January 16, 2013 16:30

Prince auditions drummer ahead of possible tour

Singer books the Dakota Jazz Club at short notice

Photo: PA Photos

Prince has booked six dates at an intimate Minneapolis jazz club this week in order to audition for a new drummer.

As reported by the Duluth News Tribune, Prince booked the dates at the Dakota Jazz Club at short notice and will also host a jam session for his band.

The Minneapolis-born musician will reportedly play two "sound check" sets next Wednesday, two jam sessions on Thursday night and two shows on Friday night which are billed as a "surprise". Tickets, which cost between $70 and $200, have already sold out for all of the dates.

Prince's acknowledgement that he is auditioning a new live drummer has sparked rumours that he'll be heading out on a wider tour this year, although thus far there are no dates scheduled.

Earlier this month, a mysterious new track believed to be the work of Prince surfaced online. Titled 'Same Page Different Book', the funky tune emerged via a new Twitter account called 3rd Eye Girl.

At present, it is unclear whether "3rd Eye Girl" is a viral marketing campaign affiliated to Prince, or merely a fan who has managed to track down some unreleased material. Back in November 2012, Prince released a one-off single called 'Rock And Roll Love Affair'. His last album, '20Ten', came out two years ago as a free covermount with the Daily Mirror.

Meanwhile, the Purple One is due to be honoured at a charity tribute concert in New York on March 9. Artists including The Roots and Talib Kweli will perform songs from his back catalogue, but it is unknown whether Prince himself will appear at the event.

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