The Revolution

The Revolution

Overview

The Revolution is a band assembled by Prince in 1983, although an earlier form of the same band existed since 1979 (see Early Prince Band) and toured with him from 1979 to 1983. The name "The Revolution" first appeared on the cover of 1999, written in reverse (as a mirror message) underneath Prince's name. The departure of Dez Dickerson from Prince's band and his replacement with Wendy Melvoin marks "The Revolution" foundation. Although it took until the Purple Rain album for the Revolution to first be named as such. For the next four years not only the band was Prince's backing band but he credited it on three albums.

The band never evolved as an entity of its own, but its members have been an essential resource for Prince, who not only encouraged common efforts in studio sessions, but also gave the band full credits on records. Particularly, Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman were delegated many composing tasks, and have played a major influence in his input of the 80's.

In 1986, Prince disbands The Revolution and most of its members are taken of the retainer. Dr. Fink, as well as Miko Weaver an additional guitarist on the Parade Tour are asked to stay, while Prince starts to form a new band around Sheila E. (see The 87-89 Band).

Original Line-up

• Wendy Melvoin: Guitar
• Brown Mark: Bass
• Bobby Z.: Drums
• Dr. Fink: Keyboards
• Lisa Coleman: Keyboards

Additional Band Members

• Eric Leeds: saxophone

Personnel

• Making of 2nd line-up

After Dez Dickerson leaves the band to pursue a solo career, Prince hires Wendy Melvoin a long time friend of keyboardist Lisa Coleman. Melvoin publically debuts with the band on August 3rd, 1983.

• Band members additions

Eric Leeds joins the Revolution as saxophone player for the band's performance in Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium on February 26, 1985 for the Grammy Awards. He then remains with the band until the end of the Purple Rain Tour. He had played as guest on the same tour with the band in November 1984.

1986 Line-up

• Wendy Melvoin: Guitar
• Brown Mark: Bass
• Bobby Z.: Drums
• Dr Fink: Keyboards
• Lisa Coleman: Keyboards

Additional Band Members

• Eric Leeds: saxophone
• Atlanta Bliss: trumpet
• Miko Weaver: guitar
• Jerome Benton: dance, vox
• Greg Brooks: dance
• Wally Safford: dance

Personnel

Trumpet player Matt Blistan is enlisted on Eric Leeds advice, to complete the horns sections on stage. Miko Weaver is enrolled from Sheila E.'s band. He had frequently guested onstage on the Purple Rain Tour as a Sheila E.-band member on Baby I'm A Star jam. A second guitar player enabled Prince to give up the guitar more frequently, in order to focus on dance and vocals.

The back up dancers * Jerome Benton, Greg Brooks, Wally Safford were added as a show element. Brooks & Safford were former security guasrds and often appeared on stage for the Purple Rain tour show finales. Jerome Benton formerly 'valet' in The Time and later in The Family was co-star in Under The Cherry Moon.

Studio Work

To be completed.

Discography

• With Prince

The Revolution as a band have contributed to the following releases:

Albums

1984 Purple Rain

1985 Around The World In A Day

1986 Parade

Singles

Year	Song	US Hot 100	US Dance	US R&B	Album
1984	Let's Go Crazy				Purple Rain
1984	Purple Rain				Purple Rain
1984	I Would Die 4 U				Purple Rain
1985	Take Me With U				Purple Rain
1985	Raspberry Beret				Around The World In A Day
1985	Paisley Park				Around The World In A Day
1985	Pop Life				Around The World In A Day
1985	America				Around The World In A Day
1986	Kiss				Parade
1986	Mountains				Parade
1986	Anotherloverholenyohead				Parade
1986	Girls & Boys				Parade

Live Performances

• As Prince's band
  

Debut appearance as The Revolution

3 Aug. 1983 Minneapolis, First Avenue

Original line up

Purple Rain Tour

1986 Line up

Parade Tour

Reference