BEIJING, May9 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. rock star Prince, 48,will play 21 shows in London this summer, media reported on Tuesday.

The innovative funk artist, who created such groundbreaking works as 1984's "Purple Rain" and 1987's "Sign O' The Times" and sold an estimated 80 million albums, made a brief appearance in the city to announce the gigs, beginning Aug. 1.

He will charge 62 U.S. dollars per ticket, after his recent record "3121", with which he scored his first U.S. No. 1 album in almost 17 years in 2006.

Fans will receive a copy of his new album with their ticket.

The eclectic pop superstar, who is a Jehovah's Witness, said he wouldn't be playing any other European dates in 2007 because he must devote time to studying the Bible.

(Agencies)