Rally 4 Peace concert for Freddie Gray
Rally 4 Peace
BALTIMORE: Reclusive rocker Prince took the stage in Baltimore last night in a Rally 4 Peace concert in response to the death of a 25-year-old man of injuries suffered in police custody and the riots that followed, telling the crowd: “We are here for you.”
The Grammy-winning musician, appearing at Royal Farms Arena along with his backing band 3RDEYEGIRL, performed such hits as Raspberry Beret as well as a new song called Baltimorewhich he dedicated to the city.
“We are here tonight,” he said.
A statement released by the venue last week promised other “superstar guests” at the concert.
A promotional image for the show urged attendees to “wear something gray,” in apparent
for you reference to Freddie Gray, who died in hospital a week after his arrest on April 12.
Gray’s death became the latest flashpoint in a national outcry over police killings of unarmed black men and other minority groups in the US, and provoked weeks of protests punctuated by a day of riots, arson and looting in the city.
Days later Baltimore’s chief prosecutor announced charges against all six police officers involved in Gray’s arrest, ranging from misconduct in office to second degree murder.
Prince released Baltimore yesterday before the concert, which featured performer Eryn Allen Kane and included a mention of Gray.
Though Gray was not killed by a gunshot wound the song also urged: “Let’s take all the guns away.” – Reuters