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The band
Prince and Eric Leeds recorded around a dozen instrumental tracks, numbered rather than titled, which were released as two albums: 8 (1987) and 16 (1987). Both featured model Maneca Lightner and a terrier dog on the cover. A third album, 24, was completed in 1988 but never released.
A follow-up, originally planned as 26, eventually became Eric Leeds’ debut solo album Times Squared, with contributions from Levi Seacer, Jr., Sheila E., Larry Fratangelo, Atlanta Bliss, Ricky Peterson, and others.
A re-booted version of the band (Eric Leeds with Michael B. on drums, Sonny T. on bass, Levi Seacer, Jr. on guitar and Prince on various instruments) recorded an album in 1994 again using the title 24, which was shelved, subsequently slightly revised in 1995 and ultimately left unreleased. One track of that project and the only one with a numerical title (17) like all song on previous Madhouse albums got a release on the compilation album 1-800-New Funk.
Live
A live version of the band was made up when Madhouse was slated as a support act on the Sign O’ The Times Tour. The line up of the band comprised Eric Leeds (baritone saxophone), Dr. Fink (keyboards), Levi Seacer, Jr. (bass), and Dale Alexander (drums). Alexander had previously auditioned to be in Prince first band in 1978. Jazz keyboardist Bill Carrothers, who was part of The Family’s live line up for their only concert in 1985, participated in rehearsals for the tour, but ultimately dropped out shortly before the first date. He was replaced at short notice by Matt Fink. The band, all dressed in monk’s habits, played a 20 minute set that comprised The Family’s Mutiny, Two, Three and Six, but occasionally One, Nine and Sixteen were also played. Each song was announced with a scantily clad model holding up a sign with the number of the song to be played. While on tour they also played some one-off shows in clubs.
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