Prince returns to Irish stage after nine years

London: R&B legend Prince made his return to the stage after nine years to perform a two-hour concert in Ireland.

The 53-year-old singer thrilled a crowd of 35,000 fans at Malahide Castle in Dublin as part of his ongoing tour of Europe, reported Contactmusic. The `Purple Rain` hitmaker, who performed at the open air venue, apologised for his long absence from the country, telling the crowd, "I`m sorry it has taken so long." He performed his greatest hits which included `Kiss`, `1999` and `Little Red Corvette`, before inviting fans onstage for `Play That Funky Music`. Prince, who last played in Ireland in 2002, was due to perform in Dublin in June, 2008 but scrapped the gig at the last minute prompting a lawsuit from concert promoters. PTI