Prince's Hometown Turns Purple On 1st Anniversary
Minneapolis is turning purple today to mark the first anniversary of Prince's death.
The music legend died at his Paisley Park estate on April 21st last year from an accidental overdose of pain killers.
A number of events are taking place in his hometown over the weekend to honour his legacy.
At Paisley Park a number of shows are taking place from artists including his own bands The Revolution, and the New Power Generation, as well as Morris Day and the Time.
Panel discussions will also feature speakers including his old bandmates, Lisa (Coleman) and Wendy (Melvoin) from Purple Rain and The Revolution along with many more.
First Avenue the Minneapolis club where Prince filmed key parts of "Purple Rain" is hosting late-night dance parties with tracks from the late musician.
A memorial street party outside the club is also scheduled for Saturday. It will be reminiscent of the one that drew thousands of mourners on the night of Prince's death to cry, dance and sing along.
Here at home, The Grand Social is hosting a Prince night tonight.
Upstairs in The Loft, Housequake – a collective of the country’s best funk, soul and blues musicians, will perform Prince’s best-known hits and most loved fan favourites.
After the band there’ll be Purple and Gold, Keith Fennell (Hipdrop Records) Dennis Cassidy (The Record Spot) and Danny G on the decks with some amazing vinyl treats in store.
This will follow a panel discussion on the life and legacy of Prince.
Downstairs will see a screening of Purple Rain followed by sets from 2 of Dublin’s best known DJs Kelly Anne Byrne and Nialler 9.
Prince was the biggest selling artist in the US last year in terms of album sales.
When his music finally became available on streaming sites in February, it was streamed 17 million times in one week.