inaccurate... eccentric yes, but reclusive? It's not like he's JD Salinger and has hid out in the woods for decades... he tours, he appears regularly in public, he does interviews (in a highly controlled fashion, but still)...

So why does he get the label reclusive? Someone please enlighten me.

I think it's because he has mainly stayed in Minnesota, away from the celebrity haven of Hollywood. I wouldn't say he was a recluse, since he often goes out to clubs and concerts. I remember in the early 90s how the local media would say he lives in a luxury home, gets in his car and drives a mile to work in his own studio complex, and goes out at night to his own club. A world of his own design.

Not only is he able to go shopping in Minnesota but reportedly on here, he has been seen bicycling, at the supermarket, doing his door to door obligations as a JW...I think that, unlike many super stars, Prince has been able to live a relatively normal life in his home town. Thank God that he didn't have to suffer the repurcussions of too much fame like MJ and Elvis! He doesn't have to live his life in a prison! I really believe that is one reason why he is still with us!

purplethunder3121 said:

motherfunka said:

I think it's because he has mainly stayed in Minnesota, away from the celebrity haven of Hollywood. I wouldn't say he was a recluse, since he often goes out to clubs and concerts. I remember in the early 90s how the local media would say he lives in a luxury home, gets in his car and drives a mile to work in his own studio complex, and goes out at night to his own club. A world of his own design.

Not only is he able to go shopping in Minnesota but reportedly on here, he has been seen bicycling, at the supermarket, doing his door to door obligations as a JW...I think that, unlike many super stars, Prince has been able to live a relatively normal life in his home town. Thank God that he didn't have to suffer the repurcussions of too much fame like MJ and Elvis! He doesn't have to live his life in a prison! I really believe that is one reason why he is still with us!

The examples you give are few and far between. It is not likely that you would happen upon Prince in Minneapolis walking around by himself, rather with a swarm of bodyguards demanding no contact and ready to chase you down if you dare take a photograph.

Prince doesn't have to deal with the paparazzi in Minnesota, there are no media hanging around his front gates.

[Edited 9/17/10 20:51pm]

I'd love him to dress down and ride the subway. Madonna's done it recently, relatively unbothered. Why do some of you think Prince couldn't do the same?

motherfunka said:

purplethunder3121 said:

Not only is he able to go shopping in Minnesota but reportedly on here, he has been seen bicycling, at the supermarket, doing his door to door obligations as a JW...I think that, unlike many super stars, Prince has been able to live a relatively normal life in his home town. Thank God that he didn't have to suffer the repurcussions of too much fame like MJ and Elvis! He doesn't have to live his life in a prison! I really believe that is one reason why he is still with us!

The examples you give are few and far between. It is not likely that you would happen upon Prince in Minneapolis walking around by himself, rather with a swarm of bodyguards demanding no contact and ready to chase you down if you dare take a photograph.

Prince doesn't have to deal with the paparazzi in Minnesota, there are no media hanging around his front gates.

[Edited 9/17/10 20:51pm]

Prince is often by himself when he goes out. Occasionaly he will have one security person with him.

skywalker said:

Marrk said:

Prince goes supermarket shopping? stands in the line at the bank? goest to Starbucks? walks down the street like a regular dude?

Nope. It's not often you see paparazzi photos of him just doing what normal folks do. His life is VIP boxes away from the riff-raff who don't give that much of a toss anymore.

Know why? Dude lives in Minneapolis. He can kind of walk around and people keep to themselves...there is not paparazzi here really. Seems like CJ from the Star Tribune is the only one who has hounded him over the years.

Yep, when he's home people look at him as the local boy that he is. Go to Hollyweird it's a totally different story.

PurpleLove7 said:

skywalker said:

Know why? Dude lives in Minneapolis. He can kind of walk around and people keep to themselves...there is not paparazzi here really. Seems like CJ from the Star Tribune is the only one who has hounded him over the years.

Yep, when he's home people look at him as the local boy that he is. Go to Hollyweird it's a totally different story.

CJ is what late 50's? she cant keep up with Prince, he's hardly here and she's the only gossip game in town lol.

I still don't understand the "recluse" concept.

Everyday people who are strongly protective of their personal space are considered "private", when celebs do it, they're being "reclusive"

Frankly, I don't blame him for putting strangers in a distance. Keeping my sanity is an everyday struggle, I can only imagine the hassle he has to put up with in order to keep his, and he have to deal with foolishness 1000 times more than I do because he's a superstar. And anyway, I don't need to see good ol' Prince riding a subway to convince me that he's "unbothered", its his life.

Harlepolis said:

I still don't understand the "recluse" concept.

Everyday people who are strongly protective of their personal space are considered "private", when celebs do it, they're being "reclusive"

That's exactly it! How does not having his photo on 20 different gossip sites every day make him withdrawn from society? He's famous and goes out in public frequently... he just wants a little bit of privacy. jeez.

shiloh66 said:

So, it struck me just now while reading the updates on Prince paying up on all his bills that the press consistently labels him as "reclusive." I think that is totally inaccurate... eccentric yes, but reclusive? It's not like he's JD Salinger and has hid out in the woods for decades... he tours, he appears regularly in public, he does interviews (in a highly controlled fashion, but still)...

So why does he get the label reclusive? Someone please enlighten me.

He ain't the least bit reclusive compared to Axl Rose

skywalker said:

Marrk said:

Prince goes supermarket shopping? stands in the line at the bank? goest to Starbucks? walks down the street like a regular dude?

Nope. It's not often you see paparazzi photos of him just doing what normal folks do. His life is VIP boxes away from the riff-raff who don't give that much of a toss anymore.

Know why? Dude lives in Minneapolis. He can kind of walk around and people keep to themselves...there is not paparazzi here really. Seems like CJ from the Star Tribune is the only one who has hounded him over the years.

Why you gotta bring my Boo into it, huh?

Do I come in here doggin' out your old lady?

Do that math: I gotta eat, so my Boo gotta work!

[Edited 9/30/10 13:52pm]

Marrk said:

Prince goes supermarket shopping? stands in the line at the bank? goest to Starbucks? walks down the street like a regular dude?

Nope. It's not often you see paparazzi photos of him just doing what normal folks do. His life is VIP boxes away from the riff-raff who don't give that much of a toss anymore.

Somewhat reclusive i'd say. Any need to be? considering his dwindled fanbase, probably not. He could walk down the street of any city or town safely, his problem is he's so full of his own self-importance, he still thinks he's a huge superstar that couldn't.

Actually he did walk down the street in San Francisco a few months ago to a veggie restaurant without bodyguards. He sat in the restaurant with the other patrons and ate his food. So I would say your assessment is dead wrong and the media never really bothers to do any research anymore so we all know that the reclusive business is from 20 years ago.