Quit dissing Sheila.

i don't intend to diss sheila if you are referring to me, I'm just telling you what i know. Much of it is what she's said herself, the not working with Prince again and how prince left her penniless. It doesn't really look like she was close to him in the last few years and she seems to have had some resentments about the end of the Lovesexy tour. She was close to him at one time so naturally, people are going to talk to her. I don't think it's necessarily bad, i don't know what is in her heart, and I have heard through people who did know her that she was a very nice person. I think everyone is being a little delusional about Prince and being close to them though. The Revolution to my knowledge, as I've said, weren't around him much for the last 20 odd years, how close can any of them be to him? It's a funny thing, i remember when Quincy Jones was interviewed after MJ's death he said some stuff that people still haven't forgiven him for and seemed to be gloating that MJ died, but like Sheila and many other people, Quincy hadn't worked with Michael in about 20 years. Quincy tries to say today that he was angry at MJ for dying like that but I read it at the time as someone having the last laugh at someone else's expense.

anangellooksdown said:

Sheila held a resentment against him for decades because she was charged almost $100,000 at the end of a tour with him for things she thought were being offered for free while on the road. When she got the bill she was mad. Last year in an interview she offered the suggestion that other musicians ask questions so they know if things are actually free.

Sounds like a typical record deal with tour support (those were the days) where you are charged for expenses incurred.

I don't know the answer to the original question. But I can see why ppl might suspect he was referring to Sheila.

OT, I am waiting and watching to see if she will appear at the Cele next year...

ISaidLifeIsJustAGame said:

Quit dissing Sheila.

this! regardless of the things mentioned above in the thread, sheila loved prince as a friend and colleague for 30+ yrs. several people in the prince camp starting in the 80s said that she was/is completely devoted to him and his music. she is as much as any, and more than some of he newer folks, his peer and one of his oldest, longest lasting friendships, regardless of their ups and downs. Drf is johnny-come-latley by comparsion so fuck him and shady, bitchy commentary! he's a damn fool if he thinks that he meant anymore to prince than free publicity, free hype. and DrF said himself that he quit dealing w/p or backed off bcos he wasn't getting paid. sound familiar? the only difference btween DrF and some of the others jockeying for position is that he gets better interviews.

[Edited 12/17/16 0:05am]

ya, let's not be revisionist, for whatever reason, lots of people who worked with/for Prince felt as though they were owed money. Why that was? Maybe Prince was playing games with the money, maybe those people were being greedy or maybe Prince genuinely didn't think of money all the time. For all the people who say he ripped them off somehow there are people who say he was very kind and generous to them. I don't really know, I tend to think he may have just not cared about money.

Strawberrylova123 said:

PeteSilas said:

CandaceS said:

wavesofbliss said:

anangellooksdown said:

rogifan said:

PeteSilas said:

i don't intend to diss sheila if you are referring to me, I'm just telling you what i know. Much of it is what she's said herself, the not working with Prince again and how prince left her penniless. It doesn't really look like she was close to him in the last few years and she seems to have had some resentments about the end of the Lovesexy tour. She was close to him at one time so naturally, people are going to talk to her. I don't think it's necessarily bad, i don't know what is in her heart, and I have heard through people who did know her that she was a very nice person. I think everyone is being a little delusional about Prince and being close to them though. The Revolution to my knowledge, as I've said, weren't around him much for the last 20 odd years, how close can any of them be to him? It's a funny thing, i remember when Quincy Jones was interviewed after MJ's death he said some stuff that people still haven't forgiven him for and seemed to be gloating that MJ died, but like Sheila and many other people, Quincy hadn't worked with Michael in about 20 years. Quincy tries to say today that he was angry at MJ for dying like that but I read it at the time as someone having the last laugh at someone else's expense.

