1990 August 20: Graffiti Bridge Era

This Associated Press clipping from The Winona Daily News captures the excitement surrounding the opening of the 1991 International Special Olympics at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Prince, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kirstie Alley were among the celebrities who energized the crowd of more than 50,000, while a young Minnesota athlete provided the emotional highlight of the evening. Publication: The Winona Daily News Date: Monday, July 22, 1991 Country: United States Locatio

Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) Date: Sunday, July 21, 1991 Section: 1991 International Special Olympics – Opening Ceremonies Headline: Olympian fun before games – with song and dance and celebrity pizzazz Photographers: Marlin Levison, Joey McLeister, Jeff Wheeler Event summary: The Star Tribune covered the opening ceremonies of the 1991 International Special Olympics at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on Saturday night, July 20 1991. The article des

7" - UK - W9525 7" - New Power Generation (LP Version) New Power Generation was released as the third single in the USA and the fourth in Europe from Prince’s Graffiti Bridge soundtrack. In Europe, it followed Melody Cool by Mavis Staples and Round And Round by Tevin Campbell, making it the second single credited directly to Prince in that region. Issued two months after the album, the single received a worldwide release. The 7" and cassette editions paired the main track wit

Iconic September 1990 cover of the influential UK style bible The Face, featuring a striking close-up portrait of Prince during the Graffiti Bridge era — a period of creative transition and bold reinvention. PUBLICATION: Date: September 1990 (Issue No. 24) Country: United Kingdom Title: THE FACE Price: £1.50 (UK) Cover Story: “COURT IN THE ACT: THE MAKING OF GRAFFITI BRIDGE” THE STORY This powerful cover showcases Prince in a brooding, intimate black-and-white tinted portrait

This Lancaster New Era feature by Gary Graff and W. Kim Heron reviews Prince’s new album Graffiti Bridge, describing it as a creative and accessible return to form. The article praises the record’s 17 songs for their spiritual undertones, musical diversity, and seamless blend of rock, R&B, and funk. Publication: Lancaster New Era Date: August 23 1990 Country: United States The review highlights Graffiti Bridge as Prince’s most focused and consistent effort since Purple Rain.

This Huntsville Times review by Tom Moon examines Prince’s Graffiti Bridge soundtrack album, describing it as a bold reinvention of his musical approach. The article praises his minimalist style, playful tone, and refusal to conform to pop expectations, calling the record a creative and subversive statement. Publication: The Huntsville Times Date: August 23 1990 Country: United States THE STORY Moon’s review opens with Prince’s provocative line from We Can Funk and frames G

This Province feature by Tom Harrison reviews Prince’s new album Graffiti Bridge, describing it as a bold, spiritual, and myth‑laden project that opens the 1990s with renewed purpose. The article contrasts Prince’s moral and mystical themes with the usual rock tropes of sex and drugs, calling the record a striking departure from Lovesexy and Batman. Publication: The Province Date: August 23 1990 Country: Canada Harrison’s review explores Graffiti Bridge as both an album and a

This Austin American‑Statesman feature by Michael MacCambridge reviews Graffiti Bridge, describing Prince’s renewed creative energy and calling the project a “full‑blown call to funk‑rock arms.” The article positions the soundtrack and film as a confident return to form after Batman, reaffirming his genius and musical range. Publication: Austin American‑Statesman Date: August 23 1990 Country: United States The review highlights Graffiti Bridge as Prince’s latest double‑album

Graffiti Bridge is Prince’s twelfth full‑length studio album and serves as the companion to the motion picture of the same name. Released worldwide in August 1990, (20 August 1990 (UK) 21 August 1990 (USA), it arrived fourteen months after Batman. Although it shares its name with an earlier abandoned film and soundtrack project from 1987/1988, the released album bears little resemblance to that earlier configuration, aside from the inclusion of “Graffiti Bridge,” “The Questio

This Daily News entertainment front page from August 1990 spotlights new releases from two musical legends — Prince and Elvis Presley. The feature pairs Prince’s Graffiti Bridge double album with a retrospective Elvis package, The Great Performances, under the shared headline “New Tunes from Prince and the King.” Publication: Daily News (EXTRA Section) Date: August 20 1990 Country: United States The left‑hand article, “A ‘Bridge’ of Size & Scope from the Kid” by Jim Farber

This Star Tribune feature from August 1990, written by Jon Bream, reviews Prince’s Graffiti Bridge soundtrack album, predicting it could be his most successful release since Purple Rain. The article praises the record’s musical focus, collaborative spirit, and its balance between funk, spirituality, and accessibility. Publication: Star Tribune Date: August 20 1990 Country: United States Under the headline “‘Graffiti Bridge’ Soundtrack Album May  Be Prince’s Top Winner Since

This Huntsville News feature from August 1990, written by Jon Pareles for the N.Y. Times News Service, explores Prince’s evolving sound and lyrical themes surrounding love, spirituality, and sexuality. The article reviews his new album Graffiti Bridge and reflects on how his music continues to fuse sensuality with innovation. Publication: Huntsville News Date: August 20 1990 Country: United States Under the headline “Sonic and Sexual Updates from Prince,” Pareles examines P

