Ida Nielsen (Bass Queen of the New Power Generation & 3rdEyeGirl)

The formidable Danish bassist who became a core member of Prince’s New Power Generation in the 2000s and later anchored his acclaimed all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl.

Ida Nielsen (born Ida Kristine Nielsen, June 27, 1977) is a Danish bassist, singer, and songwriter. Known for her thunderous slap bass, intricate grooves, and versatile musicality, she is widely regarded as one of the strongest bassists of her generation.

PRINCE CONNECTION Ida first joined Prince’s band in 2010 as part of the New Power Generation. She quickly earned Prince’s trust and became a key musical voice during his later career. She performed extensively with Prince from 2010 until his passing in 2016, appearing on albums such as 20Ten, Plectrumelectrum, and Hit n Run (both volumes).

She was a founding member of 3rdEyeGirl (Prince’s powerful all-female rock trio with Donna Grantis on guitar and Hannah Ford on drums), which released the album Plectrumelectrum in 2014 and toured internationally with a raw, high-energy rock sound.

KEY RELEASES With Prince & The NPG / 3rdEyeGirl:

• 20Ten (2010)

• Plectrumelectrum (2014) – 3rdEyeGirl album

• Art Official Age (2014)

• Hit n Run Phase One & Two (2015)

Solo Work:

• Several solo albums under her own name and as Ida Nielsen & The Funkbots

STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Ida was one of the most visible members of Prince’s final bands, known for her energetic stage presence and powerful bass solos. Since Prince’s passing, she has continued to tour and record, often participating in Prince tribute projects and keeping his funk/rock spirit alive. She remains highly active as a session musician, solo artist, and educator.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Ida Nielsen brought fresh energy, technical excellence, and a modern edge to Prince’s later bands. As a key member of both the New Power Generation and 3rdEyeGirl, she helped Prince explore a heavier, rock-oriented sound in his final years. She is one of the most prominent female instrumentalists in Prince’s entire musical history and continues to be a beloved figure in the Prince community.

SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, official Ida Nielsen website, interviews (The Current, Bass Player Magazine).

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