Sheila and Prince were definitely close during the 2000s. They performed together at the NAACP, ALMA and Brit awards; she performed with him on the 20Ten and W2A tours. They had a fall out during the W2A tour (2011 I believe) so I don't know how close they were in the last 5 years or so. But considering he was doing the 3EG thing they might not have been working together much anyway. Though he did perform GL and LB at shows like SXSW in 2013. I loved when Prince performed with Sheila. He seemed so happy (example video below). I feel the same way about someone like Shelby. They just seem like people he was really comfortable around. Note too that Shelby, Liv and Elisa all performed with Sheila at the BET awards. I'm not crazy about Sheila plastering his love symbol everywhere but as far as her feelings right after he died being sort of an act? I don't know that anyone can say that...and Funkenberry might not have been referring to her. I just don't know who else it could be.

ya, i know, i think Sheila still loved him but there was friction, especially the way shee worded it, "never going to work again" sounds pretty strong. Not saying she's wroong or right, i wasn't there. I think most of us can relate to people in our lives who we don't talk to and are angry with but if they died, we'd still feel bad because there is still some love.

PeteSilas said:

rogifan said:

CandaceS said:

I don't know the answer to the original question. But I can see why ppl might suspect he was referring to Sheila.

OT, I am waiting and watching to see if she will appear at the Cele next year...

If she's not there then I think it's pretty clear she has issues with the estate or perhaps Rev band members. When the Rev performed at First Ave Sheila made no mention of it on social media which I though was odd. Also the statement she made about the official tribute. Sure it wasn't the best organized event but others made an effort to be there, I think she could have as well.

To be fair, she did have a gig scheduled the night of the Oct. tribute concert. I'm not certain but I believe it was scheduled before the tribute concert was announced.

But, maybe the tribute would have been worth rescheduling one gig? Unless there's a beef there.

At any rate I and lots of others wish she had been there in October. Her tour schedule doesn't show anything for April, so that can't be an excuse this time, lol.

I recently typed in a visitor post on her FB page, saying I hope to see her at the Cele. I don't think the admins ever posted it, but at least someone there saw it. Hopefully others will send similar messages.

wavesofbliss said:

ISaidLifeIsJustAGame said:

Quit dissing Sheila.

this! regardless of the things mentioned above in the thread, sheila loved prince as a friend and colleague for 30+ yrs. several people in the prince camp starting in the 80s said that she was/is completely devoted to him and his music. she is as much as any, and more than some of he newer folks, his peer and one of his oldest, longest lasting friendships, regardless of their ups and downs. Drf is johnny-come-latley by comparsion so fuck him and shady, bitchy commentary! he's a damn fool if he thinks that he meant anymore to prince than free publicity, free hype. and DrF said himself that he quit dealing w/p or backed off bcos he wasn't getting paid. sound familiar? the only difference btween DrF and some of the others jockeying for position is that he gets better interviews.

Seems a bit harsh. I don't know the guy, back in the day of Housequake.com I used to give him a lot of shit.

In retrospect, I think DrF was/is a super-fan who became frustrated by the deteriorating relationship between Prince and his fans. He decided to do something; which became his website. Prince noticed & knew the dude was attending his shows. Prince eventually found out who DrF was and was probably quite taken by the fact he wasn't the typical fan - dressed up in a rented PR outfit trying to drop his pants to show Prince the tattoo he got on his backside.

His podcasts are outstanding. I'd like it if he went a little deeper into the music with some of the guests... But even before the podcasts, he was always the first to have the setlists etc. He did/does an awful lot for the fan community via the podcasts & behind the scenes. I've never once got the impression he was doing it for himself.

As for the thread title, I think it'll all come out eventually. If not from him, from others. As time passess more people will share stories good and bad. IMO fans need to make sure the music isn't drowned out by the drama.

[Edited 12/17/16 11:27am]

anangellooksdown said:

derrick31 said:

Noodled24 said:

Seems a bit harsh. I don't know the guy, back in the day of Housequake.com I used to give him a lot of shit.

>>> that's interesting. the org is the only prince related online thing i've been involved with or followed.

