I'm intrigued by you folks!...so much hate & denial from some on anything resembling blatant success. So many opinions given out as a statemnt of fact etc. He takes a hugely bold move with the Piano tour, sells out arenas with days notice & apparently it's merely a gimmick! This is all backed up with the constant "he should/shouldn't do this or that". My measures are as follows:

1] Is he seemingly happy doing what he does? - this above all else! [on the face of it yes!]

2] Is he fit, well & healthy - he's getting older, he will be feeling his age BUT on the face of it all looks well. He's alive, he's not a drug/drink filled wreck!, clearly takes good care.

3] Does he still sell out tours? - as it is the main source of income for many artists this is essential. In his case 100% yes & he clearly earns a fair amount.

4] Music - is he making music that satifies himself & us?... IMHO he's given us damn near every style, i love his current phase, some phases I hate...there is enough to fill the void! & I have no right to dictate otherwise..it's his gig NOT mine!

5] do All the critics love him? unless I am missing something any global press currently seems to be hugely positive & full of respect.

6] Do fellow musicians respect him? i.e. those who really know how to write, record, play, tour & know what it takes to stay at the top. 100% yes & it's great to hear so many young artists across all boundaries acknowledging him.

All the other stuff - remasters [YAWWWWN!], videos, social media, record sales [who's selling mega amounts even with tonnes of promo?] is of no interest to me.

When all is said & done he has been in the game since 1977...frankly amazing that he is as busy as he is & I for one am hugely grateful that he is around. I would truly like to see some dignified, non bitchy replies.

He is a living legend, because of his legendary releases 1980-1988.

Commercially succesful during the Warner Bros. years 1978 - 1995.

Since then (studio music) he has been difficult, lots of ups and downs, hills and valleys..

Selling 10,000 now, wow that is shockingly low figures, it can't be worse than that can it?

"In concert perfectly free, on record slave"... to use his own words from Brit Awards 1995...

[Edited 3/16/16 8:59am]

thedance said:

He is a living legend, because of his legendary releases 1980-1988.

Commercially succesful during the Warner Bros. years 1978 - 1995.

Since then (studio music) he has been difficult, lots of ups and downs, hills and valleys..

Selling 10,000 now, wow that is shockingly low figures, it can't be worse than that can it?

"In concert perfectly free, on record slave"... to use his own words from Brit Awards 1995...

[Edited 3/16/16 8:59am]

I really don't accept the 10,000 figure that is so widely used. It apparently comes from a cryptic Tweet form Prince3eg. Firstly unless you personally know the Tidal streaming and downloading figure which most likely account for the majority of listens, we simply don't know. We know that it sold over 6,000 physical copies in the first week.

By equating commercial success with sales you are stating that for example Rita Ora is a much better artist than say Paul McCartney, George Clinton or anyone who isn't Justin Bieber or Adele.

We get that you love the 80's, that's great, enjoy them, saviour them, embrace them. The one thing, however, about Prince fans is that we largely agree on nothing and that is great. Everyone has their favourite eras, greatest albums etc. Prince was worrying about charts decades ago, it just isn't relevant anymore. He's making great music but ultimately if you like it, enjoy it, if you don't then listen to something or someone else or listen to Prince's eighties work. I love Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy, I really don't like the idea of the new one so I probably won't re-watch it but I what I won't do is join a Ben Affleck Batman site just to tell everyone how they should stop watching this and watch Nolan's films. Each to their own.

I don't measure, or care, for his success, I either like his music or I don't.

TheEnglishGent said:

I don't measure, or care, for his success, I either like his music or I don't.

Purpleized3121, I agree with your criteria for measurements of outward success. One thing I note about critics is that they are going to criticize--that is their job, and many offer critiques that don't interpret a work's meaning very well or even signify that songs were properly heard!

I'm happy that he seems happy, as I can appreciate his myriad accomplishments. His success as translates best to me is what TheEnglishGent says--when I like what sings and plays. Also, he has maintianed his aura of mystery which turns the entertainment value up a notch, particularly in this era of mega-information.

Finally, that he just keeps doing it--he finds ways to play the next concert and record the next song.

It isn't for fans to decide whether or not he's successful. Only Prince can decide that.

PURPLEIZED3121 said:

1] Is he seemingly happy doing what he does? - this above all else! [on the face of it yes!]

2] Is he fit, well & healthy - he's getting older, he will be feeling his age BUT on the face of it all looks well. He's alive, he's not a drug/drink filled wreck!, clearly takes good care.

3] Does he still sell out tours? - as it is the main source of income for many artists this is essential. In his case 100% yes & he clearly earns a fair amount.

4] Music - is he making music that satifies himself & us?... IMHO he's given us damn near every style, i love his current phase, some phases I hate...there is enough to fill the void! & I have no right to dictate otherwise..it's his gig NOT mine!

5] do All the critics love him? unless I am missing something any global press currently seems to be hugely positive & full of respect.

