‘Pornographic’ Prince had Cork spinning after 12 hours visit

Prince’s Nude tour came to Cork in July 1990 with a 90-strong entourage, which included a road crew of 60. It was breathlessly reported that the popstar was protected by a troupe of kung-fu bodyguards ahead of his concert for 55,000 fans.

Although Prince spent less than 12 hours in Cork, it was estimated that traders at the time enjoyed a £4m bonus as fans flocked to the city.

Promoter Oliver Barry brought Michael Jackson to Cork two years before Prince arrived here in 1990 and also staged the successful Siamsa concerts. Reports in the then Cork Examiner had sources saying that Barry faced considerable costs — including £80,000 to the Cork County Board for the use of Pairc Ui Chaoimh and fees of £500k for Prince himself.