EPISODE · Sep 17, 2025 · 35 MIN
Ahead of the publication of his Prince biography, in part 2 of this exclusive interview, former editor of Smash Hits and Q magazine John McKie talks to Sam about the mythology of the artist, his recordings, his concerts, and ultimately his legacy.
from How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson. · host John McKie, Gavin Calder, Sam Bleazard
INTRO 2mins - Prince's working methods, a remarkable ability to complete songs...but also dip into his vault of recordings 4mins - Was Sign O The Times the last time that Prince didn't second guess himself artistically? 6mins - Prince's talent for mentoring musicians and artists across the board vs Madonna and MJ working with established producers and stars. 7mins30s - The mythology of The Crystal Ball project - did the world lost a masterpiece? 9mins - Q: What would you change about the album Sign 'O' The Times? 10mins - Unreleased tracks creating a huge amount of mystique... 12mins - Quirky stories about Prince - some made the book, some didn't... 13mins - Appreciation of the album as a format - Beyoncé & Taylor Swift. 14mins - Not just mystery and myth - the most self actualised popstar of all time, and the ultimate editor. 16mins30s - Michael Jackson's trucks readying themselves to roll into Paisley Park? Prince planning ballet lessons? 18mins - Are there parallels between 1999 and Sign O The Times as Prince solo projects? 21mins - Creative mountain tops...and a food fight between The Time and The Revolution. 22mins30s - First concert at Birmingham NEC on the Nude Tour 1990, and going to MPLS and Paisley Park for a birthday present. 23mins30s - Memories of great shows - 'treat him like a new artist...when you see him'. 26mins - Who does John want to reach - ambitions for his book? 29mins30s - Did Prince exist in a unique moment of time and circumstance? And staying rooted in Minneapolis. 31mins30s - The importance of Oakland, California on Prince's sound. 33mins - What is the legacy of Sign O The Times, album and concert film? 34mins30s - Beverley Knight's favourite track...and SOTT being a singers record How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests! The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder. LINKS Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media. Email me at: [email protected] if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show. #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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What this episode covers
Former editor of Smash Hits and Q magazine John McKie conducted over 200 interviews to create a biography of Prince. He talks to Sam Bleazard about his extensive new book, but also the recent IMAX release of Prince's most famous concert movie. John McKie is the former editor of Smash Hits and Q Magazine in the UK, with a background in journalism. Having first seen Prince live in 1990 on the Nude Tour, he wrote about the album Sign O The Times for the BBC, shortly after the artist passed away. Following a chance conversation with one of his peers during lockdown, he decided to write a biography about Prince. That was 5 years ago, and now, over 200 interviews later, he is due to publish Prince: A Sign Of The Times, in September 2025. This is part 2 of an exclusive interview, to celebrate the publication of John's book.
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Ahead of the publication of his Prince biography, in part 2 of this exclusive interview, former editor of Smash Hits and Q magazine John McKie talks to Sam about the mythology of the artist, his recordings, his concerts, and ultimately his legacy.
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