PRINCE MOURNED
BY BRITS

The U.K. is naturally as shocked as the rest of the world at the devastating news of Prince’s passing, and fans are honouring the late star’s legacy through his music, sales of which have propelled eight Warner-released albums into the iTunes Albums Chart.

The Very Best of Prince is at #1, followed by Ultimate at #2, Purple Rain at #3, The Hits/The B-Sides at #4, Sign o’ the Times at #5, Diamonds and Pearls at #7, 1999 at #8 and Parade at #9. On the iTunes Singles Chart, “Purple Rain” is at #1, with “When Doves Cry” at #4, “Raspberry Beret” at #7, and “Kiss” at #8 and #10.

Prince’s influence on the British music industry is far-reaching; he won five BRIT Awards during 1985-96 and was nominated for a gong 11 times, gracing the ceremony with a performance in 1997 and 2006. His final appearance was with 3rdeyegirl to present Ellie Goulding with British Female in 2014; the same year he turned up to play a surprise gig at Camden’s Electric Ballroom after visiting young singer/songwriter Lianne La Havas to play a gig in her sitting room. A total of 21 Prince albums have notched up multi-platinum certifications.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI and BRIT Awards, commented: “Prince was hugely innovative and charismatic, and in resolutely following his individualistic path, he pushed musical boundaries in extraordinary ways to consistently break new ground. He skillfully fused different musical styles to create a unique sound that inspired devotion from fans and influenced a generation of artists. There is no doubting his place in the pantheon of modern music’s greats and we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing."

RIP.