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After the tragic death of Prince yesterday, fans around the world have been paying tribute in the best possible way: by gathering together to listen to his music. Here are a few events where you can celebrate the mysterious, funky, boundary-pushing legend of Prince.
We Wish U Heaven
The Nines. April 22 (tonight).
DJ Nick Garcia brings his hefty Prince vinyl collection to Peckham for an all-night-long session of classics and rarities, including (we’re told) some stuff that you’ve never heard before, donated from a mysterious superfan called Gary.
Ultimate Power: Purple Reign
Electric Ballroom. April 22 (tonight).
The long-running Ultimate Power night hails Prince’s achievements in the field of the power ballad, dropping ‘Purple Rain’ and anything else that’s more likely to spark a mass singalong than a funky jitter.
100% Prince: A Purple Tribute
The Red Lion. April 22 (tonight).
The Prince magic reaches west London with this party tonight at The Red Lion in Ealing, where DJ Tom Green will be playing Prince all night long.
When Doves Cry: Celebrating The Life & Legend Of Prince
Shacklewell Arms. April 23.
There’ll be a last-minute event tomorrow night at Dalston’s party pub, with DJs playing Prince, his collaborators and other ’80s pop stars, and proceeds going to War Child.
Wet Satin Press: A Tribute Night to Prince
VFD. April 23.
Another last-minute event in Dalston, this one organised by Wet Satin Press: a radical fetishist publishing company. They’re playing Prince, funk and disco all night and giving free entry to anyone wearing satin.
Purple Rain: Celebrating Prince Rogers Nelson
Brooklyn Bowl. April 23.
Head down to Greenwich for a free screening of Prince’s most iconic film, ‘Purple Rain’, with a big screen and a proper soundsystem. After that it’ll be an all-Prince party till late.
Diamonds & Pearls: Superstore remembers Prince
Dalston Superstore. April 26.
Kingsland Road seems to be Prince’s spiritual home in London, because here’s another Dalston tribute party – this time at Dalston Superstore. This one’s a 100 percent Prince deal – all Prince, all night long.
This is a Tribute: Prince Party
Bloomsbury Lanes. April 29.
This event next week was organised months ago, but it’s taken on an extra poignancy now. With hardcore Prince fans on the decks dropping original tracks, remixes and edits plus some of the many artists he’s inspired or worked with, plus purple cocktails, karaoke and a Prince shrine, this is one of those rare occasions when you can totally get away with weeping in a bowling alley.
Purple Reign: Prince Paaarrrrty & Purple Rain Screening
Blondies. April 29.
Head to Clapton next Saturday for a free screening of ‘Purple Rain’ and DJs playing Prince and his ‘funky pals’: think Chaka Khan, Maurice Day and all the rest of his Minneapolis crew.
I Wish U Heaven: A Music & Film Tribute to Prince
Genesis Cinema. May 6.
Another ‘Purple Rain’ screening, because why not? This one at Whitechapel’s independent cinema will be followed by Prince’s 1987 concert film ‘Sign O’ the Times’, then live music and DJs.
Burning Down The House: Purple Rain
VFD. May 7.
After paying tribute to Bowie a few months ago, BDTH have turned their upcoming date into a Prince special. You’ll hear big hits and deep cuts alongside disco, new wave and funk hits by Prince’s contemporaries, all in VFD’s sweaty, glitter-strewn Dalston basement. Dress code: purple.
Fromage on Ice: When Doves Cry
Alexandra Palace. May 27.
A tribute event with a difference: the team behind Club De Fromage and Feeling Gloomy take to the Alexandra Palace ice rink, with DJs soundtracking an ice disco armed with crates of Prince and related artists.
Prince Special
Old Queen’s Head. June 25.
Another event already in the diary that’s taken on a tone of sad celebration, the OQH’s Prince Special is dishing out free drinks all night to the person dressed most like Prince. There’ll also be a dress-up box in case you can’t find a shirt frilly enough, Prince karaoke all night and of course DJs playing Prince and Prince-inspired tracks till 2am.
Check back soon for news of any more events as they’re announced.