After the tragic recent death of yet another major figure in the modern Music world has led to revelations about popstar Prince’s private life, fans have an opportunity to remember the happier times from the semi-reclusive celebrity’s successful career. His ardent followers have an opportunity to bid at auction for a rare piece of music memorabilia, as a jacket he wore for the celebrated film “Purple Rain” goes on sale.
Sad recent deaths of music giants
Prince Rogers Nelson was found dead at his home near Minneapolis just last week to stun the music world once again, given his death’s close proximity to the losses of David Bowie and Sir George Martin among others in recent months.
Critical acclaim for Prince
Diminutive in height but extremely talented as a singer, song-writer and producer, the 57-year-old sold over 100 million records across the globe. Seven Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe bear testament to the respect that critics had for his musical abilities over the years, yet perhaps it was the Academy Award-winning 1984 Film “Purple Rain” and the hugely successful soundtrack that it spawned that many admirers will remember most.
Excitement at auction house
The president of the Profiles in History auction house in California is certainly excited at the prospect of selling the distinctive black-and-white blazer that Prince wore during the film. Fans may recollect that the musician wore the jacket as he rode a motorcycle with his fellow co-star Apollonia Kotero.
Joe Maddalena has described the item as “the most important piece of screen-worn Prince clothing that’s come up for auction” and represented a “signature piece” from an “iconic movie.” Part of the interest at least in the outfit arises from the relative rarity of Prince memorabilia being available for general auction.
Maddalena went on to suggest that “in general, it just really doesn’t exist.”
Gift to make-up artist on the film
The opportunity for fans to purchase the jacket is believed to have arisen because the celebrated music star presented the garment to one of the film’s make-up artists as a gift. Prince is thought to have kept the rest of his costumes as part of his personal wardrobe.
