Michael Jackson called Prince a “meanie” after the late Purple Rain singer goaded him at one of his concerts, will.i.am has claimed.
The Black Eyed Peas singer gave an insight into the long-term rivalry between Michael and Prince as he recalled a “magnificent” night out with Michael and comedian Chris Tucker watching Prince live in Las Vegas.
Will explained: “Prince steps off the stage and plays the bass in Michael’s face.
“Michael invites me over for breakfast the next day and the first words he says as he opens the door are ‘Why was Prince playing the bass in my face?’
“When I said he was just being nice, Michael said ‘No, he’s always been a meanie’.”
Paying tribute to both on The Graham Norton Show, he said: “Bless their hearts, they were both so passionate and we have lost some great musicians.”
Will.i.am confirmed that the cache of songs he recorded with Michael would never be released.
He said: “No. Especially with an artist like Michael Jackson – without him guiding it, it’s not my right to do it. He was a friend so I wouldn’t do that.”
But he did admit that he would be prepared to move to the UK if Donald Trump wins the presidency in the US.
He said: “I’ve been thinking about (moving here) because I love the UK so much. I practically live here now and if Trump is for real, I’m British all the way!”
