What Was It Really Like to Perform with Prince? Dr Fink and Bobby Z Spill the Secrets

For many musicians, the chance to perform with Prince was a dream come true. But what was it really like to play on stage with the legendary artist, especially during the height of his fame in the 1980s? In a recent interview, members of The Revolution—Dr. Matt “Dr.” Fink (keyboardist) and Bobby Z (drummer)—shed light on the intense and sometimes surreal experience of performing with one of the greatest musical talents the world has ever known.

The Pressure of Perfection

Prince was known for being a perfectionist, and his standards were incredibly high. Dr. Fink recalls the stress of ensuring everything was flawless: “We had to be prepared. You know, do your homework, listen to the songs at home as much as possible, and be ready to play them perfectly.” The band had to know every song inside and out, and if any member came unprepared, they would face consequences. Fink remembers a particularly tense rehearsal where Prince dismissed the band and made him practice alone while everyone else took a break.

Bobby Z also reflects on the intensity of rehearsals, likening it to a professional sports team: “You arrive at his time, and you leave when he’s done. There’s no schedule. Any day could be long or short, at his whim.” The rehearsals were demanding, but the rewards were undeniable. Prince’s creative vision would sometimes change on the fly, and the band had to be flexible. “If there was a new transition or a new song in the set, you’d have to play it that evening,” says Fink.

The Loudness Factor

One thing that stood out to everyone who played with Prince was the sheer volume of his live performances. Bobby Z recalls, “Prince liked it loud on stage… your head would be vibrating after those shows. Your body and your mind were shaken to the core.” And it wasn’t just the loudness of the music that made the concerts unforgettable. The physicality of playing in such an intense environment was unmatched. Fink adds, “Your ears would ring on the pillow. It was that loud.”

The Complexity of Prince’s Live Shows

Performing Prince’s music live was no easy task, especially in the 1985 concert at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, which was broadcast live across Europe and later released as Prince and The Revolution: Live. “It was nerve-wracking because we had to be on top form for the show,” Fink admits. The acoustics of large venues made playing even more challenging, as the “slapback echo” of the drums was hard to manage. “It was difficult to judge,” says Fink. “At soundcheck, the drums were just flying back at you out of time.”

Despite these challenges, both Fink and Bobby Z agree that they managed to pull off an incredible show. “We really pulled it off well,” says Fink, proud of their performance.

Changing Arrangements and the ‘Prince Factor’

Prince was notorious for changing things up at the last minute, and the band had to be ready to adjust on the fly. “Strictly day of show,” says Fink. “You’d learn a new song or arrangement at soundcheck, and you’d have to play it that night.” These on-the-fly changes added an extra layer of complexity to an already high-pressure environment. Bobby Z describes it as a “high-wire act without a safety net,” where you never knew what might happen next.

One of the more memorable experiences was playing “Baby I’m A Star,” which Bobby Z calls the “thing of nightmares.” He laughs, recalling how Prince would sometimes play “Simon Says” with the band, adding an element of surprise and intensity that kept everyone on their toes.

The Role of Technology

In 1985, music technology was nowhere near as advanced as it is today. This made bringing Prince’s more experimental studio sounds to life on stage a challenge. Bobby Z remembers “Darling Nikki” as one of his biggest nightmares, given the technical aspects of the song. “It was like early rocket ships to the moon or something,” he quips.

At the time, Prince had embraced the LinnDrum machine, which was revolutionizing music production. Bobby Z had to adapt quickly to playing both acoustic drums and the new electronic technology. “You start off playing acoustic drums, but then you’re caught in history,” he says. The solution was a custom system where acoustic guitar mics inside the drums triggered the sounds of the LinnDrum. It was an innovative solution that allowed the band to seamlessly integrate electronic sounds into their live performances.

The Legacy of Prince’s Live Performances

Ultimately, the experience of performing with Prince was one of constant challenge and growth. As Bobby Z puts it, “You had to rise to his level… emotionally and spiritually.” The Revolution was always pushing their boundaries, and the results spoke for themselves. Their performances, especially during the Purple Rain era, are legendary for their energy, precision, and the raw power of Prince’s live shows.

Today, the concert at the Carrier Dome and others from that iconic tour are available for fans to relive, thanks to the newly remixed Prince and The Revolution: Live album. This 3-LP set, available in various formats, lets fans experience what it was like to be part of one of the most electrifying live acts in music history.

For Dr. Fink and Bobby Z, the memory of those performances will always be with them. “It was hard, but it was worth it,” says Fink. “And we really pulled it off well.” For anyone lucky enough to have seen Prince and The Revolution live, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.