Beginning at 11:00 PM on Thursday evening, the First Avenue nightclub — made famous as the location where most of Purple Rain was filmed — hosted a free and impromptu all-night dance party to honor the artist.
— Tamer Yazar (@tameryazar) April 22, 2016
“Our hearts are broken,” a post on the venue’s Facebook page stated. “Prince was the Patron Saint of First Avenue. He grew up on this stage, and then commanded it, and he united our city. … Rest in peace and power Prince."
— Tim Hudson (@timhudsonpr) April 22, 2016
Approximately 1,500 fans gathered at the venue, which was lit with glowing purple lighting. Shortly after midnight, the entire room sang “Purple Rain” together, at the top of their lungs. The party then continued until after six in the morning.
Earlier in the evening, a tribute concert was held in downtown Minneapolis, and the Interstate 35W and Lowry Avenue bridges in the city were lit purple. Even retail giant Target washed their downtown headquarters in purple light.— Briana (@BrianaMpls) April 22, 2016
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) April 22, 2016
Other tributes popped up across the nation, and the globe, as fans reacted to the news.
— Sbacon1999 (@sbacon1999) April 22, 2016
On Sunday, Minneapolis’ City Hall’s bell tower is scheduled to play Prince songs starting at 1:00 PM.
Prince, at 57-years-old, was found dead in his Paisley Park compound just outside Minneapolis on Thursday morning. An autopsy to determine his cause of death was scheduled to begin on Friday.
