Interview with Prince's Drummer Michael Bland 

Prince musicians always are so well spoken and articulate, they are so educated and sophisticated.

Love Michael Bland’s no nonsense attitude & honesty. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything.

One of the baddest drummer's in the world.

Michael Bland has great energy, I love his interviews. Can’t wait for part 2

That was a great story about Sonny giving Prince the gig to raise funds to travel back in his journey.. Fantastic story. That's some inside jewels. Prince obviously didn't forget the gestation.

After the interview put on Prince's "Shhh" (studio or 90s live versions) to hear Michael B's awesome drumming

I loved the interview. I’ve been waiting to hear from Michael Bland and he didn’t disappoint. 😊

Michael Bland, I appreciate your time and the fact that you shared some of your stories.

Absolutely brilliant, what a joy to hear these musicians speak about their time with Prince, thank you💜

Best interview with someone from "Prince World" that I've ever heard. He gave the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can't wait to hear part 2.

I remember the first time I saw Michael play back in 85 when I was a freshman at Minneapolis South High and he played the talent show with my friend Kevin Schafer and man everyone in the auditorium was blown away. He was a Junior and you could tell he was destined to be a professional musician he was that good!!!! I'm happy for those early memories of walking the halls of Minneapolis South high seeing Michael and doing the what up head nod because we weren't buddies he was a Junior and I was little freshman but we talked a few times and I was and is happy for all his success. Friends with him on spacebook and I'm happy to call him a homie he's such a great person and the real deal. FuNk and Rock on Michael!!!!!! Great interview thank you for sharing Edited because I have to mention that Miko is one of my best friends and the story about Miko and Prince getting into it is hilarious!!!! Miko is the Man!!!!

Fantastic job! No question this is easily the best Prince related podcast on the web!

All of Prince's musicians were superbad players!!

Levi Michael B and me, we get funky 💜🥁🙏

Mike B is the PERFECT DRUMMER!👍Love u Bro!

WOW! Another GREAT INTERVIEW! This brother talked about Kim Basinger (which is RARELY done)...Patrice Rushen (one of my all-time favorites)...the Miko Weaver drama...the QUEEN, Chaka Khan...and so many unknown Prince stories! My FAVORITE: "It's the latest in Bland-Wear" (1:08:07). LOL. THANX!

Love this man's drumming and respect his professionalism. His willingness to pull back the curtain a bit to give a clearer view to history is much appreciated. Mr Dean, these are great interviews on your channel, sir. Thank you for sharing your talent with talent.

Finally we hear from Michael B. Thank you!!

Ok, guys! Where's part 2? We need round 2 with Michael Bland! He said it himself, this interview only scratched the surface! 😁

Excellent Interview Prince Podcast! Michael B is an amazing individual as he is an amazing drummer....just honest, straightforward and extremely funny!! Can’t wait for part 2.

Great interview! My favourite Prince era was when Michael and Sonny played together in rythm section with NPG. So probably 90-96 era. Those guys are GODS of their instruments! I play both bass (my first instrument since 15) and drums (3 years for now) and I can tell you that those guys have some kind of magic in their hands, feeling, articulation, choice of notes, etc. Impecabble sound of Sonny's bass and great groovy bass lines and big, powerful beat of Michaels drums is what I always like and I wanna achieve this some day. I wish I could spend at least one day with those guys and learn from them as much as I can. Prince was always my greatest inspiration as a musician, artist and human being. period. And it won't change. NEVER. But next to him are Michael and Sonny. Ridiculous cats! Thanks for this interview. Maby you make some interviews with Sonny, Tommy, Morris or rest of the NPG family? Thank you!

My fave Prince bandmember (along with Sonny T). Thanks!

