The New Power Generation performed as Prince’s backing band from 1990 to 2013. They were even described by his Purple Highness as ‘the best band ever’, performing on classics such as ‘Diamonds and Pearls’, ‘Gett Off’, and ‘Cream’.
This December, they tour the UK.
Prince’s former musical director, Morris Hayes, is the NPG’s longest member – having directed the official Prince tribute concert in Minnesota in 2016. Fronting the NPG is lead singer Mackenzie. Raised in a religious household where Prince’s music was deemed taboo, Mackenzie wowed the NPG at his audition. According to Hayes, Mackenzie is a ‘a gifted and magnetic singer with amazing charisma that locks you into his performances immediately’.
Last year, they performed a great show at indigo at the O2, joined by special guest Beverley Knight. For their Birmingham show, they will be joined by another British soul queen, the stunning Mica Paris. Paris was invited by Prince to sing on stage back in 1988 as she was just starting out as an artist.
“It’s still the most incredible moment of my life – soon after I flew to Minneapolis where Prince played me songs from his vault and asked me which one I liked, “If I Love U 2 Nite” features on my second album. The man, the genius, I will forever be grateful that Prince acknowledged my talent” said Mica Paris “The last time I saw him was at Camden Koko the very place we first met 30 years earlier.”
Tour Dates
Saturday 07 December 2019 – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Tuesday 10 December 2019 – Birmingham, O2 Institute
Wednesday 11 December 2019 – Manchester, O2 Ritz
Thursday 12 December 2019 – Glasgow, O2 Academy
Buy tickets to see the New Power Generation here!
(Image copyright: Peter Lodder)
