Live from New York, it’s Prince unfiltered.
“Saturday Night Live” is turning Prince loose for his return to Studio 8H, allowing the iconic musician to play a rousing eight-minute long jam session with no commercial interruption for his appearance on the Nov. 1. episode. As TheWrap previously reported, “SNL” alum Chris Rock will host the episode, the first of the November sweeps period.
Also read: Chris Rock to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’ With Musical Guest Prince
Prince’s performance will be his first television appearance to promote his two new simultaneously released albums, “ART OFFICIAL AGE” and “PLECTRUMELECTRUM.” He’ll appear with his new all-female band 3RDEYEGIRL, composed of guitarist Donna Grantis, bassist Ida Nielsen, and drummer Hannah Ford Welton.
“SNL’s” performances have historically always been broken up into two segments, often with the first at midnight and the second just before the end of the 90-minute sketch comedy show. However, Prince — known for his spontaneous and electrifying three-hour concerts — will perform his single set in the middle of the show with no encore.
Also read: Chris Rock: No, I Didn’t Get an Offer to Host the Oscars
Marking his first time on “SNL” in 18 years, Chris Rock‘s only request was for Prince to be the musical guest. The former Oscar host was an “SNL” cast member for four years in the early ’90s and returned to host once before in 1996. The musical performance will mark Prince’s third appearance on “SNL,” with his first time having been in 1981.
Rock’s hosting stint coincides with the upcoming release of his latest film, “Top Five,” which he wrote, directed and stars in. It premieres in limited release on Dec. 5 and opens wide Dec. 12.
Prince and 3RDEYEGIRL broke the news of their performance on Oct. 14 by tweeting out a photo of Rock dressed as Prince from the film “Grown Ups 2.”
— 3RDEYEGIRL (@3RDEYEGIRL) October 14, 2014