I just wanted to add some info about the party at Paisley with the NBA weekend/release of The Most Beautiful Girl in the World video. I was one of the girls in the video. During the concert, the girls who were in the video sat on a riser left of the stage. The guy who came out of the audience to play the guitar was known as this local guy. He was very boastful and demanded that Prince let him play Prince’s guitar, but as Michael said, no sound came out of it but what Michael forgot to add was that Prince then took the guitar back and started to play it with sound coming out. Prince then said, “I just wanted to see if it worked.” The guy stormed offstage to where we were sitting and kept saying, “I’m going to kill him! I’m going to kill him!” We told Prince all this later and Prince just laughed and shrugged it off and told us that he knew this guy and that he lived locally. Anyway, just wanted to add that little snippet to Michael’s story.

"Some days he was trying to make you a believer and other days he'd wanna tell you about some kid that wanted to fight him in fourth grade." My favorite comment, What a great interview. Sounds like the perfect drummer.

Absolutely brilliant. What joy hearing about these musicians time with Prince, thank you 💜

Excellent. Part 2 ask about his influences & how he developed his power. Also his personal experiences of Prince's musical genius please. Keep up the good work guys & thank you.

Wow what a great interview.. by far one of your best. He really tells it like it is. I imagine life wasn't all good and at times was frustrating working with Prince, but to hear about all the good times and good memories is heart warming. He really show his love for the man. I imagine it was incredibly hard to play that Block Party at First Ave. I was there and he along with the rest of them did an amazing job. Would be great to see him join the NPG for a show or two but I totally get why he has no interest in touring with them.. so emotional for us fans I can only imagine how it is for the ones who played with him. Very eye opening.. To hear him say the more of the regular players that join a performance the more he misses Prince. Makes total sense. Like almost going back to that era.. and being so close to that time would be super hard knowing hes gone and the band can only be so good. I so hope you get the chance to do a part 2... I could listen to you guys talk for hours.. Met him once at Bunkers and had a cool convo with him .. and seen him play that night. Was mind blown on how he performed.. such a light touch but he really can bring it when needed to rock out.. Great job. Thanks Two Michael Anthonys = One great interview!

I was touring in Europe myself back in 1995 when Prince released The Gold Experience. So when I heard these fantastic stories from Mr. Bland sparked so much memories of where I was hearing that music. I was on a Gospel tour in France back in Summer of 95 and we played the Come album from Prince as our sound track on the beach. One of our members of the group just loved that album and also Exodus. Incredible stories. Loved the The Beautiful Experience.

Epic Interview 🤘🏽💜🤘🏽

GREAT INTERVIEW...... Thanks guys. Just a little note, I flew from Europe to Minneapolis in 2008, to see a Prince Tribute, celebrating Princes 50th, and they had a show at The Cabooze. A large contingency of Prince related performers around, Dez, Fink, Eric Leeds... for memory, Tommy B and Sonny T were there... even Tyka was floating around. We met them all, and all were really nice to us... unfortunately, Michael, you let us down... we tried to say hello, and felt like we'd really interrupted your flow. This was after the show, seems people were just floating around, but, you didn't want to know us. We'd traveled a lot around the globe chasing the shows, and little things like this mean a lot. That said, maybe, just not feeling it that night... this innerview shows you got it goin on, so much behind the scenes.

🤯😂😂😂😂 I'm rashida coleman thanks for the shout out Michael Bland. I don't recall the interaction tho. It's alll love. Another amazing interview Micheal Dean and Big Sexy.

Thanks for this interview. Michael B blew my mind when I first heard NPG, absolute amazing drummer, shhhh drums = perfection. Those drums boggled my mind at first listen and still do. Oilcan too!

Enjoyed his candor. This is excellent interpersonal interview!!

This was my second time listening to this interview. Michael B is my favorite drummer, I recognize his drumming style before I know he is the drummer. Great interview you two. Thank you.

Real cool cat loved the interview. Part 2 let's go!!!!!

Great interview. Mr. Bland kept it real. I love that.

Fulfilling interview. Straight up, no chaser. Learned some things about Prince that made this so real & personal. I want to rant, but I'll just say keeping it 1buck, thanks 4 this one . 🤛

"see the man with the blue guitar" I agree we need more recognition payed to Sonny.

Great Interview. I met Michael Bland several years ago while he was drumming for Chaka Khan. Very genuine person when I met him, and it carries over into the interview posted here. Thanks for sharing this.

