I haven't watched the Netflix show, but found the article interesting, especially the comment from stern "while Stern admits that he mastered hosting his show but at the same time didn't really know "how to function in the real world.", and Lettermen about how becoming a father helped put things in perspective. I know it is futile (and unhealthy) to keep playing the " what if" game; however can't help but wonder if Prince would have graced this earthly plane for a bit longer if he had not reached such superstar status; who's to even say his experiences were on par with these two. Just an interesting, and thought provoking article.

Forgot the link to the article: https://www.cnn.com/2018/...letterman/
[Edited 6/12/18 10:48am]
[Edited 6/12/18 10:50am]

Well, I don't think we can say if he would've lived longer without fame. I mean, I don't think that fame was the issue here, it's just the way Prince dealt with stuff and the fact that he didn't have anyone who truly tried to help him. He was surrounded by enablers, especially during his last years. And I also think he kept people at distance, because he needed to be in control. It was too late when he realized he needed help and there were people who didn't care about the issue, even lied to save their own asses and paychecks.

To me it's not the same and people beside Prince are to blame too, but ultimately, Prince decided who was around and who wasn't. What he needed was a person who stepped up and called the shots for once! But there was no one.

It was also the fear of the public eye, like: "People think I'm clean living, what if they find out I'm addicted to opiates?" It was pride also, various reasons but I don't think it was the fame.

I mean, look, this is just an example, but eminem was popping pills and stuff like that. He admitted he had a problem and got the help he needed. Of course there are people who judge him, but there will also always be people who step up for you. Prince didn't do that, instead, he waited way too long before he reacted and people around him played the game as long as the cash cow functioned.

The question is, given that the problems would be the same, just without fame, would he get the help he needed? Or would he still live in denial because that's part of his character?

Asenath said:

I haven't watched the Netflix show, but found the article interesting, especially the comment from stern "while Stern admits that he mastered hosting his show but at the same time didn't really know "how to function in the real world.", and Lettermen about how becoming a father helped put things in perspective. I know it is futile (and unhealthy) to keep playing the " what if" game; however can't help but wonder if Prince would have graced this earthly plane for a bit longer if he had not reached such superstar status; who's to even say his experiences were on par with these two. Just an interesting, and thought provoking article. Forgot the link to the article: https://www.cnn.com/2018/...letterman/ [Edited 6/12/18 10:48am] [Edited 6/12/18 10:50am]

I don't see how it would have made any difference as long as he'd have been a professional musician touring non stop and hurting himself similarly.

What I think could have been interesting, from a purely artistic perspective, is the career Prince would have had if he had been just successful enough, with a few minor hits and a solid fanbase, to record and release music at will his whole life, but without the pressure, exposure, power and finances that came with being one of the world's biggest superstars. It could have allowed him to be more down to earth and his musical and lyrical journeys would probably have been significantly different.

ThatWhiteDude said:

That is a good question!

Asenath said:

I haven't watched the Netflix show, but found the article interesting, especially the comment from stern "while Stern admits that he mastered hosting his show but at the same time didn't really know "how to function in the real world.", and Lettermen about how becoming a father helped put things in perspective. I know it is futile (and unhealthy) to keep playing the " what if" game; however can't help but wonder if Prince would have graced this earthly plane for a bit longer if he had not reached such superstar status; who's to even say his experiences were on par with these two. Just an interesting, and thought provoking article. Forgot the link to the article: https://www.cnn.com/2018/...letterman/ [Edited 6/12/18 10:48am] [Edited 6/12/18 10:50am]

who knows, some people believe fate is a fixed thing, as in many people around Elvis did say (accurately) that the folks in his family on his mothers side never lived much longer than he did. These sort of questions makes me think of the old story of a guy who knew he was suppossed to meet the angel of death in one town so he got out of town, went to another where he saw the angel of death who was surprised to see him and she said "I was suppossed to meet you in so and so".