A Prince-Penned Sheena Easton Scandal RELEASE DETAILS Date: December 22, 1984 Catalogue: B-8253 (7") Format: 7" Single, 12" Maxi-Single, Promo Country: United States (with international variants) A-Side: “Sugar Walls” – 3:59 Written by: Alexander Nevermind (Prince) Produced by: Greg Mathieson & Alexander Nevermind (Prince) B-Side: “Straight Talking” – 3:41 THE STORY Released in the US on December 22, 1984 on EMI America, “Sugar Walls” was the second single from Sheena Easton’

A Purple Rain Extended Christmas Miracle RELEASE DETAILS Date: December 19, 1984 Catalogue: 9 20291-0 A / 0-20291 (12" Maxi) Format: 12" Maxi-Single, 7" Single Country: United States (with UK and international variants) A-Side: “I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version)” – 10:00 B-Side: “Another Lonely Christmas (Extended Version)” – 6:47 THE STORY Released in the US on December 19, 1984 as a 12" maxi-single, “I Would Die 4 U” was the fifth single from the Purple Rain album and film

A landmark Kerrang! cover and major four-page feature celebrating Prince’s explosive live show in Detroit during the Purple Rain era — one of the most talked-about rock magazine covers of 1984 SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Kerrang! Date: November 29 – December 12, 1984 (Issue No. 82) Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Front Cover + Four-page interior feature THE STORY This iconic Kerrang! issue features Prince on the cover under the bold yellow headline “Rain Dance” with

A Purple Rain devotional paired with Prince’s most heartbreaking holiday B‑side RELEASE DETAILS Date: November 26, 1984 (UK) Catalogue: W 9174 (7") Format: 7" Single, 12" Single Country: United Kingdom A-Side: “I Would Die 4 U (Single Version)” – 2:57 B-Side: “Another Lonely Christmas” – 4:51 THE STORY Released in the UK on November 26, 1984 as the third single credited to Prince and The Revolution, “I Would Die 4 U” continued the extraordinary momentum of the Purple Rain era

Prince’s groundbreaking semi-autobiographical film Purple Rain became his first movie released on home video format, arriving on VHS in the United States on November 19, 1984, and quickly becoming a major commercial success as both a cultural phenomenon and a top-selling videocassette. RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: Prince Title: Purple Rain Date: November 19, 1984 Label: Warner Bros. Home Video Format / Type: VHS Home Video (also Betamax / LaserDisc) Country: United S

November 4, 1984 – April 7, 1985 TOUR DATES • November 4, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 5, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 7, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 8, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 9, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 11, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 12, 1984 — Detroit, MI — Joe Louis Arena • November 14, 1984 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Coliseum • November 15, 198

A rare Japan‑only promotional 7", Syndicate paired Another Lonely Christmas with seven short radio IDs by Prince, Apollonia and Sheila E. Released in late November 1984, it was designed purely for broadcasters and never sold commercially. A unique Purple Rain‑era artefact, it captures the era’s media presence in miniature form.

A stylish early-career visual biography capturing Prince’s evolving image, mystique, and cultural impact through curated photos and commentary. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: The Anabas Look Book Series Date: 1984 Country: United Kingdom Format: Visual biography / Photo book THE STORY This compact, visually driven book presents a portrait of Prince during the early phase of his meteoric rise. Written by Roger St. Pierre and Bob Killbourn, it blends striking photography with acce

A landmark Ebony Magazine cover featuring Prince during the Purple Rain era, highlighting his passion for privacy and his rising status as a cultural icon. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Ebony Date: November 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Front Cover THE STORY This striking Ebony cover showcases Prince in a dramatic white ruffled shirt holding red flowers, with the bold headline “PRINCE: The Story Behind His Passion For Purple And Privacy.” The feature explores Pri

One of the earliest mass-market Prince biographies rushed out in the UK during the Purple Rain explosion, presenting a “giant collection of facts, photos & interviews” on the rising superstar. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Sphere Books (UK paperback) Date: 1984 Country: United Kingdom Format: Mass-market biography / Photo book THE STORY This compact biography captures Prince at the height of his breakthrough success with Purple Rain. Marketed with the tagline “He sold over a MI

This UK 12" single was the third release from the Purple Rain album and film, featuring a limited poster. Artist: Prince and the Revolution Label: Warner Bros. Date: September 10, 1984 Catalogue: W9174T Format: 12" Single (w/ Poster) Country: UK Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince and the Revolution TRACK LIST UK 12" Single (W9174T) Side A Purple Rain (Long Version) Side B God (Instrumental) (Love Theme from Purple Rain) God (Vocal) (Love Theme from Purple Rain) LINKED REL

