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NEWSMAKERS

Spike Lee throws dance party ahead of Prince’s 58th birthday

NEW YORK

The dress code was purple, and the only requirement was to party. Hundreds of people obliged Saturday as Spike Lee threw a huge outdoor party for Prince ahead of the late legend’s 58th birthday.

Al Sharpton, Rosie Perez, former Prince associates and others joined the crowd in paying tribute to the late superstar, whose birthday is Tuesday.

Prince died April 21, and an autopsy revealed last week that he had died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller. But the focus Saturday was on Prince’s life and music, not his death.

For six hours, fans jammed to hits such as “When Doves Cry,” “Starfish and Coffee,” “Erotic City” and more. Some dressed as their idol, while others wore T-shirts that bore his likeness; others donned purple hair, and one woman had his famous symbol shaved on the back of her head.

Associated Press