Celebrities react with anguish to death of Prince at 57
In this Jan. 22, 1985 file photo, Prince performs in concert at Riverfront Coliseum during his Purple Rain Tour in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prince’s publicist has confirmed that Prince died at his home in Minnesota, Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 57. AP FILE PHOTO
Musicians, actors and others react to the death Thursday of music great Prince via interviews, statements and social media:
READ: Prince passes away
“I was a fan of his music. It’s cool that somebody like that can leave such a huge legacy and such a huge impact on people. More than half of us never met him or ever saw him in concert, but he was such a big part of our childhood.” — Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin.
“I never saw him raise his voice. It was amazing (at a concert) to watch him go from soft-spoken, with almost a serenity about him, to this guy who did a guitar break in the first song.” — Producer Ken Ehrlich.
“Him and Michael (Jackson) were my two guys. To lose them both this early is just crazy to me. Growing up, it was Prince or Michael. Sometimes you had to take sides when you were a kid. My favorite song is ‘Adore.'” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers.
“Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent….Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him.” — Statement from President Barack Obama.
“I am deeply shocked to hear of Prince’s passing. Prince was a revolutionary artist, a great musician, composer, a wonderful lyricist, a startling guitar player….Prince’s talent was limitless. He was one of the most unique and talented artists of the last 30 years.” — Mick Jagger.
“Lots of big stars have made waves nationally and internationally, but Prince by far was the most groundbreaking more than anyone from his music, to his concerts — to even the way he entered a room, always surrounded with that magical air of superstardom, mystique, and genius.” — Tommy Mottola, former CEO and chairman of Sony Music
“Terribly saddened by the devastating news… He truly is a legend and a hero of mine. RIP #prince.” — Celine Dion.
“Sad news today – Prince is gone. Music has lost a great presence. A world less funky. I don’t want to believe it. — Simon Le Bon.
“Sad to hear Prince has passed away. His iconic music, genius, and talent captivated the world. Part of the soundtrack of my life. #Legend.” — Steve Austin.
“Rest in peace to a very beautiful soul, Prince you were an amazing artist and human being. I wish I had the honor of meeting you.” — Paris Jackson.
“We lost another one. Can’t wait to hear what Prince and Bowie are working on.” — Gavin DeGraw.
“You were so special to me your presence the Music we created the dance-off’s we used to have the laughing we shared. The funk oozing out of you was uncontrollable. I’m not quite sure what to do with myself but I will miss you forever and always. I love you my dear kind friend. May all my prayers go to his family the whole band (you know who you all are, I love you all so much) anybody who felt even one little bit of what I was lucky enough to experience face to face ….” — Rita Ora.
“I’m completely shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of our brother, artist and friend, Prince. Thank you to all the fans and supporters for your endless love, and for making such big dreams come true….” — Lisa, posted on Wendy and Lisa’s artist page.
“Nothing compares 2 U. Goodnight Sweet Prince.” — Guillermo del Toro.
“I will miss a good friend who was so talented. He was such a great performer / guitar player. Sleep well Prince.” — Ronnie Wood.
“R. I. P to the King Prince thank u for inspiring me to be a Musician First and using this tool to heal people.” — Wyclef Jean.
The greatest live act I ever saw. Genius, poet, sexy (expletive). RIP Prince.” — Russell Crowe.
“Today is the worst day ever. Prince R.I.P I am crying!” — Boy George.
“Thank you Prince. All my thoughts & prayers are with all your loved ones.” — Chelsea Clinton.
“So many emotions today. My heart dances in honor of a legend RIP Prince.” — Gina Rodriguez.
“Prince was a true gentleman, a king among men. He was as sharp and as talented as they come. I’m so glad I was lucky enough to work with him.” — Zooey Deschanel.
“Stunned. This can’t be real.” — Justin Timberlake.
“R.I.P PRINCE, another icon gone to soon.” — Shaquille O’Neal.
“Lots of guitars gently weeping today #Prince #RIP.” — Kevin Bacon.
“Running out of living musical heroes, those we measure everything against, emulate, know we won’t surpass but inspire us to try. #prince.” — Carrie Brownstein.
“Dang it… Truly hate hearing we lost Prince. Sad day….” — Blake Shelton.
“Rest in power, Prince.” — Russell Simmons.
“I’m in shock #Prince.” — Mark Cuban.
“Shocked that @prince has died at only 57. Such a talent to have died so young #RIPPrince.” — Joan Collins.
“So sad to hear about the loss of Prince today. #RIP #legend #purplerain.” — Kris Jenner.
“This is what it sounds like when doves cry … Prince R.I.P. Condolences to his family & 2 us all.” — Whoopi Goldberg.
“And just like that…the world lost a lot of magic Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much.” — Katy Perry.
“What a sad day today! Terribly sorry to hear that #Prince has passed! What an incredible talent.” — La Toya Jackson.
“Oh My God! The musical genius of my generation has gone on to glory. Heaven has a new musical director with #Prince.” — Star Jones.
“The Prince is dead. Long live the Prince.” — Kathy Bates.
“A shock to read #Prince has died. He was so magnificent at the Super Bowl that I was privileged to perform the National Anthem in sign. RIP. — Marlee Matlin.
“RIP Prince. You were the king.” — Joel McHale.
“No matter what he asked us to call him, Prince was a force. Genius in the studio. Brilliant onstage. And a 4-star movie. #PurpleRain.” — Richard Roeper.
“I am stunned to hear about #Prince, a huge part of my record collection and the sound of my 20s. A rare kinda brilliance. RIP.” — Eric McCormack.
“Prince was a once-in-a-lifetime artist who transcended every medium and genre he touched and created music with a passion and individuality that inspired multiple generations.” — Statement from MTV.
“I can’t. I just can not. #Prince” — Shonda Rhimes.
“PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. — Gene Simmons.
“This (expletive) sucks. Prince on repeat all day. Just like I did with Michael and Whitney.” — Demi Lovato.
“I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor.” — Spike Lee.
“RIP to one the greatest to ever hit the stage #Prince. We are all going to cry purple tears today. #Legend.” — Tito Jackson.
