Publication: St. Paul Pioneer Press [US]
Date: November 13, 1996
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Title: "Stars Help Former Prince Celebrate His Freedom"
Written By: Jim Walsh and Bill Gardner

He's free at last.

Flashing his trademark lurid grin and vamping across the stage in a purple tunic, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince lit up the night at Paisley Park in a star-studded gala performance Tuesday night.

The half-hour show, broadcast live on cable channels, spotlighted TAFKAP's new three-CD set, "Emancipation," in his debut performance with EMI, his new distribution company. It celebrates his release from his troubled Warner Bros. contract.

After a video clip of "Betcha By Golly, Wow," one of the songs on the new CD, the live show opened with dancers chanting, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we're free at last."

Backed by the new four-piece version of his "New Power Generation" band, TAFKAP played five songs, including his famed "Purple Rain" and concluded the brief show with a cover of Joan Osborne's "One of Us?"

After a short news conference, TAFKAP returned to play more untelevised songs for the audience at Paisley Park.

It was billed as the biggest musical event of the year and attracted show people from around the nation. Limousines and buses pulled up to the studios as local television news helicopters with infrared cameras tracked every warm body.

About an hour before the concert, TAFKAP and his wife, Mayte Garcia, walked from room to room and greeted people as a sea of fans followed them around.

Some musicians on hand included members of "Naughty by Nature" and "Boyz II Men."

Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and former Minnesota Twins star Kent Hrbek were among the local celebrities.

The event smacked of a Hollywood gala as celebrities and mini-celebrities, most dressed to the nines, lined up at the various food tables and admired the others.

"The people-watching has been good," Hrbek said as he stood with former Twins third baseman John Castino.

Hrbek wore a gray suit and mock turtleneck, while Castino sported a generic baseball cap.

Hrbek said his musical taste runs from polka to Frank Zappa. It wouldn't be a late night for him, he added.

"Wednesday afternoon is my bowling day, so I have to get home at a reasonable hour," Hrbek said.