“Don’t Forget These 8 Words”: Sheila E. Breaks Down Over Prince’s Carved Drum Message Before Her Final Solo Show

Before stepping onto the stage for what she described as her final solo performance, legendary percussionist Sheila E. was brought to tears by a simple yet profound reminder from her late friend and collaborator, Prince. The message—eight carefully chosen words carved into one of her drums—served as both a farewell and a lasting testament to one of the most iconic partnerships in music history.

💜 A Partnership That Defined an Era

Sheila E. (born Sheila Escovedo) first crossed paths with Prince in the late 1970s, when he saw her perform with her father, Latin jazz icon Pete Escovedo. Their connection was instant, built on mutual respect for each other’s musical mastery. By 1984, that connection had evolved into one of the most electrifying collaborations of the decade.

Their creative partnership reached a defining moment with “The Glamorous Life”, a funk-pop hit written by Prince and brought to life by Sheila’s virtuosic drumming and captivating voice. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing her as a solo star while deepening her musical bond with the Purple One.

Throughout the 1980s, Sheila E. became an integral part of Prince’s universe, performing with him on landmark tours including Sign O’ The Times and Lovesexy, and appearing in concert films that showcased their explosive onstage chemistry.

🥁 The Drum, the Words, and the Moment

Years after Prince’s passing in 2016, Sheila E. shared the story of the engraved drum—a personal treasure that had been gifted to her by Prince during their years of collaboration. The drum bore a message, eight words long, etched by his hand. Though Sheila E. has never publicly revealed the exact wording, she described it as a phrase of encouragement and spiritual grounding—something that reflected both his mentorship and his love for music as a transcendent force.

Before her pivotal solo show, Sheila discovered the engraving again, just as she was preparing backstage. The sight of those words, carved into the very instrument that had been central to their shared art, overwhelmed her.

She recalled: “It was like he was still there, reminding me of why I do this—why I play, why I love, why I keep going.”

The moment underscored the enduring presence of Prince’s influence—a reminder that creative bonds, especially ones built on mutual respect and soul-deep artistry, never truly fade.

🎶 Prince’s Legacy of Empowerment

Prince’s mentorship of Sheila E. was emblematic of a broader legacy: his commitment to nurturing strong, independent female artists. From Sheila E. to Vanity, Apollonia, and Wendy & Lisa, Prince not only collaborated but empowered women to take control of their artistry.

Sheila often credits him with pushing her to lead her own band, compose her own music, and trust her instincts. The engraved message—though private—reflects this very ethos: an affirmation of identity, self-belief, and authenticity.

🌟 The Final Beat

For Sheila E., that performance wasn’t merely another show—it was a spiritual closing of a lifelong chapter. The eight words carved into her drum were a bridge between past and present, a message from a friend who believed in her before the world did.

Her emotional reaction wasn’t about loss—it was about gratitude. Gratitude for the art they made, the risks they took, and the music that continues to resonate around the world.

In her words: “Those words reminded me that even when the music stops, the rhythm he gave me keeps going.”

Prince may be gone, but through the beat of Sheila E.’s drums—and those eight carved words—his spirit, and their shared legacy, live on.