The Purple One Speaks – Sort Of

Prince wouldn’t be Prince without doing things a bit differently. Thus, in an effort to promote his upcoming concerts at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on June 15-16, the Purple One agreed to do interviews with the print media.

Sounds normal enough, until you consider that Prince wanted only to converse via e-mail, and that the list of questions he’d answer had to first be pre-approved by his publicists.

That meant some e-questions would go unanswered. Namely, what does Prince do with all those racy lyrics in light of his recent promise to give up swearing? What about his new life as a Jehovah’s Witness? How about reflecting on a career that has spanned two decades and made for countless memories?

Since Prince launched his rocket to stardom with the 1984 movie and soundtrack “Purple Rain,” the Minneapolis rocker has undergone more changes – musically and otherwise – than anyone cares to count. What we do know is that his current tour is scheduled for a lengthy stop in Minnesota, with two shows at the Xcel Center, along with nearly a week of his famous after-hours jams and star-studded parties at his Paisley Park complex in Chanhassen.

WHAT: Prince’s Hit N Run Tour

WHERE: Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul

WHEN: 8 p.m., June 15-16 2001

TICKETS: $31.50-$86.50

CALL: Ticketmaster, (651) 989-5151

With our list of questions finally approved (after two tries) by his publicists, the Purple One replied, using his own unique e-language to answer the queries.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about the current “Hit N’ Run” tour?

A: Eye love that so many younger people who have never seen me play b4 r coming out 2 party with us! Many of 2day’s youth don’t get 2 c real musicians, because most of the popstars of the day r lipsynching 2 trax. So when they c us, feelings they never thought they had about music become manifest.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the shows at Xcel? What can people expect? Will be it be mainly older hits or will it be newer or even unreleased songs?

A: All the reason 2 focus on the older material. Hey, y do people say, “this is an older picture of me…” when in fact they r but they r younger in the shot? Much like The Hit N Run Tour, this concert will give the many NEW concertgoers a chance 2 xperience The REAL.

Q: This month you’ll celebrate your 43rd birthday. You’ve released more than 20 albums, the latest being 1999’s “Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic.” What’s next for you musically?

A: Eye haven’t celebrated birthdays 4 many years now. Last year’s event that began on June 7th was not a birthday celebration, nor is this one. The NPG MUSIC CLUB is the only way 2 xperience r new joints right now. This doesn’t negate working with the retailers who r cool. There r many.

Q: You’re holding the “Celebration” mini-tour – featuring four shows at Paisley Park, musical guests like Eryka Badu, listening sessions for the new album and post-Xcel Center parties – from June 11-17. What else is it going to involve?

A: Besides onederful artists like Erykah Badu, we have Common, Amel Larrieux, The Time, Alicia Keys, Fonky Baldheads, Nikka Costa and a few surprises.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the jam sessions and shows at Paisley Park? What’s the longest a jam session there has ever lasted?

A: Eye think the longest went ‘til 6 in the morning! Eye love my friends alot, so it gives us a chance 2 “converse” in private.