Thousands of people came out to Baltimore's Royal Farms Arena Sunday night for Prince's "Rally 4 Peace" concert, with many attendees saying they thought the celebratory event would help the city heal.
The musician quickly put the event together following the protests in Baltimore demanding answers in the case of Freddie Gray, a black man who suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. It was Prince's first show in Baltimore in 14 years, and tickets went for $22 to $497 each. He was joined onstage by rapper Doug E. Fresh, singers Estelle and Miguel, and his band, 3RDEYEGIRL. "Music is medicine," attendee Luther Washington told the Baltimore Sun. "People want to reflect a little bit. His message has always been in his lyrics, if you just look deep enough."
Prince performed his new song "Baltimore," which he wrote after the protests, as well as favorites like "Little Red Corvette." He told the crowd: "The system is broken. It's going to take the young people to fix it this time. We need new ideas, new life.... The next time I come to Baltimore, I want to stay in a hotel owned by you." Concert organizers did not specify an amount, but said that proceeds from each ticket will go to Baltimore-based youth charities.
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