Minneapolis Sound All Star Band (Formerly The New Power Generation)

The official continuation of Prince’s legendary 1990–2013 backing band, rebranded as the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band after the expiration of the NPG name license, continuing to honor Prince’s music while expanding into new creative territory.

OVERVIEW

The Minneapolis Sound All Star Band is a rotating collective of Prince’s longtime band members, primarily from the New Power Generation (NPG) era. Formed after Prince’s passing, the group originally performed under the NPG name with Estate approval before transitioning to the new name in 2025 for creative freedom and legal clarity.

HISTORY & NAME CHANGE

The band came together for the official Prince Tribute Concert in 2016, music-directed by Morris Hayes. The overwhelmingly positive response led to an official reunion in 2017. They toured internationally as the New Power Generation until the end of 2022 when the trademark license expired.

After a transitional period performing as “former members of the NPG,” the group adopted the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band name in 2025. The change was supported by the late Jellybean Johnson (who held related trademark rights and gave his written blessing) and was driven by new Estate policies restricting unauthorized Prince tribute performances. The new name allows them greater freedom to perform Prince material alongside original compositions and other Minneapolis Sound classics.

CORE & ROTATING MEMBERS

• Morris Hayes – Keyboards, Musical Director (longtime NPG member and Prince’s former musical director)

• Tony Mosley (Tony M) – Rap, vocals, guitar, dance

• Sonny T (Sonny Thompson) – Bass

• MacKenzie – Lead vocals (since 2018)

Frequent Alumni Include: BrownMark, Levi Seacer Jr., Tommy Barbarella, Mike Scott, Kirk Johnson, Damon Dickson, Kat Dyson, Ida Nielsen, Shelby J, Marva King, Mono Neon, and many others.

PRINCE CONNECTION This is the direct continuation of Prince’s primary band from the Diamonds and Pearls era through the 2000s. Many members served as his core collaborators for over two decades. The group maintains the precision, energy, and funk that defined Prince’s live shows.

KEY PERFORMANCES

• Official Prince Tribute Concert (2016)

• Paisley Park Celebrations (2017 onward)

• International tours as NPG and now as Minneapolis Sound All Star Band

• Regular performances blending Prince hits with expanded repertoire

CURRENT DIRECTION While continuing to honor Prince’s catalog with reverence (never imitation), the band is broadening their sets to include original music and tracks from other Minneapolis Sound architects. They emphasize high-energy, meticulously arranged performances that celebrate the entire Minneapolis Sound legacy.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE As the largest and most authentic gathering of Prince’s former NPG members, the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band serves as a vital living link to Prince’s music and spirit. They preserve the funk, showmanship, and community he built while evolving beyond tribute status. Their story reflects the challenges and resilience of Prince’s musical family in the years since his passing.

SOURCES Band statements, qgenterprise.com, Prince Vault, Minneapolis music media (The Current, Star Tribune), official announcements from Morris Hayes and band management.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.