Interestingly, he was a lot like Jeff Lynne in his talents, playing virtually all the instruments on many of his recordings.  Maybe better to say Lynne was like Prince in that regard since Prince could play rings around anyone on guitar.

1. There are multiple reports that Eric Clapton was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitar player alive, and he responded, "I don't know. Ask Prince."

Probably a fake quote, but quite possibly true regardless.

And let's not forget Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne's partner in crime... The Move back in the 60's and ELO's early days.  Roy Wood could/can play pretty much EVERY instrument known to man... and probably some that aren't.  Not only can Wood play multiple instruments, he's a better than decent singer and writes music for himself and others... as well a produce, mix and cut records/CDS himself.  I have one called One Man Band, on which no other person contributed. He wrote and performed all the tracks, played every instrument, produced and cut the record himself

As for Prince playing rings around everyone on guitar, I don't know that I'd say that.  Prince was definitely up there with the best of them - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Roy Buchanan and others - and he could certainly belt out a great solo that'd enthrall any guitar lover with an ear for music.

Whether Clapton said it or not, it's true that Prince was the better guitarist IMHO.... not that Clapton is a slouch. 

Kevin Smith had some experience making a movie for Prince:

And yes, Prince was a better guitarist -- and songwriter -- and producer -- than Clapton.

That Clapton Quote is a spinoff of this, Jimi Hendrix was on the Tonight Show one time in the late 60s. Johnny Carson turned and asked him how it felt to be the greatest guitarist ever. Hendrix quickly responded: "I don't know. You'd have to ask Phil Keaggy." That also was never said by Hendrix.

There is rumour and speculation that Prince died of a drug overdose.  I soooo hope this is just the usual media hype/bullshit because it is clearly contrary to his public persona, which spoke against illicit drug use and alcohol abuse. 

Again, R.I.P., young man, you gave the world so much. [e digicons]:'([/e]

Reports are surfacing that he had a major prescription narcotic dependence, that he would get a 6-month supply of Fentanyl and Dilaudid at a time from his 'dealer'.  How they end up in the hands of such a dealer (not a physician or pharmacist) is a mystery, if these reports turn out to be true.  Lots of sadness to go around here no matter what.

I have to wonder if this so-called 'dealer' is merely seeking his 5 minutes of fame.  He's saying that Prince used to use Dilaudid to help with stage fright and social insecurities... meeting people, etc.  There was no mention of heroin or cocaine, etc, with the 'dealer' saying that Prince rejected anything like that.

Thing is, if prince suffered with stage fright and issues with being near people, I can understand his need to overcome his anxieties, though going through a doctor and pharmacy would have been a better way to go about it.

If true, and he did have a dependence on those prescription type drugs to cope with his life, then it is a sad, sad thing. 

I recall radio reports that Prince did in fact have prescriptions for what he took, but just took too much at once.  The doctor has been suspended/ is under investigation, IIRC.