BPI comment and facts & figures on BRIT Awards and Platinum, Gold & Silver Certifications

London, 22nd April 2016 – It was with profound sadness that the BPI learned of the death of Prince.  The BPI offers the following comment along with its sincere condolences to his family, friends and to his legions of devoted fans: 

“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 skilfully 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."   

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards:

Prince and the BRIT Awards

Prince was presented with 5 BRIT Awards between 1985 and 1996 (either in the Best International Male or International Solo Artist categories) – in 1985, 1992, 1993, 1995 & 1996.

Prince was nominated for a BRIT Award a total of 11 times – 10 times in the Best International Male or International Solo Artist categories:  in 1985 (as Prince & The Revolution), 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997 – the last three of those as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.  Prince also received a BRITs nomination in 1990 for Best Music Video for Batdance.

Prince performed twice at the BRIT Awards – in 2006, when he played a medley of songs: Ti Amo Corazon, Fury, Purple Rain and Let’s Go Crazy, and then again in 1997, when he performed Emancipation.

Prince’s final appearance at the BRIT Awards was in 2014, hosted by James Corden at London’s O2 Arena, when, along with 3rd Eye Girl, he presented the award for British Female to Ellie Goulding. 

Prince and BPI Certified Platinum, Gold & Silver Awards

The BPI certified a total of 4 Prince singles and 21 albums:

Singles:

Silver:                     When Doves Cry

Purple Rain

Batdance

1999

Albums:

3x Platinum:         Diamonds and Pearls

2x Platinum:         Purple Rain

Very Best Of

Platinum:              Lovesexy

Batman

Sign ‘O’ The Times

Parade OST

Symbol

The Hits 1

The Hits 2

1999

Ultimate

Gold:                      Around The World In A Day

Graffiti Bridge

Come

The Gold Experience

Musicology

The Hits/The B-Sides

Controversy

Silver:                     3121

Prince

ENDS –

ENQUIRIES         

Gennaro Castaldo            gennaro.castaldo@bpi.co.uk      +44 (0)207 803 1326 / +44 (0)7801 194 139