Report: Prince Tribute Show Set For U.K. May Be In Legal Danger

'Purple Rain': Clouds Form On U.K. Production

An upcoming WEST END production and U.K. tour of "Purple Rain," a PRINCE tribute show, has drawn the attention of PRINCE's Estate, according to BROADWAYWORLD.COM. 

While the show is being deemed as a "live musical celebration of PRINCE," it has not been authorized by the PRINCE Estate.

TROY CARTER, the SPOTIFY exec who advises the PRINCE Estate, told the BBC, "Neither PRINCE's family nor the estate have given permission to use his name, likeness, or music catalog for this event, This is a blatant attempt to deceive fans into thinking they're seeing a 'Purple Rain' musical on the WEST END, when it's only a cover band playing PRINCE's songs. We're currently weighing our legal options and look forward to bringing the real 'Purple Rain' to the stage in the near future."

The show, directed by GARY LLOYD, director of the hit WEST END production, "Thriller Live," was to feature a 26 musicians, singers and dancers "who will bring the late PRIJNCE's music to life for an unforgettable evening that showcases his songwriting genius and pays homage to his imagination and showmanship," according to press materials.

Producers ADAM SPIEGEL, MARK GOUCHER and CLAIRE-BRIDGET KENWRIGHT defended the tour: "There is no intention to deceive fans. The production will be a live music and dance celebration of an iconic artist's work."

While the show's future is in doubt, performers are free to cover PRINCE's music without seeking permission, as long as those who hold the rights to his music receive performance royalties, and the presentation doesn't follow a narrative or use the artist's image or likeness to advertise it.

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