RIP PRINCE

Hi Readers,

It is with a heavy heart today that I write this post - one of the most influential singers, songwriters and guitars of multiple generations passed away this week, as I'm sure you have all heard. Prince Rogers Nelson was a true icon, with new music which showed us all how sex, funk, rock and pop could all be merged into one. He broke the barriers of male standards, and what 'men' had to be like by wearing heels, makeup and eccentric clothing, as well as breaking musical barriers and writing songs that he released himself and for others that will be remembered until the end of time.

This is my personal tribute to a legend, and although we've lost many amazing artists already this year, such as David Bowie, Prince was an influence that I personally felt within my lifetime. If you ask me who my favourite guitarists are I will list people like Steve Vai, Santana, Jeff Beck and Gary Moore, as well as Prince who is always mentioned on my list, and I think somewhat was always slightly under-appreciated as a guitarist.

As a child I can remember the funk and rock rhythms of Prince blasting through the house on a Sunday morning while the housework was done, his greatest hits album a constant throughout my childhood. It is influences from artists such as Prince which have shaped a lot of my musical interests today, from bands like Daft Punk and the 1975 which I think all have Prince-elements to them. Prince will go down in history with the likes of Michael Jackson, Freddy Mercury and David Bowie as a truly unique and original artist and will be remembered for the rest of time.

 RIP Prince Rogers Nelson.