🎶Purple rain, purple rain 🎶 35 years ago Purple Rain was released in theaters. | MOVIECLIPS

The opening chords of "Purple Rain" have become so iconic, and so instantly recognizable, that it's hard to imagine them being played for the very first time. But that's exactly what happened on the night of August 3, 1983, when Prince and his freshly minted band, the Revolution, introduced the audience of 1,100 people at First Avenue & 7th St Entry to an extended performance of their new song. The concert was a benefit for the local Minnesota Dance Theatre, who had been coaching Prince and his