Is it true that John Blackwell is out after this tour? Rumor has it that Prince is scouting out new drummers in LA>

note the word 'rumor.' i honestly don't see why ol' boy would get rid of john so quick tho', he's the bomb.

So was Michael Bland... I like John. He is cool.

I bet his new drummer will either be white, a woman, or both.

I think John Blackwell has really turned Prince's music around over recent years. He and Renato have added so much to Prince's music after years of programmed drums and soundalike neo-soul.

With all due respect to John Blackwell and Renato, they are playing Prince music his way. Prince can play anything that they can on their instruments. Remember we are talking about a musical Genius who was making real music without programming and sampling before John Blackwell was born. If anyone is turning Prince music around it is Prince. By the way most neo- soul music does not use samples either. They have some of the best musicians on the planet in their bands. Erykah Badu, D'Angelo,The Roots. Naw no samping and in my opinion they are all Prince Protege's. Don't get it twisted.

Adisa said:

BoiJames said:

Prince is an adequate drummer. He knows what he needs in a drummer and can play basic beats himself. But I sincerely doubt that he can play like John Blackwell or Michael Bland. The dopest beats that Prince has done himself were with the Linn drum machine, not on the set.

That is true... first of all this is no disrespect to John or Michael.... I guess what I am saying is just like he found them he can find others, that is what he is known for. I know for a fact that John Blackwell is a freakin master on the drums... I love the funky Blackwell

BoiJames said:

Fair point with the neo-soul part. I only meant he's stretching his musical style again in a way he hadn't been since before Kirky J. joined the band. Nothing meant against Erykah, D'Angelo etc. Prince just plays a wider variety of styles.

As far as John and Renato playing music Prince's way, I would guess that that's also true - but to a point. Prince is known to create many songs from jams, and during jams, Prince consistently listens to what the band is playing, and directs them to focus on what he likes. Sure, he hired them to play what he wants them to play, but he also hired them because he liked what he heard from them before he was telling them what to play.

BoiJames said:

Thanks for the dose of common sense

I see what you are saying but to me. It reminds me of the Madhouse stuff. I don't believe that the jazz elements that these muscians are coming with it is really stretching it for Prince. Stretching it to me would be playing with Trent Rezner or collaborating with Sting. I really would like to see him stretch out more. Honestly in my opinion stretching it would be to collaborate with someone Like ?uest Love or MeShel NDegeocello. The Beyonce collaboration to me was stretching it. That went over well and it showed the world that Prince will always be relevant.
[This message was edited Mon Mar 1 13:28:07 2004 by BoiJames]

BoiJames said:

Michael Bland was, is and always will be DA MAN !!!! He is my all time favorite drummer.
I mean John B´well is also a great drummer ....but Michael B is simply baaaaad...I miss Michael and Sonny and probably Morris , the chemistry between Prince , Morris , Sonny and Michael was something special...Renato is also great.

BoiJames said:

As Good as Prince is, I highly doubt he could play drums anywhere near as well as Blackwell. This would be a colossal mistake for Prince, his band and the music.

I agree I miss Michael Bland, Sonny T and Morris, no disrespect to the others.

Prince ...don't get rid of John Blackwell..No way..No How! He's a graet drummer....

Sheila e, John blackwell is a tie, Michael B 2nd. The guy that he had come in after Michael B was a bottom of the food chain drummer. He was in my opionion the worst drummer to ever be in a Prince band.

If this is true, don't assume it's just Prince's decision.

BoiJames said:

nooooo!!!!! I hope not
Mr. Blackwell is amazing on the drums! I watch him and i am like: !
Prince has worked with some great drummers over the years, but J. B. is
The Shit so far

Maybe John outgrew Prince?

Seriously, JB is pretty high-calabir. As much as prince's music can be complex at times, the drum patterns are usually pretty simple. (for an experienced drummer)

As a drummer, that can get pretty boring.

Still, I hope this is just a rumor.
[This message was edited Mon Mar 1 15:58:53 2004 by yamomma]

yamomma said:

I'm so glad you mentioned this. Maybe Prince has to look for a new drummer because John B. has given notice that this will be his last tour with P.

As outstanding a drummer -- a young but seasoned talent with a lot of respect throughout the industry -- leaving Prince after this tour would be a smart and lucrative thing for him to do. Two Prince tours and a few albums under his belt would excellent for a young musician's resume.

Maybe John writes songs, has plans to put together a band of his own, or a CD. Maybe he wants some personal time for himself and his loved ones. Maybe John has plans of his own.

If the rumor of a pending NPG lineup change is true, don't rule John B. as being the instigator of that change. He's a phenom, even though I hate that word.

Buh bye, John B.

That fucking drumstick twirling has irritated me from day one. Leave that boolshit for the mullet-havin', wife-beater shirt wearin' headbangers.

You're a human metronome, but you bore me.

He's probably the best young drummer around anywhere right now.

Whoever Prince brings in, it's doubtful they could be as talented.

squirrelgrease said:

I love it when you hold back.

EverlastingNow said:

He's just jealous. Kirky is that you???

FutureShock said:

omfg...gggg....gggg..gggg....gg...g!!!!!

if u asked Prince what instrument he is best at, he would say drums. at the last celly John said he was amazed how good Prince was on the drums. im not saying hes better than John but i think hes alot better than some of u realise

i luv michael bland...my fav line up is the one from 95...
Michael B on drums
Sonny T on bass
Tommy Barbarella on keyboards...
but i miss rosie and levi...
the new lineup is so funky that i love it...i'll love 2 c sheila amd michael b 2gether with prince again

FutureShock said:

That hurt.

ThreadBare said:

Maybe John wants to get PAID. Consistently. On time. With real money.