Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prince dead: Watch singer perform 'Purple Rain' as his final song at last ever Atlanta gig

Fans were unaware that the show would soon take on an acute poignancy

Jess Denham
Thursday 21 April 2016 22:52 BST
Comments
Prince had postponed two previous shows while suffering from flu
Prince had postponed two previous shows while suffering from flu (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Prince fans present at the late singer’s final gig in Atlanta were among the privileged few to watch him bid farewell with “Purple Rain”.

The legendary singer, who died aged 57 on Thursday, performed his last show at the Fox Theatre a week ago, after postponing two previous shows while suffering from flu.

Singers Judith Hill and Jangle Monae attended the gig, which was part of his sell-out Piano & a Microphone tour.

Audience member Celeste Headlee told People magazine that Prince began the night by apologising for cancelling before giving an “incredible performance with at least four encores”.

“There was a tiny bit of gravel in his voice from time to time but that was the only indication that he’d felt ill the week before,” she said.

Prince's most iconic looks

The reportedly emotional concert has now taken on an acute poignancy, with videos of Prince bathed in a purple light for his closing song quickly going viral on social media.


Just days afterwards Prince was found dead in his recording studio, the world having lost yet another cultural hero.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in