Prince set to get his own shade of purple

The late musical icon - who passed away in April last year at the age of 57 after an accidental fentanyl overdose - has become synonymous with the color since the release of his hit single and album ‘Purple Rain’ in 1984, and it has now been revealed that The Pantone Color Institute have teamed up with the late star’s estate to develop a new shade of the color in his honor. The color, entitled ‘Love Symbol #2’ after the star’s famous name change to an unpronounceable symbol known as the Love Symbol in the late 1990s, was “inspired by his custom-made Yamaha purple piano.” In a press release, The Pantone Colour Institute said: “We are honoured to have worked on the development of Love Symbol #2, a distinctive new purple shade created in memory of Prince. A musical icon known for his artistic brilliance, Love Symbol #2 is emblematic of Prince’s distinctive style. “Long associated with the purple family, Love Symbol #2 enables Prince’s unique purple shade to be consistently replicated and maintain the same iconic status as the man himself.” Meanwhile, it was previously revealed that a musical based on the works of the ‘Little Red Corvette’ hitmaker is in the works in memory of the late icon. The creators behind the Michael Jackson themed musical ‘Thriller Live’ are the creative minds behind the show, and it is set to showcase Prince’s most famous work including tracks such as ‘Raspberry Beret’, ‘Kiss’, and ‘When Doves Cry’. Director Gary Lloyd said in a statement: “Prince’s music and constant reinvention is legendary, so to get the opportunity to bring that and all his colourful characters to the theatrical stage is a dream. “There is also a real appetite for live music shows that showcase the musicians as part of the performance. Prince was all about this. Prince was a consummate, theatrical artist, but in our show his music is the star.”