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First Avenue Kickoff Party and Maya McClean Experience Sold Out; Single Tickets Remain Available for Celebration of Life Concert, Club 3121 and Select Events City of Minneapolis Proclaims June 1–7 “Prince Celebration Week” as Fans Gather for Prince Celebration's 10th Anniversary Concert, Club 3121 and Citywide Events CeeLo Green, Meli'sa Morgan & More Headline Free Block Party and Inaugural Prince Sing-Along on June 6 Prince Celebration 2026 Tops Previous Attendance Records, Reaching New Milestone in Its 10th Year June 2, 2026 - As Prince Celebration 2026 officially gets underway, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proclaimed June 1–7 “Prince Celebration Week” in Minneapolis, recognizing Prince’s immeasurable impact on the city’s culture, identity, and global legacy as fans from around the world gather to honor the artist during the 10th anniversary year of Prince Celebration. The proclamation arrives as momentum continues to build across Minneapolis and Paisley Park ahead of a week of music, community and remembrance. In honor of Prince Celebration Week, the Minneapolis skyline will be illuminated in purple on June 6, as fans from around the world gather to celebrate Prince's life and legacy. "There are few artists as connected to a city as Prince is to Minneapolis," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "His music, style, and creativity helped define who we are and how the world sees us. Prince Celebration Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the hometown legend who made purple our unofficial city color and put Minneapolis on the map in a way no one else could." L. Londell McMillan shares, "We appreciate the City of Minneapolis’ recognition of Prince’s legacy and the global fams community, who love him. The fams are already assembling from around the world, and it's an honor to join them as we come together in Minneapolis to celebrate Prince's life, legacy, and enduring impact." Among the Prince Celebration’s marquee events is Prince Celebration of Life 10th Anniversary Concert at The Armory on June 5, where members of The New Power Generation and The Revolution will unite on stage alongside Morris Day, Miguel, Tevin Campbell, Bilal, Kat Graham and more, for a special evening celebrating Prince's music and influence. Taking place the night before is Club 3121 Celebration & Jam Session on June 4, featuring DJ Rashida, Liv Warfield, Ashley Támar and special guest performers. For tickets and additional information, visit www.PaisleyPark.com/Celebration2026. Demand for this year's programming remains strong, with the Prince Celebration 10th Anniversary Kickoff Party at First Avenue featuring DJ Lenka Paris and special guest Chaka Khan officially sold out, alongside Maya McClean's "Awakening" Sound Healing & Spiritual Rejuvenation experience at Paisley Park. Prince Celebration Week will also bring the city together through a series of free community events, including the Prince Celebration Block Party and inaugural Prince Sing-Along on June 6 at the iconic Prince mural in downtown Minneapolis. Presented in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, the Prince Estate, Downtown Improvement District (DID), First Avenue, Meet Minneapolis, and local community organizations, the free, all-ages gathering is expected to draw thousands of fans on the eve of Prince's 68th birthday and feature performances by Grammy Award-winning artist CeeLo Green, Liv Warfield, Purple Rain Musical star Kris Kollins, Jada LaFrance, Monique Blakey, and bakkwooddrift, alongside youth showcases from Purple Playground, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA), and High School for Recording Arts. The evening will bring together Prince alumni, celebrated vocalists, Broadway talent, and rising local artists in a multigenerational tribute to Prince's enduring influence. For more information, visit: www.paisleypark.com/celebration2026blockparty. ABOUT PRINCE CELEBRATION Prince Celebration is the official annual event honoring the life and legacy of Prince, welcoming fans from across the globe to come together in music, community, and remembrance. Held at Paisley Park and throughout the Twin Cities, Prince Celebration offers a rare opportunity for fans to experience curated programming including live performances, panel discussions, tours, and exclusive presentations. Since its inception, the event has served as a global gathering space for celebrating Prince’s artistry, cultural impact, and continued influence across music, fashion, and creative expression. ABOUT PAISLEY PARK Paisley Park is Prince’s private estate, an active museum, recording studio, and concert venue in Chanhassen, MN. The museum is open for public tours, giving fans of the music icon the unprecedented opportunity to tour the legendary, 65,000-square-foot complex that served as the center of Prince’s creative universe. Guided tours lead visitors through the magical spaces of Paisley Park, including studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed many of his biggest hits; exhibit spaces that chronicle films like the global hit Purple Rain; Prince’s private NPG Music Club; and a massive soundstage and concert hall where Prince rehearsed for concert tours and held exclusive events and concerts. For more information, visit PaisleyPark.com. PAISLEY PARK ON THE WEB Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Rhino Records celebrates Black Music Month with a premium Rhino Reserve reissue of The Time’s influential 1984 album Ice Cream Castle. This limited-edition 180g vinyl pressing faithfully reproduces the original Minneapolis Sound classic, featuring the smash hits “Jungle Love” and “The Bird”. RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: The Time Title: Ice Cream Castle Date: June 3, 2026 Label: Warner Bros. Records / Rhino Reserve Format / Type: LP (180g Vinyl) Country: United States Catalogue: RES1 25109 / 081227804343 TRACK LIST Side One A1. Ice Cream Castles – 7:33 A2. My Drawers – 4:04 A3. Chili Sauce – 5:45 Side Two B1. Jungle Love – 5:29 B2. If The Kid Can't Make You Come – 7:33 B3. The Bird – 7:40 THE STORY Ice Cream Castle was The Time’s third studio album, recorded during the height of the Minneapolis Sound era. Produced by Morris Day and The Starr Company, it delivered a perfect mix of funk, pop, and playful swagger, highlighted by the Prince-penned (uncredited) hits “Jungle Love” and “The Bird”. CONTEXT & NOTES Originally released in 1984, Ice Cream Castle became one of The Time’s most successful albums. This 2026 Rhino Reserve edition on 180g vinyl offers superior sound quality and collectible packaging, making it a must-have for fans of the Purple Funk sound. PERSONNEL Morris Day – lead vocals, drums Jesse Johnson – guitar Jellybean Johnson – drums Monte Moir – keyboards Jimmy Jam – keyboards Terry Lewis – bass Production Produced by Morris Day and The Starr Company PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS 180g black vinyl Faithful reproduction of the original gatefold artwork Rhino Reserve branding and premium mastering WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS The front cover features The Time posing in front of a stone castle with a yellow car, dressed in flamboyant 80s fashion. The iconic yellow “Ice Cream Castle” logo and red “THE TIME” title dominate the top. SOURCES Discogs, Rhino Records, All album artwork, photographs, labels, 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.

