When Prince died in April 2016, we lost an icon and music lost one of its most creative and dynamic talents. Prince Rogers Nelson was utterly unique and his death at the (way too young) age of 57 left a void in the lives of his legions of fans and fellow musicians.
Though he will always be missed, he left behind a sensational back catalog and archive that is still referenced and celebrated by titans of the industry. His legacy also extends to numerous sites throughout his native and beloved Minneapolis and the wider US – from places he called home to venues he left his considerable mark on.
Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to explore the ultimate sightseeing tour for Prince fans everywhere – grab your raspberry beret and let’s go.
1. Paisley Park, Minneapolis
The ultimate pilgrimage point for any self-respecting Prince fan, this is quite literally the house that Prince built: a sprawling $10 million recording complex in suburban Minneapolis that opened its doors in 1987. Here he recorded some of his most iconic records: Sign O’ The Times, Diamonds and Pearls and, of course, the 1989 Batman soundtrack. It contains a recording studio and two rehearsal spaces that double as live venues.
Prince saw Paisley Park as his answer to Elvis’s Graceland. Since his death, it has been converted into a museum and shrine, and you can sense his presence as you wander through its corridors on a tour. Each April, to mark the anniversary of the singer’s death, Paisley Park hosts an annual Prince “Celebration”, including performances by musicians who played with him, talks and other events (visit the official website for ticket info).
2. The Capri, Minneapolis
Located in north Minneapolis, The Capri opened its doors for the first time in 1927. But it was not until 1979 that this historic venue carved its place in the rock annals when Prince played his first solo show there. Choose one of the many exciting events, buy a ticket and imagine what it must have felt like when music fans gathered over 40 years ago, curious about the young local man shortly to make his first foray into rock ’n roll.
3. First Avenue, Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis venue First Avenue achieved rock immortality when Prince filmed several key sequences at the club for his 1984 movie…
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