It was strange, when i first saw the feed on my facebook, i was in a Tully's, I let it sink in and as the day went on I thought I was handling it pretty well. I just assumed that because I've lost loved ones and heroes so many times that maybe I wasn't wiped out like I was when MJ died. As the days went on though it sunk in more and more and really, I'm still in shock. And I'm also somewhat angry about how the "fans" on here nitpicked every little thing he did. I hope they feel appropriately guilty. I've been a member who's been kicked off of here two times, both time, for defending my heroes, first Marvin Gaye and then Prince. Seems like people are great at dishing the hate but run to a mod as soon as someone says something back. I don't know If I'll stay here this time, I do need people who feel somewhat like I do right now and to express my feelings. This site has some fantastic people who are very insightful and intelligent but there were a lot of people who, you just wondered why they were here. I don't like Justin Bieber and so I'd never think of going to his fan site, just don't understand why Prince seemed to attract such toxic fans. My grief over Prince's loss is significant because to me, we lost a giant, I'd venture to say that 300 years from now, he'll be the guy people are more interested in of all the pop/rock musicians, more than Elvis, more than Michael. to find people who could compete artistically, you'd have to go with whole bands like the Beatles or the Stones. As David Bream called him, he was the most complete pop star ever.

PeteSilas said:

It was strange, when i first saw the feed on my facebook, i was in a Tully's, I let it sink in and as the day went on I thought I was handling it pretty well. I just assumed that because I've lost loved ones and heroes so many times that maybe I wasn't wiped out like I was when MJ died. As the days went on though it sunk in more and more and really, I'm still in shock. And I'm also somewhat angry about how the "fans" on here nitpicked every little thing he did. I hope they feel appropriately guilty. I've been a member who's been kicked off of here two times, both time, for defending my heroes, first Marvin Gaye and then Prince. Seems like people are great at dishing the hate but run to a mod as soon as someone says something back. I don't know If I'll stay here this time, I do need people who feel somewhat like I do right now and to express my feelings. This site has some fantastic people who are very insightful and intelligent but there were a lot of people who, you just wondered why they were here. I don't like Justin Bieber and so I'd never think of going to his fan site, just don't understand why Prince seemed to attract such toxic fans. My grief over Prince's loss is significant because to me, we lost a giant, I'd venture to say that 300 years from now, he'll be the guy people are more interested in of all the pop/rock musicians, more than Elvis, more than Michael. to find people who could compete artistically, you'd have to go with whole bands like the Beatles or the Stones. As David Bream called him, he was the most complete pop star ever.

Pete,

I know where you're coming from. I have often been shocked by what I have found on the org. However, I started this thread to help bring us all closer together by sharing where we are in the grieving process. We're all here because of Prince and I doubt if there is anyone here who is not at least somewhat distraught by the news of his death. Many of us don't even want to acknowledge that it actually happened (denial). Let's focus on helping each other get through this period. By doing so, maybe we can come closer to reconciling our differences at some point.

Denial.

I can barely comprehend it and I don't want to. For some reason it didn't hit me anywhere near as hard as MJ did but I think I'm just blocking it out by bombarding myself with his music and movies. If I keep listening, maybe I'll never have to let him go...

NorthC said:

That's true. If you keep listening to his music, he will never die. That's not denial. That's simply the power of music.

True

There should be a 6th stage: Gratefullness

That's where I've finally come to - just so damn grateful that he entered my life when i was young, and I grew up with him always there, with his music, with his live shows, with all the bootlegs collected over the years.

So, so, lucky.

WE ALL ARE

Now get out there with a smile on your face

boschino said:

There should be a 6th stage: Gratefullness

That's where I've finally come to - just so damn grateful that he entered my life when i was young, and I grew up with him always there, with his music, with his live shows, with all the bootlegs collected over the years.

So, so, lucky.

WE ALL ARE

Now get out there with a smile on your face

boschino,

Thanks. I have felt that way for many years now. There have been times when I've listened to his music nonstop for hours (working out, doing yardwork, driving long distances, etc.) and I would stop and think, "What in the f*** am I gonna do when he's gone?" Now he's gone, but I am so damn happy that I grew up during a time when "Soft and Wet" was released and was able to watch him rise to the top of the industry. I was in high school and college when he dominated the charts during the 80s. Several of us on campus would rush to the record store every year to pick up his new albums on the day of their release (he pumped out one a year). A new Prince album was an event for us! We would put the album on the turntable, listen to each track carefully and then play it all over again before allowing ourselves to talk to each other about the albums. I remember those days like they happened yesterday. They say that your college years are the best years of your life. I agree, but Prince made that a reality for me as much as anything else I experienced during those years. His level of creativity and his willingness to experiment with new sounds always kept us guessing and intrigued. And those slow jams helped out a lo with the ladies! He was like the big brother I never had, always giving me advice about life and love. This could go on indefinitely, but I'm trying to say is that yes, we are all fortunate to have gravitated to his presence or for his presence to have found us. Does anyone else even come close?

