Prince Early Years Documentary Coming Next Year

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Prince (via NBC.com)

Prince: R U Listening?, a new documentary chronicling Prince’s early years, is reportedly due out in 2017, according to a new article published in Billboard (which itself cites Screen Daily as its source). The movie, said Billboard, “will zero in on the iconic singer’s rise to fame and will feature interviews with members of his band, as well as friends and admirers including Bono, Mick Jagger, Sheila E., Lenny Kravitz and Billy Idol.”

The article offered scant details, saying only that Prince: R U Listening? will be directed by producer Michael Kirk (Find Your Groove). No specific information was given as to when the film might be completed or released, beyond that its projected premiere will take place some time in the second quarter of 2017. If so, the timing might coincide with the first anniversary of Prince’s death, April 21.

The report said, “Among the former band members expected to feature in the film are guitarist Dez Dickerson, who played with Prince from 1979 until just after the 1999 tour and bassist André Cymone, who started out in Prince’s teen band Grand Central and toured with him through 1981.”

Additionally, Billboard reported, “The ‘Purple Rain’ icon’s life will also be celebrated at his estate-turned-museum, Paisley Park, in Chanhassen, Minnesota, in April with the four-day ‘Celebration 2017’ event, with guided tours of the late singer’s home and performances from former bands including the Revolution, 3RDEYEGIRL and New Power Generation, as well as Morris Day and The Time.”

As Best Classic bands reported recently, a flurry of Prince-related activity is scheduled. Two new Prince releases will celebrate the iconic artist’s music with hits and previously unreleased material from his legendary vault. The albums, from NPG Records and Warner Bros. Records, mark the first Prince recordings released since his passing. The first, the 40-track Prince 4Ever, will bring together most of Prince’s biggest hits including “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Kiss,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Purple Rain,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Sign O’ The Times,” “1999,” “Controversy” and “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Prince 4Ever was released on November 22 in the U.S. and November 25 around the world.

In addition, early next year will see the release of the remastered, deluxe edition of Purple Rain, plans for which were agreed with Prince before he passed away. The remaster of the classic will arrive with a second album of previously unreleased material. More details will be revealed closer to the release date.

Watch Prince on American Bandstand in 1979