Prince to swap guitar for piano on UK tour

Pop star Prince is to return to the UK as part of a solo tour that will see him swap his guitar for a piano.

The enigmatic multi-instrumentalist will take his Piano and a Microphone Tour to as-yet unconfirmed venues across Europe.

The tour is expected to kick-off in Austria on November 21, and conclude in Belgium on December 22.

The Purple Rain star is due to play at four venues in the UK - Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool and London - according to reports.

In a statement, the prolific musician said: "Why do this now? For several reasons.

"For starters it is a challenge.

"I rarely get bad reviews because this is something that's been perfected for over 30 years.

"You have to try new things. With the piano it is more naked, more pure. You can see exactly what you get."

Prince, whose repertoire includes piano-led Starfish and Coffee and How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore, spent the early part of 2013 playing venues across England as part of his Hit and Run tour.

The concerts were often announced on the day, and saw tickets sold on the door for as little as £10.

The US star returned to the UK for a short run of dates last spring.