1984 – "Purple Rain" Tour Rehearsals
KIM
I entered the band after completing my own version of "Purple Rain." My label pushed back the independent album and completely understood that transition. Skip only wanted me to utilize his grand piano during a rehearsal for the later shows. I couldn't even sing. As soon as I finished, everyone shouted out loud with happiness. Brenda wouldn't even stop yelling through her accent.
Just when my fingers couldn't play anymore, I decided to show off once again. After everyone calmed down, I tuned up for one more song. A sly grin crept onto my lips as I close both eyes and dreamed of earlier years. Back when I sported an Afro and Bellbottoms. "I Wanna Be Your Lover" now chimed from the instrument. Brenda and Prince yelled lyrics from across this stage.
I paused the music halfway just to make everyone laugh and settled right back into professionalism. In all seriousness, I'd join Fink and Lisa onstage and Prince could signal for me to play at any time. We studied everything as one collective unit. By the time we all reached "Baby, I'm A Star," I didn't even want to leave that stage.
When the record ended with ascending chords, I ran away from my own keyboard. It wasn't long before my arms nearly tackled Prince with a hug. Brenda cackled behind the scenes. Prince kissed my cheek before walking right back to his microphone. At my post between Lisa and Fink, I winked right back toward him.
"Stop it, Keys. You're so silly." Prince stuck out his tongue at me between his words. I rolled my eyes. The laughter nearby resumed. Skipper rolled his eyes this time now and shook his head. I finally brushed off the humor and cued up my keyboard just in case.
Skip then plugged in his electric guitar and began the opening chords of "Purple Rain." We all synced perfectly to move along with him. In that moment, I simply nodded my head. We all waited again for Prince to sing his trademark first verse. I nearly teared up once his voice reached the microphone. I mouthed each word behind my keyboard.
I never meant to cause you any sorrow.
I never meant to cause you any pain.
I only wanted to one time to see you laughing.
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.
I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain...
I didn't even leave that venue until late at night. Prince ran through everything and then some. Repeatedly. Draped in purple to fit in, I glided the train of my coat offstage. Behind the scenes, Brenda offered one hug to say goodbye. I'd return in the morning for another practice. Meanwhile, Prince nodded toward me before holding hands with his fiancée. I completely the exhaustion of these two. Out in the parking lot, my new bandmates clustered.
I'd headed toward one of my own limousines when someone appeared out of nowhere. Bill Bray stood right alongside Michael. Jackson glared at me through the darkness of his own Aviators. His arms soon folded. I didn't know what to think, but tried to walk away. In that moment, Michael yanked off his sunglasses and stared at me once more.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Michael questioned between evening winds. Bill Bray and a nearby driver hopped into the limousine, leaving us alone. I tilted my curls in the name of bewilderment. Only my family deserved to know the ventures of my career now. Mom screamed with happiness. Dad offered the "rockstar lecture one final time given my history with Prince. Young sister Gail begged for tickets in one way or another.
On the other hand, Michael should've known at this point that I would snatch the gig immediately. How stupid did Jackson believe I was? Not too far away, Shelia and the band mingled with chuckles despite exhaustion. I knew that some of us aimed to paint the town. Right now, I wanted to leave Michael and high and dry. His interrogation deemed pointless.
"Why does it matter? Be honest. You would never let me work with you." I hissed back and shook my head. My mind still debated leaving Michael to hang with the band once more. Michael narrowed his eyes. I could've cared less. Just when Michael opened his mouth again, Shelia yelled for my attention. I glanced over one shoulder and noticed her standing with Prince and Brenda. Annoyed Michael scrunched up his face like a brat when I finally chose to walk away.
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I returned home at three in the morning. Michael once again left messages on my answering machine. I wiggled out of this brilliant ruffle blouse and plopped onto the sofa. Peaceful silence entered my home at last. It wasn't until I turned on the answering machine that my blood boiled all over again. I didn't want to hear his complaints, but wanted to delete something.
"Kay, why would you do this? I can't even spend five minutes alone with you and then this happens? We're just distancing ourselves more and more. I don't know what to do, girl? Why can't you understand that I care? To be honest, I wouldn't be this angry if you picked someone else. He doesn't even care about protégés, girl. Look at all his acts. Anyway, have fun getting overshadowed. Call me back. Bye."
Asshole. I thought to myself.