begin shooting the video for Eye Wish U Heaven with director Jean Baptiste Mondino (who also shot the Lovesexy album cover)

Prince’s historic debut performance in the United Kingdom at the Lyceum Ballroom on June 2, 1981 — a pivotal, under-attended but legendary show during the Dirty Mind era that marked his first breakthrough with British audiences and the music industry. EVENT DETAILS: Date: Tuesday, June 2, 1981 Venue: Lyceum Ballroom, The Strand, London Promoter: Alec Leslie Presents Ticket Price: £3.00 Attendance: Sparse (mostly music industry professionals – a few hundred people) Tour: Dirty Mind European Mini-Tour (First & Only UK Date) THE STORY To promote the show, Warner Bros. released the UK-exclusive single “Uptown” b/w “I Wanna Be Your Lover” (with “Head” on the 12" version) on May 29. The official press release described Prince as “the natural successor to Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger,” highlighting his multi-instrumental abilities and outrageous stage persona. Prince delivered a raw, high-energy performance with his classic Dirty Mind band. Eyewitness Martin Colyer (who attended with colleagues from Radio Times) described the show as “spectacular,” noting Prince’s outstanding guitar playing. He was close enough at the front to catch Prince’s plectrum. However, Prince appeared frustrated with the low turnout and reportedly left the stage in a petulant mood. SETLIST Do It All Night Gotta Broken Heart Again When You Were Mine Jack U Off Sexy Dancer I Wanna Be Your Lover Head Dirty Mind Uptown BAND LINEUP Prince – vocals, guitar, piano Dez Dickerson – guitar André Cymone – bass Lisa Coleman – keyboards Matt Fink (“Doctor Fink”) – keyboards Bobby Z. – drums New Musical Express (UK) Sounds (UK) FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Era: Dirty Mind (1981) Tone: Raw, sexy, high-energy funk-rock Stage Style: Band in underwear/trench coats with theatrical elements; Prince in bikini briefs and boots Significance: First UK show + UK-exclusive single release RELATED MATERIAL Prince (June 2, 1981) Original UK Concert Advert & Press Release Prince (June 6, 1981) “Half a million dirty minds can’t be wrong about this man” – NME Cover Story Prince (June 6, 1981) “Digging the dirt with Prince” – Black Echoes Cover Story Prince (June 6, 1981) “Some day your Prince will come” – Melody Maker Feature Prince (May–June 1981) Dirty Mind European Mini-Tour Also see tabs at the foot of this post. All magazine scans, photographs, adverts, 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.

