Prince to play Koko tonight in aid of Autism Rocks

The Purple One and his band actually performed at the charity's inaugural event last May, at London's Cafe De Paris, so this will be the second time they've performed for the cause. The charity aims to raise money for research into Autism via the music industry. Autism Rocks exclusively supports Autism Research Trust UK.

Prince's run of guerilla shows - that began almost exactly a year ago - were our Live Event of 2014, even beating the Kate Bush comeback. Senior Editor Thomas Hannan explains why:

"...I’ve seen Prince a few times before, but this was the best I’d ever seen him. That is, until he came back on stage about 45 minutes later – with a whole second venue’s worth of people having been allowed in from the queue outside (I hid in the gents and hung around for part two) – and trumped it straight away. Though the initial part of the set was nearly identical to the first one of the night – it was the encores that really sealed this one. The solo piano turns and additional flexing of the considerable music chops of 3RDEYEGIRL for new songs were a delight, but the hits medley was the biggest party I’ve ever been to, and the only time I’ve ever jumped up in to the air and punched the floor in delight. In my defence, I’d never heard him play “When Doves Cry” live before, and I really like that song."

Prince and 3RDEYEGIRL are set to take to the stage at 10pm.