Prince Rogers Nelson, popularly known as Prince, was a shy, non-conformist and exceptionally gifted musician of his times, as well as a game-changer in popular music. During his prestigious career this singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist went on to make umpteen albums in myriad music styles ranging from rock and jazz to funk and psychedelia. From the very beginning, his songs were known for their breaking of sexual taboos as well as their crackling musicality. His gender-bending costumes including Victorian peasant blouses, sequined jumpsuits, scarves and jewellery made this Minnesota native look like a complete rock ’n’ roll god. The news of the fiery musician passing away at the age of 57 has left fans and his fellow musicians shocked.
We speak to musicians and experts from the Indian music industry as they fondly remember the legendary musician.
Gaurav Raina One half of electronica duo Midival Punditz Prince has been one of the most iconic artists to walk the earth. A beautiful composer, guitarist, performer and singer, Prince was extremely influential in defining the course of modern music. One of my first playlists while growing up as a DJ had many of his songs including Kiss, Purple Rain, Cream and many more. This loss has left a gaping hole in the world of music. Rest assured, however, that his magic will live on forever.
Surojit Dev Drummer, Them Clones I got down from the stage after an overwhelming and emotional acoustic set with Them Clones, only to receive the news of Prince’s demise from a dear friend. For a minute, there were flashbacks of good times and discovering his tunes in the 90s as a teenager that gushed in, followed by a sense of shock. Being a diehard MJ fan, it was initially difficult for me to get into Prince’s style of music, but his track Cream from Diamonds & Pearls blew me away and led me to discover his earlier and later catalogues. The tight grooves led with haunting vocal melody lines, effortless dance moves, androgynous wardrobe choices and the storyline music videos — Prince was a multi-faceted singer. He was a contemporary musician who could fit into any decade and an artist who did not sell his soul to be seen and heard all the time — you are one legend Prince. RIP!
Gaurav Soral Owner, Turquoise Cottage, one of the most popular music resto-pubs of the city An eccentric chap with a wild dressing sense — canes, pyjamas, ruffles, scarves and all — and super song writing skills along with a portfolio of evergreen songs, people never get tired of listening to Prince. At our resto pub, requests for Prince are always pouring in, and in the same amount, no matter what the prevailing trends are. When Doves Cry, Purple Rain, Controversy... the request list from guests is endless.
He covered a wide range of genres including funk, rock, R&B, soul, psychedelia and pop in his music, which is why I think he struck gold with the audience.
Thomson Andrews Singer-songwriter, performer and musician Prince was the epitome of musicianship, performance, stellar vocals and style. He is a true artist, a genius music producer and legend who has and will continue to inspire musicians, producers, songwriters, dancers, people, artists and fashionistas around the globe. This is an untimely loss of another pathbreaking stalwart of our times.
Subir Malik Keyboardist and founding member of Delhi rock veterans Parikrama I think Prince was as high in rank as Michael Jackson in terms of being a singer-songwriter, though not in terms of his live performances. Only a few can match up to his level, and that’s a remarkable feat. For more than 30 years, Prince’s songs have been soundtrack staples for different movies including Batman, Gulliver’s Travels, etc. His quasi-autobiographical Purple Rain that released in 1984 was one of my first introductions to this legend. It beautifully depicted Prince trying to make a mark in the musical world. Initially, it took time to understand his music but once you did, you couldn’t help playing his tracks non-stop. It seems that we are living in an era where musicians’ longevity seems to be over, both in the international and national scenario. There are no longer Sonu Nigams, Kurt Cobains or Princes being produced anymore.
Sanjeev Naik Violinist, Swarathma Prince was an immensely skilled musician and not many know that this talented star was also an incredible guitarist and had done some insane guitar work during his career. For instance, during a 2004 tribute performance marking George Harrison’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Prince did a fantastic collaboration with world famous guitarists and simply stole the show as he played a frenetic guitar solo of While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
