I just wanted to give a thank you to this site and all of its members. It is clear in reading as much as I have here that you guys were a great community of Prince fans before April 21st, and you all have been welcoming to those who have sought some peace and comfort here after that tragic day.

I may be a new poster, but I am not a new Prince fan. I actually saw him in New Orleans for the "Purple Rain" tour at the Superdome in 1985. I was a young teen and it was the first concert my parents let me and my friends go to alone. (My mom had embarrisngly acoompanied me to Duran Duran and Cyndi Lauper the year before.) I have seen many, many, concerts since then, and while none of them sadly were ever of Prince again, I remember and FEEL that Purple Rain concert more than any of the ones I have been to since.

While I admit I always loved Prince, my pursuing then having career in film and TV made me follow his and really just music in general less and less. But I always loved when I saw him at awards shows, the Super Bowl, late night talk shows, etc. They all brought me back to that magical night in 1985 all over again, and while I'd then go listen to his latest music for a day or two, I sadly admit, I took Prince for granted. I always planned to see him in concert again... some day.

When I realized that some day would and could never come, his passing affected me far more than I ever expected it to or was prepared for. I found myself clinging to the internet to find anything and everything to read, see, and hear about Prince. It all oddly provided me comfort in my sadness and regret. I started down a Prince rabbit hole that day, and I have not stopped since. What I have seen and learned actually has made my own memories of seeing him live even more special, while at the same time, leading me to new and amazing discoveries all admist the sadness. And the .org has been such a truly wonderful place for me, and I know many, who have come and "invaded" your home when I am sure guys you need it the most.

So sincerely, thank you for opening your doors. For sharing. I have read so many older posts that without ever intending to, are keeping Prince's spirit and talent alive. You guys have helped to do what he wanted to do -- have people fall in love with REAL music all over again. I know he is so proud of you all for this.

And the more I read, the more I want to know, and I know there is so much more to discover, and while I wish he was still here, I do believe better late than never. So if any of you ever want to talk to a "newbie," to share stories or suggestions of where to look for secret, hidden gems, or share opinions on which album to discover in what order, please send me an org note any time. My husband loved Prince too but doesn't really understand what I am feeling anf going through, so it is nice to have someone to talk to who does.

Thank you, again, for sharing this board and Prince with us, I have read on here in many posts the saying "google is your friend." That is true, but let me tell you, the Org is a GOOD friend, and I thank you all.

Well said , totally agree , i would be been in a even worst place if it was not for the org and the Purple Family

That's a very beautiful post, DJ2Sad. Thank you so much for opening and sharing with everyone here. Part of what I love about Prince is just the wonderful goodness that he genuinely inspired in people. He and his music touched us in so many beautiful and powerful ways. This man will always be remembered and loved so deeply by so many people. Thanks again for taking the time to share this. Purple love always.

NinaB said:

Welcome U may of heard of it already but PrinceVault.com is a good source.

Thank you for the welcome and hug, much appreciated and hugs back.

And yes, I have seen PrinceVault.com, but it seems like whenever I try to click on a link I see to there, it just takes me to the home page and I can't find what I was looking for. But that and here, have just been such great resources, and especially here, it is so great to know you're not alone. Rediscovering and discovering Prince all at the same time is really helping me to cope with the fact that he left us way too soon. So thank you again to you and everyone else here for the kind words and welcome.

When our Dearly Beloved passed away I had the wind knocked out of me.... My friends and family were absolutely wonderful checking in on me when they heard and it was immensely comforting, but it was also my Prince family, including here on the .org that came closest to understanding the pain and despair I felt, and helped me process all those difficult emotions and grief. Thank goodness for the .org. I don't like to think of how I would have coped alone.

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I don't at all think of the influx of new accounts and screen names here as an "invasion" as you say. Like any funeral, the loss served to bring the purple family together. Makes me no difference if a person is a 'superfan' or a 'newbie'. We're all family and all welcome members in my book.

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Thank you for the beautiful post and reminder that we are more than just a "fan" group. We are friends share a deep and unique bond with each other that transcends boundaries and cultures. One of Prince's many loving gifts that he left to us.

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2 all of U and 2 Prince as well.

DJ2Sad, I was going to write a similar post but I had to wait my 5 days. My story is a lot like yours, except I never had the chance to see him live (Arkansas was not a regular tour stop to say the least). I am 35 and Prince as always, always been there. Prince is one of the few artist that I have very specific memories of where I was, what I was doing, and how I felt when I heard their music. So many memories. From small child to the last time I intentionally tuned into a SNL episode. A friend and I tried so hard to get the powers that be to play 1999 at our graduation ceremony in 1999. They did play it but it was as they were turning out the lights and almost everyone was gone. I got away from him. Not intentionally, but life happens. I started following more local bands that did travel through here often. I kept up with Prince in a way. I read articles, listened to the music I had, and watched tv appearances, but didn't follow him hardcore. April 21st hit me like a brick. I have been in that wonderful, bittersweet rabbit hole ever since as well. This site has been an amazing place for information and comfort. I have turned to it many, many times to read other's thoughts on lyrics and such. I have lost hours staring at all of the fantastic picture threads, and laughed out loud at the gifs and comments. Thank you to everyone on this site. Much love to you all!

Colyde said:

train23 said: