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The Revolution (band)

From Alfawiki
The Revolution
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
FounderPrince
Headquarters
Minneapolis
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

The Revolution is a band from the United States that originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979, established by Prince to serve as his live and studio ensemble. Their musical style combined elements of rock, funk, R&B, new wave, synthpop, and psychedelia, playing a key role in shaping the Minneapolis sound. By the time they disbanded in 1986, The Revolution had supported Prince on two studio albums, two film soundtracks, and two video projects.

Making their first appearance on 1999 (1982), The Revolution achieved worldwide recognition with Purple Rain (1984), which reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received a 13× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Their follow-up album, Around the World in a Day (1985), also topped the Billboard 200. The band earned six top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including three chart-toppers: "Let's Go Crazy," "When Doves Cry," and "Kiss."

Following the conclusion of the Hit n Run – Parade Tour, which promoted Parade, the soundtrack for Under the Cherry Moon, The Revolution officially dissolved in 1986. After Prince's passing in 2016, the group announced plans for reunion performances. Over their career, The Revolution secured three Grammy Awards.

The pre-Revolution

When assembling his backing band after releasing his debut album, Prince drew inspiration from artists like Sly Stone to form a diverse ensemble featuring both male and female musicians. The original roster comprised:

Though unnamed at first, Prince experimented with this group under the side project name The Rebels, recording tracks in 1979 while in Colorado. Lead vocal duties rotated among Cymone, Dickerson, and Chapman. Although this project was ultimately shelved, two songs were later revisited: "You" was transformed into "U" for Paula Abdul's 1991 album Spellbound, and "If I Love U 2 Nite" was recorded by both Mica Paris and Prince’s future spouse, Mayte Garcia.

Following the Prince Tour, changes occurred within the lineup. Gayle Chapman departed in 1980 to pursue further musical development and was succeeded by Lisa Coleman. After the completion of the Dirty Mind Tour, bassist André Cymone left due to creative disagreements and feeling unacknowledged; he later alleged that Prince appropriated his concepts for use with the Time. Mark Brown replaced Cymone and was renamed Brownmark by Prince. Lisa Coleman became commonly known simply as Lisa, while Matt Fink adopted the stage name "Doctor Fink," changing his image from a prison jumpsuit to surgical attire.

Between 1982 and 1983, the nearly finalized lineup recognized as The Revolution consisted of:

On Prince’s fifth album 1999, the phrase "and the Revolution" appeared reversed on its cover. Prince hesitated to officially name the band partly due to Dez Dickerson’s uncertainty about remaining with the group. After completing the 1999 Tour, Dickerson exited for religious reasons and was replaced by Lisa Coleman’s childhood friend Wendy Melvoin. Despite Dickerson’s departure, Prince honored his contract. Wendy and Lisa rapidly developed a strong creative bond with Prince, profoundly shaping his evolving sound by integrating rock, pop, and classical influences beyond his earlier R&B and funk foundation.

Purple Rain (1984–1985)

The most commercially successful album by Prince and The Revolution, Purple Rain, was produced by the group and ascended to the top position on the Billboard 200 chart, overtaking Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A.. Released in June 1984, the album included hit singles such as "When Doves Cry", "Let's Go Crazy", "Purple Rain", "I Would Die 4 U", and "Take Me with U". Each single was accompanied by music videos that featured footage from the film and all entered the Billboard Hot 100; notably, the first four singles reached the top 10, with "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy" both achieving number one status.[1] Among these, "When Doves Cry" stood out as the most triumphant single, topping not only the Hot 100 but also Dance and R&B charts.[1]

The album’s title song earned two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Instrumental Composition Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television.[1] Spending a remarkable 24 weeks at number one, the album received certifications of thirteen times platinum in the United States, six times platinum in Canada, and double platinum in the United Kingdom.[2][3][4] This release marked The Revolution's official debut as a band.[5] The lineup at that time consisted of:

Expansion (1985–1986)

The Revolution remained active throughout the 1986 Hit n Run – Parade Tour. In 1985, members from the soon-to-disband R&B/pop ensemble The Family, which included former artists from The Time, were incorporated into The Revolution alongside musicians from Sheila E.'s band. This augmented "Counter-Revolution" lineup featured:

Throughout the Parade Tour, this expanded formation integrated horn sections and jazz-inspired arrangements drawn from their album.

Unreleased Revolution album

Dream Factory was a double LP project recorded by Prince and The Revolution in 1986 but never officially released. Following The Revolution’s disbandment, the material evolved into what became Sign o' the Times. Of all tracks on the final album, only "It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night" featured contributions from the entire band. This particular song was captured live on August 25, 1986, during the Parade Tour performance in Paris, with subsequent overdubs and mixing completed later that year at Sunset Sound studios in Hollywood.

