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My Name Is Prince exhibition to open in October
Tickets for the unique exhibition go on sale on Friday 25 August 2017.
My Name Is Prince arrives at London’s O2 on the 27 October 2017 for a limited 21 day run. It marks the world premiere of the first ever official exhibition about the legendary performer, who passed away in April 2016.
The show offers fans the chance to get up close and personal, celebrating the legacy of Prince Rogers Nelson. Artefacts are taken directly from Paisley Park, Prince’s famous private estate in Minnesota. Together, they promise to offer fans an insight into his life and creativity.
Examples of exhibits include:
- Clothing from the 1984/1985 Purple Rain tour and the 1988/1989 LoveSexy tour.
- Wardrobe from the 1990 film, <em>Graffiti Bridge</em>.
- Gibson L65 guitar that Prince used when we made his national television debut on American Bandstand in 1980. Also used on the Prince tour and Dirty Mind tour.
- The original bass that was the inspiration for the Cloud guitar.
- The orange Cloud guitar made for Prince’s 2007 Super Bowl halftime show (used during The Earth tour in 2007)
- Third-eye sunglasses from the year 2014
- Diamond studded cane from the year 2015
- Clothing worn during the 2007 3121 shows, 21 nights at The O2 shows and many more.
- Diamond vest worn during his 2013 V magazine shoot
- The Raspberry Beret cloud suit from 1985
The 21 date run mirrors the record-breaking 21 date residency Prince played at The O2 in August and September 2017.
“Our family is extremely honoured to have this exhibit at the O2, and we know Prince would be as well,” his siblings have said. “He loved to share his work and life with his fans. We know him as a brother who became not only one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, but an entertainer and musician who was unlike any other. It’s only appropriate we share him and these amazing artefacts with the world now that he’s gone.”
“Paisley Park’s Director of Archives, Angie Marchese, said: “At Paisley Park, Prince constructed and inhabited a creative reality that was wholly unique, allowing him to fluidly develop music and artistic works spontaneously and without limitation. He envisioned Paisley Park as one day being opened to the public. Through this exhibition, we are expanding his dream to share with a wider audience, and allow visitors to The O2 in London to experience all his greatness through the artefacts direct from his Paisley Park Archives.”
It marks the first time all of these artefacts will be available to the general public.
Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, having gone on to sell over 100 million records worldwide. He celebrated seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for the film Purple Rain. He was welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fae in 2004.
He’s renowned for his iconic sound, releasing tracks such as When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Kiss and Sign O’ The Times.
Prince has also released some of the most eye-catching and stylised music videos throughout his career.
Prince somewhat controversially changed his name to a symbol in 1993, while in a contract dispute with Warner Brothers. He had previously offered support to George Michael when facing a similar issue. Seven years later he returned to his name, yet retained the androgyny and symbol of equality. Both before and after his untimely death, Prince has been celebrated by a host of famous friends.
Earlier this year, Lenny Kravitz performed two of Prince’s songs in honour of the artist during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He played When Doves Cry and The Cross in honour of the star.
Recently, Beyonce posted a montage video to Instagram, soundtracked to his track Kiss.
The show will showcase the reasons behind the artist’s popularity, placing visitors right in the middle of his life.
Next April marks two years since the star’s death.
My Name Is Prince opens on the 25 August 2017 at London’s O2. Tickets go on sale at 9:00 on Friday 25 August 2017 through Ticketmaster.co.uk.