Prince’s groundbreaking backing band that helped define the Minneapolis Sound and elevated his music to global superstardom, officially taking shape with the 1999 album. OVERVIEW The Revolution was Prince’s primary live and studio band from 1980 to 1986. Known for their tight musicianship, diverse influences (funk, rock, pop, R&B, new wave), and flamboyant style, they were central to Prince’s most commercially and artistically successful period. FORMATION & LINEUPS Early / 19

This West Central Tribune news feature reports that the world premiere of the stage musical based on Prince’s Purple Rain had been postponed until autumn 2025 to provide additional time for creative development. Originally planned for an earlier Minneapolis engagement, the production was rescheduled for a month-long run at the State Theatre, with plans for Broadway to follow its local premiere. Publication: West Central Tribune Date: October 30, 2024 Country: United States Wr

This substantial Brainerd Daily Dispatch feature focuses on Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman as they establish a musical identity beyond their years working with Prince and The Revolution. Written by Larry McShane, the article looks back at their contributions to Prince’s records and films while examining the creation of their debut album Wendy and Lisa, the ending of The Revolution and their determination to be recognised on their own terms. Publication: The Brainerd Daily Dis

On October 27, 1985, Prince staged a special one-off performance at the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice, France. The concert took place during a day off from filming Under The Cherry Moon and had a specific additional purpose: filming a promotional video for “America”. The event was announced by local radio station Radio de la Côte approximately a week beforehand. A total of 2,000 free tickets were made available to local fans on October 22, and the performance was sold out. Membe

This substantial Southern Illinoisan feature by Nancy Weil examines Prince's extraordinary rise during the Purple Rain phenomenon and asks whether Prince could challenge Michael Jackson's position at the top of American pop music. The article compares the two performers' audiences, personalities and commercial appeal while documenting the continuing success of the Purple Rain album and film and the rapidly selling forthcoming Prince tour. Publication: Southern Illinoisan Date

Coverage of local music awards notes that Prince, after a steamy three-song performance, did not accept his awards in person. He sent Wendy Melvoin (guitarist in his band) to pick up the trophy. She quipped, “He screams. I don’t. That’s why I’m accepting.” Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Tuesday, May 22, 1984 Country: United States Section: Awards coverage (continued from page 1C) THE STORY The article highlights Prince’s rising prominence with his “distinctiv

One final note: Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (which bestows the Grammys). Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Prince Update column “Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Scien

Purple Rain has been edited down to under two hours, but Prince still needs to film one remaining scene with his on-screen love interest, Apollonia (née Patty Kotero). Additional notes on Apollonia’s background, a song sent to Sheena Easton, Wendy Melvoin’s connection to Prince’s band, and Prince and the Revolution topping the Village Voice critics’ poll. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Pri

Event: August 3 1983 – Minneapolis, MN, USA: First Avenue (Minnesota Dance Theatre benefit). Wendy Melvoin makes her live debut with Prince and the Revolution at a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre at First Avenue in Minneapolis. One-off performance. Band: Prince (vox, guitar), Bobby Z. (drums), Brown Mark (bass), Wendy Melvoin (guitar), Lisa Coleman (keyboards), Dr. Fink (keyboards). Setlist • Let’s Go Crazy • When You Were Mine • A Case Of You • Computer Blue