Dissolution

Conflicts intensified when Prince introduced new musicians, marginalizing the original members of The Revolution. In a 2017 interview, Wendy Melvoin recounted how Prince rehearsed with fresh talent while excluding The Revolution. Brownmark, Wendy, and Lisa contemplated leaving; although Prince convinced them to remain for a short time, he offered Brownmark only $3,000 per week—a comparatively low sum against other touring groups. Brownmark turned down a more profitable opportunity to tour with Stevie Nicks. The band's conclusion was symbolized by Prince smashing his guitars after the final concert of the tour in Yokohama, Japan.

After concluding the Parade Tour in October 1986, Prince dismissed Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman due to personal issues involving Susannah Melvoin. Subsequently, Wendy & Lisa formed a duo prioritizing their artistic independence. Following her split with Prince, Susannah also departed and briefly joined Wendy & Lisa as a backup vocalist.

Prince replaced drummer Bobby Z. with Sheila E.; however, Bobby Z. remained under contract and on payroll for several years, releasing a solo album in 1989. Although Brownmark was invited to continue, he resigned out of loyalty to his former colleagues and dissatisfaction with the band's evolving sound under Prince.

Matt Fink stayed until 1991 but exited after missing two Rock in Rio performances owing to other obligations; Tommy Barbarella succeeded him. Fink later transitioned into composing for video games and music production, delaying his solo releases until 2001, unlike his bandmates.

Reunions

In 2000, Prince celebrated with a concert in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, inviting former Revolution members Dr. Fink, Bobby Z., and Brown Mark to perform together on the track "America".

On December 13, 2003, Sheila E. spearheaded the inaugural Family Jamm charity event featuring several of Prince’s protégés, including the full Revolution lineup (excluding Prince). They delivered six songs such as "Mountains", "Purple Rain", and "Baby I'm a Star". In 2004, Wendy Melvoin joined Prince on PBS's The Tavis Smiley Show to perform "Reflection" from Musicology live.

At the 2006 BRIT Awards, a reassembled Revolution accompanied Prince along with Wendy, Lisa, Sheila E., and former New Power Generation member Morris Hayes. Their set included selections from Prince’s 3121 such as "Te Amo Corazón" and "Fury", alongside classics like "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy". Sheila E. contributed drums on "Purple Rain" and percussion on other numbers.

On February 19, 2012, The Revolution reunited without Prince for a benefit show at Minneapolis's First Avenue, famous as the filming site of the Purple Rain movie.

Following Prince’s passing on April 21, 2016, The Revolution declared their comeback as a band. , they continue performing Prince’s catalog live.[6][7]

Personnel

Current lineup
  • Bobby Z. – drums and percussion (1979–1986, 2012, 2016–present)
  • Matt Fink – keyboards, synthesizers, vocals (1979–1986, 2012, 2016–present; remained with Prince until the Nude Tour)
  • Lisa Coleman – keyboards, synthesizers, vocals (1980–1986, 2012, 2016–present)
  • Brown Mark – bass guitar, vocals (1981–1986, 2012, 2016–present)
  • Wendy Melvoin – guitar, vocals (1983–1986, 2012, 2016–present)
Past members
  • Prince – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums (1979–1986; deceased in 2016)
  • Dez Dickerson – lead guitar, backing vocals (1979–1983)
  • André Cymone – bass guitar, backing vocals (1979–1981)
  • Gayle Chapman – keyboards and vocals (1979–1980)
  • Miko Weaver – rhythm guitar (1985–1986; stayed with Prince through the Nude Tour)
  • Eric Leeds – saxophone (1985–1986; continued collaboration with Prince on Graffiti Bridge and guest spot on "Gett Off")
  • Matt "Atlanta Bliss" Blistan – trumpet (1985–1986; worked with Prince during Graffiti Bridge)
  • Susannah Melvoin – backing vocals (1985–1986)
  • Jerome Benton – dancer and vocals (1985–1986)
  • Wally Safford – dancer and vocals (1985–1986; collaborated with Prince during Sign o' the Times)
  • Greg Brooks – dancer and vocals (1985–1986; participated with Prince during Sign o' the Times)

Honors and awards

The Revolution was honored with a star on the exterior mural of Minneapolis’s First Avenue, a venue that acknowledges performers who have sold out shows or made notable cultural impacts there.[8] This recognition is considered among the highest public accolades for artists in Minneapolis.[9] Their star is located directly beside Prince’s own on the mural.

