200950
Prince Talks to Reporters in Paris – Full Audio!
Prince takes questions from reporters in Paris. Oct. 12, 2009
On Monday, Prince gathered with a group of reporters in Paris' Hotel Costes to talk about his recent stay there which has included numerous fashion shows and two concerts at Paris' Le Grand Palais on Sunday night. Below is full audio from the 12 minute session. And below that are some of the questions and answers from the reporter's session (courtesy of Yahoo! News).
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Here's a video clip from the interview session.
So does that mean Prince doesn't even like french fries? 
-Dr.FB
PARIS (AFP) – Paris is "erotic" and "inspirational", US pop star Prince said Monday after wowing city audiences in a venue never formerly used as a concert hall -- the landmark glass-and-iron Grand Palais exhibition centre.
Prince's Sunday concerts were last-minute affairs, organised in four to five days, after the 51-year-old artist visited and fell in love with the vast hall on the banks of the Seine river.
On Monday he met a small group of journalists, including AFP, in a chic Paris hotel. Following are excerpts from the hour-long chat.
Q: Why did you choose the Grand Palais?
A : When I did "21 nights" in London, the sound of the audience was so powerful that I needed something better and bigger. And when I saw the Chanel fashion show (last week) and Karl (Lagerfeld) came out and there was this roar that came up, I was jealous.
Q: You fell in love with the Grand Palais. Do you fall in love often?
A: I needed some place to stay and that was the best that you could do, so...
Q: What did you think about yesterday's shows?
A: They were my favourite so far. I always try to outdo the different shows that I've done.
Q: Can you define the pleasure of being on stage and making music?
A: I was telling a friend of mine recently that it feels like I'm in a dream and I don't like to go to sleep anymore, because the dream is never as good as real life.
Q: What did you think about the crowd last night?
A: Amazing. It is actually indescribable, that much love. They were very respectful. We asked that no one used camera phones and they honoured that request, unlike Americans who are so obsessed with technology. We don't like to have our concert filmed that way because it sounds so bad and then you give all the footage to somebody like YouTube who is run by Universal Publishing, and some of those same lawyers.
Q: What about your time in Paris? Does the city bring you inspiration?
A: It's a very erotic town, so it's very inspirational.
Q: Do you like French food?
A: No.
Q: When you sing "Dance For Me", are you thinking about somebody special?
A: Yes. I was looking in the mirror when I wrote it.
Q: You struggled a lot for you artistic freedom and now it seems you are totally free. How does it feel?
A: These are the days I was looking forward to. It's hard to sleep because the options are so numerous. It was worth the fight, it was worth the struggle. I advise every artist to go through it if they can. The cream rises to the top anyway. A real free music doesn't mean that you don't pay for it, it just means there are no authoritarian figures telling you what you're supposed to do with it.
Q: Is the Internet opening new doors for you?
A: It's a tool. It's not a means to an end. My concerts have always been dear to me and it's almost a shame I got so good at making records because the media is dying now, so until something new happens and we get some laws and restrictions to how the media is used and the revenue is shared, then I'll just stick with the live stuff and every once in a while I'll do records.
Q: Are you a happy man today?
A: Very happy. More happy than ever actually.
Q: If you changed your name again today, what would you change it for?
A: I like this name. I think it fits.
Q: If you were to write the definition of funky in a dictionary, what would the definition be?
A: If you can describe it, you ain't funky.
Q: Are there any questions you want us to ask you?
A: Ask me about God. We need him. We all do.
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October 12th, 2009 - 16:13
I KNEW IT!! I just DID. My God ..I love you Prince!!
Thanks doc for posting
October 12th, 2009 - 16:16
It’s good to hear from Prince.
October 12th, 2009 - 16:20
WOW thanx Doc
Prince is just WOW
Peace and <3
October 12th, 2009 - 16:24
So not one of the French reporters had the idea of asking about upcoming concerts in Paris? Jesus!? An hour long of questions about the French kitchen without asking him about his concerts? Well if he didn’t bring it up himself after organising an hour long press conference filled with chit chat, the concerts yesterday where probably it.
October 12th, 2009 - 16:24
Very interesting.Something he said gave me chills.In a good way.
Thanks for sharing
October 12th, 2009 - 16:41
Precious Lord, take my hand! Something makes me feel all like oh my God. Lead me on, lead me on! Thank you, THANK YOU for sharing. Just WOW WOW WOW. My sweet Lord, hallelujah, HEAVEN HELP US ALL.