SLP said:

Still with the sadness and depression, but didn't allow it to incapacitate me today. I went out for an early run, so started the day with some fresh air, I think this really helped. I was better able to focus on work as well. I think running/the gym could be a good way to burn off some negative energy and feel more able to cope. Definitely need more sleep, still up far too late on internet, trawling about for news, will try to knock that on the head tonight. So, slightly more positive and with a feeling I've accepted I'm going to feel rubbish for quite some time, so have got to try and carry on with everyday life regardless.

Still actively avoiding people who aren't empathetic. I just can't deal with their "but he was a celebrity, you didn't know him, why are you so bothered" schtick right now.

Denial...Bargaining...Depression...Anger...Pain

I am going thru all of the above and don't know when I will feel "Acceptance". I am in mourning. When Prince was alive, I would sometimes go thru stints of not being able to stop thinking of him. Well now...I can't see things getting better. My heart hurts. I attended the Prince - Piano and a Microphone 10 pm show in Atlanta @ The Fox.

I am just hurt.

I love you Prince. You are probably looking at all of us and telling us....please keep me alive, through my music...I am with my Father now. But we still hurt.

Lord, we love you and we love your son, Prince.

For the first time ever, I dreamt about Prince last night.

it was at the end of a long dream about me taing a trip to New York ... I heard that he'd just been killed in the street, a few blocks from where I was staying. But when I rushed to the scence, he suddenly resurrected himself.

So I went up to dream 'Prince' and said... 'Stick around longer mate.... we all love you'.

Sadly, that was a dream, and this is reality. But there's an important lesson. Show your appreciation for the ones you love while they are still here.

[Edited 4/27/16 15:09pm]

I think I'm in denial. I've been able to go a few days feeling fairly okayish with a general blue mood. But I think thats only because its now been a few days since his passing, so the shock factor prompted me into initially into sadness and depression for the first 3 days or so. But now that it's nearly been a week, I'm trying to tell myself he's still with us and looking at his face and thinking that he's just at home at Paisley being quiet and working on new material. However, I know this will soon turn back into depression once time really starts moving and there is nothing said from his twitter account/no concert dates/no album stuff etc.

I am diving into acceptance, but still get broken up when I think or read of two things: His charitiable acts, and his flashes of joy that would overtake his expression (breaking the cool) when he was playing onstage and interacting with his fellow musicians.

But I am pushing through!

But who knows, I might have phases that haven't even been identified washing over me forever.

The sad but sweet thing, is that I feel like I was forced to really grow up in a way.

I did go through a phase that is not on that list. Horror... complete horror and nervousness. I even had bad dream, a nightmare. That was the first day and night.

Rollercoaster

I am in Egypt floating down the river. I think Im gonna stay here awhile. Still numb.

Acceptance. It's been a terrible week though. My heart will never be the same and I feel like a big part of my childhood/teenage years is gone.

I'm still at denial and depression. It feels like time doesn't exist anymore. Listening to the music helps, though. My secret weapon is watching an extended Head performance on YT. It makes me smile.

[Edited 4/27/16 18:36pm]

I'm still more shocked than anything. When I think about the fact that he's gone, my mind often drifts into beleiving this is sometype of game that he's playing.

Mostly though, I'm getting to the point where I starting to accept it. What choice do I have?

funkaholic1972 said:

ANGER.

Denial and depression were the first two stages, through Monday anyways. But starting yesterday (Tuesda)... ANGER!!!!! I am soooo effin' mad I find I'm snapping at other people and in some of the most ordinary situations - like transference. I am so pissed, and here's why:

1.) I am angry at Prince for not getting true medical help that could have eased his suffering, healed his hip pain, and prolonged his life without the use of substances which - according to today's news - he was using uncontrollably. For someone who didn't want to be a "slave" in the system, he sure let a group of people fuck with his mind and convince him that he should sacrifice his own health in order to follow whatever religious beliefs they practice. Why be a part of something that doesn't put YOU first? The Sacrifice of Victor? No, the sad sacrifice of Prince!

