Prince (September 10, 1987) – “Princely appearance pleases fans; Humperdinck cancels” Feature – Hartford Courant

GlamSlamEscape

Sep 10, 1987

2 min read

This Hartford Courant feature from September 10 1987 reports on Prince’s surprise live appearance in suburban Minneapolis, thrilling fans with an impromptu full‑set performance while other scheduled acts, including Engelbert Humperdinck, faced cancellations. The article captures Prince’s enduring mystique and his connection to hometown audiences during the Sign o’ the Times era.

Publication: Hartford Courant Date: September 10 1987 Country: United States

Written by Roger Catlin, the piece opens with Prince’s chart‑climbing single “U Got the Look” and describes how, despite his national fame, he remained rooted in Minneapolis. Instead of performing at major venues like First Avenue, Prince appeared at Rupert’s, a suburban bar in Golden Valley, following a show by the Dead Milkmen. Fans were ecstatic as Prince delivered two full sets mixing his own hits with covers such as Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” and Sly and the Family Stone’s “I Want to Take You Higher.” His band, fresh from the MTV Video Music Awards, joined him for the performance.

The article notes that Prince had been working on his concert film Sign o’ the Times, scheduled for release on November 11, and rehearsing for his upcoming European tour.

A black‑and‑white photo shows Prince standing near a window, light streaming in, captioned: “Prince popped up in a suburban Minneapolis bar Saturday and performed, much to the delight of regulars and the chagrin of those who couldn’t get in.”

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By late 1987, Prince was balancing global superstardom with local spontaneity.

His surprise appearances reinforced his reputation as an unpredictable performer who valued intimate connections with fans.

The article also situates his activity within the broader concert landscape, mentioning cancellations and upcoming shows by artists like R.E.M., U2, and David Bowie, reflecting the vibrant touring scene of the era.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Prince’s surprise performance at Rupert’s bar in Golden Valley

Era: 1987 – Sign o’ the Times Film and Tour Period Tone: Excited, local, and observational Photography: Black‑and‑white portrait of Prince by  Warner Bros., window‑lit and reflective

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