EnDoRpHn said:

LBrent said:

EnDoRpHn said:

Just to provoke the discussion, I would like to hear someone articulate why anyone here should care about how Prince's estate is settled.

I have seen comments here and on Facebook questioning the motives and maligning the reputations of individual members of his family.

There also have been numerous threads that seem to either hope or express shock at the potential that Prince had a child who may stand to inherit the estate. Many of them are judgmental, if not condescending.

So, why should we care? It's not our estate. I'm not aware of any regular posters on this site who are blood relatives of Prince.

From a fan's perspective, does it really matter whether Prince had a will? No one here has ever stood to have any influence on what became of his music or his belongings.

I'd love to hear a well-reasoned, non-emotional answer.

It's not like it's any of our business, but as a bystander if you do the math the potential for PP and the music to be lost due to liquidation exile unless someone with experience in both Minnesota estate law and the muse industry is allowed to guide the family. It's not just a matter of handing over the assets. Unless there was an insurance policy that will cover the estate taxes and such, a huge chunk of the estate will be eaten away right fire the start. The lawyers must be paid, plus any outstanding debts, the remaining assets being split anywhere from 6-8 or more ways, the estate gets smialler. Everyone hears $_00million, but the reality is that each person might only walk away with $5-15million. Then what? Where will the next round of property taxes and running expenses come from? If there's no income on an ongoing basis, assets will need to be sold off. And I have no doubt that there are plenty who would step up to pay bargain basement prices to desperate family members(WB, I'm looking at you!). I'm just a fan, true, but caring about P for nearly 40 makes me sad to see his hard work end up as nothing more than a memory and a footnote in music history. It makes me sad to think about. That's all.

He will never be just a footnote in history. As long as new young fans discover and love his music as much as we always have--that legacy will live on. My son loves Prince's music (most) as much as I do... And went so far as to teach himself how to play Prince guitar solos pretty well. The trick is to keep the music alive for new ears to hear and love.

purplethunder3121 said:

I am not disappointed at all. I am saddened by it, because he worked so hard for so long and now it seems most of his work product will be sold to pay expenses, and Lord knows he wasn't happy about paying any type of tax. The thought of PP possibly becoming some sideshow circus attraction just to pay the bills is so disturbing I don't want to think about it. I wish some wealthy musicians would buy it, bring it up to code, and use it as Prince did. The fact that it isn't located on either coast, and more importantly that Prince is no longer there, will probably affect the selling price, but these people have the money to preserve this national treasure in memory of the icon they knew and respected.

purplethunder3121 said:

Makes me wonder if ultra-rich musical aging artists like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, etc. have wills in place... Never thought about it before, quite frankly...

[Edited 7/30/16 12:36pm]

Heh--I'd imagine that the playas' of the 2 groups you name have them now and have kept them updated for many years already, they having descendants and academies n' stuff that they feel responsible for. And to risk being stereotypical, aren't those British subjects (even artists with riches) into keeping their shizz all tidy and proper, accounting-wise, as they've got centuries of cultural lineage and practicality to keep them in line?

>

Don't flame-bomb me.

Germanegro said:

purplethunder3121 said:

Makes me wonder if ultra-rich musical aging artists like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, etc. have wills in place... Never thought about it before, quite frankly...

[Edited 7/30/16 12:36pm]

Heh--I'd imagine that the playas' of the 2 groups you name have them now and have kept them updated for many years already, they having descendants and academies n' stuff that they feel responsible for. And to risk being stereotypical, aren't those British subjects (even artists with riches) into keeping their shizz all tidy and proper, accounting-wise, as they've got centuries of cultural lineage and practicality to keep them in line?

>

Don't flame-bomb me.

Since, I'm not a British citizen, I can't speak to that.

I was actually really shocked that he did not have a will in place because Prince seemed very involved with the accessibility of his music, brand, image and where the profits would go. So for him to not have a will seemed rather disappointing. Its sad all around. Maybe Prince was in the process of formulating a will but didn't get the chance to fully complete. There are so many reasons that we will never know..... BUT IMO given his personality and beliefs, he should have had a will. He was so passionate about not having his music on the net and fans paying for his music, I feel he could have had that same passion for his finances and will BUT then again maybe he did but never got a chance to fully complete it.

