This only applies to some but I am tired of people doubting. I am not trying to be negative towards anyone-

What’s all the fuss about? People always complain about Prince's popularity, air time, chart standing's ect. I would not be worried people. I doubt he will ever have a number one on the pop charts again because it seems that knowledge and truth doesnt sell very well.Besides,I think he's above that. But the man is far from loosing momentum. How many people that started with a major label 25 years ago are still around, still in the public eye? Not many. It’s harder to get next to Prince than the US President! I actually would love for his fan following to diminish because it would be easier to get great seats to see him (ha)! Keep track of the artists that are big right now and in 25 years, not even, 10 years, and see if they are still a household name. I think if prince was up there with allot of those people or categorized with them it would be an insult to his art. My opinion. He is and always will be in a league of his own. Did he have problems selling out arenas this past tour? I doubt it, I could be wrong but I doubt it. Prince’s art has evolved and is far more creative then most music today. His music is timeless and he surprises us by always makes something new (whether it be good to some ears or bad). So don’t ever get mad if people put him down or say he lost his appeal. Look at this site alone, I mean really! The man has countless web pages devoted to him, tribute bands, and his own little Woodstock or should I say Prince-stock every year at his own recording studio! Almost any accomplished musician will tell you they respect him or adore his art. He’s so damn busy! So next time you wonder if Prince has fallen off or his music isn’t keeping up with the world, think again. He’s doing excellent, and he’s doing exactly what he was meant to. I am confident that he will be as popular and cherished in the music community after he leaves this world as he is now.

Keep the faith fellow Paisley Heads

What do you think?

nicely put!

npgee said:

agreed

Phill... Very well put, Thanks !
[This message was edited Wed Mar 5 5:03:55 PST 2003 by RiccoTheArtist]

Not trying to be negative here (I agree with the principle of what you say, but there are a couple of things that need clearing up!) but...

"How many people that started with a major label 25 years ago are still around, still in the public eye? Not many" - actually, there are loads. And some have been in the business far longer and, in terms of earnings, are still at the top of the game, Paul Mcartney, Rolling Stones, Santana. Ok, not top of the bill artistically, not really pushing any musical boundaries, but some would argue the same for Prince (IMO he still has his moments, but not as consistently as in the past).

"He is and always will be in a league of his own." - he is certainly a great talent, but there have been others! Even others who exceed both his output and studio skills - Frank Zappa for example.

"Did he have problems selling out arenas this past tour? I doubt it, I could be wrong but I doubt it." - I'm afraid you are wrong! He didn't even try to sell out arena, he played mostly in theatres, venues that are a quarter of the size of the average venue he used to fill. Yeah, they sold out, but they were still small venues.

"Prince’s art has evolved and is far more creative then most music today." - subjective, but really not true. You could have said this pre-90's, but there has not been a lot in the last decade that would fit to your statement. Seriously, listen to someone like Squarepusher (and you can hear a Prince influence with this guy in there somewhere!), a 23-year old solo artist who has released 7 albums in 4 years and who is not just pushing the musical envelope, but it tearing it up! You may think that the only thing out there is what is in the charts, but when you compare Prince to contemporary ARTISTS, then you will hear the difference in terms of innovation. THIS IS OK - Prince has more than made his contribution to shaping music, just not today!

"So don’t ever get mad if people put him down or say he lost his appeal." - hehe, don't worry! As a Prince fan since '84 you have no idea how many times I have heard this!! But, who cares - if I was the ONLY person buying Prince albums in 10 years time, but the music still moved me, I wouldn't give a toss what everyone else thinks!

"I am confident that he will be as popular and cherished in the music community after he leaves this world as he is now." - the irony of that statment is the he will be more popular than he ever was - its just the way it goes!

Very nicely said!

Phill said:

I think I agree with you. Thanks for writing this - it's excellent!! .........

Well said.

RiccoTheArtist said:

I couldn't agree more...

Mindflux said:

I beg to differ on that point. I went to the show in Oberhausen, Germany. That arena was HUGE!! And the place was packed!! It was an awseome sight! He may have played smaller venues in the US, but in Europe and Japan some of those venues were very large!

U all make very good pointz, But He'z still the man.

Prince did not play smaller venues because he had a fear of not selling them out. He did it so hiz fanz could B closer 2 him.

Thank you everyone

Thumpinhard said:

If you believe that then you'll believe anything

You are right. No musician ever remains atop record charts forever. I'm sure many artists think they will, but then they wake up 10 years later and they're the butt of a joke on Saturday Night Live or they're co-hosting a VH-1 or E! show. The great artists sell tons of records at the outset, but even when their popularity wanes, they all remain in the public consciousness. Only a select few can carry that kind of clout over the course of generations. Of the 80's megastars, I can think of just four or five: Madonna, MJ, Janet, Bruce and Prince.

Prince may not be selling platinum, or for that matter, gold, but his music is everywhere. Prince's songs are played on the radio, and in commercials and movies on a regular basis. There is at least one nightclub in every city that plays a Prince song on any given night. Younger artists like Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey (assuming she qualifies as "younger") cover his songs. He's inspired platoons of artists seeking to claim his creative mantle. Some lesser artists (Britney) shamelessly and clumsily ape his styles. He may not be on the charts, but he's always around.

And he is still enjoying success. I've been to 5 concerts over the last 15 years in venues of all sizes and all of them except for the Lovesexy tour were packed. He sells his share of records every day. If he so desired, he could sell tons more.

I am firmly convinced that Prince will be to future generations what Miles has been to "our" generation: a revered artist recognized for his indelible influence on all music. Who cares how many records he sells? Fads come and go. In the distance, seven souls from now, P will still be here.

pald1 said:

I believe it!

Thanks Ricco, your art is fantastic.