Y7 D332

Prince is dead. No. No. No. Celebrity deaths shouldn't hit me as hard as this but this was a man whose music has been part of my life since I was a teenager. I remember when I was younger and I would listen to Prince. All of my 'friends' were into heavy metal. We were the head banging stoners. We didn't listen to 'that' kind of music. But I would steadfastly argue with them and implore them to actually LISTEN to him. Listen to how he played a guitar. He was better and faster and meaner on that guitar than any of the three chord crap we listened to any day. When I got to see him November 10th 1988 it was more than a concert. It was an experience. 2.5 hours of some of the best music I ever heard in my life. A stage show beyond compare. At one point he raised a white baby grand piano up from below and played for what felt like forever. House lights on. Just him, that piano, and everyone silent as we listened to the voice and sounds from a god. That night has stayed with me for 30 years. That man threw away more music than I could ever hope to create in a lifetime. He was always true to himself too. I bought my first pair of suede boots because of him. If Prince can do it, so can I. He did what he wanted. When people turned their backs on him for turning to religion, he didn't care. He kept playing. When WB tried to fuck him over, he didn't care, he kept playing. The world is a sadder fucked up place with him gone. Keep playing always. Be forever Purple my friends.

Back in the boring world, taught my stupid class, finished at 3. Came back to the hotel, listened to Prince while packing, cried, ate dinner, went to sleep at 8pm. Now I go home for a whole day then off to SoCal on Sunday.

What fun.