✦Sign “O” The Times (Edit) / Witness 4 The Prosecution (Version 1) – Single: Oct. 2020

A rare 7-inch vinyl covermount celebrating Prince’s 1987 masterpiece — issued exclusively with Rolling Stone Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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✦ SUMMARY

Released in October 2020 as a 7-inch vinyl single covermount with Rolling Stone magazine in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, this exclusive edition was produced by Warner Records / NPG Records / Paisley Park to promote the Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. Not sold separately, the single was briefly available through the official Prince store before selling out.

The A-side features the remastered single edit of Sign “O” The Times, sourced from the Promo Mixes & B‑Sides disc of the Super Deluxe box set. The B-side presents the previously unreleased Witness 4 The Prosecution (Version 1), taken from Vault Tracks Part 1 — a major highlight of the 2020 archival project.

Two different Jeff Katz photographs from the original 1987 era were used for the sleeves, each with new artwork created specifically for this release.

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✦ HIGHLIGHTS

• Released October 2020 (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

• Exclusive 7-inch vinyl covermount with Rolling Stone magazine

• Promotional tie‑in for the Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition

• Features remastered single edit + previously unreleased vault track

• Two different Jeff Katz covers issued

• Briefly available at Prince.com

• Cardboard sleeve, no catalogue number

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✦ TRACKLISTING

A: Sign “O” The Times (Edit) — 3:44

B: Witness 4 The Prosecution (Version 1) — 4:03

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✦ PRODUCTION & CONTEXT

Remastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering.

Published by NPG Music Publishing, LLC. / Universal Music Works (GMR).

This covermount was designed to spotlight the depth and quality of the Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition — one of the most expansive archival releases in Prince’s catalogue. The pairing of a classic single edit with a previously unheard vault track created a compelling bridge between Prince’s 1987 peak and the treasures newly revealed in 2020.

The use of Jeff Katz’s original photography further rooted the release in the visual identity of the era, while the exclusive nature of the covermount made it an instant collector’s item.

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✦ LEGACY

This Rolling Stone covermount stands as one of the most desirable promotional singles of the 2020s — a unique physical artifact tied to the acclaimed Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. It captures the essence of Prince’s 1987 creative explosion while offering fans a rare vault gem in high-quality remastered form.

For collectors, it’s a perfect fusion of nostalgia, rarity and archival significance.

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✦ PRINCE 1987 MINI‑TIMELINE — THE SIGN O’ THE TIMES ERA

✦ Early 1987

Prince completes Sign O’ The Times, blending material from the abandoned Dream Factory and Crystal Ball projects.

✦ March 1987

Sign “O” The Times is released as the lead single — a stark, socially conscious masterpiece.

✦ April 1987

The album Sign O’ The Times is released to universal acclaim.

✦ Summer 1987

Prince tours Europe with the legendary Sign O’ The Times stage show.

✦ 2020

The Super Deluxe Edition is released, unveiling 63 previously unreleased tracks and a wealth of archival material — including Witness 4 The Prosecution (Version 1).

This era captures Prince at his most innovative, prolific and fearless — redefining pop, funk, rock and social commentary in a single stroke.

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✦ GLAM FLASHBACK — SIGN “O” THE TIMES (EDIT) VS. WITNESS 4 THE PROSECUTION (VERSION 1)

✦ Sign “O” The Times (Edit – 1987)

• Minimalist, socially charged, iconic

• Sparse drum machine and haunting synths

• Prince as cultural commentator

• One of his most influential singles

✦ Witness 4 The Prosecution (Version 1 – Vault Track)

• Funk‑driven, energetic, full‑band arrangement

• Classic Minneapolis groove

• A previously hidden gem from the Dream Factory era

• Showcases Prince’s collaborative brilliance

Together, they reveal the duality of Prince’s 1987 genius — stark social realism on one side, explosive funk invention on the other.

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✦ SOURCES

Personal archive knowledge

Prince Vault

Discogs

AllMusic

Rate Your Music

Wikipedia

BBC Official Charts Company

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