Prince fans are being warned the star and his band may not appear at the "official aftershow" event which follows his gigs at London's O2 arena.
Prince fans are being warned the star and his band may not appear at the "official aftershow" event which follows his gigs at London's O2 arena.
The guitarist's 21-night tour includes parties at the smaller Indigo2 venue.
The guitarist's 21-night tour includes parties at the smaller Indigo2 venue.
Fans on chat forums have complained he has sometimes failed to appear at these or has played for only a few minutes.
Fans on chat forums have complained he has sometimes failed to appear at these or has played for only a few minutes.
Prince's website now says that when there are arena gigs on consecutive days, "the band usually opts to rest" instead of appearing at Indigo2.
Prince's website now says that when there are arena gigs on consecutive days, "the band usually opts to rest" instead of appearing at Indigo2.
"If the next day is free, though, watch out," continues the statement.
"If the next day is free, though, watch out," continues the statement.
It adds that this sequence of events is "the way it's shaping up" as the tour progresses.
It adds that this sequence of events is "the way it's shaping up" as the tour progresses.
The arena's stage is the symbol to which Prince changed his name (photo by Andrew Buchan)Many fans who booked tickets to the concerts in the main arena received promotional e-mails from agency Ticketmaster, highlighting the addition of the "aftershow" events to the tour schedule.
The arena's stage is the symbol to which Prince changed his name (photo by Andrew Buchan)Many fans who booked tickets to the concerts in the main arena received promotional e-mails from agency Ticketmaster, highlighting the addition of the "aftershow" events to the tour schedule.
The agency's website promotes the "aftershow" as "the white hot place to hang for those still in need of some serious grooves". Tickets cost £75 and £25.
The agency's website promotes the "aftershow" as "the white hot place to hang for those still in need of some serious grooves". Tickets cost £75 and £25.
It also states: "Please be aware that Prince and the band are not guaranteed to perform, but as we all know with these cats - expect the unexpected."
It also states: "Please be aware that Prince and the band are not guaranteed to perform, but as we all know with these cats - expect the unexpected."
A notice was also placed on Prince's own site saying that he would not be playing at Friday night's "aftershow".
A notice was also placed on Prince's own site saying that he would not be playing at Friday night's "aftershow" - although fans have told the BBC News website that he then did appear after all, with soul singer Beverley Knight.
However, fans on chat forums such as prince.org and housequake.com have alleged these messages were not prominently displayed when they booked tickets.
However, fans on chat forums such as prince.org and housequake.com have alleged that warning messages were not prominently displayed when they booked tickets.
They said they had the impression that these "aftershow" events were further Prince concerts.
They said they had the impression that these "aftershow" events were further Prince concerts.
The star prepared 150 songs so he could rotate the setlist nightlyThere has also been confusion because sometimes Prince does turn up at these gigs, so fans are waiting until the events end at about 0500 BST to see if he will play.
The star prepared 150 songs so he could rotate the setlist nightlyThere has also been confusion because sometimes Prince does turn up at these gigs, so fans are waiting until the events end at about 0500 BST to see if he will play.
Some people claimed they had been contacting Ticketmaster to request refunds.
Some people claimed they had been contacting Ticketmaster to request refunds.
The star has been playing sets of about two hours in length in the main O2 arena, running through many of his hits, including Purple Rain, Alphabet Street and Kiss.
The star has been playing sets of about two hours in length in the main O2 arena, running through many of his hits, including Purple Rain, Alphabet Street and Kiss.
He said he had prepared 150 songs for his musicians, who include Maceo Parker, formerly a saxophonist in James Brown's band.
He said he had prepared 150 songs for his musicians, who include Maceo Parker, formerly a saxophonist in James Brown's band.
Neither Ticketmaster nor the O2 arena could be reached for comment, while promoter AEG referred calls to Prince's PR representative, who was also unavailable.
Neither Ticketmaster nor the O2 arena could be reached for comment, while promoter AEG referred calls to Prince's PR representative, who was also unavailable.
Have you been to any of Prince's "aftershow" events in the Indigo2 venue? Did it live up to your expectations?
Have you been to any of Prince's "aftershow" events in the Indigo2 venue? Did it live up to your expectations?
Let us know and we will publish a selection of responses received.
Let us know and we will publish a selection of responses received.
I had tickets for Saturday's aftershow. After waiting in the queue for over an hour to get into the Indigo, we were told that Prince wouldn't be performing or indeed attending. They told us this just after the last tube had left and with only 10 minutes before my last train back to Brighton. I had an expensive taxi to Victoria and a long three-hour wait at Gatwick until I could get the first train back to Brighton. WHAT A SHAMBLES. And all we can do apparently is exchange the tickets for another aftershow, which will mean trying to buy tickets for the actual show as well.Simon, Brighton
I went to see Prince at the O2 on Friday and had tickets for the aftershow at the Indigo. After a brilliant set by Beverley Knight, Prince's band and the man himself came on stage at around 2 am, and was jamming with them 'til 4 am. The show was as much about the band as him. In fact his vocal output was limited. Was worth every penny of the £25 ticket cost, though. The venue is small and intimate and it was the perfect end to an already fantastic night. All that said, I was fully aware beforehand that there was no guarantee Prince would be perform. Deb, Doncaster, UK
Every Prince fan knows to expect the unexpected. Friday, when he should he would definitely NOT play, the man ended up playing for two hours with Beverley Knight and was one of the greatest I've ever seen him play. No other artist could pull off a two and a half hour show like Prince let alone contemplating another long show until the early hours - fans should be thankful Prince has camped out in London for two months and quit complaining.Gavin Kingsley, London, UK
Prince's aftershow performances are legendary. In the past they were always much more ad-hoc affairs, but any fan lucky enough to wrangle his or her way into one was usually assured of a more intimate set featuring lesser-known fan-oriented material and improvisation, in a smaller venue. This time around it appeared as if the arrangements were to be more formalised, which seemed like a change for the better. Unfortunately though, when tickets went onsale for "Prince - the Official Aftershow" at Ticketmaster there was no warning that fans were paying for access to the Indigo2 bar only, and that there was no guarantee of any performance. Hopefully Ticketmaster and AEG will now start to take the complaints seriously and refund tickets to people who found themselves having paid so much money for the dubious honour of sitting in an overpriced bar for 4 hours.Ian Kiigan, Dundee, UK
Get a grip. Prince has kept his ticket prices down and sometimes plays two long shows and you're still moaning?! Let the man have a rest, he can't do it night after night. He is getting on a bit, y'know.Mick Hunter, Leeds, UK
I flew back "'home" on Thursday night to catch the show on Friday at the O2 with a few friends. Beverley Knight was performing - about 45 minutes into the show, Prince and his full entourage appeared on stage to perform with Beverley. Judging by her reaction this was not in the script. She was very shocked and grinning like a Cheshire cat. This continued and just after 2 am - more or less a real Prince show with more hits, cover versions and jamming until he went off stage at 3.25 am. I did hear that Prince has not showed at some of these aftershow events, but that is the beauty and agony of someone like him - expect the unexpected! Dave, Lund, Sweden
