Prince performs secret intimate gig in north London

The musician played new material at Camden's Electric Ballroom

American singer Prince on stage at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, north London for a secret gig (PA)

Prince played to a small crowd at Camden’s Electric Ballroom last night, after revealing details about the gig on Twitter hours before.

The American artist played songs from his forthcoming album Plectrum Electrum, including new material “PretzelBodyLogic” and “ Funk N Roll”.

The singer got pretty ‘Funk N Roll’ himself hours before the gig, playing in the front room of British soul singer Lianne La Havas’s East London home.

Prince performed in La Havas’s cosy lounge in front of a crackling fire with his all-female band 3RDEYEGIRL, the Associated Press reports.

He said the trip to London was “open-ended” and is expected to announce a number of UK tour dates today, but details remain scarce.

The 55-year-old performer said he also planned to play “iconic” London venues during his stay, including Ronnie Scott’s jazz club and Bag O’Nails, where Jimi Hendrix once played.

News of the secret gig broke on Twitter after Prince’s manager Kiran Sharma tweeted: “If you were there…you know. See you tomorrow! Same place. @3rdeyegirl #FUNKNROLL #electricballroom #princepressconference.”

Fans queued outside the venue after hearing the news on Twitter, expecting to the singer to appear on stage at 3am. Instead Prince started towards midnight and finished around 1am.

He finished the gig by telling the crowd “We will be here tomorrow, a bit earlier and a lot funkier”.