On April 16, 2016, the streets buzzed with energy as music enthusiasts flooded local shops to mark Record Store Day.
In the midst of the excitement, a man casually pedaled up to the curb on a standard bicycle. No disguise, no entourage clearing his way—it was Prince. A global icon, yet today, he was just a regular guy immersed in his love for music.
Prince Fans Fill Electric Fetus on Record Store Day
Pushing open the creaky doors of his favorite record shop, the Electric Fetus, Prince greeted the staff with a smile, explored the aisles for hidden gems, and selected six specific CDs.
Unbeknownst to everyone in the store, this would be Prince’s last public appearance. Just five days later, the music world would mourn the loss of its king. Not realizing his time was limited, he wasn’t saying a sad farewell; instead, it was a joyful moment showcasing a legendary artist in a state of pure musical delight.
Prince approached the counter and purchased six carefully chosen CDs. Music critics now view this list as a true reflection of Prince’s musical essence, encapsulating funk, jazz, rock, new wave, and gospel—the very elements he blended to create his iconic sound.
His final picks were nothing short of exquisite:
- Stevie Wonder – Talking Book
- Joni Mitchell – Hejira
- Santana – Santana IV
- The Chambers Brothers – The Time Has Come
- Swan Silvertones – Inspirational Gospel Classics
- Missing Persons – The Best of Missing Persons
Following his visit, Prince took to his massive Twitter platform to support the independent store, tweeting that he “ROCKED STEVIE’S TALKING BOOK ALL THE WAY HOME!” This was his final shout-out to the power of an incredible album.
Why Did He Choose CDs Over Vinyl?
While many on Record Store Day were hunting for trendy vinyl reissues, Prince opted for compact discs.
The reason was refreshingly straightforward. Prince wanted to enjoy his new music immediately. His car was fitted with a classic CD player, meaning he needed physical discs to enjoy on the drive back to his mansion.
Prince was also a true, old-school studio purist. Throughout his career, he often listened to his own rough cuts, playbacks, and reference tracks on burned CDs. This format was simply his preferred choice for on-the-go listening.
Honoring Prince at the Electric Fetus Record Store in Minneapolis
Opened in 1968, the Electric Fetus has long been the heart of Minneapolis counterculture. Prince cherished this store for three main reasons.
Firstly, he held immense loyalty to his hometown. Prince famously turned his back on the Hollywood lifestyle, opting instead to live, record, and shop in Minnesota. The Fetus was conveniently located just a short drive from his iconic Paisley Park estate.
Secondly, the shop passionately supported independent music. Their extensive consignment system allowed local underground artists to sell their physical music, aligning perfectly with Prince’s own rebellious spirit against major labels.
Finally, the store provided him with a rare sense of privacy. Staff and fellow shoppers treated Prince like a neighbor, allowing him to browse for deep cuts without being overwhelmed by paparazzi. They respected his space, and in return, he remained loyal to them.
Prince’s last excursion serves as a poignant reminder of a profound truth. Before becoming an icon, before donning purple sequins, and before leaving an indelible mark on the world, Prince was simply a kid enchanted by a song.
He began his journey as a shy, gifted boy in Minnesota, and he concluded it in the same place, cycling to a local record store to buy a Stevie Wonder album. His life exemplified that no matter how monumental your achievements, you should always cherish that pure, exhilarating passion for the things that bring you joy.
