diff --git a/tools/perf/pmu-events/Build b/tools/perf/pmu-events/Build
index dc5f94862a3b..dc1df2d57ddc 100644
--- a/tools/perf/pmu-events/Build
+++ b/tools/perf/pmu-events/Build
@@ -211,10 +211,10 @@ ifneq ($(strip $(ORPHAN_FILES)),)
 
 # Message for $(call echo-cmd,rm). Generally cleaning files isn't part
 # of a build step.
-quiet_cmd_rm  = RM      $^
+quiet_cmd_rm = RM      ...$(words $^) orphan file(s)...
 
+# The list of files can be long. Use xargs to prevent issues.
 prune_orphans: $(ORPHAN_FILES)
-	# The list of files can be long. Use xargs to prevent issues.
 	$(Q)$(call echo-cmd,rm)echo "$^" | xargs rm -f
 
 JEVENTS_DEPS += prune_orphans