In the wake of civil unrest in Baltimore, Prince has announced a “Rally 4 Peace” concert. The special show will take place at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore on Sunday, May 10.
According to a press release, the event is “meant to be a catalyst for pause and reflection following the outpouring of violence that has gripped Baltimore and areas throughout the U.S.”
Attendees are invited to wear gray in tribute to 25-year-old Freddie Gray and those who have been lost in the violence. Prince will be joined on stage by his funk-rock group 3RDEYEGIRL, and superstar guests are also expected to attend.
Last week, Prince recorded a protest song titled “Baltimore” in response to the events in Baltimore. The song was written following the death of Gray and serves as a tribute to the people of Baltimore. It includes the lyrics, “Does anybody hear us pray / 4 Michael Brown or Freddie Gray? / Peace is more than the absence of war.”
Over the weekend, Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL hosted a spontaneous “Dance Rally 4 Peace” event at his Paisley Park recording complex in Chanhassen, Minn. Prince took the stage after midnight and led the audience into a communal chant of “Baltimore… Peace 4 ever more.”
Tickets for the “Rally 4 Peace” concert go on sale Wednesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. local time. A portion of the proceeds benefit local Baltimore-based youth charities.
Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL recently launched their “HITNRUN USA” tour. Shows have been announced just a few days, and sometimes just hours, before they happen.