On August 3, 1983, Prince live debuted one of the greatest songs in music history, “Purple Rain,” that would catapult his already flourishing career, sell millions of records, fill arenas with fans basking in his incredible live show, and earn him countless awards.
The performance that night was also a perfect storm of sorts. It was the first time all of the members of The Revolution would play together in front of an audience.
And that dearly beloved audience would be gathered in the legendary Minneapolis staple, First Avenue, where much of the performance elements of the film, Purple Rain, would take place.
“Purple Rain” began as a 10-minute instrumental that Prince had difficulty finding words for. In the early ’80s, his good friend Stevie Nicks called him and informed him “Little Red Corvette” had influenced her so much while writing “Stand Back” on her wedding day that she wanted to give him half the royalties.
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