Prince (1981–1982) Controversy Tour Staff Pass – “Access All Areas

A rare official staff laminate from Prince’s Controversy Tour featuring a striking photo of Prince with his guitar, granting “Access All Areas” backstage privileges during one of his earliest major headlining tours.

This rectangular staff pass features a photo of Prince in his iconic Controversy-era look — black suit, leopard-print scarf, and guitar — set against a background of sheet music.( as used on the sleeve of various editions of the Let's Work release)

A bold vertical red bar on the left reads “PRINCE.” The top clearly states “Controversy Tour,” with “Staff” centered below the photo and “ACCESS ALL AREAS” at the bottom alongside a small Prince-related logo.

The Controversy Tour (1981–1982) marked Prince’s first major headlining tour across North America, supporting his album Controversy. These all-access passes were issued to crew, band members, and key personnel, offering unrestricted backstage access. Items from this early tour are particularly collectible as they predate the massive Purple Rain era explosion in popularity.

SHOW / TOUR FACTS

Tour Dates: November 20, 1981 – March 14, 1982 (Two Legs)

Band Lineup:

• Prince – Vocals, Guitar

• Bobby Z. – Drums

• Brown Mark – Bass

• Dez Dickerson – Guitar

• Dr. Fink – Keyboards

• Lisa Coleman – Keyboards