The night Prince became a legend—and saved a dance company with pure funk fire.
On the 3rd of August 1983, Prince played a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre Company at First Avenue, Minneapolis. The concert was instigated by Loyce Houlton, artistic director of the long-time modern dance troupe. She had met Prince during the band's dance classes and asked him to play a benefit show. Prince's concert raise $23,000 for the financially beleaguered MDT dance company. The concert is generally regarded as one of the most excited shows he has ever played. The basic tracks of three songs from the concert were used on Purple Rain.
Sound
Three tracks became Purple Rain. History in real time.
Production
Shot at First Avenue, the club that birthed a masterpiece.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Wendy Melvoin's first show with The Revolution—she learned the set in one day and permanently replaced Dez Dickerson.
First Avenue's exterior in Purple Rain? That's this actual venue. You're watching the creation of a pilgrimage site.
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