I have been a huge fan since as early as I could (I was 10 in 78, so I had to catch up in the early 80s) lol. But my best friend and I lived Prince's music in the 80s. I saw the Purple Rain tour in Minnesota, front row, first show. Best performance I have EVER seen. I grew up in Mn, just outside of the cities. So Prince was everything to me and my friends. Music in general was huge. I have visited this board many, many times over the years, but life gets so busy I never took the time to do more than read. I lost touch with Prince's music a bit after 2004. I have a special needs son and own my own business so life is hectic on a good day. But I would listen to all of my albums, along with other favorite artists, often. I was sitting with my son while he fished (he is now 12) when I heard from a friend over text. At first I didn't believe it. I was sure it was a hoax. I didn't cry or anything for about 30 minutes. But finally after reading news after news report and more people texting me, so many people on Facebook from my high school taking about it, I realize Prince was dead. I started sobbing. I tried to keep it down as much as I could for my son. He wanted to stop fishing so we went back to the car and I lost it. I explained what had happened and once he realized it wasn't family or anything, he was awesome. Hugs and telling me he was sorry. I spent the rest of the afternoon crying and pouring over news articles and listening to the local station playing only Prince.

I was shocked at how bad I took this. I only was able to start smiling again on Sunday. Not until two days ago was I able to do things without thinking about it all the time. I have had to keep away from news and stuff a bit because it seems to rip the wound open again. But reading here has been the best, because I knew I wasn't alone. My husband has been cool, but he doesn't get it. he only saw me cry the first day. After that I didn't feel comfortable explaining how sad I still was. I am doing ok now, but still tear up. I still can't watch Purple rain (own 5 copies of it). I will soon. There is a lot of music I can't still listen to. My son asked me today if I will ever not be sad about Prince. I said no, never. I will move on, but I will never get over it. It truly is like losing a loved one. I wasn't close to my mother and when she passed 17 years ago, I think this hit me harder in a way. It was his music that got me through my rough teens when I fought with her, dealt with an alcoholic step dad, I grabbed on to it and I grabbed on hard. I feel like a piece of my youth died. LIke many I hope to hear lots of music from the vault. Especially from my favorite decade, the 80s. I wanted to see Prince one more time an I just always though he would be there when I got around to it. I saw him three times. Two Purple rain shows and Musicology. My husband did go with me and still ways it was the best show he has ever seen. So thank you for this place, even though I just joined and haven not posted before. It meant a lot to read. It helped me through this past week. Hugs to everyone. This is really hard.

Welcome!..............Beautiful story.

welcome to the forum!

hello, howdy do? nice to meet you

Thanks, everyone!