[Edited 7/30/16 17:01pm]

avajane said:

The again we don't know why he never had a will. Perhaps he was about to start one, started one, or was halfway through one but never finished one. Perhaps he was waiting until everything was covered, it was only 2 years ago that he got his masters back.

Oh I didn't realize that. Thank you. For some reason I thought he got them back around 2010.

purplethunder3121 said:

He will never be just a footnote in history. As long as new young fans discover and love his music as much as we always have--that legacy will live on. My son loves Prince's music (most) as much as I do... And went so far as to teach himself how to play Prince guitar solos pretty well. The trick is to keep the music alive for new ears to hear and love.

Yes, but they have to be able to access the music!

Wlcm2thdwn3 said:

1Sasha said:

I am not disappointed at all. I am saddened by it, because he worked so hard for so long and now it seems most of his work product will be sold to pay expenses, and Lord knows he wasn't happy about paying any type of tax. The thought of PP possibly becoming some sideshow circus attraction just to pay the bills is so disturbing I don't want to think about it. I wish some wealthy musicians would buy it, bring it up to code, and use it as Prince did. The fact that it isn't located on either coast, and more importantly that Prince is no longer there, will probably affect the selling price, but these people have the money to preserve this national treasure in memory of the icon they knew and respected.

this exactly. so sad. it makes my stomach turn to think that someone else would ever own PP.

PurplePeace said:

purplethunder3121 said:

He will never be just a footnote in history. As long as new young fans discover and love his music as much as we always have--that legacy will live on. My son loves Prince's music (most) as much as I do... And went so far as to teach himself how to play Prince guitar solos pretty well. The trick is to keep the music alive for new ears to hear and love.

Yes, but they have to be able to access the music!

They access the music through US!

Bunsterdk said:

Nope. He had his reasons. Just because we don't know them doesn't make them less valid. His music. His money. His legacy. His decision. I'm cool with that.

I'm thinking that Bunsterdk's answer is how I feel too.

Not at all.

-

I think that, oddly enough, Prince's back catalog (music/videos/concerts/merchandising) is now actually going to be treated better and now that it is the responsibility of others.

Honestly,

I'm very disapointed. Angry even somtimes.
I just realy don't get it.

Imagine, you build up all this, and you even don't have a will or at least some things arranged?

Knowing that whatever happenes to you all of it will be arranged the way it is now ?
He must've thought of that at least once in his late life. His only sister... he must've known this for sure... Certainly when you know that you are about to leave this huge legacy in other hands...
I still don't get it.

Not even the people around him were able to get him this far to protect his work and his savings... It says a lot about Prince being in total control, freakishly. Almost in absolute fear.

It seems like he didn't like others to give (good) advice for that matter.

How afraid does one have to be to not have things organised in one's life ?

Is that one of the reasons why Prince constantly changed lawyers and the people who were suppose to organise things aroudn him ? It sure shows some serious lack of trust in every sence.

He also said something like only trusting/depending on himself.

-

He was overpowered by his believes.

He wasn't into external help it shows. He really thought by believing in some god that it was enough to get along.
Unfortunately.

-

I'm also angry at times because of the JW rules. I blame them. I'm not supposed to do that, but I can't see any common sence in their way of indoctrinating people.

One day I will be able to let go of that angry thought i'm sure, or maybe not.

But I just can't help it right now. This is just one huge uncomprehending WTF.

So, you get people this far that they would die because you demand from them to not accept medical help for cetain matters?! How can you believe something like that?

Something that stands oposite helping others ? How can you help others when you're not able to take care of yourself ? What crappy badly organised way of treating people...

Proof once more that JW isn't just more than an underdeveloped business benefiting from people in need of normal good free and honest guidance.

-

I know why I can't be trapped in any god-business.

And i know why i'm able to trust people. Be able to get to know them as thouroughly as possible, to get along and learn to listen, and be free to have good trustworthy advise from others.

Knowing and being ready for accepting mistakes even; try and error.

I love to be open and learn from others on the same level, and then think and rethink, make a decision, learn from it and then move on, 'up to the next level'. Never being afraid for fuckups or wrong decisions.

Trust is important to have things well organised. And, being ready and able to move on again when things don't turn out right, without resentment.

[Edited 7/31/16 1:44am]

Vannormal said:

Honestly,

I'm very disapointed. Angry even somtimes.
I just realy don't get it.

Imagine, you build up all this, and you even don't have a will or at least some things arranged?

