At 2 a.m. yesterday morning a small, lithe figure strolled on to the tiny stage at Dublin's Spirit night-club and proceeded to crank out a funky jazz improvisation on a strangely-shaped guitar.
The Artist Once Again Known As Prince was playing one of his notorious "secret" gigs following his sold-out concert at the Point on Thursday night.
And he was accompanied by his band, his trademark wry grin and his trusty Bible.
Dressed like some New Romantic matador, and looking dapper at the age of 44, the Purple One performed an hour-long set for a chosen few hundred guests, playing pop preacher to this small congregation of devotees.
It wasn't quite a religious experience, but for sheer entertainment value it sure beat midnight Mass.
It was no surprise to anyone that Prince was planning a small, intimate show after his official Dublin concert.
Whenever he finishes a gig in whatever city he's in, His Royal Purpleness likes nothing better than to jump into the limo, head down to a local club, plug in his guitar and start a late-night funky jam.
Anyone looking for Prince's big hits on Thursday night would have heard nothing familiar in the mix of jazz, funk, soul and rock'n'roll.
However, they might have recognised the Jehovah's Witness Bible that the singer held in his hand, a symbol of the man's new-found faith.
After years in the contractual wilderness, the prodigal Prince has returned to the pop fold, and he seems more human than ever before.
