Three items related to Prince’s show-stopping performance at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on September 5, 1991: two original backstage passes, both 4 x 2.5, one green marked “Talent, All Access,” and one red marked “Talent Guest, No Stage,” both annotated in felt tip and ink, “Prince, Heidi” and “Heidi Presnail,” who was in charge of the PRN wardrobe department; and an original 12 x 15 program for the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards, the visually evocative 104-page program lists the finalists in each category, that night's performers (including Prince, Poison, Mariah Carey, and LL Cool J), and features various advertisements from sponsors. The front cover bears an affixed backstage “Crew” pass for Prince’s appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show four nights later on September 9, 1991, which is annotated “Heidi Presnail.” In overall fine condition, with some light wear to program edges. Prince was responsible for perhaps the most memorable moment of the night with his hyper-sexualized performance of 'Gett Off' with The New Power Generation, in which he came out in a yellow 'buttless' jumpsuit.
Prince's former co-manager Jill Willis recalls: ‘This performance and this particular awards show in general is so memorable! Although I had to bring the dancers to executives from MTV's Standards & Practices department for up-close scrutiny of each costume for approval (and yes, there were some modifications made), I actually had no idea what the back of Prince's suit looked like and so his wardrobe was not subject to review or approval. I had actually seen the beautiful yellow suit previously when Stacia Lang popped by my office to show me what he was going to wear after it was finished. She didn't mention the transparent part and it never occurred to me to inspect the suit closely or ask to see the back. But once the show was underway at Universal Amphitheatre, I was backstage and off to the side with a few of the executives from MTV when it was time for Prince and the New Power Generation to walk toward the stage in preparation for his performance. Prince walked past me and I'm sure my jaw dropped. I turned to the VP of MTV Programming and just said, 'I had no idea....' The next day, the image around the world was Prince performing at the MTV Awards. It was an incredibly genius marketing move on his part.’
The Prince Estate is not affiliated, associated, or connected with RR Auction or this auction, nor has it endorsed, authenticated or sponsored the items available for auction. Further, The Prince Estate has not licensed any of its intellectual property to RR Auction.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
