Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera set for Prince tribute gig
Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Chaka Khan are among the artists who will perform at a Prince tribute concert next month.
The family of the late singer – who died from a fentanyl overdose in April – are staging a concert at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 13, and John Mayer, Tori Kelly, Morris Day, the Time and Anita Baker are also on the bill to give musical tributes to the pop icon.
Doug E. Fresh, Bilal, Mint Condition, Judith Hill and Liv Warfield are also on the performers list, and New Power Generation Keyboardist Morris Hayes, along with members of Prince’s girl group 3rdEyeGirl, will lead the ensemble for performances of all songs.
Prince’s sister Sharon Nelson said in a statement: ""The family is extremely excited to provide an opportunity for the world to participate in the tribute for our brother Prince."
The ‘Purple Rain’ star’s friend and advisor L. Londell McMillan added: "Many fans and friends all over the world wanted to have the chance to honour, memorialise and celebrate this incredible man.
"We’re thrilled we were able to make this happen."
Tickets for the show will go on sale on Monday (19.09.16).
Event organisers have also set up a Twitter account, @PRNTRIBUTEOCT13, for official updates about the tribute gig.
Shortly after Prince’s death, ‘Lately’ hitmaker Stevie praised the "inspiring" "Emperor" of Pop.
He said: "Prince was so inspired, and so inspiring.
"He was kind, he was disciplined and he knew where he wanted to go. He was able to make big transitions.
"If Michael [Jackson] was the King of Pop, Prince should be the Emperor. Prince fought for his artistic freedom. He didn’t allow anyone or anything to get in his way.
"By following his own path, Prince took music to a whole other place, like the Beatles did. He wanted to change the way things were, like Marvin Gaye did.
"When you do that, you have to be very sure of yourself."
