2013/14: Prince3EG Era

The dynamic and powerful drummer who anchored Prince’s all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl, bringing precision, energy, and swing to Prince’s final major musical project. Hannah Ford Born: 29 June 1990, Louisville, Kentucky a.k.a. Hannah Welton is the drummer, singer, and songwriter, she is best known for her work as the drummer in Prince’s band 3rdEyeGirl from 2012 to 2016. HER STORY In September 2012, She was recruited by Prince as a guest drummer for the Welcome 2 Chicago thre

The virtuosic Canadian guitarist who became a core member of Prince’s powerful all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl, bringing fiery lead playing and rock edge to Prince’s later career. Donna Grantis (born September 10, 1982) is a Canadian guitarist, composer, and educator. She is best known for her work with Prince and her technically impressive, expressive guitar style that blends rock, jazz, funk, and psychedelic elements. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered Donna in 2012 after

The formidable Danish bassist who became a core member of Prince’s New Power Generation in the 2000s and later anchored his acclaimed all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl. Ida Nielsen (born Ida Kristine Nielsen, June 27, 1977) is a Danish bassist, singer, and songwriter. Known for her thunderous slap bass, intricate grooves, and versatile musicality, she is widely regarded as one of the strongest bassists of her generation. PRINCE CONNECTION Ida first joined Prince’s band in 2010

Prince: (July 1, 2015) Hardrocklover - Single Release Release Date: July 1, 2015 Platform: Prince3EG SoundCloud account (later added to Tidal) Album Context: Eighth track on Hitnrun Phase One (Prince’s 38th album) Release Context Recording & Production Details Hardrocklover was released as the second single from Hitnrun Phase One, ten weeks before the full album dropped. At the time of release, no album was officially announced, and it was later retroactively positioned as th

A thoughtful dual-album review in the St. Cloud Times (September 30, 2014) celebrating Prince’s prolific creativity with the simultaneous release of his solo album Art Official Age and PlectrumElectrum by his band 3rdEyeGirl, praising his ability to deliver two distinct, high-quality projects on the same day. THE STORY WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Publication: St. Cloud Times Date: September 30, 2014 Country: United States Section: Music Review / Album ReleaseThe review examines P

Art Official Age is Prince’s 37th full-length studio album, a sleek, futuristic R&B, funk, and soul record released simultaneously with Plectrumelectrum. It marked Prince’s return to Warner Bros. distribution after years of independence. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: NPG Records, Inc. under exclusive license to Warner Bros. Records Inc. Format: CD, Digital (MP3/WAV/24-bit), LP (2LP, released late November 2014) Country: Worldwide Released: 26 September 2014 (Europe) /

A dreamy, atmospheric track featuring Lianne La Havas that served as the first promotional single from Prince’s 2014 album Art Official Age, released in Europe just weeks before the album’s official launch. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: NPG Records (under exclusive license to Warner Bros. Records) Date: Mid September 2014 Catalogue: None (promo only) Format: Promo CD Single Country: United Kingdom / Europe Genre: Pop / Soul Style: Atmospheric ballad A-Side: “Clouds” (

released in the UK on September 26, 2014, by NPG Records through a renewed license with Warner Bros. Records (catalog number 9362‑49333‑5), arriving simultaneously with Prince’s solo album Art Official Age.

A major announcement in the Star Tribune (August 26, 2014) revealing that Prince will release two new albums on September 30: his first U.S. album in five years, Art Official Age, and Plectrum Electrum by his all-female band 3rdEyeGirl. Publication: Star Tribune Date: August 26, 2014 Country: United States Section: Music News / Album Announcement THE STORY WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Warner Bros. announced that Prince’s new album Art Official Age and 3rdEyeGirl’s Plectrum Electru

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content 20th Essence Fest Wraps Up Release Publication: The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) Date: Sunday, July 6, 2014 Prince headlined the 20th anniversary Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. He opened with his signature line “We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life” and delivered a high-energy set that kept the crowd on their feet. Notable Details Prince performed hits including “Let’s

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content Publication: The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Date: Sunday, July 6, 2014 Prince, 56, opened the 20th celebration of the Essence Festival in New Orleans with his signature line: “We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.” He delivered a high-energy set that had the Superdome crowd on their feet from the first notes of “Let’s Go Crazy.” Notable Details Prince closed the festival’s main stage with a hit-fille

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content “Prince returns for Essence’s 20th fete” Publication: The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Date: Saturday, July 5, 2014 Prince returned to headline the 20th anniversary Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Organizers called it a milestone event and chose Prince to make it special. Notable Details The article notes Prince’s genius and the anticipation for his performance. It mentions his reunion with musical

