Extremely scarce original 8.5 x 11 poster for Prince’s concert at “Sam’s: A Danceteria” in his hometown Minneapolis on March 9, 1981. This was Prince’s first ever live show at the iconic nightclub that was renamed 'First Avenue & 7th St Entry' later that same year on New Year’s Eve. First Avenue was featured in Prince’s film 'Purple Rain.' Bob Dylan attended this show and requested to meet Prince afterwards; however, Prince reportedly declined.
Originally a 1930s-era Greyhound bus station, the 'First Avenue' nightclub was called 'Uncle Sam’s' from 1972 to 1979, until it dropped the 'uncle' and just became 'Sam’s: A Danceteria' from 1979-1981. During the 1980s, First Avenue became a landmark in the entertainment industry, playing a seminal role in the ‘80s formation of the 'Minneapolis Sound' and the local venue most associated with the hometown musical genius, Prince, who performed at First Avenue nine times during his career, in addition to the filming of 'Purple Rain' in late 1983.
This particular show was the opening date of the second leg of Prince’s Dirty Mind tour. Paid $2500 plus a percentage of the gate (tickets cost only $6.50), Prince played a 95-minute set, including the first live performance of the unreleased 'Everybody Dance' as an encore. This gorgeous 'Dirty-Mind era black-and-ivory (off-white) poster depicts Prince shirtless with a bandana around his neck. It has three tiny corner pin holes, but is otherwise in fine condition. Early Prince concert posters like this one are extraordinarily scarce—and one that marks Prince’s first performance at the iconic nightclub that later became First Avenue is a true collection’s dream. The poster has been cherished and carefully preserved for 30+ years by an early Minneapolis-based collector.
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