October 12th, 2009 - 16:47
thx doc u made my day with this Prince interview. Prince has confirmed his happiness and I am so happy 4 him…
October 12th, 2009 - 16:48
Helleu miesster Prance, ies your favuriet couleur Puurple? Dzjoo you have pet aniemals? Dzjoo u have any brozzers ou siesters? What dzjoo you laike tzoo do ien your free taime? Have you ever baked an zzstrawwberrie caike? Dzoo u play moeure inzstrumentsz zen ze guitarz? Are you ien fact a homosexzual? Dzo you like zo zells zings on ebay? What you riel name ies?
October 12th, 2009 - 16:52
Fantastic interview! Very cool to hear what Prince has to say.
Thank u 4 posting this Doc, very appreciated!
October 12th, 2009 - 17:00
I’m loving it! Thanks!
October 12th, 2009 - 18:03
Oh well, the good part is the guy opens his mouth and actually says something instead of staring everybody down.
And was it forbidden to ask anything about a certain deceased one?
Yeah, I do care and at least it would have been more interesting than “Do you like French food?”.
(me neither)
Dr. Funkenberry, if you ever manage to get an interview, let ME help you with the question list, I will also shoot it for you.
October 12th, 2009 - 18:46
This interview was about Prince in Paris….I am happy with the questions the reporters asked, they were appropriate for the event.
Prince is very selective as to who he allows to interview him…it is rare to even get such lengthily interview as it is, the French respected that.
Esther, I am sorry that you feel this way but it would not have been fitting to ask about MJ.
October 12th, 2009 - 18:46
Trust me Esther, I would know which questions to be asked.
BTW, I did ask the ? after a certain someone died. There was no response when I asked for a statement.
You know I wanted it. I did not want CNN to have it. I did not want MTV to have it nor Rolling Stone.
I tried, but no response. It is all good. When he is ready…..I am here.
October 12th, 2009 - 18:54
Well Doc, you do the questions, I’ll do the filming – free, i’ll take the plane from Amsterdam – and I’m good. It’s your call.
Too bad that he didn’t give no response.
Maybe because he doesn’t give a sh*t?
That could also be a possibility …
October 12th, 2009 - 18:55
^ Bob, whoever you are, I love you. LOL
That is all.
October 12th, 2009 - 19:00
on dat note…I need God right now to work out my problems.
October 12th, 2009 - 19:18
Too Cool this dude is.
October 12th, 2009 - 19:39
Good to see prince having a good time in gay-paree, it seems like he has some sought of resentment towards us americans (i hope thats not the case), but i gotta say he is one cool kat when he’s doing interviews…he gave an sarcastic answer to the ‘being happy’ question (u gotta love him for that
)
October 12th, 2009 - 19:42
@ Esther
I’m sure Prince is deeply sadden by Michael Jackson’s death. He may never speak publicly about it. However, he did play a MJ/The Jacksons song (Shake Your Body Down) at the shows in Paris.
October 12th, 2009 - 19:52
Love it he always makes me laugh, he is very quick witted. I love this:
“Q: If you were to write the definition of funky in a dictionary, what would the definition be?
A: If you can describe it, you ain’t funky.”
LOL
October 12th, 2009 - 20:02
Plus much respect to him for talking honestly about the music industry and who is behind YT
October 12th, 2009 - 20:05
nice interview thanx 4 sharing
October 12th, 2009 - 20:14
He could not have said the things he said any better. Right on point with all things. I like A-2 said like the backgound info on the music industry stuff. I use to work in that industry and it is so……. cute throat to the MAXX!!!! Best thing is to sit back watch and learn all you can. Anyway very good interview, nice to hear his voice. WoW. Thanx Doc.
October 12th, 2009 - 20:25
gracias doctor por compartir. merci!!
October 12th, 2009 - 21:04
So happy that he took out some time to do an interview.
Much appreciated.Awww….I believe him to be the purple gate keeper to funkland and I want my 1 way golden ticket!lol I must give props to the people that were fortunate enough to attend the shows.The energy from the crowd was amazing!He was given the love & respect that he so richly deserves!Don’t keep him there 2 long! lol So Princey u should do more interviews cause when you talk honey ,not only have “u got the look”~u got me hook,line & sinker!So keep talkin to me in that tone of voice! 
Yes everyone does need God! 
Not referenced as “Jehovah”.That’s different.Hmm?Maybe it’s just me.Thanks Doc for the info.
October 12th, 2009 - 21:18
Thanks Doc. That was AMAZING!!
October 12th, 2009 - 21:34
LOL @ Bob that was hysterical.
I think Prince will talk about MJ when he feels he is ready.
I am so glad to see people acknowledging him for his great talent. I think he is the best out there and people need to acknowledge that and he needs to feel that love when he is here on earth
rather than, you know what I mean.
You’ve come a long way baby, I love you so very much.
October 12th, 2009 - 21:40
I am glad he did not say he is more than happy itself
October 12th, 2009 - 22:37
WOAH HE DID SHAKE YOUR BODY DOWN !!!!
