Friday, January 11, 2019

"Doctor!" - Interview with Matt Fink

"He was constantly struggling with what was right and wrong, what was moral or immoral."

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/matt.fink.969

A lot has been written about the cultural makeup of Prince's bands over the years, with journalists often highlighting the Jewish members of the Revolution, Matt "Doctor" Fink and Bobby Z. Rivkin. While those conversations were mostly centered on Prince's approach to image and sound, I've always wondered how the musicians engaged Prince's Christian ideology.

Fink spoke briefly on this at the Prince Lovesexy Symposium last year. I decided to follow up with a phone interview for my book.

"Jews have always been a minority everywhere they go or live," Fink said. "Because we had a lot of Christian friends living in the neighborhood, [my parents] wanted to give the whole Christmas tradition to my brother and I. So when we were growing up, we would celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah at the same time."

But as a child attending synagogue, Fink wasn't taught the concept of Jesus as the Savior of mankind. And he wouldn't have learned that in school. So being exposed to Prince's beliefs was a new experience.

"He, from day one, was very Christian-oriented," Fink said. "He wanted us to do prayer circles before every show, and each prayer was in Jesus's name. ... That felt uncomfortable to me. I didn't know what to think about it."

Prior to becoming a Jehovah's Witness, Prince didn't make a habit of speaking to a lot of people in his inner-circle about religion. "He didn't really talk about his belief system," Fink said. "He just acted on it and just sent that message out there, so all I can do is observe it and try to draw some opinions on it."

Fink shared his thoughts on topics like Prince's conversations with God onstage on the Purple Rain tour and on songs like "Temptation" on the 1985 Around the World in a Day album. He also talked about Prince's spiritual concept albums, 1988's Lovesexy, and 2001's The Rainbow Children.

Prince supported both projects by touring and preaching from the stage. Fink was present for the Lovesexy tour.

"He was talking to the audience for a pretty good amount of time [for] an arena show," he said. "It was pretty controversial in a lot of ways."

Following Lovesexy, Prince made the highly spiritual Graffiti Bridge movie, which flopped. "I don't like being critical of Prince," Fink said. "This is the only time I've ever been critical--when he did that film."

After leaving Prince's employ in 1990, Fink saw the superstar on a few more occasions. The last time was in 2014.

"He was considering a reunion with the Revolution," Fink said. "He was also disappointed with Prince tribute bands that were out there."

Prince's bodyguard Harlan Austin told me, "If you really want to know about Prince, who he is, listen to his music." I can write all day about my interpretations of Prince's art (and I do), but it's also important to collect the perspectives of those who knew him and created the art with him. So I am grateful to have spoken with Fink, who was part of Prince's career during the 1980s, when his pre-Jehovah's Witness Christian messaging was at its height.

And it's always interesting to get into Biblical discussion with folks who are open to it (regardless of their beliefs). So it was cool to touch on that with Fink, who talked about how Prince may have referenced Biblical prophecy in his work.

"For all we know, maybe we'll see Bible prophecy come true," Fink said.


Subscribe to my e-mail list for updates on the book. Click here.

21 comments:

  1. Wonderful posts Erica. Both this one, the academic paper post and the one with Rhonda Smith. They give so much insight into him. Looking forward to reading this book of yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your support and kind words.

      Delete
    2. More and more information about home purchasing are mentioned in this blog. Please read them and keep in mind. --- Thanks
      Massage Therapy Orangeville

      Delete
  2. Wow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon. http://www.louisvilleaccidentdoctor.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. dewapoker

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... detectives madrid precios

    ReplyDelete
  5. I read your blog frequently and I just thought I’d say keep up the amazing work! emotional support animal

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bagywagy is the second biggest export-oriented industry in the manufacturing sector and is third in its contribution to the overall exports of the World. Bagywagy core products are leather jackets. Mens Bomber Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  7. Body of the medical services associations puts together brand of procedures and activities for the push festivity. "Community Club of the North Calcutta and North East Calcutta mutual and Welfare Organization" arranges huge occurrence consistently for the monstrous festival of the doctors' day.alpha gpc benefits

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the blog post buddy! Keep them coming... Internal medicine Katy TX

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved your blog post. Really thank you! Will read on...
    same day covid testing near me

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have studied a few great stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for returning to. I ponder how much exertion you put to form such a superb enlightening location. Quality mobility aids

    ReplyDelete
  12. He yielded missing on his birthday instrument first of July in 1962, after 80 being of his grand analyze in this world. https://dynamichealthstaff.com/jobs-in-dubai-for-nurses

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think this is a real great blog post. Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.singapore keratin treatment

    ReplyDelete
  14. Public doctors day is commended each day each and every one across the India on first of July to offer keep to the biggest part famous and amazing doctor of medication as accurately as second Chief Minister of the West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.laser surgery

    ReplyDelete
  15. I use basically superior fabrics : you will discover these products by: Satta king game

    ReplyDelete
  16. I value the post. Really thank you! Keep writing.
    cambodia chen zhi

    ReplyDelete
  17. https://www.drpriyatiwari.com/ Cooking games for girls are rising in popularity. However these games are great for the whole family. This article will describe the different types of cooking games and also describe their benefits.

    ReplyDelete
  18. The assessment normally includes an exhaustive ophthalmology test and survey of ailments that might make one more vulnerable to inconveniences during or after LASIK surgery. https://www.visualaidscentre.com/lasik-surgery-in-faridabad/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Continuously check with potential web host's to ensure you have development potential. https://onohosting.com/

    ReplyDelete