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content Prince Returns for Essence Festival’s 20th Celebration Release Date: July 5, 2014 Publication: The Courier (Houma, Louisiana) Date: Saturday, July 5, 2014 Prince returned to headline the 20th anniversary of the Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Organizers described it as a milestone event, with Prince delivering a high-energy show as the main attraction. Notable Details The article notes Prince’s geni

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content “Prince returns for Essence’s 20th” Release Date: July 5, 2014 Publication: The Daily Advertiser (Lafayette, Louisiana) Date: Saturday, July 5, 2014 Prince returned to headline the 20th anniversary of the Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Organizers chose him to make the milestone event special, with Michelle Ebanks calling him the perfect choice. Notable Details The article highlights Prince’s genius

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content “20th annual Essence Fest kicks off in New Orleans” Release Date: July 4, 2014 Publication: The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) Date: Friday, July 4, 2014 The 20th annual Essence Festival began in New Orleans with music lovers dancing to acts like Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet brass band. Prince was highly anticipated to close Friday night’s main stage at the Superdome. Notable Details The article highlights the festive atmosphere, fo

A report in the Star Tribune covering Prince and 3rdEyeGirl’s intimate 8-song showcase at Paisley Park Studios on June 29, 2014, with special guest Apollonia in attendance and select live performances (“Endorphinmachine” and instrumental “She’s Always In My Hair”) later uploaded to the 3rdEyeGirl YouTube channel. Publication: Star Tribune Date: July 4, 2014 (reporting on June 29 event) Country: United States Section: Music / Local Entertainment News THE STORY WHAT THE CLIPPIN

A vibrant Essence magazine cover and feature celebrating Prince’s headlining role at Essence Festival, offering readers a glimpse into the energy, mystique, and after‑party magic surrounding his live shows.

This glowing 5-star review from the London Evening Standard captures the magic of Prince & 3rdEyeGirl’s surprise “Hit and Run” show at the Roundhouse on June 4, 2014, celebrating Prince’s incredible energy, versatility, and deep connection with his fans at age 55. PUBLICATION: London Evening Standard Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Pop Music Review Title: PRINCE & 3RDEYEGIRL / Roundhouse, NW1 THE STORY Rick Pearson’s enthusiastic review

This vibrant review from The Press celebrates Prince & 3rdEyeGirl’s high-energy performance at the Leeds First Direct Arena, highlighting Prince’s triumphant return to the UK stage with his all-female band during the 2014 Hit and Run Tour. Publication: The Press (York edition) Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Review Title: Crowd goes crazy with purple Prince’s return THE STORY Charles Hutchinson’s review captures the electric atmosphere at

This highly enthusiastic review from The Independent celebrates Prince & 3rdEyeGirl’s explosive performance at the LG Arena in Birmingham during the 2014 Hit + Run Tour (Part II), praising Prince’s unmatched stage presence, guitar mastery, and ability to captivate a massive audience at age 55. PUBLICATION Independent Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Music Review – Page 41 Title: The Purple One is still driving them crazy THE STORY Daniel Dy

This enthusiastic 5-star review from The Guardian captures Prince & 3rdEyeGirl’s powerful return to arena stages at the Manchester Arena, celebrating Prince’s blistering guitar work, high-energy performance, and enduring charisma during his 2014 “Hit and Run” tour. Publication: The Guardian Date: Monday, May 19, 2014 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Pop Music Review – Page A21 Title: Back on the stadium trail, blistering Prince runs the guitar gamut THE STORY Dave Si

A standalone digital‑era release marking Prince’s first newly issued track following the announcement of his renewed partnership with Warner Bros. Records. RELEASE DETAILS Date: April 18, 2014 (USA) / April 23–25, 2014 (worldwide rollout) Format: Digital Single Country: United States (initial), Worldwide Track: “The Breakdown” – 4:04 THE STORY Released on April 18, 2014 in the USA (and shortly after worldwide), “The Breakdown” was Prince’s first new single following the annou

A haunting, introspective ballad that Prince described as his favourite current song on the Arsenio Hall Show, “The Breakdown” was released as a surprise standalone single in April 2014, five and a half months before appearing on the album Art Official Age. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: NPG Records (under exclusive license to Warner Bros. Records) Date: April 18, 2014 Catalogue: USWB11401050 Format: Promo CDr Single Country: The Netherlands Genre: Ballad / Pop Style:

A landmark agreement returns control of Prince’s classic catalogue to the artist, marking a major turning point in his long battle for artistic ownership. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Various newspapers (U.S. press) Date: April 18, 2014 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Music News THE STORY Multiple outlets reported that Prince had reached a new agreement with Warner Bros. Records, granting him ownership of the master recordings from his original tenure w