In an exciting turn of events, Grammy-winning keyboardist Dr. Fink has announced the upcoming auction of a previously unreleased album by the legendary Prince. Scheduled for later this week, Fink expressed that he feels no guilt about selling this rare piece of music history. This album holds significant value for both Prince fans and collectors alike, making it a highly anticipated event in the music community.

Dr. Fink, who collaborated with Prince from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, was an integral member of The Revolution and participated in the short-lived side-project known as The Rebels. This group recorded the unreleased album in 1979, which is now being offered for auction. The Rebels included other notable musicians such as Dez Dickerson, André Cymone, Gayle Chapman, and Bobby Z, all contributing to the unique sound and legacy of Prince’s music.

This album was never officially released due to the label’s concerns about potentially diluting Prince’s image after he had already launched two successful albums under his own name. The decision not to release it adds to its mystique and allure, making it a coveted item for any serious collector.

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In a recent interview with the Star Tribune, Fink revealed, “Prince did it on the sly,” explaining how he later approached Warner Bros. to discuss the project. Fink added, “That Rebels cassette has been out there as bootlegs [but] I’ve never bootlegged anything.” His commitment to preserving the integrity of the music reflects his deep respect for Prince and their collaborative work.

The auction is set for November 15 and will take place through the U.K.-based auction house Popstore. Alongside the unreleased album, Fink is also offering an impressive collection of items, including an ‘80s Oberheim OB-8 synth that was used during tours with Prince, a tour-used mixing desk, and 39 cassette tapes recorded during rehearsals. Additionally, fans can bid on a draft script for Purple Rain, along with various gold and platinum discs, stage costumes, and tour shirts, making this a truly unique auction for music enthusiasts.

Understanding Dr. Fink’s Decision to Part with His Prince Collectibles

At 66 years old, Dr. Fink shared that although he intends to keep some of his most cherished possessions—like his Grammy award for the Purple Rain album—his sons are not interested in inheriting his extensive collection. He also mentioned that the ups and downs of his music career have necessitated tapping into his pension scheme, leading him to make the difficult decision to sell these items.

“Income is very inconsistent in this industry,” he explained, acknowledging that while Prince had taken care of his band members, the years following their time together brought their own challenges. This candid reflection on the realities of the music industry highlights the struggles faced by many artists.

Fink stated he feels “neither guilty about selling nor sentimental about the items,” which comprise a total of 54 lots and are estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000. This auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Prince’s legacy.

Bids are currently being accepted on the Popstore website, but it’s important to note that the winner of the unreleased album may not possess the necessary rights to legally release it, adding an additional layer of intrigue to this auction.