Scare Tactics

If Freddy Krueger was afraid of anyone, you’d bet it would be the Fat Boys, who’ve already challenged Mike Tyson to a rumble and could easily flatten Freddie if they ever caught him on their way back from the neighborhood White Castle. Instead, the rap big mouths and Krueger have teamed up for a video to promote the Fat Boys upcoming single, “Are You Ready for Freddy?” and the new movie sequel, “Nightmare on Elm Street: Part IV,” which opens Aug. 19. . . . What’s the early word from Paris on Prince’s opening European tour dates? Talk about flash: The Purple One drives on stage in a ’67 T-Bird (immortalized in the lyrics to his “Alphabet Street” single) and he even takes a mid-set break, shooting a few hoops when a portable basket pops up on stage. Prince performs loads of hits, as well as “Supercalifragisexy” and “Bob George,” two songs from his celebrated, but never-released “Black” album. . . . We’d been hearing that Esquire was getting long in the tooth, but the magazine’s new August issue--dedicated to “Women We Love”--is ridiculous. We won’t comment on the many unfathomable selections outside pop music (dogsledder Susan Butcher? Robo Flack Peggy Siegal?). But as for the rock choices--were Sheila E., Patti Scialfa and skinhead Sinead O’Connor the best they could do? Not to mention the most ignominious choice of all--Tipper Gore! If we were Chrissie Hynde, Annie Lennox, Sade or Joan Jett, we’d send Esquire’s aging Yuppie editors a perfumed note, saying: “Next time ya want front-row tickets, buster--give Tipper a call!”