Knowing that whatever happenes to you all of it will be arranged the way it is now ?
He must've thought of that at least once in his late life. His only sister... he must've known this for sure... Certainly when you know that you are about to leave this huge legacy in other hands...
I still don't get it.

Not even the people around him were able to get him this far to protect his work and his savings... It says a lot about Prince being in total control, freakishly. Almost in absolute fear.

It seems like he didn't like others to give (good) advice for that matter.

How afraid does one have to be to not have things organised in one's life ?

Is that one of the reasons why Prince constantly changed lawyers and the people who were suppose to organise things aroudn him ? It sure shows some serious lack of trust in every sence.

He also said something like only trusting/depending on himself.

-

He was overpowered by his believes.

He wasn't into external help it shows. He really thought by believing in some god that it was enough to get along.
Unfortunately.

-

I'm also angry at times because of the JW rules. I blame them. I'm not supposed to do that, but I can't see any common sence in their way of indoctrinating people.

One day I will be able to let go of that angry thought i'm sure, or maybe not.

But I just can't help it right now. This is just one huge uncomprehending WTF.

So, you get people this far that they would die because you demand from them to not accept medical help for cetain matters?! How can you believe something like that?

Something that stands oposite helping others ? How can you help others when you're not able to take care of yourself ? What crappy badly organised way of treating people...

Proof once more that JW isn't just more than an underdeveloped business benefiting from people in need of normal good free and honest guidance.

-

I know why I can't be trapped in any god-business.

And i know why i'm able to trust people. Be able to get to know them as thouroughly as possible, to get along and learn to listen, and be free to have good trustworthy advise from others.

Knowing and being ready for accepting mistakes even; try and error.

I love to be open and learn from others on the same level, and then think and rethink, make a decision, learn from it and then move on, 'up to the next level'. Never being afraid for fuckups or wrong decisions.

Trust is important to have things well organised. And, being ready and able to move on again when things don't turn out right, without resentment.

[Edited 7/31/16 1:44am]

i appreciate this. i felt much of this right after he died. he was impossible to deal with on many levels. there is always a lot of fear underneath chaotic behavior. p had some compulsion to stir up strife and operate within a veil of chaos for most of his professional and personal life. in many way, all of this chaos after his death is consistant with how he lived. so sad.

FUNKYNESS said:

I respected Prince for his business sense and intelligence nearly as much as I respected his creativity and talent. His foresight is what made him cutting edge in art and business. Somehow it was not applied to get his affairs in some kind of order after his death. The mess is disappointing. All these nobodies grabbing at his money and family bickering.

[Snip - luv4u] may generate and, most likely, his brilliant catalog. It will be a shame and disappointing for me. I am irritated that there is no will and no provisions to ensure that at least some of his fortune benefited the people that he tried to help and those who need it the most.

Ive been thinking about this a lot lately...

I dont think he was at all attached to his music or his legacy..

He left it all behind, he was not burdended by unrealised dreams or desires.

He was "light" in that sense

He was always so in the moment, we know this about him.

He has gone where he always told us he wanted to go.How many times have we heard him "hanker" for that Place.

What he left

is ours to deal with...

He is FREE

wavesofbliss said:

My dad died unexpectedly in January 2007. Completely healthy, had been to the doctor the week before... BAM. His heart gave out and he was gone in less than 10 seconds.

.

My mom had always assumed that she would be the one to go first, and as a result they didn't do any in-depth planning for their estate. As my brother and I started going through all their paperwork, we discovered that it was woefully incomplete, scattered, out of date... it was a mess. So it took us a good 18 months to get every single little thing straightened out.

.

My point in all this is that, most people don't think that far ahead about their mortality. And Prince hated CON-tracts, so maybe that fear of official documentation carried over to estate planning. Plus, his death was accidental, so he probably was in the "one day I'll get to it" mindset.

.

At least it seems like people are doing diligent work in getting everything sorted out. I hope that all the legal heirs are fairly represented, and do their best to preserve his legacy.

twistyt said:

To put it simply, No. I just don't think he cared.

I agree...Why would he.?.

he was more interested in what lay in front of him

and as always...there IS a lesson in that too.....

