At Paisley Park, where he used to live and record music, you can still see a giant mural of the famous pop star. Many people who knew Prince and felt in love with his music will tell you that he was more than a pop star. He defined an era of music and his versatility was one of his biggest characteristics. He could play the guitar like Hendrix, get down like James Brown, and he could even dress like Madonna on occasion. Prince was a local to Minneapolis where he grew up, lived, and died.
Want to see Minnesota through Prince’s eyes? Well, here is how you can do it:
The Capri Theater
The Capri Theater is just a few blocks from where Prince grew up. Even though the theater is already run down, this is where the legend of Prince started to take shape. The Capri Theater was the first stage for Prince in 1979 when he was 18 years old. He already had a full album in which he played all the instruments in all the songs. This was the very first time people got a taste of the live performances for someone who would become a global star.
First Avenue
Prince performed many times in this venue and it’s no surprise, this is one of the most iconic venues in Minneapolis. The Oscar-winning movie shot by Prince titled “Purple Rain” was shot on First Avenue and when you walk through its doors, it’s almost like the spirit of Prince himself is present and well in there.
The Purple Rain House
The Purple Rain house was featured in the movie “Purple Rain” and just one year before his death, Prince purchased the property. When you step into the house you are greeted with sudden silence, flowers, and purple candles. It feels more like an altar, a place where the soul of the late pop star still lies.
Dakota Jazz Club
This was one of the most upbeat places Prince used to hang out. The pop star had his own table set somewhere on the second floor, and in some cases, he even played there under the radar. The most memorable performance though was back in 2013 when he used the tiny stage to gear up for a tour. For the 300 lucky local fans who attended the event, it was quite the spectacle!
Paisley Park
Paisley Park was Prince’s former home in the suburbs of Chanhassen. Tours are now offered in the estate and it’s the first time fans have been able to get a sneak peak of the sanctuary. It’s a predominantly purple mansion that also had recording studios and a night club.
The spirit of Prince still lives on in Minneapolis. Other places that were close to the former star include The Atrium, Studio A & B, the Sound Stage and NPG Music Club, the Purple Rain Room, the Memorial Fence and the Graffiti Bridge Room. All these places are in the city of Minneapolis and will remain a constant reminder of Prince’s life and the way he captured the hearts of many people.
