Prince & The Revolution: DYK?

Fun Facts & Untold Stories About Prince & The Revolution

When you think of Prince and The Revolution, what comes to mind? Legendary songs like Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, and Let's Go Crazy? The band was a defining force in 80s music, but beyond the chart-toppers and electric performances, there are countless fascinating stories and lesser-known facts about the band and Prince’s revolutionary (pun intended) approach to music and performance. Let’s dive into some of the most interesting and untold tales of Prince and The Revolution.

1. The Revolution Wasn’t Originally a Band

Although Prince and The Revolution became iconic together, they weren’t originally a formal band. Before The Revolution, Prince performed with a changing lineup of musicians. The name "The Revolution" first appeared on the 1999 album cover, although the group wasn't fully formed yet. The term “The Revolution” symbolized Prince’s desire for a new musical and cultural direction. It wasn't until Purple Rain that The Revolution was solidified as a group, and together they took the world by storm.

2. Prince’s Colorful Leadership

As eccentric as Prince could be, his leadership style with The Revolution was unique. He was known for being a perfectionist, and rehearsals with the band were often intense. Prince expected the highest level of professionalism from everyone, pushing them to perfect every note and every move. Band members have shared that while Prince could be demanding, his drive for excellence elevated their performances, pushing them beyond what they thought they were capable of.

Prince's intense work ethic was legendary. Wendy Melvoin (guitarist) once revealed that during recording sessions for Purple Rain, they would rehearse the songs for eight hours a day until they were flawless. Prince's vision was clear, and his discipline rubbed off on the entire group.

3. Purple Rain: An Improvised Masterpiece

While Purple Rain is one of the most iconic albums and songs in history, few people know that the recording of the track was largely improvised. The version you hear today was recorded live at a benefit concert in Minneapolis on August 3, 1983, with only a few minor edits added afterward. The famous guitar solo at the end was entirely off the cuff, showcasing Prince's incredible musicianship and ability to capture raw emotion in the moment.

The crowd’s reaction during the live recording was so powerful that Prince decided to use that version for the final album track. Not many artists can claim their most legendary hit was created in one take, but Prince and The Revolution weren’t your average band.

4. A Band of Multi-Talented Musicians

Each member of The Revolution was handpicked by Prince for their musical prowess and versatility. Lisa Coleman(keyboards) and Wendy Melvoin (guitar) were integral to crafting the unique sound of the band. In fact, Wendy and Lisa often co-wrote and arranged songs with Prince, contributing more than just their instrumental talents.

Dr. Fink, known for his hospital scrubs and eccentric style, was a keyboard genius who worked with Prince from the very beginning. His contribution to the revolutionary sound that defined 1999 and Purple Rain cannot be understated. Bobby Z(drummer) and Brown Mark (bassist) were the rhythmic backbone, giving Prince the solid foundation he needed to experiment with his soaring vocals and genre-blurring guitar work.

5. "Purple Rain" Was Almost a Country Song

Believe it or not, the original idea for Purple Rain was inspired by country music! Prince originally wanted Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac to help him write a country-tinged ballad. After sending her a demo, Nicks felt overwhelmed by the project and respectfully declined. Prince then decided to craft the song on his own, blending rock, pop, and orchestral elements to create the epic anthem we know today.

Imagine how different the music world might have been if Purple Rain had taken a country direction!

6. Onstage: Gender-Fluid Fashion

Prince was known for his bold and androgynous style, but what people may not realize is that he encouraged his band to embrace this too. During The Revolution era, Prince experimented heavily with gender-fluid fashion, wearing lace, makeup, and frills, and his band members followed suit. This wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a statement about freedom of expression, gender norms, and individuality. Prince and The Revolution challenged conventions in a way that was groundbreaking for the 80s.

This free-flowing fashion and defiance of traditional gender roles was one of the ways Prince used his art and music to make a deeper social statement, turning the band into an avant-garde movement, both sonically and visually.

7. The Movie “Purple Rain” Was Based on Prince’s Real Life

The storyline of Purple Rain the movie, while dramatized, was largely inspired by Prince’s real-life experiences growing up in Minneapolis. The film’s central themes of a young musician struggling with fame, his complicated relationship with his father, and his rocky romance were all loosely based on Prince’s life.

Not only did Prince and The Revolution perform all the music in the film, but Prince himself worked closely on every aspect of production, from scripting to editing. His meticulous vision and willingness to share intimate aspects of his life helped make the film a cult classic and further cemented Prince and The Revolution as cultural icons.

8. Prince's Secret Love for Jazz

While Prince is often associated with funk, rock, and pop, he had a deep love for jazz music. His appreciation for jazz was often reflected in The Revolution's work, especially in the intricate arrangements and improvisational elements. Lisa Coleman has mentioned that Prince would often incorporate jazz-like harmonies into his songs, which gave The Revolution a unique, experimental edge compared to other bands of the time.

In fact, Prince would sometimes surprise his band members by switching up entire songs on stage, playing extended jazz-influenced jams during live shows, keeping the band and audience on their toes.

9. Prince and The Revolution Disbanded at Their Peak

Despite their incredible success, The Revolution was disbanded by Prince in 1986, shortly after the release of Parade and their famous Under the Cherry Moon tour. The band was at the height of their fame, but Prince, ever the restless artist, wanted to move in a different direction. His desire for constant reinvention led him to form new musical partnerships, although fans still regard his time with The Revolution as his most groundbreaking era.

10. The Reunion Tour

In 2016, following Prince’s tragic death, members of The Revolution reunited for a series of tribute shows. They performed together to honor their former bandleader and pay homage to the timeless music they created with him. These shows were emotionally charged, and fans around the world were reminded of the magic Prince and The Revolution had brought to the stage.

Their Legacy

Prince and The Revolution weren’t just a band; they were a movement, an experience, and an expression of boundless creativity. From spontaneous recordings to onstage brilliance, their journey is filled with untold stories of musical genius and relentless dedication. Though Prince's legacy continues to thrive, his time with The Revolution remains one of the most impactful and transformative periods in music history.

One of the most meaningful and iconic lines from Prince and The Revolution comes from the song "Purple Rain":

"I never meant to cause you any sorrow, I never meant to cause you any pain."

This line captures the emotional depth of the song, expressing regret and vulnerability. It resonates with many because it speaks to the universal experience of unintended hurt and the desire for reconciliation. The raw emotion in Prince’s voice when he delivers these words, coupled with the song’s powerful melody, makes it one of the most heartfelt and memorable moments in his discography.