The New Power Generation

Lore & Background

The phrase "Welcome to the New Power Generation" was mentioned on the opening track of 1988's Lovesexy. New Power Generation was used for the first time as a band name in the 1990 film Graffiti Bridge, and a song entitled "New Power Generation" appeared on the accompanying soundtrack album. The New Power Generation debuted live during the Nude Tour in 1990 and on record on the 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls. The band consisted of holdovers from the Nude Tour: Michael Bland (drums), Levi Seacer, Jr. (guitar), Rosie Gaines (keyboards and backing vocals), Tony M. (lead raps and dancing), Kirk Johnson (percussion and dancing), and Damon Dickson (dancing), along with two new members Tommy Barbarella (keyboards) and Sonny T. (bass). Rosie Gaines left the band after the Diamonds and Pearls Tour and was replaced by keyboardist Morris Hayes. When Prince began his formal dispute with Warner Bros. and changed his stage name to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993, the NPG became a side-project for Prince, allowing him to release music outside of his contract. The NPG's debut album, Goldnigga, featured Tony M. as lead vocalist/rapper. A reduced NPG returned to the Prince fold when he began performing under the symbolic moniker in early 1994, backing him on The Gold Experience. This incarnation released Exodus in 1995. In 1996, longstanding members Michael Bland, Tommy Barbarella, and Sonny T. were fired and a new band was formed for touring. In 1998, another NPG album was released titled Newpower Soul. A fourth album, Peace, due to be released in 2001, never materialized. The band since has been a "revolving door" of musicians. In 2010, three former members of the original New Power Generation, drummer Michael Bland, keyboardist Tommy Barbarella and bass player Sonny T., became members of Nick Jonas and the Administration. In 2013, NPG singer Elisa Fiorillo (Dease) formed a duo with Nashville-based guitarist Tyler Reese, called the Dease & Reese Project. The NPG collaborated with Prince once more in 2015 on what would be his last studio album, Hit n Run Phase Two. After Prince's untimely death in 2016, the band reunited in 2017 and 2019 for a US and European Prince tribute tour. In February 2026, it was officially announced that the band was changing its name to "the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band".

In Their Own Story

The humid air inside the rehearsal studio at Paisley Park crackled with anticipation as the bassist dropped a low, rolling note that seemed to shake the floorboards. Prince stood center stage, eyes closed, nodding slowly as the drummer locked into a syncopated groove that defied standard time signatures. The guitarist wove a jagged line of distortion through the mix, while the keyboardists layered shimmering chords above it all. It wasn't just a song being played; it was a new language being spoken, one where every member knew exactly when to step forward and when to recede into the rhythm section's deep pocket.

Reader's Guide

The New Power Generation served as Prince's backing band from 1990 to 2013, and also released albums as a side-project, including Goldnigga, Exodus, and Newpower Soul. The band's lineup changed frequently over the years. After Prince's death, the band reunited for tribute tours in 2017 and 2019. In February 2026, the band changed its name to "the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band".

Did You Know?

• The phrase 'New Power Generation' first appeared on the 1988 album Lovesexy.
• The NPG debuted live during the Nude Tour in 1990.
• The band's debut album Goldnigga featured Tony M. as lead vocalist/rapper.
• In 2010, three former NPG members joined Nick Jonas and the Administration.
• The band changed its name to 'the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band' in February 2026.