Since David Bowie’s death in January, I’ve been wondering what—if anything—could ever slow the deluge of Bowie tributes that filled my newsfeed in seeming perpetuity. (Not that I minded—I sort of hoped they’d never end) Apparently it takes the passing of a similarly iconic musician.
Prince’s equally untimely death last week has incited a new crop of tributes. The past couple days have been especially heavy with Prince memorial, so we’ve rounded up the best of them:
Chris Martin and Some Eighth Graders Cover “Raspberry Beret”
Martin is passing the gospel of Prince on to a generation that apparently needs the education. The Coldplay frontman performed the classic with his band of youngsters as part of the Chords 2 Cure Benefit Concert in Santa Monica. When he approached the kids about playing “Raspberry Beret,” they said:Â “We don’t know it. We’ve never heard of it. We’re, like, 14.” [Pitchfork]
Jimmy Fallon Remembers Prince and Mysterious Ping Pong Match
In what seems to be an apt description of the enigma that was Prince, Jimmy Fallon and Questlove recall a barely believable tale of a ping pong match played between The Tonight Show host and the late musician. The story involves mysterious disappearances, babies, and Susan Sarandon—it’s wild. [Billboard]
Questlove also penned a personal tribute to Prince. In an essay for Rolling Stone, the Roots drummer recounts the influence the singer had on his own musical career. “Whenever it seemed like too steep a climb, I reminded myself that Prince did it, so I had to also.” Good words to heed. [Pitchfork]
Kate Bush Honors Prince with Personal Message
Kate Bush remembered Prince in a statement she wrote on her website (see below). The art pop songstress collaborated with Prince several times in the ’90s, perhaps most notably on “Why I Should Love You” from her stellar 1993 album, The Red Shoes. Check out the track above—statement below:
A message for Prince
from Kate…
I am so sad and shocked to hear the tragic news about Prince. He was the most incredibly talented artist. A man in complete control of his work from writer and musician to producer and director. He was such an inspiration. Playful and mind-blowingly gifted. He was the most inventive and extraordinary live act I’ve seen. The world has lost someone truly magical. Goodnight dear Prince.
Billy Corgan and Liz Phair Share Acoustic Prince Covers
Via Facebook, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman shared an informal cover of  “The Cross” from Sing O’ The Times. Corgan plays acoustic guitar while swapping vocal verses with touring bandmate Sierra Swan. Additionally, Liz Phair, who’s currently on tour with the Pumpkins, shared an acoustic cover of the Prince original, “Nothing Compares 2 U.” (Made famous by Sinead O’Connor.) Check that out here. [Pitchfork]
Ellen DeGeneres Honors Prince with Footage from 2003 Interview
Ellen paid tribute to Prince with a montage from his 2003 Ellen appearance. “Of all the bands and artists that I’ve had on the show there was no one like Prince,” she prefaces. “He was an artist, he was an icon, a genius, and he was kind enough to appear on my show in the very first season, in 2003, which you have to understand is a big deal because most stars wait to see if a talk show is going to be successful.” During their interview, Prince is suave and collected, as per usual, and caps the visit with an energy-filled rendition of “Kiss.” [Billboard]
Mac DeMarco Teases Prince Tribute
Prince tributes haven’t been confined to the Hollywood firmament. Relative newcomer Mac DeMarco hinted via Instagram that he’s got a “#treat in his #honor” in the works. “We lost a true hero of mine the other day,” he wrote. “Although it’s sad, I’m sure he’s ripping a hot solo right now in the next dimension. RIP.” (For what it’s worth, DeMarco’s Instagram account is a treasure trove of gonzo gold—check it out, if you’re into that kind of thing.)
IMAGE: NBC
