The Revolution (band)

From Freepedia

The Revolution was Prince's backing band from the late 1970s through 1986. It is unknown when the band was actually dubbed "The Revolution," but the name was indicated (in reverse lettering) on Prince's 1999 album. The band was prominently identified and provided more input on the next three albums: Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day and Parade.

In 1982, the band consisted of five members:

When the 1999 tour ended, Dez Dickerson left the band for religious reasons and was replaced by Lisa's childhood friend Wendy Melvoin. Wendy and Lisa shortly thereafter formed a special bond with Prince and greatly influenced his output during the rest of their tenure in the band. Prince's former mostly R&B/funk offerings would be more diversified with rock, pop and classical music elements.

In 1986, for the Parade Tour, Prince augmented The Revolution with several new members:

Weaver was pulled from Sheila E.'s band. Leeds, Benton, and Melvoin were remnants of the disbanded The Family. Blistan was a friend and former bandmate of Eric Leeds. Brooks and Safford were former bodyguards for Prince. Susannah was Wendy's twin sister, and also Prince's love interest at the time.

Discontent in The Revolution was brewing. Wendy and Lisa were unhappy with Prince and left the band in 1986 to perform as a duo. With the nucleus of the band gone, Prince decided to make several changes. Susannah left, following a hurtful breakup with Prince. Bobby Z. was replaced by the more versatile Sheila E. Brownmark was asked to stay, but decided to pursue a solo career. Dr. Fink decided to remain with Prince (until 1990). The fragmented Revolution retained many of the newer members (Mico, Brooks, Safford, Atlanta and Eric) while Prince added Sheila E. associates Levi Seacer, Jr. on bass and Boni Boyer on keyboards. The new incarnation of the band was unnamed, though on the album Lovesexy, Prince writes, "Welcome to the New Power Generation."

In 2000, Prince had a celebration concert in his hometown of Minneapolis and asked if any former bandmates wished to perform. Dr. Fink, Bobby Z. and Brownmark jammed with Prince on the song "America."

In 2004, a concert for charity known as the Family Jamm featured several of Prince's protégés, including the entire Revolution, but Prince was not among the performers.

See also

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