Studio albums

Year Album information Highest chart rankings Certifications
US AUS AUT CAN GER NLD NOR SWE SWI UK CAN UK US
1982 1999
  • Released October 27, 1982
  • Label: Warner Bros.
 35 | — | 23 | — | 45 | — | — | 51 | 28 | Platinum | Platinum | 4× Platinum; WW: 6.5 million
1985 Around the World in a Day
  • Released April 22, 1985
  • Label: Warner Bros.
 12 | 7 | 16 | 10 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 5 | — | Gold | 2× Platinum; WW: 7.0 million

Soundtrack albums

Year Album information Highest chart rankings Sales certifications
US AUS AUT CAN GER NLD NOR SWE SWI UK CAN UK US
1984 Purple Rain
  • Release date: June 25, 1984
  • Label: Warner Bros.
 1 1 8 1 5 1 4 3 7 4 6× Platinum 2× Platinum 13× Platinum; Worldwide sales: 22–25 million
1986 Parade
  • Release date: March 31, 1986
  • Label: Warner Bros.
 3 8 7 11 6 1 10 5 2 4 Platinum Platinum; Worldwide sales: 4 million

Singles

Year Title Highest chart positions Album association
US
Billboard Hot 100 		US
R&B 		US
Dance 		AUS AUT GER NLD NOR SWE SWI UK
1982 "1999" 12 4 1 2 - - 14 - - - 2 1999

-

"1983" "Little Red Corvette" "6" "15" "61" "8" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "2"

-

"Delirious" "8" "18" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—"

-

"Let's Pretend We're Married" (US release only) "52" "55" "52" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—" "—"

-

"Irresistible Bitch" colspan=11 align=center | Did not chart in US

-

"Automatic" (Australia exclusive) colspan=11 align=center | Did not chart

- rowspan=8 | 1984

"When Doves Cry" / "1" |"1" |"1" |19 |16 |6 |10 |18 |17 |4 |Purple Rain

-

"17 Days" colspan=11 align=center | Released as a non-album single

-

"Let's Go Crazy" / "1" |"1" |10 | — | — |11 | — | — | — |7 |Purple Rain

-

"Erotic City" colspan=11 align=center | Non-album single release

-

"Purple Rain" "4" | — |41 |4 |5 |1 |5 |5 |4 |6 |rowspan=2 valign=top Purple Rain

-

"I Would Die 4 U" / "11" |50 |96 | — | — |7 | — | — | — |

-

"Another Lonely Christmas" (B-side) colspan=11 align=center | Non-album single release

-

"Take Me with U" (featuring Apollonia Kotero) 40 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | "7" 'Purple Rain'

- rowspan=6 1985

'Paisley Park' colspan=3 align=center 38 colspan=7 align=center 18 rowspan=3 valign=top Around the World in a Day

-

'Raspberry Beret' '3' |'4' |'13' '35' — — — '25'

-

'Pop Life' / '8' |'5' |'67' '65' — — — '60'

-

'Hello' colspan=11 align=center Issued as a non-album single

-

'America' / '35' |'31' — — — — — — — —

-'Around the World in a Day'

-

'Girl' colspan=11 align=center Non-album single release

- rowspan=5 1986

'Kiss'

/ "1"/ "1"/ "1"/ "2"/ "8"/ "4"/ —/ "10"/ "16"/ "3"/ "6"/ Parade

-

'♥ or $' colspan=11 align=center Issued as non-album single

-

'Mountains' '23'/ '15'/ '11'/ '45'/ —/ '32'/ —/ —/ —/ —/ '45'/ Parade

-

'Anotherloverholenyohead'

/ '63'/ '18'/ '21'/ —/ —/ —/ —/ —/ —/ —/ '36'

-

'Girls & Boys' colspan=11 align=center From Parade


Video albums

Year Album information Highest chart rankings Certifications
US AUS AUT CAN GER NLD NOR SWE SWI UK CAN UK US
1984 Purple Rain
  • Release date: December 14, 1984
  • Record label: Warner Bros. Records
 1 — — — — — — — — —
1985 Prince and the Revolution: Live
  • Release date: March 6, 1985
  • Record label: Warner Bros. Records
 1 — — — — — — — — — 2× Platinum


Tours

See also

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named allmusic
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named RIAA
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CRIA
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named BPI
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named RSM
  6. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/princes-the-revolution-memorial-tour-7767723/
  7. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/purple-rain-prince-the-revolution-first-avenue-1235715843/
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named FirstAveStars
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MSPMag2019
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