Royal Visit?

The Sunday papers were uncertain about the possibility of a royal visit to the Four Courts this week. The Sunday Times suggested that diminutive rock star Prince could be on hand to fight an action by concert promoter, MCD, over his failure to turn out for a gig in Croke Park two years ago. But the Sunday Business Post indicated that he might defend his case by video link.

One way or another, the stage is set for a bling-filled showdown. MCD is claiming €1.6 million damages over the cancellation of the June 2008 concert which left 55,000 fans in the lurch. The promoter alleges that the “Purple Rain” star pulled out of the gig “on a whim” giving just a week’s notice. In his defence, Prince, who has already sworn an affidavit in the case, says that Tony Goldring, of the William Morris agency, who claimed to be his agent, did not have his consent to commit him to the Croke Park booking.

MCD has already recouped a $1.5 million deposit it paid William Morris but it is now seeking €1.6 million in damages to cover its losses, including the cost of refunding the tickets that had been sold. Both MCD and Prince have been criticised for cancelling gigs in the past. In 1987, Prince called off two gigs in London due to bad weather and MCD had to drop an Eminem concert in Slane in 2005 when the rapper pulled out due to “exhaustion.”