Ahead of the publication of his Prince biography, in part 2 of this exclusive interview, former editor of Smash Hits and Q magazine John McKie talks to Sam about the mythology of the artist, his recordings, his concerts, and ultimately his legacy.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Show Notes

Former editor of Smash Hits and Q magazine John McKie conducted over 200 interviews to create a biography of Prince. He talks to Sam Bleazard about his extensive new book, but also the recent IMAX release of Prince's most famous concert movie.

John McKie is the former editor of Smash Hits and Q Magazine in the UK, with a background in journalism. Having first seen Prince live in 1990 on the Nude Tour, he wrote about the album Sign O The Times for the BBC, shortly after the artist passed away.

Following a chance conversation with one of his peers during lockdown, he decided to write a biography about Prince. That was 5 years ago, and now, over 200 interviews later, he is due to publish Prince: A Sign Of The Times, in September 2025.

This is part 2 of an exclusive interview, to celebrate the publication of John's book.

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Celebrating our 5th Anniversary Pt 1: Those who knew Prince in the late 1970s, from school days through to early band try outs in Minneapolis...we spoke to his first Manager, band members, but also writers who studied this crucial period. Essential.

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