Last night, the Avett Brothers kicked off a three-night residency at the Chicago Theatre, debuting tracks from the group's upcoming ninth studio album, True Sadness. After a performance of "Pretty Girl From Annapolis," the stage was bathed in purple light and the band broke into a brief, stripped-down rendition of Prince's "When Doves Cry" (check it out at the 4:00 minute mark above).
On the eve of the Purple One's untimely passing, the gesture was a stark and beautiful tribute to a musical legend that transcended genres, akin to Jennifer Hudson's version of "Purple Rain." The Avett Brothers still have two more nights at the Chicago Theatre—perhaps they can work up a bluegrass cover of "Little Red Corvette?"