Miko Weaver – Associated Artist (Guitarist, The Revolution / Prince Live Era)
- GlamSlamEscape
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Summary
Miko Weaver (born March 11, 1957 in Berkeley, California) is one of the most distinctive guitarists to emerge from Prince’s creative orbit. His fluid funk phrasing, rhythmic precision, and stage presence helped define Prince’s late‑1980s live sound, from Sign o’ the Times to Lovesexy and beyond.
Biography
Michael “Miko” Weaver grew up in the culturally vibrant Bay Area, absorbing the funk, soul, and psychedelic influences that shaped his musical instincts. Largely self‑taught, he developed a style that blended fluid funk rhythm work with sharp, melodic lead lines — a sound that would later become instantly recognizable to Prince fans.
Connection to Prince
Early Entry: Sheila E. & The Family
Weaver first entered Prince’s universe through Sheila E.’s band, where his playing caught Prince’s attention. He contributed to the extended jam version of “I Would Die 4 U”, later released as a 12" single.
Prince then placed him in The Family, the short‑lived R&B project that produced the original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
The Revolution Era
When The Family dissolved, Weaver was absorbed into The Revolution, contributing to the Parade era and the band’s final tour.
Live Era: Sign o’ the Times → Lovesexy
After The Revolution disbanded, Weaver remained in Prince’s inner circle, becoming a key guitarist for:
Sign o’ the Times Tour (1987)
Lovesexy Tour (1988)
Nude Tour (1990)
His solo on “Do Me, Baby” during the 1990 Tokyo show remains a fan‑favorite moment.
Studio Contributions
Weaver appears on several major Prince albums, including:
Around the World in a Day (1985)
Sign o’ the Times (1987)
Lovesexy (1988)
He also appears as himself in Graffiti Bridge (1990).
Post‑Prince Work
After leaving Prince’s band, Weaver collaborated with Eddie Murphy, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
He later lived in Rotterdam, recording experimental funk sessions, and eventually settled in Ibiza, where he performs, DJs, and creates visual art.
In recent years, he has become known for his bass playing, which many fans consider even funkier than his guitar work.
Personal Encounter (1990, Minneapolis)
A memorable reflection of Weaver’s character comes from a fan who once sat next to him at a Janet Jackson concert in Minneapolis around 1990.
Despite his extraordinary résumé and global touring experience, he was warm, gracious, and genuinely kind — the sort of quiet, grounded presence that leaves a lasting impression.
Moments like this reveal the human side of the musicians who helped shape Prince’s world.
Legacy
Miko Weaver remains one of the most under‑recognized yet essential contributors to the Minneapolis Sound. His guitar work defined Prince’s late‑80s live era, and his versatility across genres — funk, pop, jazz, and experimental — continues to influence musicians today.
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