In a recent episode of Rolling Stone Music Now, Bobby Z., drummer for Prince's band, the Revolution, shared insights into the making of the iconic album and movie, "Purple Rain." As the 40th anniversaries of both the album and film approached, Bobby Z. discussed the inspiration behind the project and its significance in Prince's career.

Driven by his competitive spirit, Prince was inspired by Michael Jackson's record-breaking night at the Grammys and declared to Bobby Z., "Next year, that's gonna be us." Recognizing the immense success of Jackson's "Thriller" video, Prince was motivated to take it a step further and create a full-length feature film for "Purple Rain."

Bobby Z. shed light on Prince's diverse influences during the conceptualization of "Purple Rain." One significant influence was the movie "Quadrophenia," based on the Who's concept album, which Prince watched repeatedly. He drew inspiration from the real-life scenarios depicted in the film, incorporating them into the parallel universe of the Revolution and the Time. Additionally, the distinctive design of Prince's Purple Rain motorcycle may have been borrowed from the retro Sixties scooters featured in "Quadrophenia."

Reflecting on the Purple Rain tour, Bobby Z. likened the crowd's frenzy to Beatlemania, with the audience's cheers overpowering the music during performances. Prince would compensate by cranking up the onstage monitor speakers to combat the deafening roar.

Bobby Z. expressed his hope for Prince's estate to prioritize the release of a legendary concert from August 3, 1983, at Minneapolis' First Avenue club. This concert featured pivotal performances that became basic tracks for "Purple Rain." Despite being a holy grail for fans, the full audio and video footage of this show remains officially unreleased.

The article also delves into Prince's learning experiences, including his poorly-received opening act for the Rolling Stones in 1981. The setback only motivated him to work harder, understanding the need to cater to different audiences. He cleverly crafted a setlist that would satisfy both R&B enthusiasts and rock fans, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

As the 40th anniversary of "Purple Rain" approaches, fans and music enthusiasts can reflect on the timeless impact of the album and movie. The project not only solidified Prince's status as a superstar but also set a new standard for merging music, visuals, and storytelling. Through interviews and anecdotes shared by those involved, the legacy and influence of "Purple Rain" continue to resonate in the world of music.

To delve deeper into the creation of "Purple Rain," listeners can tune into the full episode of Rolling Stone Music Now, hosted by Brian Hiatt, available on various podcast platforms.