Prince: "21 Nights" Book Launch @ The Dorchester

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Legend. Mastermind. Innovator. Renegade. Genius.

Just a few adjectives that are often used when in the midst of a Prince conversation. To me, Prince is the ultimate artist. He ticks every single box you could possibly create when talking about a musician/performer/artist.  

Literally living and breathing music, his career spans over 40 years and counting. Grammy’s, Oscars and countless other accolades later and he’s STILL ticking all the boxes and continuing his legacy. Be it his legendary 21 nights in London or his free album giveaway via the Daily Express or his [frantic] campaign against the Internet and the need for total, undiluted control over his name and image over the World Wide Web.

How could Prince NOT be your favorite artist of all time?  

This said, you can only imagine my complete and total shock when I received an email inviting ME (Speeakz…of PinBoard?) to attend the launch of Prince’s much anticipated “21 Nights” book at the Dorchester hotel. After my shock and a few days to recover, the 1st October was here – the night of the book launch!   

At Dorchester, the grand entrance, the restaurant and even the man playing the piano simply scream…Opulence. It was clear why Prince chose the Dorchester to be his home for 21 nights.  

Making out way to the Crystal Room, we were greeted by the PR’s (all very nice may I just add) and a stunning grand crystal piano, after climbing the spiral stair case and passing a stunning crystal chandelier and a glass of champagne or two, (orange juice for the non-drinkers) we FINALLY got our hands on a copy of the book.   

The first thing you notice about the “21 Nights” book is the level of photography. Prince looked dapper, sensitive, sexy and oh, so very Prince-like. Images of the Twins, the NPG band and backing singers are also featured in the book. But the true bonus was the CD which I have been told will feature performances, live recordings, poems, and never before released tracks, an amazing account of his infamous Indigo Nights after party sessions.   

While previewing the book Simon & Schusters (the publishers) editorial director gave a brief speech before introducing the photographer who brought the book to life: Randee St. Nicholas [pictured]. Extremely shy and sweetly petite she gave a very brief speech and personal insight, mentioning how truly blessed she was in taking part in such a monumental project.  

 We all know Prince is very private and everything he does is shrouded in secrecy, so to be on the ‘inside’ of that world was just brilliant. Put simply “21 Nights” is an absolutely stunning piece of art. A gorgeous coffee table book that any Prince fan (or music fan for that matter) should own. The glossy pictures go on for what seems like forever (unfortunately it does come to an end) alongside Prince’s lyrics sprawled across the pages, with time and dates chronicling the 21 nights spent in London. 

As with anything Prince attaches his name to, I had extremely high expectations of this book and just like anything Prince attaches his name to – it exceeded them!   

“21 Nights” is a MUST have purchase for either yourself or as a present, this book is magnificent but don’t trust me, trust Prince!  

“21 Nights” is now available at most bookstores and amazon.com!

Peace, Love & Prince/21 Nights  

Speeakz 

Much love to all those who help make this happen!