EXCLUSIVE: Read it here first...

Prince: The Artist Now Known as Cash Cow

Thu., Apr. 10, 2008 4:45 PM PDT by Marc Malkin

Hampton Social @ Ross

Prince is rolling in some major bank!

The Purple One put on a “surprise” concert last night at Green Door in Hollywood. But what was really surprising was the ticket price and payment: He charged $200 a ticket—and only cash was accepted, according to sources.

The place was packed with about 250 people, according to my insider.

Um, that’s $50,000 in cash!

I’m sure Prince fanatics lucky enough to get in thought it was well worth it. He went on at about 12:30 and performed songs including “1999,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Cream,” “Controversy,” “Kiss” and a cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon."

The show ended at about 2 a.m. with "Purple Rain."

So who was there? Pink, Adrian Grenier, Amy Smart, Bill Maher, Leelee Sobieski, Tara Reid, Melanie Griffith and Brit actor and former pro soccer player Vinnie Jones.

Prince has been a regular at Green Door’s Jazz Night on Tuesdays, where just a couple of weeks ago he jumped on stage for an impromptu—and free—performance.

Next up? He heads to the Southern California desert for an April 26 gig at the Coachella Music Festival.

Don't forget your greenbacks!