Melbourne's Arts Centre Is Going Purple for Prince

Overview

Continuing the theme of this year being the absolute worst, the world lost a music legend today when it was announced that Prince had passed away in his home in Minnesota. He was 57 years old.

"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning," read a statement from his publicist this morning.

Tributes have been flowing in on social media for hours. US President Barack Obama described the singer-songwriter as a "creative icon", while Snapchat has unveiled a Purple Rain filter that lets users add purple raindrops to their photos. Here at home, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews tweeted his condolences, and mentioned that the spire at the Melbourne Arts Centre will be lit purple in Prince's honour.

The Arts Centre previously took on a purple hue when Prince performed at the venue in February, as did the sails of the Sydney Opera House during a show there that same month. Many landmarks in the United States have also been lit purple, including Target Field, home to Prince's hometown baseball team the Minnesota Twins.

Via Junkee. Image: Kate Ballis and Tom Blachford for Arts Centre Melbourne.