6] Do fellow musicians respect him? i.e. those who really know how to write, record, play, tour & know what it takes to stay at the top. 100% yes & it's great to hear so many young artists across all boundaries acknowledging him.

I'm a hardcore cross-genre music fan and an enthusiastic fan of Prince. I would measure success as doing what you love and making a living from it, enough to do what you wanna do and still leave enough time to spend on quality things that matter to you.

-

Following your guidelines and nice thread btw.

1. I'm sure is he. He enjoys the stage, it's what he's good at and the pleasure he derives from it is crystal clear from the music output, persona and global feedback.
2. Definitely. And he's himself! (as much as he can be) I don't how much he sleeps though or if he ever sees the light of day if he's on stage at night, and in the studio overday, not going grocery shopping, take a walk in the park, run for the tram or gardening etc. He took a quick summer in Oz, I didn't read about him taking a walk on the beach or anything. Being outside is also healthy.
3. Definitely! No doubt about that. And at last notice which is annoying if you can't get a ticket.
4. I'm more than happy! Prince is cross-genre so there's something for everyone. He experiments and that's good as you always learn something when you step outside your comfort zone. Yet he still continues to bring out new diamond, pearl, and emerald tracks and it's not as if he needs the money so he must love doing it. I do sometimes wonder if he still enjoys singing RB though. At least the lyrics are easy
5. Yes! I don't consider the org a place of critique, though I respect their knowledge of the music and the tips to re-look into older material. It's nice to discuss lyrics and the music and Prince, sometimes.
6. This could NEVER be questionable!

imo - Prince is successful...because he does what he wants.

He has over his career created an artistic legacy...personal wealth...a cult following...and songs...oh my god songs...

As long as he is at peace with himself...as much as any of us are...

Then yeah...boy done good!

I'll always buy his albums, I'll (nearly) eveytime get a ticket if he hits my country too.

.

I have a long association with Prince's bank account. That's why i can raise a complaint or praise, If i want to. These days I find I just can't be bothered all that much either way.

.

That's not a diss on him. I'm not sure Prince's original 'hardcore' fans should be carrying on into their 40's or 50's defending rabidly him like they would back in the 80's. It's so bizarre to me. Once you get past a certain age, get married, have kids, Prince isn't a priority anymore. Just an occasional enjoyment to me. A happy memory who I'm glad is still here and still kicks ass occasionally.

.

[Edited 3/16/16 16:59pm]

Connected said:

imo - Prince is successful...because he does what he wants.

He has over his career created an artistic legacy...personal wealth...a cult following...and songs...oh my god songs...

As long as he is at peace with himself...as much as any of us are...

Then yeah...boy done good!

That's what really matters.

He's still alive, not in jail nor rehab and not as I know of, no pics of him

with any of the Kartrashians, now that's what I call Success.

The obsession with Prince's "success" (or lack thereof) on this website comes from 2 things:

- Fans with identity issues who define their own capacity to be popular with others as depending on how the things they like are themselves popular, i.e. if Prince was still #1 in the charts all the time, they believe people would like/respect them more.

- Fans with psychological disorder who hold a personal grudge/hatred towards Prince, as if he was someone they knew in real life who has done them some real harm by not fulfilling all their expectations.

I don't think those people should be tolerated here but since it seems after all that they will, I guess we'd be better off ignoring them

He is banging hot chicks still and selling out concerts playing songs that are 30 years old. So he is basically turning into Lionel Ritchie. Success! $ $ $ $...........I wonder how Jehovah defines sucess though. Something tells me it is not about money.

databank said:

databank said:

The obsession with Prince's "success" (or lack thereof) on this website comes from 2 things:

- Fans with identity issues who define their own capacity to be popular with others as depending on how the things they like are themselves popular, i.e. if Prince was still #1 in the charts all the time, they believe people would like/respect them more.

- Fans with psychological disorder who hold a personal grudge/hatred towards Prince, as if he was someone they knew in real life who has done them some real harm by not fulfilling all their expectations.

I don't think those people should be tolerated here but since it seems after all that they will, I guess we'd be better off ignoring them

Agreed!

When you can just play on the piano and make a million bucks while other bands have to bust ass to pay the bills, bah.

TheEnglishGent said:

I don't measure, or care, for his success, I either like his music or I don't.

Agreed. His career is his business and either I like something or I don't regardless.

I will say that I am glad that he seems healthy and happy....and I'm pretty sure that I've paid for several of his outfits over the years,

databank said:

The obsession with Prince's "success" (or lack thereof) on this website comes from 2 things:

- Fans with identity issues who define their own capacity to be popular with others as depending on how the things they like are themselves popular, i.e. if Prince was still #1 in the charts all the time, they believe people would like/respect them more.

- Fans with psychological disorder who hold a personal grudge/hatred towards Prince, as if he was someone they knew in real life who has done them some real harm by not fulfilling all their expectations.

