Spinner

Prince Offers Rare Glimpse Into '21 Nights' of His Life

In 2007, Prince maintained a 21-night sold-out residency at London's O2 arena. '21 Nights,' a collaborative effort between Prince and photographer Randee St. Nicholas, is a photographic essay that documents this journey with poetry and 124 never-before-seen images. The multimedia set also includes 'Indigo Nights/Live Session,' a live CD that captures Prince's after-hours sessions, along with new music. Take a look at an introductory excerpt from '21 Nights' -- penned by St. Nicholas -- as well as exclusive photos, a first look at the 'Indigo Night' tracklist and a video for the upbeat 'Planet Earth' song 'The One U Wanna C.'

Those who have spent the most time with him are both frustrated and inspired. To know him is to know that you probably will never really know him and to question that is a waste of time ... wasting time is something one should never do ... and something Prince holds in high disregard.

Prince Pictures

    Photo from '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas

    Randee St. Nicholas

    Photo from '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas

    Randee St. Nicholas

    Photo from '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas

    Randee St. Nicholas

    Photo from '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas

    Randee St. Nicholas

    Photo from '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas

    Randee St. Nicholas

    Photo from '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas

    Randee St. Nicholas

    '21 Nights' by Prince and Randee St. Nicholas is in stores September 30.

    Simon & Schuster

    Prince performs during day 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on April 26, 2008 in Indio, California..Coachella Music And Arts Festival - Day 2.Indio, CA United States.April 26, 2008.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (15753387), contact WireImage.com

    WireImage.com

    Prince performs during day 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on April 26, 2008 in Indio, California..Coachella Music And Arts Festival - Day 2.Indio, CA United States.April 26, 2008.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (15753386), contact WireImage.com

    WireImage.com

    Prince performs during day 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on April 26, 2008 in Indio, California..Coachella Music And Arts Festival - Day 2.Indio, CA United States.April 26, 2008.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (15753385), contact WireImage.com

    WireImage.com



He is passionate and funny and smarter than any of you will probably ever believe ... he stretches everyone around him and I'm not sure he even understands why ... and those who get it without trying to understand soar and grow creatively in a way they probably could not find on their own ... it is not a manipulation for control's sake as it is often judged ... it is a way of being ... a way of constantly stirring things up ... a conduit to achieve creative exhaustion ... so that you just do whatever it is you do, free of the limits of how you think you should do it ... you are simply forced to trust yourself and to trust him ... and in the end it is a gift, one that you have worked very hard for and there is great satisfaction in that. Now that you know this you will see him as I have seen him over these few weeks during the summer of 2007 in a city we hold synonymous with royalty ... fitting for a Prince ... a man ... a musician ... an artist who is truly like no other. -- Randee St. Nicholas, from the '21 Nights' introduction



'Indigo Nights' Tracklist:
'3121'
'Girls and Boys'
'Song of the Heart'
'Delirious'
'Just Like U' (monologue)
'Satisfied'
'Beggin' Woman Blues' (new song)
'Rock Steady' feat. Beverly Knight
'Whole Lotta Love'
'Alphabet Street'
'Indigo Nights'
'Misty Blue' feat. Shelby J.
'Baby Love' feat. Shelby J.
'The One'
'All the Critics Love U in London'

'21 Nights' is in stores September 30, but can be pre-ordered now.

All the AOL Music info you want to know

50 Cent, Street King: Rapper Visits…

The Boombox

AP Photo/World Food Programme, Rose Ogola NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Rapper 50 Cent…

Grammy Acceptance Speeches: Watch 30…

AOL Music Blog

FilmMagic, Getty, WireImage It's been a busy week for God. Besides helping…

Earl Sweatshirt Returns, Releases New…

The Boombox

YouTube.com Ironically, Earl Sweatshirt was one of the most visible members…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

131 Comments

Filter by:
ladychel

To whom it may concern,I cant belive how people are putting Prince down,he has changed in alot of ways.I'am the niece of George Clinton and Prince has talk to him about the most high God.He has gave up alot to serve Jehovah God. It is ashame that people whom claim to serve Jehovah God is judging him.Before you take the straw out of someone eles eyes take it out of your own. Prince continue to make good music and make the truth your own.Love you,Ladychel 7/14/09

July 14 2009 at 5:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kali

I thought that I was the only historic Prince Fan. It is good to see that others appreciate his music the way I do. Even if the dates are from last year.

May 19 2009 at 10:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
I love my family

I've loved your music always. I stopped listening for some years. I listened again and pray it all works, For you and me my brother. Love you and wish I could talk to you. I have something you would be interested in knowing. kimkidhoob@aol.com

February 22 2009 at 6:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
msweetas

i been lovin' prince since 1972 everyone said he'd never make it i told all he will make success n that'd what he did he is awesome srtist. just wish i could spend time with him, i know we have so much of a ora keep up the faith your number one FAN

October 21 2008 at 12:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jack Knight

The Master At Work-

October 14 2008 at 5:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joepurkheiser

Prince is one of the greatest! Much Love! Wish I were in London.

October 13 2008 at 11:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bernice

I love Prince also, I always tell people that he's my twin. My brithday is also on June 7th. I listen to his all year around and all day or weekend on our birthday. Prince is the man and yes a man.

October 13 2008 at 2:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rgsince81

HUGE FAN LOVE EVERRYTHING

October 13 2008 at 1:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rhonda

A very talented man...not to mention he's HOT HOT HOT

Yummy....

October 13 2008 at 10:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
avantecd

Took my daughter with me to see Purple Rain. She is now 38 and I'm - never mind - I still think he is fantastic, love his music and I'm really wondering if he has a portrait of himself in the attic --He looks great! Love him and so does my daughter!

October 11 2008 at 4:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply