Prince to play Freddie Gray tribute concert in Baltimore

Organisers have urged concert-goers to wear "gray (sic)"

Prince in 1984 film Purple Rain (Rex Features)

Prince will perform a special concert in Baltimore this weekend in tribute to the 25-year-old whose death following violence under police custody sparked rioting and protests in the city.

The “Purple Rain” singer will hold a “Rally 4 Peace” show on America’s Mothering Sunday this weekend supported by his backing band 3RDEYEGIRL.

He has urged fans to “wear something gray (sic)” apparently out of respect for Freddie Gray who died last month after a week in hospital following his arrest on 12 April.

Gray's death has been the latest flashpoint in a national outcry over police killings of unarmed black men and other minority groups in the United States, and provoked weeks of largely peaceful protests in the city punctuated by a day of arson and looting on 27 April.

Last Friday, Baltimore's chief prosecutor announced charges against all six police officers involved in Gray's arrest, ranging from misconduct in office to second degree murder.

A representative for Prince could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Baltimore Sun newspaper said the artist was expected to perform a protest song, dubbed "Baltimore", which has not been released.

Additional reporting by Reuters