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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I KNEW IT!! I just DID. My God ..I love you Prince!!
Thanks doc for posting
It’s good to hear from Prince.
WOW thanx Doc
Prince is just WOW
Peace and <3
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.
Very interesting.Something he said gave me chills.In a good way.
Thanks for sharing
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.
thx doc u made my day with this Prince interview. Prince has confirmed his happiness and I am so happy 4 him…
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?
Fantastic interview! Very cool to hear what Prince has to say.
Thank u 4 posting this Doc, very appreciated!
I’m loving it! Thanks!
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.
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.
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.
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 …
^ Bob, whoever you are, I love you. LOL
That is all.
on dat note…I need God right now to work out my problems.
Too Cool this dude is.
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
)
@ 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.
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
Plus much respect to him for talking honestly about the music industry and who is behind YT
nice interview thanx 4 sharing
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.
gracias doctor por compartir. merci!!
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.
Thanks Doc. That was AMAZING!!
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.
I am glad he did not say he is more than happy itself
WOAH HE DID SHAKE YOUR BODY DOWN !!!!
Prince always tells the truth…Good interview. He looks @ peace with himself…luv him
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…..
Nice interview….do you like French food? No.
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.
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.
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…!
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.
[...] Prince spent the weekend in Paris at a number of fashion shows and performed at Le Grand Palais in the French capital on Sunday night (October 12). Check out the performance above and hear an interview with the iconic musician here. [...]
Fonky as he whats to be The true #1 .gO GETUMkILLER.
Thank you SO much for this Dr. FB !!!!! Very much obliged ! xoxo -c-c-
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!
That was GREAT! I love hearing him speak. Thanks Dr FB!!!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by KDFA! and Cecilia Latorre. Cecilia Latorre said: i love dr. funk & all the PRINCE news.GRACIAS!http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2009/10/12/prince-talks-to-reporters-in-paris/ [...]
… Thanks Dr. FB for the interview and transcript.
Housequake who, prince.org what?
LoL …
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.
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!
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.
I love his little cocky attitude. French food is meh.. escargot, mussels, onion soup? Prince loves creamy pasta.
[...] Prince Talks to Reporters in Paris – Full Audio! | Drfunkenberry.com [...]
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.
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