In retrospect, I think DrF was/is a super-fan who became frustrated by the deteriorating relationship between Prince and his fans. He decided to do something; which became his website. Prince noticed & knew the dude was attending his shows. Prince eventually found out who DrF was and was probably quite taken by the fact he wasn't the typical fan - dressed up in a rented PR outfit trying to drop his pants to show Prince the tattoo he got on his backside.

>>>> i did not know this but i'm not surprised to hear it. DrF seems very much the type. no wonder he gets along with manuela, she was another "super-fan/ stalker" that wanted to show prince her ass and found a way in.

His podcasts are outstanding. I'd like it if he went a little deeper into the music with some of the guests... But even before the podcasts, he was always the first to have the setlists etc. He did/does an awful lot for the fan community via the podcasts & behind the scenes. I've never once got the impression he was doing it for himself.

>>>> if u say so. i'm not that impressed. i have been a devoted fan since i was 11 but i have never been a completist about anything. i still only have a handful of bootlegs(audio and video) from over the years, so maybe it's a difference in fandom. DrF reminds me of Questlove in his sold-out-wanna -suck-your-cock-i-would-die-4-u-prince ways. as someone who is around the same age as both of those men i find it immature and unbecoming to carrying on like that. so yeah, i'm not impressed.

>>> prince paid bills for a lot of people. it would not be unheard of but i'd like some receipts on this.

.. IMO fans need to make sure the music isn't drowned out by the drama.

>>> of course u know there would less drama and speculation if people like Drf would speak plainly or shut up altogether. this baiting and hinting IS just about DrF. it IS just to keep his name linked with prince's. it IS just to remind people that he knows(or might know) things that you don't. which IS utterly self-centered and self-motivated. what does he do apart from a prince related podcast?

anangellooksdown said:

wavesofbliss said:

that's interesting. the org is the only prince related online thing i've been involved with or followed.

I was just making the point that he's been around for a while.

In retrospect, I think DrF was/is a super-fan who became frustrated by the deteriorating relationship between Prince and his fans. He decided to do something; which became his website. Prince noticed & knew the dude was attending his shows. Prince eventually found out who DrF was and was probably quite taken by the fact he wasn't the typical fan - dressed up in a rented PR outfit trying to drop his pants to show Prince the tattoo he got on his backside.

>>>> i did not know this but i'm not surprised to hear it. DrF seems very much the type. no wonder he gets along with manuela, she was another "super-fan/ stalker" that wanted to show prince her ass and found a way in.

I'm not sure what you mean. When I say super-fan I mean noting setlists etc. Cool shit to do.

Even if your impression of him is accurate (I disagree), so what? He found a way in, and all he had to do was not be a dick about it. He "leaked" as much info as he could without getting thrown out. If the alternitive is nothing - I'll take something.

His podcasts are outstanding. I'd like it if he went a little deeper into the music with some of the guests... But even before the podcasts, he was always the first to have the setlists etc. He did/does an awful lot for the fan community via the podcasts & behind the scenes. I've never once got the impression he was doing it for himself.

>>>> if u say so. i'm not that impressed. i have been a devoted fan since i was 11 but i have never been a completist about anything. i still only have a handful of bootlegs(audio and video) from over the years, so maybe it's a difference in fandom. DrF reminds me of Questlove in his sold-out-wanna -suck-your-cock-i-would-die-4-u-prince ways. as someone who is around the same age as both of those men i find it immature and unbecoming to carrying on like that. so yeah, i'm not impressed.

I don't know, listening is optional. I really like hearing from the musicians involved in the records. It's not perfect, but he's not a music journalist afaik, he's jusr a fan making an effort to do something for other fans.

.. IMO fans need to make sure the music isn't drowned out by the drama.

>>> of course u know there would less drama and speculation if people like Drf would speak plainly or shut up altogether. this baiting and hinting IS just about DrF. it IS just to keep his name linked with prince's. it IS just to remind people that he knows(or might know) things that you don't. which IS utterly self-centered and self-motivated. what does he do apart from a prince related podcast?

