Publication: Minneapolis Star Tribune [US]
Date: September 1, 1995
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Title: From Jon Bream's column
Written By: Jon Bream

Not only did Prince drop out of TV's SNL this weekend, but he disappeared from Forbes' annual list of the top 40 money-winners in the entertainment world.

Because he tumbled from #5 in 92-93 to nowheresville on the past 2 Forbes lists, the financial magazine felt compelled to write a two-column story on Prince's fallen fortunes in it's Sept 25th issue. 14 of the top 40 show-biz giants in 94-95 were music stars-all of whom, save for Boyz II Men and Garth Brooks, have careers dating back to the 60's, 70's, or early 80's. For the record, the Beatles topped the music list with $130 million (no 3 overall), and movie mogul Steven Spielberg outgrossed everyone with $285 million.

Forbes reported that prince spends 6 million annually to keep PP Studio in Chanhassen running, and that he invested 2 mil to promote his 94 hit single TMBGITW which only sold 700,000 copies. His slow-selling last 2 albums-Come and BA-have sold a combined (wow) 500,000 copies in the US. And he invests hundreds of thousands in videos-up to 30 a year ata a cost as high as $500,000 each-that are never released. Forbes said Prince needed a $10 million advance against royalties from WB to keep him out of bankruptcy. The label hopes to recoup the money from Prince's new album "tGE" which arrived in stores Tues.

The recording has received plenty of raves. He "isn't rehashing his past, just rediscovering the essence of his genius", wrote Edna Gunderson in USA Today. The LA Times gave "GOLD" its top rating of 4 stars. Entertainment Weekly's report card said A-minus. People proclaimed that tGE is "touched by brilliance". Vibe chimed in that the CD is "his best effort since the 90s almost happened without him."

A few reviews were less enthusiastic. The NY Times' Jon Pareles called it "a proficient album, not a startling one." Details rated Gold 4 on a scale of 10.

Esquire crowned Prince as cover boy for its fall fashion issue; Richard Avedon photographed the singer in outfits by Gianni Versace. In an interview with julie Baumgold, Prince says he has been working on an album "Emancipation" that he will release after he is free from his WB contract. Then, he says, he will speak to the press, something which he does rarely, reluctantly, and crypitcally. (He doesn't say much new to Esquire.)

For those keeping track of Princely buisnesses, his short-lived music club at PP closed 11 days ago. Glam Slam, the downtown MPLS nightspot started 5 years ago by Prince's then-manager Gilbert Davison (with Prince co-signing the loan), will change its name to The Quest next weekend. The slammer was shut this weekend to begin redecorating.