Watch thousands of Prince fans sing "Purple Rain" on the streets of Minneapolis

The thronging purple masses started a spur-of-the-moment shindig outside First Avenue, blocking the streets and singing loud. Skyscrapers and Minneapolis monuments are lit up in Purple

The scenes are reminscent of the celebrations that erupted in Brixton back in January after the death of David Bowie - countless fans from all walks of life joining together to celebrate the work of one of the world's greatest musical innovators.

Read a personal tribute from Senior Editor and longtime Prince fan Thomas Hannan.

Watch fans sing "Purple Rain", "Little Red Corvette", and more below.