I'm not sure it matters what he does other than the podcast? I don't think you care either.

To put it in context, this was one sentence out of an hour long(ish) podcast. There are about 35 podcasts. The rest of the time he's collating news, and talking to former bandmates & engineers.

His name is forever linked to Prince. He was technically the distributor of various live songs and some "singles" too I think? #NoSubscription #NoSponsor so I just can't be anything but grateful.

mikeyaddict said:

I've met Funkenberry and had some regular contact with him. He's a really nice guy and very sincere in his appreciation of/respect for Prince. And yes, they were friends.

wavesofbliss said:

laurarichardson said:

wavesofbliss said:

this! regardless of the things mentioned above in the thread, sheila loved prince as a friend and colleague for 30+ yrs. several people in the prince camp starting in the 80s said that she was/is completely devoted to him and his music. she is as much as any, and more than some of he newer folks, his peer and one of his oldest, longest lasting friendships, regardless of their ups and downs. Drf is johnny-come-latley by comparsion so fuck him and shady, bitchy commentary! he's a damn fool if he thinks that he meant anymore to prince than free publicity, free hype. and DrF said himself that he quit dealing w/p or backed off bcos he wasn't getting paid. sound familiar? the only difference btween DrF and some of the others jockeying for position is that he gets better interviews.

[Edited 12/17/16 0:05am]

Prince paid his medical bills and his rent he got paid.

i hear what ur saying, but DrF made the "not paid" statement not me.

Noodled24 said:

wavesofbliss said:

that's interesting. the org is the only prince related online thing i've been involved with or followed.

I was just making the point that he's been around for a while.

I'm not sure it matters what he does other than the podcast? I don't think you care either.

To put it in context, this was one sentence out of an hour long(ish) podcast. There are about 35 podcasts. The rest of the time he's collating news, and talking to former bandmates & engineers.

His name is forever linked to Prince. He was technically the distributor of various live songs and some "singles" too I think? #NoSubscription #NoSponsor so I just can't be anything but grateful.

i hear what ur saying. as i stated in my post, i think its just the difference in fandom, how we as fans manifest our love for prince's work. i have listened to several of his podcasts and there is good info provided by his guests. his comments are usually the baiting kind.

>?<

i would like to know what he does other than prince related stuff bcos i think it would give more insight and context to his commentary during the prince podcasts. would he have anything to talk about other than prince trivia and setlists? is he a parent? does he have an office job? is he a promoter? what is his relationship with the estate/relatives? all of those things would color his approach to prince's life and work.

</>

i have noticed that he repeats that he "has been approached for input" several times but he never says who it is that wants his input and on what things concerning prince's legacy. that's the behavoir of someone who wants to be asked but hasn't been yet. he also said that the PP people "acknowledged him "at that last dance party. what does that even mean?

Sheila E is an older lady and doesn't have much to live for probably and Prince was probably the most exciting part of her entire life, and of course she wanted to marry him and he got away. So I get how she is kind of obsessed in dealing with it all and I don't really care if she sells symbol shirts, because would rather money go to her than some sibling that Prince hadn't talked to in 20 years. I mean c'mon.

She played a whole lot of Prince songs on the recent show of hers that I saw in November. it was almost a P Tribute show and that's cool. She's alright and hope she keeps on.

tomcooper2323 said:

Sheila E is an older lady and doesn't have much to live for probably and Prince was probably the most exciting part of her entire life, and of course she wanted to marry him and he got away. So I get how she is kind of obsessed in dealing with it all and I don't really care if she sells symbol shirts, because would rather money go to her than some sibling that Prince hadn't talked to in 20 years. I mean c'mon.

She played a whole lot of Prince songs on the recent show of hers that I saw in November. it was almost a P Tribute show and that's cool. She's alright and hope she keeps on.

ohh, that's cold, get ready for the sheila brigade to give you a little internet whipping.

Funkenberry is legit.

Dude did several things for me personally to let me know he was legit.