October 12th, 2009 - 22:42
Prince always tells the truth…Good interview. He looks @ peace with himself…luv him
October 12th, 2009 - 22:54
MY BABEE IS TOO SMOOVE FOR WORDZ ILOVE U PRINCE!!!!!!!!!! I WON’T EVER TREAT U BAD AND I WILL ALWAYS TRUST YOU !!!!!!!!SHOW THE WORLD HOW FUNKY U IS ~PEACE LOVE AND EXTRA SQUIRREL GREASE AMEN PRAISE JEHOVAH GOD ALMIGHTY HALLELUJAH SWEET JESUS NAME HIS VOICE TAKES ME TO A NEW GALAXY I JUST LOVE PRINCE DON’T HURT EM FUNKY COLD PURPLE GENIUS…BRR COLD LIKE GAZPACHO…..
October 12th, 2009 - 23:43
Nice interview….do you like French food? No.
October 13th, 2009 - 02:19
I’m looking for the energy to do what I need to do today.
It is good to hear your voice sir.
Never mind the 12 year olds somewhere anywhere..
Thank you for this doc.
October 13th, 2009 - 05:00
Can’t believe he just insulted the French like that, “do you like French Food – NO!”
Made me laugh out loud! It’s a bit rude really. But we love him for his music, it’s time to play in the UK again though.
October 13th, 2009 - 05:16
He’s right, we’re obsessed with technology. ANd yeah, there probably is so much behind the scenes at YouTube and such that there are reasons why he doesnt give into that. Cool. I dont understand the obsession to see Prince’s old videos on there. On the other hand, there are those that share old rare TV VHS recorded stuff you wont see from Prince himself and is very fascinating.
All in all – fight the bean counters and lawyers Prince.
I dont think Prince insulted the French, maybe their food is very rich or not to his vegetarian taste, bid deal. Im sure he’s not into American food either!
What I do find interesting is his mention of 2012. Man, I hope he’s not tripping over the “new 1999″ as in the Western/Hollywood/TV-ization of Mayan culture and how its sensationalizing it with its alarmist doomsday crap!
Please Prince, take some courses on media literacy for once. I know High School was it, but man…!
October 13th, 2009 - 05:17
Im not too sure Prince can say what I need when he doesnt listen to what others may suggest he needs. No one can say that.
October 13th, 2009 - 09:25
Fonky as he whats to be The true #1 .gO GETUMkILLER.
October 13th, 2009 - 10:03
Thank you SO much for this Dr. FB !!!!! Very much obliged ! xoxo -c-c-
October 13th, 2009 - 10:05
I don’t feel that Prince was rude in any way when asked did he like French food. He answered honestly and said “no”. I would have said the same and left it at that. I guess some would have prefered a softer/meeker “no”….his no was just fine!
October 13th, 2009 - 10:23
That was GREAT! I love hearing him speak. Thanks Dr FB!!!
October 13th, 2009 - 12:34
… Thanks Dr. FB for the interview and transcript.
Housequake who, prince.org what?
LoL …
October 13th, 2009 - 15:21
It wasn’t rude to say he doesn’t like French food….funny, not rude. Honest. Its just that the French take alot of pride in their food (top culinary schools worldwide) but then again the French take great pride in everything they do –wine, chapagne, art, etc.
French food is heavy and if you’re not used to it, oh boy. Prince is vegetarian isn’t he? Or sometihng like that.
October 13th, 2009 - 17:53
Prince DID give a show last night in paris, la Cigale. It was the best show i have seen in my life. get this: 6 encores and nearly a 3 hour show!!
we want more! can’t get enough of that stuff!
btw, not the whole world has to like french food. he is an honest man so were his shows. It was a great experience of generosity and communion!
October 13th, 2009 - 18:32
I’m so happy to see Prince happier these days and hear that he was all smiles at the concert. I can’t wait to attend a concert I can get a hold off. Wish I could flew to Paris. I’m thankful for all those that got to enjoy.
October 13th, 2009 - 18:46
I love his little cocky attitude. French food is meh.. escargot, mussels, onion soup? Prince loves creamy pasta.
October 15th, 2009 - 11:04
Thank u SO much 4 posting this interview Dr.funkenberry:)
It’s always refreshing 2 hear from Prince….and as 2 his last comment he couldn’t b more right.
June 21st, 2010 - 23:19
Thanks for sharing, I ran across this particular story while searching for infomation regarding my term report, fascinating comments and fantastic points produced.
August 12th, 2010 - 07:06
Camera phones are in great demand these days, i own at least two of them*`:
October 1st, 2010 - 06:16
camera phones are very convenient coz they can take picture and calls at the same time;,-
October 18th, 2010 - 18:33
camera phones are very popular coz everyon likes to take pictures’`,