Prince was perhaps one of the most accomplished, innovative and prolific artists of the last century. Through his seemingly limitless talent and electrifying performances, he transcended every genre and pushed every norm. With a catalogue of 40 studio albums, multiple film scores, not to mention a wealth of unreleased material, Prince’s musical legacy is staggering.
But his story is also one of inescapable contradictions. Offstage, he was softly-spoken and private - a stark contrast to the flamboyant, over-the-top artist audiences witnessed on stage. Though known for his unabashed sexuality and explicit lyrics, he espoused strict religious beliefs and even enforced a swear jar to discourage profanities around him. And despite his lifelong public shunning of any drugs or alcohol, Prince tragically passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016 - leaving the world in disbelief.
Sam Parker - CEO and Co-Founder of Attune - returns for the first time this season to tell the story of Prince Rogers Nelson, a complex genius on a relentless search for perfection. With an empathetic approach shaped by her experience as a mental health practitioner, coach and former artist manager, she explores the man behind the purple icon - and the forces that may have contributed to his shocking and devastating death.
This week’s ‘One for the Road’ as chosen by Sam comes from The Artist himself. ‘The Beautiful Ones’ is Prince’s sadly unfinished autobiography - an intimate and illuminating memoir full of previously unseen photos and handwritten notes. You can find it here: https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-beautiful-ones-prince
Content Warnings: baby loss, miscarriage, substance use, addiction, overdose
IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast
Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries.
You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/
Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune
and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/
Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard
Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/
Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB
This is a Message Heard Production.
Producer and Editor - Emma Werner
Senior Producer - Harry Stott
Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari
Videographer - Ethan Judd
Audio and Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews
Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean
Filmed at ID Studios
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Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records.
Check out their podcast ‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’, a deep dive into the legendary label behind some of the most iconic hits of the last 50 years, featuring illuminating interviews with artists such as Bananarama, Allsaints and many more.