Despite the name changes and reclusive nature of this most eccentric of musical geniuses, the Purple One shows that he still is one the world’s greatest performers. Opening his ‘Welcome 2 America’ tour, at the Izod Arena in New Jersey, Prince played some of the best song from his catalogue including ‘Uptown’, Raspberry Beret’, ‘U Got The Look’ and ‘Cream’.

Prince, a performer that seems capable of performing any style of musical genre appeared on stage in extravagant fashion – being raised by a hydraulic platform. The show was in every conceivable way a success.

The Purple one also threw in a few surprises and duets. His hand picked support acts which included Esperanza Spalding, a jazz musician and vocalist sang Sheena E’s parts in ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’, while soul singer Lalah Hathaway sang the female part for ‘Diamonds and Pearls’ and ‘Sometimes It Snows In April’.

To round off a particularly spectacular return to the gigging arena, Prince took a leaf from Ozzy Osbourne’s stage craft by inviting members of the audience to share the stage and dance to his track, ‘Controversy’.

Prince has recently announced further dates for the ‘Welcome 2 America’ tour, and plays New York’s Madison Square Garden tonight.