Prince (September 1988) “The Second Coming” – Major Feature – The Face Magazine (UK)

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Sep 1, 1988
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Epic 1988 feature in The Face magazine by legendary writer Nick Kent, titled “The Second Coming,” offering a deep, philosophical assessment of Prince’s artistic evolution, genius, and cultural impact during the Lovesexy era.

PUBLICATION:

Date: September 1988

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Multi-Page Feature (5+ pages)

Title: THE SECOND COMING By: Nick Kent

THE STORY

In this extensive article, Nick Kent examines Prince as a once-in-a-generation artist who single-handedly filled the void in 1980s pop culture. The piece explores Prince’s refusal to be categorized by race, gender, or genre, his blend of sex and spirituality, and his relentless creative drive. Kent reflects on Prince’s journey from the Dirty Mind era through Purple Rain, Sign o’ the Times, and the ambitious Lovesexy project, portraying him as both a musical revolutionary and a complex, enigmatic figure.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published shortly after the Lovesexy Tour, this feature captures Prince at a critical artistic peak. The Face — known for its stylish, cutting-edge cultural coverage — gave Prince one of the most thoughtful long-form profiles of the late 1980s. The article balances high praise with candid discussion of Prince’s ego, contradictions, and self-mythology.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Era: Lovesexy (1988)

Tone: Intellectual, poetic, reverent yet critical

Photography: Striking images including Prince in a heart frame, theatrical stage shots, and classic portraits

“The Second Coming”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Dramatic opening spread with the title “THE SECOND COMING” and Prince imagery
Multi-page feature with in-depth text by Nick Kent, additional photos, and thoughtful analysis across five pages

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All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.