I saw someone post about starting a Controversy mag. thread.

Does it exist?

If not, here it is.

Was anyone here involved with that mag?

The Controversy magazine ceased to exist around the time of the name change. As far as I remember I have some issues from that timeperiod, when he made a trip to Puerto Rico with Mayte, changed his name and wrote Dolphin...they published a letter from Mayte where she mentioned several one-name songs which would later be released on the Come album.
Later Eileen Murton had some sort of unpleasant encounter with Prince , I think other people on this board know more about this, I don´t want to gossip or spread rumors. She then stopped publishing the magazine and sold her private collection. Wasn´t there a story about this in Uptown magazine ?
The magazine had some great, professional pictures straight from Paisley Park and they organised that fan convention in Mpls in ´92.
It was a great mag and I always regarded it as a semi-official Prince mag, not really as a fanzine. It wasn´t as thorough and detailed and objective as Uptown magazine but it was still a nice read and the interaction with Paisley Park was refreshing ( the Scarlett Pussy "scandal").

Too bad they stopped.

Is there a link to show all the covers and issues?

Eileen! Thank you, I forgot her name.

I used to be a local area organizer for Controversy back in the day. I flew over to England and met Eileen and a huge group of fans there (they had a big dinner for me). She was great.

While I was over there (1989, I think) my host and I went to the offices of Uptown. I cannot remember the owner's name right now, I remember he had dark hair and was fairly young. Anyway, he was very personable and showed us around, but honestly I think he was a little off. He told me he knew that Prince and he were going to build churches together, I kid you not. Then he took us to the Uptown store (I foget the name of that as well). I had pictures and I may still have them somewhere.

There was somewhat of a rivalry between the two proprietors. I had a great time there, though.

The thread is here http://www.prince.org/msg...msg_637057

Yeahhh.. Controversy Magazine was the legendary pre-internet pre-org picture of excitement. The Conventions they had in MN were fantastic and built a very large "international community" back in the day when his empire was shining from mega-stardom. Not only did this successful fanzine put me in the best seats in the house for his shows, but they also had the most amazingly well organized conventions in Minneapolis (not just at Paisley Park). Its no wonder, Prince had nothing to do with putting it together.

Eileen Murton (the creator) had the magic of affordable membership, reasonable offers, great monthly surprises/contests as well as editing and filtering out all the fanatics. Eye have heard many tid-bits of stories about what actually happened between Prince and Eileen's brilliant pre-internet era publication that brought Conventions and Batman Bandwagonners all over the world through the gun toting Diamond and Pearl days on until the final issue prior to the name change. Eileen's Controversy and Grafitti section were responsible for me meeting 7 of the most interesting people i've ever met in the world. She was/is a fine editor.. alot of time, sweat, patience and careful attention went into every info-packed page. She kept a great international ballance throughout each tour in Europe while the US music lovers were starving. But "where in Croydon" is she now? I hope she is rewarded with 100x the joy and happiness that she brought to me and many others eye know.

Even Controversy members who read the finer-inside editors notes from Eileen in each issue would know that she had a great gift at "warming the pages" and often added flavor to the creative process by expressing her distaste for new confusing technology. Therefore eye doubt but wonder if she ever popped into the org or the internet for that matter. One of the last sources close to her used to write for "the Emancipation project" back in 1997. I bet she still gets mail from the empire she built. Eileen had a ticket agency named "Ticketline Croydon" and there were stories that she was seriously ill for a while. You can probably guess after what happened that she is still pissed at Prince.

I would again like to say that Eileen is up there in the top-10 people that Prince Owes (with a big O) a great deal of thanks to throughout his career. You wouldn't believe how much work went into the Controversy network, the positive editing of revealing and thought provoking composition of all the energy that was bouncing off the walls during that elusive era.

I attended the convention in MPLS in... wow, I think it was '91 or thereabouts. I totally forgot Controversy put that on. I had the best time - there was a listening party at Glam Slam for the Symbol album. I went with my friend Tracy and her very close friend Charmin Michelle who (check your liner notes) was a backup singer for Jesse Johnson. As our good fortune had it, there was some sort of awards ceremony going on at one of the hotels downtown and I believe we saw Jam and Lewis and Dr. Fink and other Revolution members. We went right in and sat at a table like we belonged there (Charmin's connections, I'm sure). She was singing in a jazz trio at the time, and she was fabulous.

Anyway, at the Glam Slam party I got to meet the entire band (they all signed my notebook and Troy Beyer poster, haha) and I found myself on the dance floor with Mayte and Carmen Electra (pre-implant), you can imagine how intimidating that was. I think Tony M. gave me a big hug. My entire stay was one of the best memories I have.

I guess I got that wrong - apparently it wasn't Uptown, but Crystal Ball, and I guess it was Chris Dawson I met. Did he have longish black hair?


Anyway I found some of my old issues of Controversy the other night and yep - there's my blurb in Issue 19 in Eileen's opening remarks (about my London visit). She was a sweetheart.

starkitty said:

Hey Kitty, yeah - I was JUST about 2 correct u on that one - it would have been Chris. He ran 'The Revolution', which not only was dreadful and poorly done, but badly organised too.

He met Prince in 1988 backstage at Wembley - purportedly a specially-invited one-on-one encounter. This 'changed his life' and he (if my memory serves me correctly) re-mortgaged his house 2 produce and publish the 'Crystal Ball' special. Which although nice, was kinda pointless as it was really nothing more than a glorified fan version of the Lovesexy tour program.

He used 2 drive around Croydon and London in a transit van daubed completely in Prince insignias etc. (He mentions in one of the articles that Prince asked 2 be taken 4 a ride in it) God only knows what the locals thought. The very 1st issue of 'Select' magazine (no longer published I think - but u could find copies from 2nd hand record stores etc if u know where 2 look) had a big Prince feature, and he was interviewed in that as well as Eileen. I have no idea where he is now, or what he is doing. But a number of dodgy stories surrounded his sudden disapearence from the scene. Hopefully, he managed 2 pay his debts off (The Revolution and Crystal Ball went in2 liquidation, and I heard RUMOURS that He was originally (still is?) involved with the Madhouse Music 'store' and he's out there ok and well. Regardless of what he may or may not have done, he's part of this story too - having launched Controversy with Eileen originally.

As 4 the general all-round wonderfulness that is Eileen Murton ...I really cant begin 2 thank that dear woman enough 4 all she did. (She even left her high-paid job in the City eventually 2 run the mag full time). She sacrificed a lot 2 give us what we got. The same can't be said 2day of what we're left with Im sorry 2 say - the Org being the exception 2 the rule, which I find the ONLY place where that spirit of generosity, friendship and humour survives in some form. (Thanx Ben!)

I joined Controversy magazine pretty early on in 1988, and am lucky enough 2 have most of the issues, bar about 9 or so. If I ever get rid of the stacks of memorobilia I have, (which I may have 2 do soon due 2 relocation etc) they are one thing I KNOW I'll keep because of the memories attached 2 them. I still pull them out occasionally 4 a read and a giggle.

Privately arranged secret autograph sessions, watching Prince rehearse with the Lovesexy tour band in a cramped studio at 2 in the morning, coach rides with Prince, informal notes back and forth from 'our hero' (as he was fondly daubed by the mag!) the Aftershows and parties, the MPLS conventions (He KNEW we were there, trust me - I KNOW!) Tommy Barbarella giving Conventioneers rides back 2 their hotels (I remember walking from the hotel with 2 friends at Seven Corners 2 downtown MPLS (how English is that!!!) and seeing Tommy drive by in his jeep, recognise us and make a point of honking his horn and waving like a man possessed too!) The 'Paisley Park Dumpster Incident' (Pej will remember this one!) so, SO many amazing times, and memories...Im getting all misty eyed! Somebody throw me a hankerchief!

It was because of Controversy I met some of my closest, dearest friends. LIFELONG friendships have been formed becuase of that mag - in fact, Im in London at the moment, and Im going over 2 stay with 2 of them 2nite. And despite what some may think, it isn't all 'Prince this, Prince that.' Quite the opposite in fact, we talk occasionaly about such things, but more so around the release of a new album or an upcoming tour. Im glad 2 say there is so much MORE 2 our friendships than just Prince, and Im proud 2 know them, and that they are part of my life. ALL because of Controversy magazine bringing us 2gether.

I used 2 be pally with a couple of people Ive lost touch with - Scott from the Isle of Wight, Mel who used 2 work in the Controversy office, Richard... if u guys are out there reading this...get in touch! There was always a big sense of eXpectation of the new issue arriving thru your door, and was just an awesome thing 2 belong to.

Savannah mentioned on this thread that Eileen was one of the people that Prince OWED... I SALUTE U 4 that comment - thanku. Damn right he does, and big time too. Wherever she is now, I hope she's proud of what she achieved and the lives she touched and changed 4ever.

However, In Prince's 'defence', I DO know that He regretted terribly what happened, and was upset by Eileen's sudden decision. So I DO think he realised (albeit a little too late) the error in judgement on his part.

I didnt understand it at the time as didnt know the deal, but now, looking back - I think she did it 4 2 reasons:

1) to keep/regain control of HER baby.

2) 2 show Prince and his flunkies that regardless of his position, the magazine wasn't there 2 be USED in such a way.

He was the one that lost out in the end... remember the NPG Magazine? Like many, many things Prince touches, he loses touch very quickly, and then hands over control 2 people who don't understand what is needed 2 make it work, or just plain dont know the 1st thing about WHAT they've been handed control of.

Eileen could see the bigger picture of what was coming, when the links at Paisley started 2 break down as people were summerarily fired and replaced by people who just didnt care about 'some fan magazine from England'.

As GOOD and informative as Uptown is - it NEVER came anywhere close 2 the vibe of Controversy and what it offered it's members. Even now, I dont even feel that NPGMC comes close either, and that's a real shame because it saddens me 2 realise that Prince hasn't learnt a thing from that whole messy period. Those who were there and were members at the time will know what I mean, those who weren't and respond 2 this fighting the NPGMC corner, that's fine too - I get it, and Im glad ur happy with what ur recieving from them. But sorry, u will never know, and that's sad too.

I'll always remember the day that the last issue dropped thru my letter box containing a little A5 sheet of paper headed: 'All good things they say, never last...' and stating an outline of what was happening. It was a real shock 4 all, sad, and sudden - but I think that was Eileen's ammo 2 fire back at The Park, a bit of a: if u will.

Ill always remember one thing she said on that sheet of paper too:

'we've all made some really good friends through the mag, and there's no reason why these friendships can't continue.'

Eileen, u were SO RIGHT - and THANKU 4 everything u did 4 us.

Wherever u are Eileen (& 'Hubby'!) I hope ur well, happy and content with your lot.

*If anyone here knows any of the people mentioned in this post, or indeed, where Eileen is now/if she and hubby are ok/and if they are in contact with them etc - please Org note me asap thanx.
'nana x
[This message was edited Fri Apr 30 4:51:35 2004 by bananacologne]

bananacologne said:

I'm holding the Crystal Ball special in my hands right now. It was pretty pointless. Most of the photos are really grainy, but that picture of Prince in his white polka dot suit on page 4 is pretty mint. I'd never cut it up and frame it though.

bananacologne said:

I had that magazine but have no idea where it is now. It had a Prince lookalike on its front cover, didn't it? I also seem to remember there was a picture of some woman who looked like Rhona Cameron in there. Its really stuck in my head and I don't know why. She was dressed in peach, with a peach fedora. She had written 'Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic' in gold marker on her ghetto blaster. I thought she looked a bit demented.

Incidentally, the first CD boot of The Black Album that I bought had a false label on it, citing that the artist was 'The Kris Dawson Sect'. Chris Dawson's infamy even spread to the local newspaper in Bolton. I vividly remember him ordering a birthday cake from a specialist cake shop up here. It was in the local paper - this is how thrilling Bolton is... There was a news item that a cake baked in Bolton was being shipped down to London for a birthday party in Prince's honour.

Didn't Chris Dawson start a fan club in 1988 called The New Power Generation??? I think he later alleged that the song 'New Power Generation' from Graffiti Bridge, was written in their honour.

Which fanzine got permission to legally sell a compilation of Warners material? I think the compilation was called 'Eye Love Prince'. Its all very hazy - nearly half my life ago.

BinaryJustin said:

BinaryJustin said:

Yeah! I remember her too! (God, I hope she's not on this site, she'll kill us! Then again, Im sure she'll hang her head in shame 4 'designing' (ahem!) those clothes 2 wear out in the 1st place! What a nutbar.

I always TOTALLY had the hots 4 the guy in the pin-stripe suit in that mag article - remember him? hubba hubba!

As 4 the lookalike on the cover, that was actually my friend Gunner - I didnt know him at the time, but a couple of years later, I got 2 know him thru some friends of mine, and he's SUCH a lovely guy. He used 2 do it on the side 4 extra cash - nothing serious, and whenever interviewed by a mag or paper would always try 2 come up with some really cryptic quote 2 try and throw 'em! He moved 2 America with his wonderful wife and kiddies a few years ago 2 animate 4 Disney, and last year moved back 2 London - who knows, I may even see him 2nite!

BinaryJustin said:

Yeah, I THINK he did - like everything else it touched, it fell apart. Just like the real Prince!
(4 those with no funny-bones - that was a joke by the way!)

As 4 the cake thing...

I heard rumblings that he got busted 4 printing bootleg vinyl LPs of The Black Album - then again, I also heard rumblings that Prince gave him a cassette, blah, blah, blah... who knows, who cares?!?

BinaryJustin said:

'Eye Love Prince' (Boris will know more about this Im sure) was I THINK a WB promo thang, (came in a blue cover if I remember correctly) so Im sure that wasnt too much of a legality 2 do so.

ps: org note me ur cellphone number - Ill give u a quick ring later this afternoon/early evening...
[This message was edited Fri Apr 30 3:17:51 2004 by bananacologne]

bananacologne said:

Yes I do think Prince never learned from this disaster.. it wasn't long after that he attacked Uptown Magazine and various other well run organizations. Diana at the Prince Family and many others who sold off the collection and did a 180 turnaround came to realize that out of his desire to control everything he is not a trusted and stable person to do business with. Despite what a very vocal few in the org refuse to open eye and realize in Hahn's book "Possessed" is that in order to get involved with spending time and money enjoying the music, you have to draw the line somewhere. As good as Controversy was in riding that wave of positivity from Lovesexy it was a free arena and the "line was drawn" where slightly obsessive and malicious input was always edited out. I have to scan all my old ones onto disc one day.

What I loved about the Controversy and the conventions.. is that they involved the cooperation from the whole Minneapolis business community whereas the Celebrations were all mostly confined to Paisley Park. In defense of Uptown.. I must say that the in-depth commentary and editorials were much better but I can't remember them having a yearly "trip to Mecca" as NPGMC and Controvesy did. Or maybe they did one in Europe? Anyone remember?

More stuff about Chris Dawson and "The Collective" here...

http://www.togdog.com/msg/7/70715

Nana! I have a picture of me next to that God-awful van, I know exactly what you are talking about. He was a nut-job.

This brings SO many memories flooding back, I forgot what a P-freak I used to be. That MPLS convention was the bomb, and somehow I ended up with 2 passes so Charmin got to come with us. Damn, I'll have to scan my pics.

I have to say, the only reason I went to London was to meet up with other fans, but the experience was so rich. Trafalgar Square at night, beautiful. I wandered around my last night there by myself and I had the best time. I went to go see Do the Right Thing, wow, I think I was 18.

I wonder if I met any of you!

starkitty said:

Does Diana still come into the org ?

Savannah said:

[keep the snide comments to yourself, please.--Dansa]

In 1989 i went to chris dawsons shop in otley and bought i whis u heaven and alphabet st. cd singles but i also wanted some 12" vinyl and was sent to is office over the road where i met chris, he was pleasant but wacko too ,he told me he had met prince and that prince was showing off at rehearsals spinning and doing the splits and that he nearly walked out but then prince came over and chatted to him and they talked about god and music and chris told prince that condition of the heart was is fave song, he then went to say that he got invited to a lovesexy show and that prince sang that song whilst looking at chris.
He also dressed similar to prince and told me not to buy the black album but if i really wanted it it was easy to get hold of but not from him.

I remember "The revolution" - they were based in Leeds. I met Chris on a trip to Paris for the Lovesexy tour. He sold himself as knowing Prince and the band. He told the members who belonged to the club that he was organising a party where Prince and the band would play - it was to be held on the 4th July in Hammersmith (I think). Anyways as mentioned above he was busted for fraud and I was asked for a statement but I never got any money back as there was not enough evidence to convict - suppose Prince wouldn't confirm whether he was playing or not.
Anyway I bumped into Chris a fw years ago at the Music Fair at Wembley - guess what? He was on the a stand selling goodies donated by Prince for the shelter charity - Datapoint. Just as well that I was in my mid thirties (mellowed since my youth) otherwise I might have mentioned it!
Controversy was certainly better run and yes - Eileen was very down to earth!

bananacologne said:

wooooow...if only somethin like that were still goin on nowadays. sounded like awesome times, man!

Is there a big demand for a PDF burn of all the scanned pages of Controversy? It might take some work but during vacation it might be possible to do if somebody has the first 3 issues.

.
[This message was edited Sat May 15 10:16:03 2004 by crazyhorse]

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Well actually the org is looking pretty good with all the Area Get-2-gethers with the forums
The 3 Celebrations sure gave the Prince Fan community a shot in the arm

Those Controversy days had the GlamSlams & the NPG Stores open
Any orgers own an afterhours discoteque ?