Thursday, February 23, 2012

[Prince-4ever] Re: [ChiTownGeneration] The Revolution Reunites at First Avenue

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From: Jill <prince88@sbcglobal.net>
To: CTG <chitowngeneration@yahoogroups.com>; TPU <thepurpleunderground@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 12:28 AM
Subject: [ChiTownGeneration] The Revolution Reunites at First Avenue

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/entertainment/music/the-revolution-reunites-at-first-avenue

The Revolution Reunites at First Avenue

Updated: Wednesday, 22 Feb 2012, 9:51 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 22 Feb 2012, 9:46 PM CST

by Maury Glover / Tim Grossklaus / Shelby Capacio / FOX 9 News

MINNEAPOLIS - For the first time in 25 years, the band that helped Prince put Minneapolis on the musical map returned and took fans on a musical trip back in time to party like it was 1999. FOX 9's Maury Glover got a front-row seat for the emotional reunion of the Revolution at First Avenue.

FULL INTERVIEW: The Revolution

"It's pretty magical," said Bobby Z. "It's like this is our home."

Fans from across the country flocked to the house that Prince built as part of a purple pilgrimage, and the anticipation inside the venue was intense while fans waited to hear the band that started a revolution.

"Very emotional," Brownmark said of his return to the venue. "I remember when I couldn't get in here. I wasn't old enough -- and then a year later, I'm in the band. So awesome."

Before taking to the stage together for the first time in over two decades, all six members of the Revolution sat down with FOX 9 News to take a trip down memory lane.

"I have to say, when we were running through 'Baby I'm a Star,' it felt like we were filming again," said Wendy Melvoin. "It's the same sound. We did everything live. I'm like, 'Oh my God, I can feel it again.'"

In 1984, the movie called "Purple Rain" showcased Prince and his backup band, the Revolution, in Prince's home town. Soon, the group found themselves amid a flood of fans.

"We thought we were doing a cult film. We didn't know what was going to happen with it," Lisa Coleman recalled. "Here we are, 20-something years later, standing in the exact spots we were in."

Prince already had a couple of hits like "1999" and "Little Red Corvette" under his belt, but the movie spawned a string of smashes, including "When Doves Cry," "I Would Die 4 You," and -- of course -- "Purple Rain."

On Sunday, the band mates were back in the building that made them global superstars.

"I literally grew up in this place," said Dez Dickerson. "It's surreal in the best way possible."

But it's not just the place that's special. It's the people too.

"The highlight of all this is being back together with these people. They're the greatest people I've ever worked with," said Dr. Fink.

The people are special not only to the members, but also to the long-time fans like Questlove, band leader for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and member of the hip-hop group The Roots.

"The Revolution -- they are my Beatles," he said. "It's hard to be a band and not be derivative of James Brown. They came along in a time period when music was changing. It was more computers -- electronic kind of atmosphere, but they still kept that James Brown aesthetic intact and they were just the tightest band."

FULL INTERVIEW: Questlove

"Purple Rain" spent an unprecedented 24 weeks at No. 1 and sold more than 16 million copies in the U.S. alone -- and the hits kept on coming. Songs like "Raspberry Beret, "Kiss, and "Mountains" soared to the top of the charts.

Yet, all good things do come to an end. By the end of the tour to support the soundtrack of Prince's second move, "Under the Cherry Moon," his purple majesty decided to clear out his royal court, giving most of the band pink slips.

It wasn't until 25 years later, when Bobby Z suffered a heart attack, that the former band mates decided it was time for The Revolution to reunite.

"Unfortunately, our godfather of the band had to have a major heart attack to go, 'Oh, we better do this,'" quipped Melvoin. "We're still able to do this without being in wheelchairs and grey -- and on drips."

The Sunday night show also served as a benefit for the American Heart Association.

"Bobby, you didn't have to go to these great lengths to get us together," Coleman joked. "You could have just called."

Even though the band and their fans have a little less hair and a few more years, the music is still just as powerful -- even without Mr. Purple at the helm.

"It's disappointing," Melvoin conceded. "We don't have our beacon with us tonight, our composer. It's disappointing for us, but not debilitating. We're still here to do this and play music together… It matters that he's not here, but it's not stopping us."

Sunday night's reunion showed that even after nearly 30 years, the heart of the band is still beating as strong as ever -- and the revolution isn't over just yet.

"It's important for us to be reminded that we were all powerful together. Everybody in their own parts," Melvoin said. "We all go out in the world and fill our respective places in the world, but together this makes a very powerful unit."

"I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love"

~D.Parton 1973~