2.) I am angry that he's been cremated within 24 hours. Poof - just like that, he's really gone from this earth. No time for having him cloned or having science study his brain!

3.) I am angry that - according to the news today, and his sister - Prince has left no will and accountants and lawyers that tried to work with him found it frustrating the man wouldn't provide paperwork because of his fear of signing his name to things. A genius in music eliminating the "middle man" in music ownership can't leave a will - telling what is to become of his millions... his music... his estate... his legacy?!?! How could he be so protective of his name, rights, and money when he was alive -- but so neglectful should the unthinkable happen. And now that the unthinkable HAS happened... what a clusterfuck!

4.) I am angry at the clusterfuck because now you have a sister and step-siblings appearing greedy. Not 4 days after the funeral and - surprise, surprise - NO WILL! I can't help but be angry thinking that Prince would be angry those people are getting anything!

5.) I am angry that we have to wait for toxicology reports to come back - and that, even then, we won't know the full or true story of what really happened. Why is it hard to not believe this could all be a conspiracy of some type???

6.) I am angry that Prince was alone. If it was his choice to dismiss staff or ignore friend requests to keep him company, or if people were really distancing themselves from him, I am angry that after reports of him OD'ing on a plane, being so weak he had to be carried off the plane, and trying to track down prescription drugs at Walgreens in shady/druggy situations.... how can I accept him being alone at all, given his health, mental state, and risk of harming himself???? And for not having a girlfriend at the time - who the hell is that pretty black girl he's photographed with at a recent basketball game? Who is she????

7.) I am angry at the people now stepping out in front of the camera as if they and Prince were the best of friends. I am angry at the people who should be... but have not come forward with at least the acknowledgement, even if a few words, too!

8.) I am angry that, eventually, the tributes will stop. For example, I was finally able to listen to some Prince on the radio yesterday thanks to the Tribute Channel (50) on Sirrius. It has actually been quite nice to hear some things I've not heard in a long time, a few rarities, interviews, and collaborations. But, the station will soon turn back to The Groove channel - and Prince will go back to being played on a rare occasion. It has been so nice to see the outpouring of sadness, sympathy, support, and respect Prince deserves. It's just too bad he had to die to receive it, and he isn't around to see for himself how much he is loved! Even sadder... there won't be any moment we see him being surprised and the reaction when he gets a standing ovation when he presents an award on TV, no more guest appearances on shows like "New Girl," no more movies, tours, or records to promote; and I will likely ball like a baby when I see his name in those "In Memorium" segments on award shows.

9.) I am angry that the entertainment shows are "milking" the story, but at the same time only promoting gossip. I am angry at myself for actually watching it, looking for it, hoping that they will somehow reveal something I didn't know. I am angry that they have not, so far, reported this whole thing was a hoax... the world was punked... and it turns out that Prince has been found relaxing at a resort in Indonesia.


10.) I am angry at myself for being angry. I am angry that I am angry over things that are completely out of my control. If I was in control, Prince wouldn't be gone in the first place!

[Edited 4/27/16 18:37pm]

Depression and Anger. Which means I am getting closer to acceptance. I am still so very sad. I cried this evening watching some concert footage from 1983 where he sat and played at the piano and it just touched me. I really loved this artist so much. I quickly wiped the tears when my husband came back into the room. I don't want him to think I'm being silly. I mean, he's been supportive so far, he liked Prince a lot too, mostly because I sort of indoctrinated him into his music, but certainly not as huge a fan as I am. Sigh, I'm just working through the grief like the rest of you guys. May he rest in peace.

Here's how I am coming into my acceptance of Prince's death. As I ask the creator why, here's the thought that started to formulate in my mind.

It's simple.....

Would we look at the accomplishments of Prince's life the same way if he was 77 or 87yrs old. Would those people, who are telling us about the other side of Prince, still be around to tell us what kind of person he was. Would it affect us the way it is now. I don't know, but that's how I started to cope with it some.

Denial. I've been running around acting like he's still around and every time I try to mentally accept it in some form (like try to buckle down and get real and blunt about it), it feels like I warped into another dimension or something and get really uncomfortable - it's so impossible to try and take in. I still can't use the "d" world in relation to him. Not so secretly, I've been getting more and more into the idea that he faked it for some unknown, but good reason. It's that that's been getting me through the week. That, being on the org for really long periods of time, and being a creep/investigating about the whole thing.

[Edited 4/27/16 19:17pm]

Astasheiks said: