I’ve been a big fan of Prince ever since When Doves Cry was a hit back in 1984. I took it with me on a trip to India and it became the sound track for the holiday. I’ve got 15 of his albums and I was lucky enough to see him live, twice – the second time I was just a few rows from the front. That said, over the last few years I’ve not listened to his music so much. But that all changed since he died and I’ve spent an unholy amount of time on youtube listening to his performances. Here’s some of my favourites.
Prince is brilliant on so many different instruments
Prince on guitar at the Rock and Roll induction playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y; contrast it with Eric Clapton who played on the original recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJGGqVYVXWo. I know which I prefer.
Prince bass medley including Sly and Family Stone, Time – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQDFmmougCM
Prince jamming Summertime on keyboards – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxVeUvo5COI
Prince effortlessly accompanies Sheryl Crow – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHG5_QEAb8s
Prince is brilliant playing live
Rock and Roll induction 2004 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A84zXyL7DI
At the Brits in 2006 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D15woX5EqLk
Entire gig – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoYT4BGImjg
but not so good at interviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqyjwhFiQqg
My favourite concert footage brilliantly capturing his energy. (He also plays drums when Sheila E decides fancies a quick dance)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYMnh1ZSj4M
Some recollections of and tributes to Prince
Usually I’m a sucker for Ann Wroe obits in the Economist, but for once hers was not the definitive one. Check out the fantastically well-informed and honest one from the FT by Janan Ganesh. Clearly a real fan: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/e8f94e3e-07c4-11e6-a623-b84d06a39ec2.html#axzz48ESEGruW
Tribute – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJ76hqsNrg
Comedian Kevin Smith’s recollection of his weird encounter with Prince –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LhcParuzpc. No one ever said Prince was normal.