Publication: Cybersleaze [Internet]
Date: April 11, 1997
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Title: "More VH1 Honors Backstage Gossip"
Written By: Staff

THE ARTIST was being as elusive as ever at the VH1 HONOURS in Los Angeles last night. The PURPLE RAIN hit maker refused to face the world's media for fear of a grilling over his personal life and in particular over the mystery of his child. And despite posing for rare snaps, the Artist, who has rarely been seen in public since reports that his baby son has died from a rare skull disorder, shied away from a head-to-head with reporters. The rock showcase, which also included performances from the WALLFLOWERS and SHERYL CROW helped raise more than $150,000 for SAVE THE MUSIC - an learning initiative to promote music in American schools. A VH1 source said, "We thought all the stars would be giving press talks as it is for such a worthy cause. But just seconds before he was due to answer questions, he dashed back to his trailer. Perhaps he was fearing being bombarded with revealing questions." But as well as snubbing the press, the diminutive star also blanked his fellow celebrities who appeared. TV's CAROLINE IN THE CITY star LEA THOMPSON scoffed, "I'm from Minnesota and the Artist is a big deal, he is like king God of the universe. I haven't managed to brush next to him but I'm looking forward to trying to do so - I'm going to haunt him."