Mike Bland. Thank you for this great interview and everyone who put it together.

Regarding Salt n Pepper Prince connection? I think He called them on stage 2 do Shoop because they referenced Him in the song (Prince way of showing them some luv)

I have enjoyed Mr Michael Bland's interview so real and authentic ❤it!

Great interview with my favorite drummer. Thanks for putting this together.

This was before John Blackwell Jr great interview Michael 💯🎼🥁

Prince is my favorite artist and I've been listening to him since 1979. Michael Dean, Michael Bland great interview . Great insights into the real Prince. These grievances sound familiar. Andre Cymone said he wrote Do me baby. Jam and Lewis said "Prince why don't you rehearse with your own band". Alluding to the fact that after he sat in on a the Times's practice they would hear something on the radio very similar on Warner Brothers records and tapes. After Wendy and Lisa went solo in an interview they stated that they are not copying "Prince but he sounds like us". Brown Mark said he was not credited for the song kiss, and that Prince never took care of him (received song writing credits). St. Paul said he was paid the same for leading the Family as he was for playing keyboards in the Time. The arguments with Miko Weaver reminds me of the Prince and Morris Day altercations. Imperfections and human shortcomings are par for the course. This interview helps put things into perspective. Prince is still my favorite artist, but now I can see him as he should be seen. Thank you Michael Bland. Michael Dean is there an interview in the works with Lisa Coleman?

Love his energy. Can't wait to hear more.💜

“The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” was released on Bellmark. An African American owned record label founded by Al Bell.

I love the *#MichaelBland* story of innocence, not knowing wordly things and Prince being patient with his questions of scheduling and so forth. That's another side of Prince we haven't heard of much.

That was dope! I always wanted to know more about this guy and he's as cool as I always imagined him to be. Excellent interview. Thanks for this.

A very very good interview giving the guest time to bake their thoughts and memories. I like that MB tells it like it is from his own experience. He was hesitant to voice certain things i get that but what resonated was the 'dark' experience. Even when asked to explain MB couldn't say the full but i know what he meant. Living where i did at that particular time it was near impossible to be a Prince fan and vocalise it. He was cast by those people as something not godly or godfearing and to like him was to dislike God so your experience of him was somewhat coloured and restricted. As for MB being off with Prince in the mid/late 90s and knowing a little what we know now about his personal and professional struggles, then his more obscure decisions become an 'aha' moment. To do what he has done for 40 years, to be responsible for employees, family and friends surely must take its toll. My employer is not responsible for my livelihood, I am, so we gotta do what we gotta do for us. Much respect to MB for talking about not touring with NPG. I saw them on their UK tour and it was a great experience to see them and McKenzie kickin it but yes MB you were missed. They did seem to have moments of sadness and weariness and gaps in performance where Prince would shred guitar or adlib and it was respectful, appreciated but very palpable 😢. Would have loved to have met Sonny and Morris but they lit out of the venue. Anyway, thanks again for a great interview, a big yes to part 2. Happy holidays and God's richest blessings to all crew and guests at Podcast Prince 💜

One of my favorite all time drummers and maybe the best interview I have heard about Prince! Just fantastic! 🥁 #Prince4Ever

Such a fun, informative and intellectual conversationalist Mr Michael is during this interview.

The legendary Michael B!!🔥🔥 The doc pay stories is crazy 🤣. I'm from Louisiana born and raised, so this makes me feel good to have Michael b who is a Louisianan.

Appreciate this podcast juice. That's crazy to think about this 3 Trio, not playing bambi in years and can pick it up that easy. That performance might be the best one of "Bambi ". It's so good, I love it. You MB and Sonny are on another level, and of course princes lead guitar, sugar for the ears. Thanks to all.

I play drums along to Prince music all the time, but this guy got to do it for real, with the biggest, baddest little man in all of music. Big props!

Been listening for years. Thanks for all the work ya'll do.

