Prince (May 7, 1987) – “Prince: The Fact And The Fiction” Cover Feature – Weekend Voice.
Weekend Voice places Prince on the cover and dedicates a major centre‑spread feature to separating fact from rumour at the height of the Sign "O" The Times era. Examining his band changes, recording projects, film plans, Paisley Park artists and forthcoming tour activities, the feature presents a snapshot of one of the busiest and most fascinating periods of Prince's career.
Publication: Weekend Voice
Publication Date: May 7, 1987
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: May 1987
With Sign "O" The Times climbing the charts and preparations underway for a European tour, Weekend Voice devoted both its cover and an extensive centre‑spread feature to Prince.
Headlined “Prince – The Fact And The Fiction”, the article attempts to address many of the rumours circulating around Prince and the Paisley Park organisation. The feature explores questions surrounding personnel changes, Prince's film ambitions, his relationship with former members of The Revolution, the future of The Time, and the growing roster of Paisley Park artists.
Among the topics covered is the departure of several key associates, including members of The Revolution, and speculation surrounding the roles of musicians such as Sheila E., Eric Leeds, Boni Boyer, Jerome Benton and Wendy & Lisa. The article also discusses Paisley Park projects involving The Family, Madhouse, and a variety of artists recording under pseudonyms and side projects.
A recurring theme throughout the feature is Prince's extraordinary productivity. Rumours concerning unreleased films, abandoned projects and proposed ventures are examined alongside confirmed developments, allowing the magazine to distinguish between verified information and music‑industry speculation.
The article also reports that Prince and his new touring band were rehearsing for a major European tour, while suggesting that British appearances could potentially be added later in the year.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published just weeks after the release of Sign "O" The Times, this feature captures Prince during one of the most creative and transitional periods of his career.
By 1987, The Revolution era had ended and Prince was building a new musical identity around a fresh touring group and an expanding network of Paisley Park artists. At the same time, intense public interest created a constant stream of rumours regarding his personal and professional activities.
The article is particularly valuable because it documents contemporary perceptions of Prince's rapidly evolving organisation at a moment when Paisley Park had become one of the most innovative creative centres in popular music.
The cover photograph reflects Prince's playful public image, while the centre‑spread combines photographs of Prince, Sheila E., The Family and other members of the wider Paisley Park circle.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Cover feature and centre‑spread interview
Era: 1987 – Sign "O" The Times era
Tone: Investigative, informative and promotional
Photography: Colour cover portrait of Prince together with centre‑spread photographs featuring Prince, Sheila E., The Family and members of the Paisley Park organisation
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Weekend Voice cover feature on Prince
Headline: “Prince – The Fact And The Fiction”
Coverage of the Sign "O" The Times period
Discussion of The Revolution's dissolution
Information on Paisley Park artists and side projects
References to touring plans and rehearsals
Coverage of The Family and Madhouse
Examination of rumours surrounding Prince's career and future projects
Full cover and centre‑spread presentation
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