The New Power Generation, a.k.a. The NPG, was the backing band of the artist Prince, from 1990 to 2013. Although the phrase “Welcome to the New Power Generation” was first mentioned on the opening track of Prince’s 1988’s “Lovesexy” album, the NPG was first used as a band name in Prince’s 1990 movie “Graffiti Bridge”, and the song “New Power Generation” appeared on the accompanying soundtrack album. The NPG was formally introduced as Prince’s new backing band in the summer of 1990 on the “Nude Tour”. The band made its recording debut in 1991 on the wildly successful and critically acclaimed, “Diamonds and Pearls” album – which spawned more hits on the Billboard charts than any other Prince album released since 1984’s “Purple Rain”. Most reviews pointed to the musical synergy between Prince and his new band.
Over the years the NPG’s line-up has had different configurations of the NPG. (For the full detailed band history: www.princevault.com/index.php?title=Band:_New_Power_Generation)
Fast forward to October of 2016 at the acclaimed official Prince Tribute Concert in Minnesota when Morris Hayes – who was the longest-running member of the NPG after playing keyboards with Prince off and on for 20 years – was tapped as the MD for the event. He brought in the original members of the NPG to serve as the house band but also expanded the group to include a number of other former members who played in later configurations of the band over the years. The feedback from the fans was that the official tribute concert was both exhilarating and healing. “Exactly what we needed” was a typical comment from the fans. As a result, Morris had a meeting with some of the original members of the NPG about a month after the show to discuss an ‘official’ reunion in order to perform a series of tribute concerts. The premise was to bring the live music to Prince’s ‘fams’ throughout the world in order to allow them the opportunity to take part in a celebration of Prince and his music. Their intent: to honor their boss, their mentor and his music. And so, the “Celebrating Prince” show, a musical performance with alumni of the NPG, was born.
After touring with several different “guest vocalists” during their first year out, the NPG stumbled upon its current official lead singer in the soulful and charismatic MacKenzie - an LA-based singer, originally from a small town in Virginia. With his incredible vocal range, commanding stage presence and beautiful voice, MacKenzie has wowed both audiences and critics alike. Even more important, the 'fams' quickly embraced him. MacKenzie's immense talent coupled with his unique and reverent approach to the songs never strays into an impersonation. Instead, his own gifted artistry shines through in a way that the band is confident Prince would approve. Just like the NPG, the man is funky!
Respecting the music is the philosophical approach that guides the NPG. Few other artists are known to have the work ethic that was a defining characteristic of Prince. He was a consummate live performer and his concerts with the NPG were legendary for their tight arrangements, stellar sound and electrifying pace. The NPG continue to play as if their famous boss was front and center. Their shows are a non-stop musical kaleidoscope of the most iconic chart-topping hits from all eras of Prince's career.
Today’s configuration of the NPG consists of a number of long-time alumni of the band and varies somewhat with each tour.