I don't think those people should be tolerated here but since it seems after all that they will, I guess we'd be better off ignoring them

You are right sir.

databank said:

The obsession with Prince's "success" (or lack thereof) on this website comes from 2 things:

- Fans with identity issues who define their own capacity to be popular with others as depending on how the things they like are themselves popular, i.e. if Prince was still #1 in the charts all the time, they believe people would like/respect them more.

- Fans with psychological disorder who hold a personal grudge/hatred towards Prince, as if he was someone they knew in real life who has done them some real harm by not fulfilling all their expectations.

I don't think those people should be tolerated here but since it seems after all that they will, I guess we'd be better off ignoring them

But what about their "need" for remasters? Surely they will perish without them....

I don't "measure" his success. Only he can do that. Success to me, in my own life, may be completly different to what he considers to be success in his own life. At the end of the day, imo, it's what we take from today and grow towards tomorrow. I try to find the moral of the day and use that to build upon tomorrow.

PURPLEIZED3121 said:

Following the reaction on the new book let's safely assume that many will never be happy until he gets the purple rain mack out, jumps on the bike and does Purple Rain v2!

And guess what they would still moan if he did that.

Guitarhero said:

PURPLEIZED3121 said:

Following the reaction on the new book let's safely assume that many will never be happy until he gets the purple rain mack out, jumps on the bike and does Purple Rain v2!

And guess what they would still moan if he did that.

from what I have seen so far that is so true.

He was by a mile the best artist around in the 80's. He's had more critically acclaimed albums than his pop rivals Michael Jackson, Janet and Madonna. He's currently at number 27 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists, 8 spots ahead of MJ and 9 ahead of Madonna. PR is one of the best-selling albums of all time. SOTT is the most critically acclaimed studio double album from the 80's.

albums on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

PR at #76

SOTT at #93

1999 at #163

DM at #206

songs on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs

When Doves Cry at #52

Little Red Corvette at #109

Purple Rain at #144

1999 at #215

SOTT at #304

Kiss at #464

Putting on 8th spot --along with Sly & the Family Stone, Led Zeppelin, James Brown and Chuck Berry-- for having six songs on the list.

teezee said:

He was by a mile the best artist around in the 80's. He's had more critically acclaimed albums than his pop rivals Michael Jackson, Janet and Madonna. He's currently at number 27 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists, 8 spots ahead of MJ and 9 ahead of Madonna. PR is one of the best-selling albums of all time. SOTT is the most critically acclaimed studio double album from the 80's.

albums on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

PR at #76

SOTT at #93

1999 at #163

DM at #206

songs on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs

When Doves Cry at #52

Little Red Corvette at #109

Purple Rain at #144

1999 at #215

SOTT at #304

Kiss at #464

Putting on 8th spot --along with Sly & the Family Stone, Led Zeppelin, James Brown and Chuck Berry-- for having six songs on the list.

Those are just numbers. I was about to say that you are a sexy girl, a beautiful one, but you're a dude, so who's that girl in youR avatar?

214 said:

teezee said:

He was by a mile the best artist around in the 80's. He's had more critically acclaimed albums than his pop rivals Michael Jackson, Janet and Madonna. He's currently at number 27 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists, 8 spots ahead of MJ and 9 ahead of Madonna. PR is one of the best-selling albums of all time. SOTT is the most critically acclaimed studio double album from the 80's.

albums on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

PR at #76

SOTT at #93

1999 at #163

DM at #206

songs on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs

When Doves Cry at #52

Little Red Corvette at #109

Purple Rain at #144

1999 at #215

SOTT at #304

Kiss at #464

Putting on 8th spot --along with Sly & the Family Stone, Led Zeppelin, James Brown and Chuck Berry-- for having six songs on the list.

Those are just numbers. I was about to say that you are a sexy girl, a beautiful one, but you're a dude, so who's that girl in youR avatar?

Tinashe Kachingwe

Vvvveeeery sexy gyal. I dislike her music though, if I were you I'd just watch the vid with sound off, and just admire the view...

Back to P, I don't think those those are just "numbers". I think they really do mean something. Can't find any other publication of such magnitude as RS that would put P above MJ, let alone in their top 30 artists, which is really a blessing to us fans knowing that there are serious music critics out there that consider an incredible musician in his own right. Of course, the average music listener wouldn't even mind going through the "best-of" lists. This is something only real music enthusiasts get to know and enjoy (like you and me ). This is P's real legacy or success. We have come to accept him as a music legend. I don't care if his impact as a pop-icon is lower than Madonna or Michael or Taylor Swift's. I don't care for the number of grammys he's won (after all, the grammy's are just another pop contest ). P's name is in every music expert's mind, anyone who knows a damn thing about modern music.

Prince is great i love his music, starting to feel more approach to his music tnat Michael's music; and Jackson is my favorite artist.

Connected said:

imo - Prince is successful...because he does what he wants.

He has over his career created an artistic legacy...personal wealth...a cult following...and songs...oh my god songs...

As long as he is at peace with himself...as much as any of us are...

Then yeah...boy done good!

Says it all............