What's Happening?
The musical group formerly known as New Power Generation (NPG), which served as Prince's backing band from 1990 to 2013, has announced a name change to the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band. This decision follows the expiration of their license to use the trademarked name 'New Power Generation.' The change is partly due to Global Music Rights, the organization managing Prince's song rights, no longer allowing tribute acts to perform his material under the NPG name. The band, which considers itself a 'legacy group,' sees this as an opportunity to focus on new music, which they plan to release this year. The name change was described as 'overdue' by Morris Hayes, NPG's keyboardist and former musical director for Prince. The band had previously used
the name with permission from the Prince estate for specific events, but the current estate administrators have decided not to renew the licensing agreement.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it marks a shift in how Prince's musical legacy is managed and presented. The rebranding of NPG to the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band reflects broader changes in the administration of Prince's estate, which is now controlled by two companies: Prince Legacy LLC and Prince Oat Holdings LLC. The decision not to renew the licensing agreement for the NPG name indicates a move towards protecting and potentially monetizing Prince's brand and intellectual property more strictly. For the band members, this change allows them to explore new creative directions and contribute original music to the legacy of the Minneapolis sound, a genre closely associated with Prince. This could impact how fans engage with Prince's music and the ongoing cultural influence of his work.
What's Next?
The Minneapolis Sound All Star Band plans to release new music, including songs inspired by recent events in Minneapolis. This new direction could attract both existing fans of Prince and new audiences interested in the evolution of the Minneapolis sound. The band's ability to perform a limited number of Prince's songs ensures that his influence remains a part of their performances, while also allowing them to establish their own identity. The ongoing legal and trademark issues surrounding Prince's estate, such as the lawsuit involving Apollonia, suggest that further changes in how Prince's legacy is managed may continue to emerge.
Beyond the Headlines
The rebranding of NPG highlights the complexities involved in managing the legacy of iconic artists like Prince. The legal and trademark challenges faced by artists associated with Prince underscore the broader issues of intellectual property rights in the music industry. As the estate continues to navigate these challenges, the decisions made could set precedents for how similar estates are managed in the future. Additionally, the band's focus on new music related to social issues in Minneapolis reflects a commitment to using their platform to address contemporary concerns, potentially influencing the cultural and social discourse.