This 12" maxi-single was the lead release from the Graffiti Bridge album and film. Artist: Prince Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Date: August 2, 1990 Catalogue: 0-21598 Format: 12" Single Country: USA Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince TRACK LIST USA 12" Single (0-21598) Side A Thieves In The Temple (Remix) (8:03) Side B Thieves In The House Mix (6:50) Temple House Dub (5:06) LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS Album version on Graffiti Bridge (1990) Various international 7" a

The July 22, 1990 edition of the Star Tribune features a major article on The Time’s reunion and new album Pandemonium, highlighting Prince’s cryptic but significant involvement in the project. Publication: Star Tribune Date: July 22, 1990 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Music / Entertainment THE STORY The article discusses The Time’s return after years apart, their new album Pandemonium, and Prince’s behind-the-scenes role. It notes that Pr

7" - UK - W9751 Thieves In The Temple (Album Version) Thieves In The Temple was released on 17 July 1990 as the lead single from Prince’s twelfth album Graffiti Bridge, arriving five weeks before the album. The track received a worldwide release and included the additional non‑album piece Thieves In The Temple (Part II). Although it appeared as the second track, there was no separate B‑side, marking the second time a lead single did not contain a new B‑side, following Alphab

The July 13, 1990 edition of The Kerryman reviews Prince’s “Nude” tour concert at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, Ireland, praising the massive crowd’s enthusiastic response despite some local objections. Publication: The Kerryman (Kerry North ed.) Date: July 13, 1990 Country: Ireland Location: Tralee / Cork Section: News / Entertainment THE STORY The article reports that over 50,000 fans roared in approval for Prince’s raunchy and provocative set in Cork. Despite protests from a l

“Jerk Out” was released in Germany on July 13, 1990 as part of the international rollout for The Time’s album Pandemonium. The single featured Prince’s significant uncredited contributions as writer, producer, and performer. The German production was also used as the UK release. THE RELEASE WHAT THE LABEL / PACKAGING SHOWS Label: Paisley Park Records / Reprise Records Format: 7" Vinyl Single (also 12", CD) Country: Germany Catalogue: 5439-19750-7 (7"), 7599-21722-0 (12"), 759

This 1990 article announces Prince’s plans to open a fashion and merchandise shop in Minneapolis, offering fans his distinctive look for sale. Publication: St. Cloud Times  (Saint Cloud, Minnesota) Date: Thursday, July 12 1990 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment News Title: New Shop Offers Princely Items The store, scheduled to open in September within the Heaven & Earth nightclub, would feature clothing designed by Prince’s wardrobe department and influence

The July 9, 1990 edition of the Irish Independent reviews Prince’s “Nude” tour concert at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, celebrating a massive 50,000-strong crowd and Prince’s electrifying performance. Publication: Irish Independent Date: July 9, 1990 Country: Ireland Location: Dublin / Cork Section: Entertainment / Music Review THE STORY The article describes Prince’s raunchy and provocative set in Cork as a huge success, with over 50,000 fans roaring in approval. Despite some lo

The July 9, 1990 edition of the Evening Herald celebrates Prince’s massive concert at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, with over 50,000 fans turning out for his high-energy “Nude” tour performance. Publication: Evening Herald Date: July 9, 1990 Country: Ireland Location: Dublin / Cork Section: Entertainment / Music Review THE STORY The article describes the huge turnout and electric atmosphere as Prince delivered a raunchy, sensational show. It highlights the crowd’s enthusiasm, Pri

While on tour in the UK, three tracks were recorded on this date: "Schoolyard", "Daddy Pop", and "Walk Don’t Walk". Release Date: October 27, 2023 Album: Diamonds And Pearls Super Deluxe Edition (Vault Tracks Part 1) Previously unreleased track from Prince’s Diamonds And Pearls recording sessions, finally issued in 2023 as part of the Super Deluxe Edition. Key Content Notable Mentions Recorded on July 2 1990 at Olympic Studios in London (on the same day as “Daddy Pop” and “Wa

Publication: Sunday Sun (Newcastle upon Tyne, England) Date: Sunday, July 1, 1990 Page: 12 Author: Deborah Cavanagh A major feature on Prince during his record-breaking 19-date UK tour in 1990. The article portrays Prince as the reigning master musician of the era, focusing on his charisma, stage command, and the massive public interest surrounding his British shows. Key Content Notable Mentions The piece describes Prince “strutting his minuscule stuff” and highlights the hug

Provocative July 1990 cover story in Sky Magazine examining Prince’s public persona, genius, and controversial reputation during the Graffiti Bridge era. PUBLICATION: Date: July 1990 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Cover + Multi-Page Feature Title: PRINCE: IS HE A GENIUS OR IS HE A JERK? THE STORY Sky Magazine put Prince on the cover with a striking, high-contrast portrait and the bold headline questioning whether he was a musical genius or an eccentric jerk. The fea

A vibrant, fold-out commemorative souvenir cover produced by the Evening Mail to celebrate Prince’s highly anticipated 1990 performances at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) during his groundbreaking Nude Tour. EVENT / PUBLICATION: Date: June 29 – July 1, 1990 Venue: National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, England Tour: Nude Tour (European leg) Item: Official Evening Mail Souvenir Program Cover / Pull-Out THE STORY This eye-catching souvenir features two cla