Prince will play Baltimore in Freddie Gray tribute

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prince will perform a special concert in Baltimore on Sunday, apparently in part to honour the 25-year-old black man whose death from spinal injuries suffered in police custody sparked weeks of protest and a day of rioting.

The Grammy award-winning musician will hold his "Rally 4 Peace" show on Mother's Day along with his backing band 3RDEYEGIRL, Royal Farms Arena said in a statement on Tuesday night. The statement added that "superstar guests" were also expected to attend.

"Wear something gray," reads a promotional image for the concert, seemingly to reference Freddie Gray, who died last month after a week in the hospital following his April 12 arrest.

Gray's death became the latest flashpoint in a national outcry over police killings of unarmed black men and other minority groups in the United States, and provoked weeks of largely peaceful protests in the city punctuated by a day of arson and looting on April 27.

Last Friday, Baltimore's chief prosecutor announced charges against all six police officers involved in Gray's arrest, ranging from misconduct in office to second degree murder.

A representative for Prince could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Baltimore Sun newspaper said the artist was expected to perform a protest song, dubbed "Baltimore", which has not been released.

related articles
Baltimore riots: The church must be a \'moral voice\' says pastor as leaders urge peace
Baltimore riots: The church must be a 'moral voice' says pastor as leaders urge peace

Baltimore riots: The church must be a 'moral voice' says pastor as leaders urge peace

Protests against police violence spread across US
Protests against police violence spread across US

Protests against police violence spread across US

Baltimore pastor praises mother who pulled son out of riot
Baltimore pastor praises mother who pulled son out of riot

Baltimore pastor praises mother who pulled son out of riot

Baltimore pastor works with faith leaders to  bring healing to the city after Freddie Gray unrest
Baltimore pastor works with faith leaders to bring healing to the city after Freddie Gray unrest

Baltimore pastor works with faith leaders to bring healing to the city after Freddie Gray unrest

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.