Prince announces new tour and album

Prince will next month release a new album, Musicology, and embark on his first major tour in six years.

So far all of the dates are in the US, but Prince said: "We want to go around the world and probably go back again."

Old favourites will also be part of the tour but Prince warned these gigs will be the last time fans will be able hear his classics for a while, since he wants "to make room for new music."

Prince also said he was hoping to provide free Musicology CDs to those who buy concert tickets, reports Billboard.

"Usually the people who purchase concert tickets, they've been supportive of my music for a long time - for over 20 years now," he said.

Prince says he will let fans download Musicology tracks from his NPG Music Club Web site in the weeks ahead. Members would pay about 40p per song, while non-members would be charged about 55p.

He is still negotiating with a number of labels before deciding which record company will put out the album.

Story filed: 11:35 Wednesday 25th February 2004