What's Happening?
The musical group formerly known as New Power Generation, which served as Prince's backing band, has changed its name to the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band. This change comes after the expiration of their license to use the trademarked name, as the Prince estate no longer permits tribute acts to perform sets of his material. The band sees this as an opportunity to focus on new music and expand their creative horizons. The name change reflects their connection to the musical legacy of Prince and the sound of the Twin Cities.
Why It's Important?
The name change marks a significant shift for the band, allowing them to redefine their identity and explore new musical directions. It highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in the music industry, particularly
concerning the legacy of iconic artists like Prince. The decision also reflects broader trends in the music industry, where artists and bands must navigate legal and branding challenges while maintaining their artistic integrity. This development may influence how other tribute acts and legacy bands approach similar situations in the future.
