I know this story has been posted, but this is the BBC version -P

Pop star Prince has been forced off stage by police during a late-night gig in his home town of Minneapolis.

The musician, 49, was halfway through his set at the legendary First Avenue nightclub when he announced: "The authorities say we gotta go.

"We always listen to the authorities," he added. "I promise I'll be back."

The club, which Prince made famous in his movie Purple Rain, is allowed to stay open until 0300, but the star only took to the stage at 0245 on Sunday.

He had performed hits including I Feel For You and Controversy before police pulled the plug.

Club owner Byron Frank said officers talked to Prince's crew and allowed the singer a little extra time to wind the show down.

"It's very sad they had to do it, because everybody was having such a wonderful time," Mr Frank said.

'Arrogant'

Police sergeant ET Nelson said more than 20 officers had been working overtime to block off streets surrounding the club.

"I think it's very arrogant of him to think he can hold us here like this," he said. "The law is the law for anybody."

Prince had already played two concerts in Minneapolis before his late-night club appearance.

His first performance was at a department store, where he promoted his new cologne with a nine-song, 45-minute set.

CD giveaway

"Minneapolis, I am home," he declared after the opening number. He later played a full concert at the Target Center arena.

The multi-instrumentalist is renowned for his late-night after-show parties, where he performs loose, extended versions of songs from his vast back catalogue.

He comes to London in August for a 21-night residency at the O2 arena. He releases his new album, Planet Earth, next week.

In the UK, the record is being given away free with The Mail On Sunday newspaper and to fans attending his concerts.

Original Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/h...283352.stm