The Many Ways People Around the World Mourned Prince's Death
For fans of the mythic Purple One — which are great in numbers — it seems almost unfair that we should have to come to terms with the reality of a post-Prince world. The music legend's death at 57 has since inspired various block parties and de facto memorials that serve as spaces for collective mourning and, ultimately, catharsis. From Spike Lee's dance party to the candlelight vigils held in cities around the world, these public displays were altogether sorrowful and jovial — perhaps becoming emblematic of the whimsical contradiction Prince always was, after all. Keep reading to see the many tributes on the day when all the purple made us blue, as one fan noted.
Minneapolis, MN
Fans gathered at First Avenue, the nightclub where Purple Rain was filmed, to dance and celebrate his legacy.
Minneapolis, MN
The I-35W Mississippi River Bridge was illuminated in purple last night, as Prince's famous symbol was written in chalk on a bridge nearby.
A woman laid flowers on the sidewalk outside First Avenue.
A fan grieved at the impromptu memorial outside First Avenue.
New York City
Crowds gathered outside of the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Spike Lee held a public block party in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Fan art transformed the Prince St. subway station in Manhattan to honor the late icon.
The entry sign for the Prince St. station.
Another decorated subway station sign.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles's City Hall was also illuminated in purple.
Many gathered for a candelight vigil at Log Angeles's Leimert Park.
Inglewood, CA
A famous arena and concert hall, the Forum was draped in that regal hue.
Las Vegas
Various buildings, hotels, and attractions along the Las Vegas Strip became flooded with purple light.
Niagara Falls
Coincidentally, Niagara Falls was set to turn purple yesterday to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday — though it ended up becoming a poignant tribute to Prince.
San Francisco
San Francisco's palatial City Hall was also lit up purple.
Melbourne, Australia
The Victoria Arts Centre in Melbourne honored the Purple One.