Prince has announced the first dates on his upcoming Welcome To America tour.

The singer will begin the jaunt three shows at the Izod Center in New Jersey on December 14,15 and 17.

He is also scheduled to play Madison Square Garden in New York on December 18 and 29.

At a press conference earlier this month, Prince told fans and reporters that the tour was best described as “what we’ve all been waiting for”.

“I’ll will serve as master of ceremonies for multiple nights of entertainment that will feature so of the best artists this country has to offer," he added.

The tour will include support acts Janelle Monae, Mint Condition and Cassandra Wilson.

(by Jason Gregory)