PRINCE is play his first Scottish show in almost 20 years at Glasgow's Hydro.

The enigmatic American superstar has scheduled four arena shows across the UK with his new band 3rdEyeGirl, including a Glasgow date on Thursday, May 22.

But fans will have to pay upwards of £71 for the chance to see the Purple Rain singer live, with tickets priced up to £137.50.

The arena shows at Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds are his first since his sold-out residency at The O2 London in 2007.

He last performed in Glasgow 19 years ago.

It was reported last night that the 55-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist may announce a second date at the Hydro because of the six-day gap between his Manchester and Glasgow dates.

Social networking sites, such as Twitter, exploded with excited fans soon after the announcement was made.

Actor Sanjeev Kohli, of TV comedy Still Game, joked: "Prince coming to Glasgow! The Hydro! Will he bring a) The Revolution b) The New Power Generation or c) The Paisley Park Fleeto?"

Another user said: "Prince is playing in Glasgow next month! (but tickets are 71 quid) Going to have a heart attack."

Rob Birrell said: "Talk about last-minute announcement! All year I have been hoping Prince would come here at some point, but going to miss it."

The news will feed speculation that Prince is set to be the final headliner at Glastonbury, on June 28.

But Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis has said the final headliner will be "one of the biggest bands in the world at the moment".

If the festival appearance does not happen, the gap between the Manchester and Glasgow dates suggests more shows could be scheduled.

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow through the website www.thessehydro.com or by calling 0844 3954000.

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk