It is almost thirty years since Prince Rogers Nelson released his first album. In that time he has been a superstar; a recluse; an inspiration; an enigma; a slave; and a symbol. But throughout all these changes he has remained a prodigiously talented singer, songwriter, performer and musician. From the highs of Purple Rain and Sign O' The Times to the bitter quarrels and commercial failures of the 1990s, Prince—whatever name or alias he uses—has remained a compulsively creative force and a unique voice in rock, pop, soul or whatever he turns his hand to.