BartVanHemelen said:

Chris Dawson ran 'The Revolution' record store in a small town called Otley in West Yorkshire. I was lucky enough to go twice, with a mate and found Chris to be a great guy. My understanding is some of the 'merchandise' he sold (and I bought) via the shop and mail order fell foul of Prince's quality control issues, and he was shut down. At the time it was fantastic to get copies (legal or otherwise) of really rare P tracks, and seeing racks of Prince and associated artists vinyl was a treat. Chris was also really good at passing on information during the 87 Wembley cancellation episode.

'Contoversy' was a brilliant publication - if you manage to get to see the way the 'fanzine' evolved and developed, it is amazing. The first few issues were stapled photocopied sheets with fan drawings (copywright prohibited early publication of photos) - this progressed to glossy printed colour magazines that were extremely professional. Controversy also did a book, which came out around 1990. Eileen did a fantastic job, not only with the fanzine, but also getting Prince fans together for conventons, securing concert tickets and developing the tape library for rare tracks and concerts. This was all done via post, and it was a thrill to get the latest bundle through the door. Its sad, but not unexpected that Chris and Eileen were 'done' by Prince and his people. What is even sadder is that there are reports that eileen is no longer with us. I met her a few times, and always found her to very pleasant, but maybe a slighty reluctant 'face' for Prince - she was a fan, but I guess it ended up being a job..and then perhaps a chore..If reports are true, this is upsetting.

GeoffB said:

...

'Contoversy' was a brilliant publication - if you manage to get to see the way the 'fanzine' evolved and developed, it is amazing. The first few issues were stapled photocopied sheets with fan drawings (copywright prohibited early publication of photos) - this progressed to glossy printed colour magazines that were extremely professional. Controversy also did a book, which came out around 1990. Eileen did a fantastic job, not only with the fanzine, but also getting Prince fans together for conventons, securing concert tickets and developing the tape library for rare tracks and concerts. This was all done via post, and it was a thrill to get the latest bundle through the door...

On Saturday I rooted through some boxes of paraphernalia and got out my fanzines. Appallingly few issues of Uptown (about 6-7), but a number of Controversy mags. To my surprise, I found the Controversy Magazine-produced book you mentioned. Know what else I found? About three Controversy Club publications. They were roughly half the size of the mags (approx. 5" x 8" glossy) and contained comprehensive information for serious collectors: imports, trading, collectables, merchandise, Prince and associates' music.

.

Eileen really took the magazine to the next level and was performing a real service for fans, and she did it with civility and warmth. Even when she wasn't seeing eye to eye with him, she was always respectful of the person at the center of our attention.

[Edited 8/10/15 18:15pm]

I really enjoy reading all those stories about all those things in missed back in the days. Thx for sharing, and thx Bart too for the links to older threads

It's a dark day in Prince-ville when Bart actually starts to make sense and be right. Then again, "a broken clock" and all that. If you say enougn negative shit just for the sake for of it, you're bound to be right once in a while.

That said, Prince's behavior and attitude towards his die hard supporters over the years, the ones who care the most and make no money off of his name, voulenteer their time and talent and simply do it for the love of the great music he's given us has been rather hard to excuse. Time and again, he bites the hands that feeds him and, over time, has managed to alienate and discourage even his most ardent supporters and fans who were simply trying to spread the word, not cash in.

Before long, he'll be down to KoolMusiq (or whatever the fuck that crazy person's name is) emptying out her 401k fund just to support Prince's latest "MaSTerPi3CE!!!!!! bL0CKbU5St3R aLbuM!!!!"

If he weren't so good, no one would care, and he is great. Make no mistake. He's peerless even, a musican for a generation. In spite of Bart's singular Jihad against the man and everything he does, he's not worng. The manner in which he treats his fans is often very hard to defend.

I don't know all the details about the magazine and what went on, but I'm ready to believe anything at this stage. I'm often shocked he hasn't shut US down over 15 or 20 years.

jdcxc said:

BartVanHemelen said:

Prince Sucks And I'm Here To Tell You Why.

But you automatically go to the "everything Prince evil" mantra.

That's what Bart does. I can't think of a single song, album, business move, performance or statement that Prince has delivered the whole time I've been on this website that Bart hasn't shit on. He's a weird cat for sure, and an angry one at that.

[Edited 8/13/15 17:15pm]

All I can say is that the PP&more is popping with plenty of interest in his past history & whatever he's gonna do next.