His early '80s music definitely was inspired by punk music and its subgenres (post punk, new wave, etc.).

Wall said:

Good thoughts, namepeace, where did you read the Wedding Present quote? The only British act I've ever heard him lend vocal support to was Kate Bush, but I'm sure there's others.

You know I think I actually read it in an old NME or other British mag I picked up around the early 90s or so. After SOTT, the british mags offered more Prince cover features than the US press.

I can't specifically recall but the only reason I know Wedding Present even existed is because the article said Prince was listening to them. I may be too lazy to dig it up, but I have it at home as part of my mag collection. I heard an old outtake with Prince and Kate Bush one time too, btw.