In-depth profile in New York’s Daily News celebrating Prince’s rapid rise, multi-platinum success, and explosive live performances during the Dirty Mind era. PUBLICATION: Date: Sunday, March 29, 1981 Country: United States Section / Pages: Feature Title: Prince is Partying Up to the gold & platinum By: Clint Roswell THE STORY The article portrays the 20-year-old Prince as a groundbreaking, self-contained artist on the verge of major stardom. It details his mixed Italian and African-American heritage, his prolific talent (writing, arranging, producing, and playing all instruments on his albums), and his provocative stage persona. The piece highlights the success of his first three albums — For You, Prince, and especially Dirty Mind — which were achieving gold and platinum status. It also praises his electrifying live shows, referencing a recent high-energy performance at The Ritz in New York. CONTEXT AND NOTES Published just two months before Prince’s first European tour, this feature captures the growing mainstream excitement around him in New York. It emphasizes his refusal to be pigeonholed, his fusion of funk, rock, and disco, and his ability to attract diverse audiences — a key theme in early Prince coverage. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Era: Dirty Mind (1981) Tone: Admiring, celebratory, slightly sensational Photography: Striking portrait of Prince with his signature look and chain WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Full newspaper article with large headline, detailed text by Clint Roswell, a prominent photo of Prince, and surrounding advertisements. RELATED MATERIAL Prince (May 28–June 3/4 1981) “Dirty Mind European Mini-Tour” – First European Dates Prince (May 19, 1981) “With his high-heel boots, thigh-high stockings and black knickers…” – Evening Standard (UK) Prince (May 29, 1981) Gotta Stop (Messin' About) / I Wanna Be Your Lover – Single 7" / 12" UK Also see tabs at the foot of this post. “Prince is a cross-over artist musically who has broken the racial barriers.” All newspaper 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.