A vibrant collector’s edition celebrating Prince at the height of Purple Rain mania, featuring rare photos, a full rockography, and portraits ready to frame. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Prince Superstar Collector's Edition Date: September 1, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Front Cover THE STORY This special collector’s edition is dedicated entirely to Prince during the explosive success of the Purple Rain album and film. The cover highlights “The Rude Boy Makes G

A dynamic Creem Magazine cover featuring Prince at the absolute peak of Purple Rain mania, with the bold exclusive headline “PRINCE RETURNS!” SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Creem Date: September 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Front Cover THE STORY This striking cover showcases Prince in a floral top with guitar, under the prominent headline “EXCLUSIVE! PRINCE RETURNS! INSIDE PURPLE RAIN.” The issue dives into the phenomenon of the Purple Rain album and film, captur

One of the most iconic Rolling Stone covers of the 1980s, capturing Prince at the absolute peak of Purple Rain success with a major in-depth feature. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Rolling Stone Date: August 30, 1984 (Issue No. 429) Country: United States Section / Pages: Front Cover + Five-page interior feature THE STORY This landmark cover story features a striking shirtless portrait of Prince and the bold headline “PRINCE SCORES” — celebrating his massive success with both th

The definitive US 12" of “Let’s Go Crazy,” pairing the explosive Special Dance Mix with the legendary “Erotic City” — a cornerstone of the Purple Rain era.

The 4 August 1984 edition of the Star Tribune carries a full advertisement for Prince’s first motion picture Purple Rain, now in its second exciting week. Publication: Star Tribune Date: August 4, 1984 Country: United States The advert quotes reviews from Rolling Stone (“Stunning! Not since the Beatles burst off the screen in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’…”) and Newsweek (“The New Prince of Hollywood…”). It announces “Prince in his first motion picture Purple Rain,” with a photograph

Jon Bream reports on the star-studded Hollywood premiere of Purple Rain at the Mann Chinese Theatre, followed by a lavish purple-themed party at the Palace. Celebrities, fans, and industry figures turned out as Prince’s hometown film took Hollywood by storm. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Saturday, July 28, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Page 7C) Byline: Jon Bream, Staff Writer THE STORY The article captures the electric atmosphere of th

The July 27, 1984 edition of The Globe reports on the glittering Hollywood premiere and party for the film Purple Rain, starring Prince. Publication: The Globe Date: July 27, 1984 Country: United States THE STORY The article describes the gala premiere and party at the Palace nightclub following the Thursday night showing at Mann’s Chinese Theater. Guests included Steven Spielberg, Eddie Murphy, Christopher Reeve, John Cougar and members of Devo and Quiet Riot. Prince arrive

The July 27, 1984 edition of the Star Tribune reviews the film Purple Rain, focusing on Prince’s performance and the movie’s strengths and limitations. Publication: Star Tribune Date: July 27, 1984 Country: United States The review discusses how the film’s storyline closely mirrors aspects of Prince’s own life, making it difficult to assess his acting range. It praises the music sequences and Prince’s commanding stage presence while noting that the dramatic elements feel less

Purple Rain — the 1984 American rock musical drama film directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn — premieres on July 26, 1984 at Mann’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, California. The film marks Prince’s debut as a leading actor, with many elements of his personal life mirrored in the character of “The Kid.” Filmed on location in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, the movie features Minnesota landmarks including the Crystal Court of the IDS Center and the Fir

A chart‑report feature comparing Prince’s record‑breaking success with Michael Jackson’s, highlighting “When Doves Cry” and Purple Rain as dominant forces in 1984 pop music. Publication: Lincoln Journal Star Date: Thursday, July 26, 1984 Country: USA THE STORY This Newhouse News Service article announces Prince’s triumph over Michael Jackson in both singles and album sales. It opens by noting that Jackson had shattered all previous records, yet Prince’s When Doves Cry had sur

A full‑page theatrical advertisement announcing the premiere of Prince’s first motion picture Purple Rain, featuring a striking image of Prince on his motorcycle and a critical quote from Rolling Stone. Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis Star and Tribune) Date: Thursday, July 26, 1984 Country: USA THE STORY This black‑and‑white advertisement promotes the opening of Purple Rain, Prince’s debut feature film. The layout features a bold headline quote from Rolling Stone criti

Major pre-release coverage on the eve of the film’s opening, describing Purple Rain as Prince’s “emotional biography” and “ultimate creative gesture.” Extensive details on production, cast, script development, and the team behind the project. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Wednesday, July 25, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Pages 1C & 6C) Byline: Jon Bream (main articles) THE STORY The spread includes: “Film is ‘emotional biography’”: Deep

This Minneapolis Star and Tribune feature from July 1984, written by Jon Bream, explores Prince’s early life and musical beginnings in Minneapolis. The article traces his childhood, family influences, and formative experiences that shaped his artistry, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the music at the height of his Purple Rain fame. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: July 23 1984 Country: United States THE STORY Part of a biographical series ti