I'm just shocked - anyone past a certain age, & with any degree of wealth should have something drawn up. I hate all this shit, everything from April 21 on

He wouldn't be the first to leave a mess behind, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix did too. But Prince had such a strong grip over his business. I know he hated contracts, but it is hard to believe he wouldn't give instructions on what to do with his lifes work to someone. What I care about is what his work will look, and sound like if it falls into the wrong hands. Can you imagine a Purple Rain perfume or Kiss lipstick. How about Kay Jewelers Diamonds and Pearls? There could be a Prince impersonator in Las Vegas.. ugh! That's what I worry about. I hope his siblings get good advice. There are a lot of wolves in sheep’s clothing out there.

wavesofbliss said:

Vannormal said:

Honestly,

I'm very disapointed. Angry even somtimes.
I just realy don't get it.

Imagine, you build up all this, and you even don't have a will or at least some things arranged?

Knowing that whatever happenes to you all of it will be arranged the way it is now ?
He must've thought of that at least once in his late life. His only sister... he must've known this for sure... Certainly when you know that you are about to leave this huge legacy in other hands...
I still don't get it.

Not even the people around him were able to get him this far to protect his work and his savings... It says a lot about Prince being in total control, freakishly. Almost in absolute fear.

It seems like he didn't like others to give (good) advice for that matter.

How afraid does one have to be to not have things organised in one's life ?

Is that one of the reasons why Prince constantly changed lawyers and the people who were suppose to organise things aroudn him ? It sure shows some serious lack of trust in every sence.

He also said something like only trusting/depending on himself.

-

He was overpowered by his believes.

He wasn't into external help it shows. He really thought by believing in some god that it was enough to get along.
Unfortunately.

-

I'm also angry at times because of the JW rules. I blame them. I'm not supposed to do that, but I can't see any common sence in their way of indoctrinating people.

One day I will be able to let go of that angry thought i'm sure, or maybe not.

But I just can't help it right now. This is just one huge uncomprehending WTF.

So, you get people this far that they would die because you demand from them to not accept medical help for cetain matters?! How can you believe something like that?

Something that stands oposite helping others ? How can you help others when you're not able to take care of yourself ? What crappy badly organised way of treating people...

Proof once more that JW isn't just more than an underdeveloped business benefiting from people in need of normal good free and honest guidance.

-

I know why I can't be trapped in any god-business.

And i know why i'm able to trust people. Be able to get to know them as thouroughly as possible, to get along and learn to listen, and be free to have good trustworthy advise from others.

Knowing and being ready for accepting mistakes even; try and error.

I love to be open and learn from others on the same level, and then think and rethink, make a decision, learn from it and then move on, 'up to the next level'. Never being afraid for fuckups or wrong decisions.

Trust is important to have things well organised. And, being ready and able to move on again when things don't turn out right, without resentment.

[Edited 7/31/16 1:44am]

i appreciate this. i felt much of this right after he died. he was impossible to deal with on many levels. there is always a lot of fear underneath chaotic behavior. p had some compulsion to stir up strife and operate within a veil of chaos for most of his professional and personal life. in many way, all of this chaos after his death is consistant with how he lived. so sad.

Did you ever met him personally ?

Lovejunky said:

FUNKYNESS said:

I respected Prince for his business sense and intelligence nearly as much as I respected his creativity and talent. His foresight is what made him cutting edge in art and business. Somehow it was not applied to get his affairs in some kind of order after his death. The mess is disappointing. All these nobodies grabbing at his money and family bickering.

[Snip - luv4u] may generate and, most likely, his brilliant catalog. It will be a shame and disappointing for me. I am irritated that there is no will and no provisions to ensure that at least some of his fortune benefited the people that he tried to help and those who need it the most.

Ive been thinking about this a lot lately...

I dont think he was at all attached to his music or his legacy..

He left it all behind, he was not burdended by unrealised dreams or desires.

He was "light" in that sense

He was always so in the moment, we know this about him.

He has gone where he always told us he wanted to go.How many times have we heard him "hanker" for that Place.

What he left

is ours to deal with...

He is FREE

I'm sorry.

He's not FREE. He never was IMHO.

He's dead and gone.

No grave even.

He had his fantastic but too short life, and that's it really.

We live on the music that's left behind.

And an unorganised legacy, full of riddles and mysteries, but that's OK.

I'm surprised he worked so hard to regain the rights to his masters but never made a will to ensure the legacy of his music was handled properly. Right now there's not even a way to release the Piano and Microphone show like he planned. At this point the most likely outcome is the music gets sold back to someone like WB.