Vivid 1981 Sounds magazine feature reviewing Prince’s explosive performance at The Ritz in New York, capturing the raw energy, provocative stage image, and cultural impact of his Dirty Mind era shows PUBLICATION: Date: April 11, 1981 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Feature / Live Review Title: Downtown posing pouch chic THE STORY Sounds writer Tim Sommer delivers a colorful, detailed review of Prince’s show at The Ritz nightclub in New York. The piece describes Prince’s charismatic, androgynous stage presence — wearing a revealing outfit with high heels, stockings, and bikini briefs — and praises his ability to blend funk, punk, and rock elements. The article highlights the diverse audience (black, white, punks, college students) and Prince’s masterful showmanship, comparing him to icons like Hendrix, Bowie, and Johnny Thunders. CONTEXT AND NOTES This review was published shortly after Prince’s now-legendary Ritz residency in March 1981, just weeks before his first European tour. It reflects the growing buzz in the UK music press about Prince as a boundary-pushing new star. The provocative photo of Prince performing shirtless with a leopard-print guitar strap became one of the defining images of the Dirty Mind era. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Era: Dirty Mind (1981) Tone: Visceral, enthusiastic, slightly shocked Photography: Striking black-and-white live shot of Prince performing intensely at The Ritz “Downtown posing pouch chic” WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Full-page feature from Sounds magazine with a large live photo of Prince on stage and extensive text by Tim Sommer, capturing the excitement and controversy surrounding his early New York club shows. RELATED MATERIAL Prince (March 1981) The Ritz, New York – Live Performances Prince (March 29, 1981) “Prince is Partying Up to the gold & platinum” – Daily News (New York) Prince (May–June 1981) Dirty Mind European Mini-Tour Prince (June 2, 1981) Lyceum Ballroom, London – First UK Show Also see tabs at the foot of this post. 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. NME Review – The Ritz, New York (March 1981) In a detailed review for NME, Richard Grabel captured Prince’s explosive show at The Ritz, describing it as a dazzling, sold-out spectacle full of flash and attitude. He noted the diverse crowd — young Black girls at the front, old white hipsters at the back — and praised Prince’s magnetic stage presence, sharp band, and mix of funk, rock, and theatrical sexuality. Grabel highlighted Prince’s outrageous outfit (black satin jock strap, thigh-high leg warmers, fringed shirt, and bandana) and his ability to switch from high-energy band numbers to intimate solo piano encores. He concluded that Prince was “the leading candidate to be king of the real sex music” and a serious artist worth watching closely.

Prince’s historic first-ever European tour — a short but impactful three-date run in late May/early June 1981 promoting the Dirty Mind album, marking his debut on the continent. TOUR DATES May 29, 1981 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands June 2, 1981 – Lyceum Ballroom, London, UK (First UK show) June 3/4, 1981 – Théâtre Le Palace, Paris, France TOUR DETAILS: Dates: May 29 – June 4, 1981 Countries: Netherlands, United Kingdom, France Supporting Album: Dirty Mind (1980) THE STORY In spring 1981, Prince embarked on his first European mini-tour consisting of just three shows. The tour was designed to introduce him to European audiences ahead of the release of his fourth album Controversy. To promote the London date, Warner Bros. released the single “Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)” exclusively in the UK. EVENT DETAILS: Date: Friday, May 29, 1981 Venue: Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands Tour: Dirty Mind European Mini-Tour (First Show) Attendance: ≈ 400 / 900 capacity Ticket Price: ƒ 10 (Dutch Guilders) THE STORY Prince made his European debut at the iconic Paradiso club. The show featured his classic Dirty Mind band in their provocative stage outfits. To accommodate the performance, the stage was specially extended with an added riser in front for keyboards and drums. Prince and the band delivered a high-energy set blending funk, rock, and explicit theatrics, marking the beginning of his relationship with European audiences. SETLIST Do It All Night Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? Gotta Broken Heart Again When You Were Mine Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) Sexy Dancer I Wanna Be Your Lover Head Still Waiting Partyup Dirty Mind Uptown Jack U Off BAND LINEUP Prince – vocals, guitar Dez Dickerson – guitar André Cymone – bass Dr. Fink (Matt Fink) – keyboards Lisa Coleman – keyboards Bobby Z. – drums CONTEXT AND NOTES These shows took place with Prince’s raw Dirty Mind band (Dez Dickerson, André Cymone, Lisa Coleman, Matt Fink, Bobby Z.). The tour was low-key but critically important — the London Lyceum performance in particular became legendary and helped establish Prince’s cult following in the UK. RELATED MATERIAL Prince (June 6, 1981) “Half a million dirty minds…” – NME Cover Story Prince (June 6, 1981) “Digging the dirt with Prince” – Black Echoes Prince (June 6, 1981) “Some day your Prince will come” – Melody Maker Prince (1980) Dirty Mind Album Also see tabs at the foot of this post. June 2, 1981 – Lyceum Ballroom, London, UK (First UK show) June 3/4, 1981 – Théâtre Le Palace, Paris, France

