Prince surprise set in Paris 'til break of dawn

Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) thrilled fans in France on Thursday night (July 22) when he took to the stage for a surprise show - and performed until daylight broke.

The Purple Rain hitmaker played a set at the tiny, 500-capacity New Morning Club in Paris in the early hours of Friday (July 23), after news of the gig leaked on Twitter.com just hours earlier.

He kept the audience waiting until 2.30am before appearing onstage - but then sent them into a frenzy with a set of lesser-known tracks as well as classic hits including Kiss, Raspberry Beret, and Cream. The rocker was even joined by soul singer Erykah Badu, who sang with him on three tracks.

And after telling the crowd he would perform "til the sun comes up", Prince kept his word - he played six encores and closed the show at 6.15am.

> The actual setlist was:

Start: 2:30
Stop: 6:15

01.Stratus
02.Brown skin (?)
03.I've never loved a man
04.Baby love
05.Beautiful strange
06.Sometimes it snows in April
07.Hair
08. (?) w/Uptown interpolation

-----Encore 1------
09.When will we b paid?
10.Que sera sera
11.Controversy w/Housequake chants

-----Encore 2-----
12.I love u but i don't trust u anymore
13.Dreamer
14.The ride
15.Miss you
16.Kiss
17.Cream

-----Encore 3-----
18.How come u don't call me anymore? w/Please please please

-----Encore 4-----
19.Shake your body
20.Everyday people
21.I want to take you higher

-----Encore 5-----
22.Purple Music / All the critics love u in New Morning
23.Dance (disco heat)

------Encore 6------
Piano Set
24.Diamonds & pearls
25.Raspberry beret
26.Starfish & coffee
27.Venus de Milo
28.Still waiting
29.Future soul song
30. "Oh New Morning" - Purple Rain