**Susanna Hoffs Reflects on Prince’s Gift of ‘Manic Monday’ as it Turns 40**
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As The Bangles celebrate the 40th anniversary of their defining hit “Manic Monday,” former lead singer Susanna Hoffs has recalled the moment when Prince gifted her the song that would catapult the band to stardom. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Hoffs shared the significance of the original cassette tape, which she has preserved over the decades, featuring Prince’s own handwritten copyright insignia.
The story unfolds back when Prince was busy recording in the studio. Hoffs reminisced about being summoned to the venue with the promise of a special treat from the musical genius. “I had picked it up. He was recording at the time… I was told, ‘Prince has something for you, come to the studio,’” she explained. Upon arriving, she found that Prince had left the cassette tape at the front desk for her to collect, a gesture that would change her life forever.
The cassette is particularly special not only for its contents but also for the unique way in which it was presented. Hoffs recounted how the tape featured Prince’s own vocal interpretation of “Manic Monday,” allowing her to hear the song through his eyes. “He had seen the video of ‘Hero Takes a Fall,’ which was the song I co-wrote with Vicki [Peterson]. It was the most cheesy ‘80s video. It was just cheesy in the greatest way,” she said, recalling how that performance caught Prince’s attention.
The decision to share the song, she noted, was pivotal. “That one decision completely changed my life,” Hoffs stated with gratitude, recognising the profound impact that Prince’s trust and creativity had on her career and The Bangles’ trajectory.
Continuing her fond memories, Hoffs reminisced about how they maintained their relationship until Prince’s untimely death in 2016. Reflecting on their friendship, she described how Prince would often invite her to jam sessions. “When we did The Greek Theatre, he followed us, and then he was renting a place in Beverly Hills. He was very cheeky and very mischievous,” she recalled. One memorable encounter involved a spontaneous music session where Prince preferred to play exclusively Bangles songs, leaving her with an unforgettable experience that exemplified his playful spirit.
Hoffs underscored the unique legacy left by Prince, calling him an “iconoclast, a brilliant, genius iconoclast,” and remarked that finding someone with his extraordinary artistry is unlikely. “I don’t think there’ll ever be someone like Prince. I think he was one of a kind, a brilliant human artist,” she asserted, attesting to the lasting influence he has had on music and culture.
Looking back on the impact of “Manic Monday,” Hoffs described it as “the gift that keeps on giving.” The song was pivotal in launching The Bangles into mainstream success, becoming both a commercial hit and a staple of 1980s music. “The gift of ‘Manic Monday’ really did change the trajectory of The Bangles’ world. It was on the radio all of a sudden. It was really the first radio hit. It was pretty amazing,” she reflected.
As the anniversary of the track approaches, fans and followers of The Bangles are reminded of the bond between Hoffs and Prince that not only altered her life but also left an indelible mark on the music industry. With heartfelt nostalgia, Hoffs continues to cherish the friendship and collaboration with a talent like no other, ensuring that both their legacies endure through the music they created together.