Single: Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)

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Doitallnight single.jpg 1981: Do It All Night All Singles All Related Artists Singles 1981: Controversy Controversy single.jpg
Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)

Gottastopmessinabout single.jpg

Single details


Released: 29 May 1981 (U.K.)
Related album: None
Label(s): Warner Bros.
Non-Album track(s):

Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) (2:54)

Charts, Certifications & Awards


Charts
This single has not charted in the United Kingdom
Certifications
This single has not received any certifications in the United Kingdom
Awards
This single has not received any awards in the United Kingdom

See also


    

Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) was a stand-alone single by Prince, commercially available only in the UK.

Although the b-sides Uptown and Head were from his most recent album Dirty Mind, the title track was previously unreleased, and was not available on any album until 1993’s The B-Sides collection (the track was later included as the b-side on the 12" single of Let’s Work in the US).

The single was re-released a few weeks later, with Uptown replaced by I Wanna Be Your Lover.

Of note is that a press release prior to the single’s release states that Uptown would be the a-side, with I Wanna Be Your Lover as the b-side (and Head on the 12"), indicating that the change to the format (and single title) took place shortly prior to production and release.

The single did not enter the charts.


Track listing
7" 12"

A. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) (2:54)
B. Uptown (Edit) (4:09)

  • Cat #: UK: K 17819


7" Reissue

A. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) (2:54)
B. I Wanna Be Your Lover (Edit) (2:57)

  • Cat #: UK: K 17819

A. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) (2:54)
B1. Uptown (5:30)
B2. Head (4:38)

  • Cat #: UK: LV 47


12" Reissue

A. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) (2:54)
B1. I Wanna Be Your Lover (5:47)
B2. Head (4:38)

  • Cat #: UK: LV 47
  • See individual tracks and related albums for credits.

Other Formats
12" Promo Cassette
  • (US: PRO-A-937)

A1. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) (2:54)
A2. Partyup (4:24)
B1. Head (4:40)
B2. When You Were Mine (3:44)
B3. Uptown (5:30)

This record wasn’t issued on cassette format.

This record wasn’t issued on any other format (CD, Digital).


Releases
7", 12", CD, Cassettes and Other versions
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2

UK 7" K 17819 1st release center center center center

Variants, Special Editions and Reissues
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2

None

 

 

 
Additional Information

Promotion (at time of release) Triva

  • This single was released by WEA to coincide with Prince one date at London’s Lyceum on 2 June 1980.
  • The press release by Tony Brainsby Publicity LTD. was released before the change in a-side, so Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) was not mentioned at all:
"Outrageous black American star Prince makes his debut British appearance playing just one date at London’s Lyceum on June 2nd."

"Although 21-year old Prince is only really known in Britain by the music business cognoscenti, in America he is being hailed as the natural successor to such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger. He has received enormous critical acclaim, both for his extravagant live shows, and also for his three albums, on which he wrote, arranged, sung, performed and produced all the material. (He is, in fact, something of a wunderkind, able to play 26 instruments!) The first two LPs "For You" and "Prince" have gone platinum in the U.S. and his most recent "Dirty Mind" is rapidly reaching this status despite receiving no radio airplay owing the risque sexual overtones of the lyrics."

"Prince fronts a five-piece band when performing live, comprising two keyboards, bass, drums and guitar. Stylistically his music breaks down the barriers between soul, funk and hard rock. Of his outrageous stage show, the new York Times said:
"
"Prince sings exclusively in a falsetto voice which he pushes at times to an eerie caterwauling intensity. This style is ideally suited to the theatrical lasciviousness that is central to Prince’s act. On stage, Prince displays an unbridled street eroticism. Wearing black bikini briefs, fringed high-heel boots and black thigh-high stockings, he is sexual license incarnate. But Prince is such a charismatic performer that his stylized salaciousness doesn’t offend. With his sassy grace and precocious musicality he is heir to the defiant rock and roll traditions of Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger."

"To coincide with his British appearance, WER are releasing a single on May 29th entitled "Uptown" c/w "I Wanna be Your Lover". A 12" version in a full colour bag is being released at the same time, featuring an extra track, "Head"."

References
Doitallnight single.jpg 1981
Do It All Night
All Singles All Related Artists Singles 1981
Controversy
Controversy single.jpg