**UPDATE #2** – I have found a copy of the video and embedded this onto this page.  Yes, I am going against the wishes of Prince, and probably makes me a new “Kim Dotcom” (minus the kabillions, New Zealand compound, and winning record on Call of Duty), but I think you need to see this.  Yeah, I’m a rebel, Dottie.

 **God damn**  Literally minutes after posting this, the video was pulled.  I just watched the whole thing not a half hour ago… Well, I hope some of you got to see it.  Quit being such a priss about this Mr Nelson.

This is a terribly fascinating You Tube posting.  I have no idea of its origin, who posted it onto You Tube, or how long the actual video has been around.

It is the video from the Minneapolis show at “First Avenue” in 1983 where the actual live recording of Purple Rain was sourced for the album and the movie.  Someone has added very insightful text commentary to it, and there’s something to be learned even for a hard-core fan.

What’s interesting is that the poster is fully aware that Prince is probably not going to be happy about this, because, well, he’s Prince and he doesn’t like people jamming up in his IP.  So the poster has placed in the comment section under the video the following:

NOTICE: “Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.”

That’s a solid argument for this not to be removed, but after a month since it’s posting, there have been less than 5,000 views.  Prince may not even be aware its up there.  But as it begins to catch steam, and it will since I found it posted on Facebook, it will be interesting to see how long it remains or what kind of battle ensues over its existence.

That said, it is a tremendous tribute to Prince.  To see him perform this song, in it entirety, including verses and sections that were edited out of the version known worldwide is damned incredible.  My personal favorite part is his fake out on starting the first verse.  (Oh, you’re gonna wait for me, and you’re gonna like it.)  You don’t have to be a Prince fan to appreciate what was happening that night.

If you know anything else about this specific video or how it came to be, please tell us in the comment section.  Don’t be shy!

technical note: press play and let it sit for a second.  I am trying a new video player and working the kinks out… be patient and let me know if it doesn’t work for you.

Purple Rain Live Recording 1983

Right-click or ctrl-click this link to download.

 

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