Rare cassette of Prince’s ‘The Black Album’ from 1987 is up for auction
Most of the original copies were destroyed
A rare cassette tape of Prince's ‘The Black Album’ has just been put up for auction. Prince left his mark on the world with an incredible music career spanning 40 years, filled with amazing songs and unbelievable performances. With his timeless hits like 'Purple Rain', 'Raspberry Beret' and 'Gold', his music is still just as popular today.
The album was originally meant to be released in 1987, but at the last minute Price decided to recall and destroy it as he thought the album was 'evil'. However, it was later released in 1994. The version of the album which is now up for auction is a promotional cassette from 1987, and it includes an album sleeve from the same time.
The album sleeve is solid black on both sides, and is described as being in 'overall fine condition', however the record is not included. The items are available to bid on until 12th January, with the current highest bid at $3,384 (£2,500). You can view the auction page here.
In 1987, Warner Bros. attempted to destroy all 500,000 copies of the album which was produced on vinyl, CD and cassette, meaning very few copies survived. According to the auction website: 'To our knowledge, this is the only UK album cover proof and the only UK promo cassette tape of The Black Album in existence.'
The album sleeve and cassette come with a detailed letter from the previous owner, who worked as a music buyer for a large retailer in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s. Part of the letter explains how they came to own these items: 'The label would often…leave me with a record, cassette, or CD (in the 80’s this was invariably a pre-release record or cassette…) together with album artwork and any supporting materials…The Prince Black album cassette and the accompanying sleeve almost certainly came through this route.'
Here are some of Prince's most incredible outfits:
1970
Performing in a typically extravagant matching jacket and trousers set.
1985
Wearing a sequinned paisley jacket and trousers performing at the Hollywood Palace to promote the opening of his film 'Purple Rain'.
1985
A white, sheer bodysuit, complete with ruffles, for his performance at the Fabulous Forum in California.
1988
Wearing polka dot co-ords while performing in Philadelphia.
1993
Prince performs at Radio City Music Hall donning a stripy waistcoat.
2005
Prince performs onstage in LA wearing a two-toned shirt and a bright yellow guitar.
2005
Matching with wife Manuela Testolini at the pre-Grammys party.
2006
Colour clashing while performing at the American Idol Season 5 finale.
2006
A tailored pinstripe assemble as he accepts the Male R&B Award onstage at the BET Awards.
2007
Wearing a sharp white suit at the Grammy Awards.
2007
Cool blue suit and an even cooler guitar for a performance at the Super Bowl.
2012
Prince performs with singer Mary J. Blige on-stage with matchy prints and solid gold glasses.
2015
Prince onstage during The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, making head-to-toe orange metallics cool.
Fans got the chance to hear some new Prince music last year when it was released by his estate. In October 2021, as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations for Prince's fourth album ‘Controversy’ a previously unheard demo of the song 'Do Me, Baby’ was released.
We also got to hear his incredible ‘Welcome 2 America’ album which was thought to be lost, when it was released in July 2021.
Now Read:
10 of Prince's must-see performances
Prince: The icon's fashion through the years
Prince: The pop star who gave us hits such as 'Purple Rain' and 'Raspberry Beret'