Prince Touts Creative Ownership Rights
Hey, kiddies! Lahela, here…
Last evening I happened to catch Lopez Tonight, and was delighted to discover that there would be a guest appearance by His Royal Badness- PRINCE!
Oh yes, kiddies, Lahela should warn you that she capitalizes when referring to Prince in pronoun form…it’s a sign of respect!
To kickoff of His 21 Night Stand Tour in Los Angeles, Prince appeared on the late night show with His band, The New Power Generation.
Now, I know what you guys and gals are saying, “Oh, Lahela, that’s cool, but Prince has appeared on late night talk shows before.” This is true, kiddies, but this was one of the few times that The Artist not only performed, but took a seat and chatted with the host.
George Lopez seemed as agog as Lahela was, when informing the audience of his vow not to curse in the presence of his royal guest, opting instead to say artichoke. After performing His new single “Lay Down” (IT’S HOT!!!), Prince conducted a quick change from the fabulous sparkling golden, high collared two-piece assemble into a ruby red satin shirt and slacks, crush velvet jacket and signature pumps, joining the host on stage.
Reading my mind, George asked Prince “Why!?” which brought a grin from Prince and screams from the audience. Prince then explained that He appreciated the love that Lopez had shown Him during His first appearance at the ALMA Awards. Prince also made reference to the diversity of guests appearing on Lopez’s late night show. Prince then gave big props to Live Nation.
A large number of tickets for His Madison Square Garden show were only $25.00, thanks to the Artist and the concert ticket broker. “Like what we used to pay,” He said.
Good looking out, Prince!
Ever the modest man, Prince showed mock surprise when Lopez mentioned His nearly $2 million dollars in donations in areas of education, art, and environmental causes. Prince then displayed His golden Fender Stratocaster guitar, auctioned off for $100,000 to Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton, saying it would be hard to part with.
Lahela, can dig it, the guitar was beautiful!
The discussion then turned towards music. Prince expressed that while He didn’t mind when fans sang or friends performed His songs with His consent, He disliked industry covers (remakes of original songs that render the initial version practically non-existent). He also discussed His opposition to the Compulsory License Law.
This horrible law allows artists, through their record companies to take another artist’s music without their consent. Say what!? I always thought that Prince had to give approval whenever anyone did His songs! No Buenos!!
George asked what could be done about this travesty and Prince informed him that He and a number of journalists were putting the word out about this abusive, manipulative law. Lahela is down with that, gang, and I’m asking for your help, too.
If you love real music, I mean the cuts created by the likes of Ike and Tina, Lil Richard, Curtis Mayfield, and George Clinton – take a stand! (Don’t know who those guys are? Sure you do! Their music and lyrics are in nearly every rap or pop song you’ve ever heard!)
Contact your local legislature and demand the repeal of the Compulsory License Law. Call that phone number on the back of that CD that you want to buy and tell them you’re not going to support these unfair practices.
Support creative music artists’ rights, kiddies, or good soul and rock music might be a thing that your granny and granddad only reminisce about! We got your back, Prince!!
Peace, Love and Art!!
Tah,
Lahela
Photos courtesy of AOL Video
Prince Touts Creative Ownership Rights