Michael B was born same year as me, I was at the Nude concert in Ireland, I was 20/21 so MB was playing for prince at my age and I couldn’t even tie my shoelaces properly yet, Enjoyed the Ireland Nude concert Mister B, thanks for the memory.

i’ve never laughed so hard with the Kim part hahahahaha “better not eye ball that white woman” have mercy! this is so GREAT!

Michael Bland, Sheila E and the late great John Blackmand the baddes drummers Prince ever had, they made Prince to be the superstar he was and will ever be. Great great interview, i thoroughly enjoyed it.💜😁

Best podcast you guys have done. For part two, ask more questions about what he thought of Prince’s musicianship and talent. Also, ask about Mayte during that time period. Did his “dark” vibe of Prince change after being around him? Thanks.

Pt 2, please! This was great

Please interview with cat Glover next

Michael B IS THE MAN! The best drummer Prince ever had. AND I've worked as a graphic designer and writer for many organizations, and they own whatever I created. It's in pretty much every contract I sign now.

P Control and 3121 are brilliant jams.

Great Interview. I'd like to know how did the band respond to Prince's name change and were they really not feeling mayte when she became apart of the band like in 3 chains of gold. And 1 more... did Michael B ever have closure with Prince before he passed. Did they ever communicate after that meeting at paisley park that he didnt attend?

Great interview. 💜

This interview was super interesting And had me cracking up! Michael B got wisdom. Thanks Prince Podcast!

Awesome interview! The P-Funk jam is Let's Take It To The Stage.

Interview of the year! Love Michael B as a drummer and Musician

1:57:40 Oh yeah! someone is seen carrying him wrapped in sheet.... like a body.... I missed it when I saw it live and I had to wait until it was over to check the tape!

LOVED this interview! Mike B. is so funny! Looking forward to part 2.

Thank you for this interview.

micheal's experience wasn't a vibe it was a connection

I had to come back this stellar interview!!!!!

Always a good interview Mr. B.

Another AWESOME Interview, Bro. Michael. RESPECT to You Guys, as well as The Man of The Hour, Bro. Michael Bland! One of THE Baddest Drummers on the planet-and I LOVE his honesty-as well as being a solid dude who don't take no mess!👍💯 Also, heartfelt story about Sonny T, a BEAST on the Bass, and any other musical thing he does. IF Sonny is up to it, would love to hear from him. Thanks Bro. Michael, Big Sexy, and your team!👍

EXCELLENT INTERVIEW!!!! LOOKING FORWARD TO PART II!!!!!!!😊😊😊♥️👌👍

Great interview, Michael B. amazing drummer. Prince idolized Sonny T. Listen to "The Dark", Michael B and Sonny amazing rhythm section.

Thanks so much 👑💜💜💜💜💜👑

Awesome interview. I was hoping you would touch on the Goldnigga album. And also what he thought of prince as a drummer. And was also curious about specific tracks like What’s My Name and Strays Of The World.

I discovered Michael through his live backing drums for Paul Westerberg’s Silent Film Star on Letterman. I had no idea he was from Minnesota like Prince and Paul W.

Awesome interview Michael Dean and Michael Bland

Not related to Michael but I want to know if Kevin Smith's Prince documentary will be released. The way Kevin explained it, it showed an outgoing side of Prince very few people saw.

Great interview! Great job, Michael D.

Can someone please tell me what is the song that is playing in the intro of these videos? Its just so funky!

Will there be a chat available for Part 2 where listeners can text in questions live?

Nice interview while cleaning the house 😎 salute from Amsterdam

This was incredible

Mr. Bland, I remember a magazine that showed Prince coming out of rehearsal for the show and he wore a different outfit. It was a white shirt with large polka dots collar and black pants.

I am sure Prince sent me several emails over an order dispute. And I had that bud light bootleg! that was funny.

That diamonds & pearls fill you did was funky Michael

Thank you -

Fantastic video, very un-sugar-coated👍😊

Let’s take it to the stage. P-funk song .....Michael Bland mentioned

omg the prayer circle story, before the MTV Awards. LMAO!!

Thank you all.

Funnyy,funnygreat interview.

Wow, that's VERY interesting what he says around 15:00 !

Epic🔥🔥🔥

A brilliant drummer.