Downtown Los Angeles was painted purple with love for the late music legend Prince Thursday night (May 6) at L.A. City Hall when stars like Stevie Wonder, Eric Benet, Aloe Blacc, Faith Evans, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Deitrick Haddon saluted the fallen star.
Eric Benet performed a cover of Prince’s “Wanna Be Your Lover” and “Raspberry Beret” with Haddon. Benet told USA TODAY, “There’s all this love out there for him. I know Prince is probably sitting on top of that building right now, we can’t see him, but he’s looking down and he’s like, ‘I’m feeling y’all for this.’”
Blacc changed the lyrics to his song “The Man” to “he’s the man” in reference to Prince, and also thanked Prince for paving the way for him. Blacc also performed his version of “Diamonds and Pearls”, the video which was filmed at L.A. City Hall.
Stevie Wonder appeared for a rousing rendition of “Purple Rain” with the rest of the performers at the end of the three-hour-long tribute.
One of the event organizers, council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson, mentioned Prince’s love for the city. “We know the City of Angels is where he found his wings,” he told the crowd. White doves were released to his hit song “When Doves Cry”.
Before taking the stage, DJ Adam 12 (who worked with Prince for 20 years at L.A. nightclub Glam Slam) told USA TODAY, “It’s an emotional evening. Everybody has different beliefs in the universe and religion. Whatever the higher power is that you believe in, reached down and touched Prince. He was the most talented, beautiful, special human being I think ever born. He touched a lot of people.”
Peep some clips of the elaborate event below:
.@EBenet wants to be your lover #prince #tribute #LA pic.twitter.com/ZLfHbpoWqZ
— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) May 7, 2016
.@BJTHECHICAGOKID performs at the LA #Prince memorial concert pic.twitter.com/TkN8CMtwh4
— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) May 7, 2016
The #Prince memorial concert finale was #PurpleRain with Stevie Wonder pic.twitter.com/rGDySWHPUM
— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) May 7, 2016
Stevie Wonder is here! He helped sing Purple Rain to close out the #Prince memorial concert in LA pic.twitter.com/bdbzROEhI9
— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) May 7, 2016
.@aloeblacc singing about #Prince: “He’s the man” pic.twitter.com/J5eWKsbbO6
— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) May 7, 2016
In other Prince news, the family of the singer said despite reports, no proper memorial service has been held for their loved one, and he has not yet been laid to rest, but they’re planning on a public memorial soon. They explain in a statement obtained by PEOPLE:
“We would like everyone to know that, contrary to previous and current reports, there has been no memorial, funeral or tribute service for Prince that was organized or authorized by the family or Paisley Park representatives. Together, the family is planning an official memorial service and public event to take place in the near future. Prince and his music influenced so many people that we feel inspired to celebrate his life and legacy in just the right way. We appreciate the public’s patience and have been comforted by your outpouring of love, support and condolences. We look forward to sharing with the world this celebration of, and farewell to, our Prince. Details will be coming soon.”
