Prince dead: Watch singer perform 'Purple Rain' as his final song at last ever Atlanta gig

Fans were unaware that the show would soon take on an acute poignancy

Prince had postponed two previous shows while suffering from flu (EPA)

Prince fans present at the late singer’s final gig in Atlanta were among the privileged few to watch him bid farewell with “Purple Rain”.

The legendary singer, who died aged 57 on Thursday, performed his last show at the Fox Theatre a week ago, after postponing two previous shows while suffering from flu.

Singers Judith Hill and Jangle Monae attended the gig, which was part of his sell-out Piano & a Microphone tour.

Audience member Celeste Headlee told People magazine that Prince began the night by apologising for cancelling before giving an “incredible performance with at least four encores”.

“There was a tiny bit of gravel in his voice from time to time but that was the only indication that he’d felt ill the week before,” she said.

The reportedly emotional concert has now taken on an acute poignancy, with videos of Prince bathed in a purple light for his closing song quickly going viral on social media.

Just days afterwards Prince was found dead in his recording studio, the world having lost yet another cultural hero.