Prince and The New Power Generation (July 20, 1991) – Special Olympics performance

Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA)

Date: Sunday, July 21, 1991

Section: 1991 International Special Olympics – Opening Ceremonies Headline: Olympian fun before games – with song and dance and celebrity pizzazz  

Photographers: Marlin Levison, Joey McLeister, Jeff Wheeler

Event summary:   The Star Tribune covered the opening ceremonies of the 1991 International Special Olympics at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on Saturday night, July 20 1991.

The article described a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and celebrity appearances welcoming more than 5,000 athletes from around the world.

Arnold Schwarzenegger led the Alabama delegation, while Prince delivered a short, high‑energy performance for the cheering crowd. Other celebrity participants included Patti Austin and Warren Beatty.

The ceremonies featured a parade of athletes, choreographed dance sequences, and a strong sense of unity and celebration.

Photographs in the article captured Prince mid‑performance, microphone raised, alongside dancers and spectators reflecting the event’s inclusive spirit.

Band lineup:  

Prince (vox, guitar), Michael B. (drums), Sonny T. (bass),

Levi Seacer Jr. (guitar),

Tommy Barbarella (keyboards),

Rosie Gaines (keyboards, vox),

Tony M. (dance, rap),

Damon Dickson (dance, vox),

Kirk Johnson (dance, percussion).

Tony, Damon and

Kirk together as the Game Boyz

Setlist:  

Diamonds and Pearls  

Baby I’m a Star —

Push including

Let’s Go Crazy (fake intro) and

Peter Gunn instrumental coda.

Notes:  

This performance was broadcast nationally on ABC Television on August 15 1991 as part of Victory and Valor: A Special Olympics All‑Star Celebration. It was officially released in 2023 within the Diamonds and Pearls (Super Deluxe Edition), preserving this hometown appearance in Prince’s archival catalogue.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

---