Australians have remembered music superstar Prince as an incomparable, creative genius whose tunes inspired joy, dances and sexy times.
News of the 57-year-old US musician's death at his home in Minnesota triggered a flood of grief online with celebrities, contemporaries, politicians and fans all posting tributes.
"He was Prince. He and his music were timeless, it was talent and soul. He continuously evolved due to his creativity," a fan tweeted.
The legendary singer last visited Australia in February when he played a series of intimate concerts in Melbourne and Sydney, including a notable set at the Sydney Opera House where the sails were lit up in purple for the occasion.
Local fans have lovingly recounted their experience of that show.
"RIP @Prince. So sad. It was amazing to see you @SydOperaHouse in Feb & it is hard to think of you gone," Bronwyn Orsatti tweeted.
"How incredibly fortunate were we to be able to see you perform so intimately one last time before you had to leave us so soon," fan Anita Fox wrote.
"As I write this on the train this morning, your music loops around in my head, like a constant companion. It has been by my side for most of my life."
Australian entertainers have also added to the chorus.
Veteran music journalist Molly Meldrum, who interviewed the artist several times, said he went into shock upon hearing the news on Friday.
"To have all these people passing away, the great greats, David Bowie, and now Prince, it's really too much to take in for me," he told ABC radio.
RELATED READING
World mourns ‘creative giant’ Prince
Others have touted Prince's influence on rock and r'n'b music, and his electrifying stage performances.
"I mean who hasn't he influenced? Best live show I've been to. RIP #prince," singer Guy Sebastian tweeted.
Former Savage Garden pop idol Darren Hayes spoke of Prince's maverick independence.
"It makes me happy the man who made this 12 year old kid feel proud to be a freak, who never conformed to gender norms and refused to be a slave to the old corrupt ways of the music industry left this earth giving the finger to conformity.
"You can't find a single one of his recordings on YouTube or Spotify today. He was an artist to the very last second of his life."
Social media platform Snapchat has added a `purple rain' filter for users while Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says Melbourne's Art Centre will be lit up "in honour of the purple one".
