Fans paid tribute to popstar Prince by setting up an altar of flowers, candles and photographs in the heart of Camden Town - the place the star performed many times and once owned a shop.
The musician, who died at his mansion in Minnesota yesterday at the age of 57, famously played a ‘secret gig’ at The Electric Ballroom in 2014 as well as performing at other Camden venues.
Ham&High photographer Nigel Sutton took this picture of the legend as he opened his shop in Chalk Farm Road in April 1994.
Nigel said of the opening: “There were crowds gathering outside waiting for hours and hours. He sneaked into a side entrance and came out on the balcony and fans were screaming. There was a bit of a frenzy, but it was over in seconds.
Prince fan and former mayor of Camden Jonathan Simpson said: “We lined up for about four hours and got to see him for two seconds on the balcony. After waiting even longer we got inside and bought some bad-smelling purple incense. Naturally, it was worth the wait. The guy’s a genius.”
In February 2014, Prince flew in for the secret, hour-long show at The Electric Ballroom to promote his album Plectrum Electrum.
The Electric Ballroom are holding a Prince tribute tonight (Friday)
A few months later he played two gigs on the same night at The Roundhouse as part of his “Hit and Run” tour. Fans were given just 48 hour’s notice, but tickets sold out in four minutes.
After the concert, fans paid tribute to the star on the Roundhouse website
Sophie Parrott said: “Prince last night. Basically nothing will ever be the same again.”
Another fan, Gavin Finesse said: “Last night was probably the best three hours of my life.feel genuinely privileged to have witnessed it
In February 2015, Prince played a concert for Autism Rocks at Koko. Thousands of fans lined up in Camden High Street hoping to get in even though it was a ticketed, invite-only concert.
Comedian Leigh Francis, who plays TV character Keith Lemon, tweeted today: “Was lucky enough to see Prince last year at KoKo in Camden. Was an amazing gig.”
Rhiann Keys, of the Ballet Fit exercise studio in Marylebone, also attended the show.
She said: “He was every inch a star, and a prolific performer. He did a solid two-hour set and the creative connection he had with his band was awe inspiring,” she said.
“He gave all 300 of us one of the best night of our lives.”
Prince was inducted into the UK Hall of Fame at Alexandra Palace in November 2006 and arrived in Haringey to collect the honour.
Tributes are now being arranged throughout the area.
Alexandra Palace ice rink will hold ‘Fromage on Ice: When Doves Cry a Prince on May 27.
The Old Queen’s Head, in Islington, will hold an event on June 25. See other tribute events here
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