Striking June 1987 cover feature on Prince in the German music magazine Musik Express Sounds, showcasing him during the peak of the Sign o’ the Times era. PUBLICATION: Date: June 1987 (Nr. 6) Country: Germany Section / Pages: Cover + Interior Feature Title: PRINCE – So funktioniert sein Imperium THE STORY Musik Express Sounds dedicates its cover to Prince with a powerful full-color portrait of him in a bright yellow coat and black top hat. The accompanying article explores Prince’s creative empire, his working methods, and the success of his latest projects, including Sign o’ the Times. The feature includes detailed insights into his studio work, band, and artistic control. CONTEXT AND NOTES This cover story appeared shortly after the release of the double album Sign o’ the Times (March 1987) and during the early stages of the Sign o’ the Times Tour. Prince was at the height of his commercial and creative power, and European magazines were eager to analyze his mysterious “imperium” and prolific output. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Era: Sign o’ the Times (1987) Tone: Ad miring, analytical, visually bold Photography: Iconic studio portrait of Prince in peach outfit and top hat (cover) + additional images inside “Prince – So funktioniert sein Imperium” (“This is how his empire works”) RELATED MATERIAL Prince (June 18 1987) Sky Magazine Cover – Prince Feature Prince (June 1, 1987) “If I Was Your Girlfriend” / “Shockadelica” – Single 7" UK Prince (March 31 1987) Sign o' the Times - Double Album Also see tabs at the foot of this post. 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.

In-depth 1981 Melody Maker feature with Steve Sutherland interviewing the rising star Prince, capturing him during the early breakthrough period of his career. PUBLICATION: Date: June 6, 1981 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Full Feature Title: Some day your Prince will come THE STORY Steve Sutherland sits down with Prince for a revealing conversation covering his music, influences, stage persona, and rapid rise. The piece explores Prince’s multi-instrumental talents, his blend of funk, rock, and pop, and his bold artistic vision at a time when he was transitioning from cult following to mainstream attention. CONTEXT AND NOTES This interview appeared just as Prince’s Dirty Mind (1980) and Controversy (1981) albums were gaining serious traction in the UK. It reflects the music press’s growing fascination with his androgynous image, explicit lyrics, and self-contained genius. The playful headline plays on the fairy-tale phrase while highlighting Prince’s arrival on the scene. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Era: Controversy / Early Career Breakthrough (1981) Tone: Intriguing, slightly irreverent, probing Photography: Classic black-and-white portrait of Prince “Some day your Prince will come” WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Full-page Melody Maker article with bold headline, multiple columns of text, and a striking photo of Prince. Includes the large WHSmith record sale advertisement at the bottom. RELATED MATERIAL Prince (1981) Controversy Album Prince (1980) Dirty Mind Album Prince Early UK Press Coverage (1981) Also see tabs at the foot of this post. 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.

A striking and colourful mid-80s magazine cover fold and four page feature showcasing Prince at the height of his global fame, with bold pink typography proclaiming “Reach for peach Prince.” SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Sky Magazine Date: June 1987 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Front Cover THE STORY This vibrant Sky Magazine cover and feature is a dramatic close-up portrait of Prince, capturing his intense gaze and signature style. The bold pink headline “Reach for peach Prince” teases an in-depth feature inside, positioning him as one of the most compelling figures in music, movies, and fashion at the time. CONTEXT & NOTES Sky Magazine was a popular UK fortnightly guide to movies, music, and fashion. This cover appeared during Prince’s post-Sign o’ the Times era (or around that period), when he was at the peak of his creative and commercial power, continuing to push boundaries in music and visual presentation. The bright, eye-catching design reflects the glossy, aspirational tone of late-80s youth culture magazines. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Front cover feature on Prince Era: 1987 – Peak Sign o’ the Times period Tone: Bold, colourful and glamorous Photography: Striking close-up portrait of Prince WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS A vibrant, full-colour magazine cover dominated by a powerful close-up of Prince looking directly at the camera. The bold yellow “SKY” masthead sits above cover lines including Bruce Willis, Pet Shop Boys, Boris Becker, and the prominent pink headline “Reach for peach Prince.” RELATED MATERIAL For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine artwork, photographs, logos, 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

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