I think the NPG is a very, tight band, and performs with their heart and soul as well, and have very talented, experienced musicians, where many of them, even the backup singers have performed with other well-known musicians/artists, so they all have a good resume under their belts and the long-time experience to go with it. Plus they have done some amazing shows with Prince, at the time they were with him, and his focus was more of a variety of various sounds like funk/r&b/pop/some rock/blues/jazz, latin-flavored tracks, etc. A little bit of something for everyone.

With this current band, it seems the focus is on 'rock' moreso for the moment. I think all the hoopla with this current band is because many fans aren't used to him having 3 females as a backup band, and his focus seems to be primarily on pushing his rock guitar skills for this tour. I haven't seen this current band perform live yet, so can't really give a fair opinion of them. So with the current band, it's something new, a change at the moment for many fans, especially those who are more into his rock guitar playing. Who knows what he will have up his sleeve a year or two from now and what direction he'll go with his music next. We shall see.

[Edited 5/11/13 17:51pm]

2elijah said:

I think the NPG is a very, tight band, and performs with their heart and soul as well, and have very talented, experienced musicians, where many of them, even the backup singers have performed with other well-known musicians/artists, so they all have a good resume under their belts and the long-time experience to go with it. Plus they have done some amazing shows with Prince, at the time they were with him, and his focus was more of a variety of various sounds like funk/r&b/pop/some rock/blues/jazz, latin-flavored tracks, etc. A little bit of something for everyone.

With this current band, it seems the focus is on 'rock' moreso for the moment. I think all the hoopla with this current band is because many fans aren't used to him having 3 females as a backup band, and his focus seems to be primarily on pushing his rock guitar skills for this tour. I haven't seen this current band perform live yet, so can't really give a fair opinion of them. So with the current band, it's something new, a change at the moment for many fans, especially those who are more into his rock guitar playing. Who knows what he will have up his sleeve a year or two from now and what direction he'll go with his music next. We shall see.

[Edited 5/11/13 17:51pm]

a very nice observation,yes the original NPG had a lot of soul and style combined

with virtuosity but all the latter additions and changes seemed like perfect machine

for reproducing Prince's sound then the people who play with passion .with the exception

of a 2002-2004 line up -they were great.

But this current line up of NPG sound like a souless cover band with

karaoke singers.Shelby is a good person maybe

but she is a big distraction to the show.

On the other side if you listen to a recordings

from the current tour

you can hear a band that plays with a lot of heart and soul

and it seems like they inspire Prince very much.not only his guitar playing

but his voice sounds better then it was in years.

no hoarse nasal tones anymore, Prince kicks ass vocally and it's gotta be because of those girls.

thebanishedone said:

2elijah said:

I think the NPG is a very, tight band, and performs with their heart and soul as well, and have very talented, experienced musicians, where many of them, even the backup singers have performed with other well-known musicians/artists, so they all have a good resume under their belts and the long-time experience to go with it. Plus they have done some amazing shows with Prince, at the time they were with him, and his focus was more of a variety of various sounds like funk/r&b/pop/some rock/blues/jazz, latin-flavored tracks, etc. A little bit of something for everyone.

With this current band, it seems the focus is on 'rock' moreso for the moment. I think all the hoopla with this current band is because many fans aren't used to him having 3 females as a backup band, and his focus seems to be primarily on pushing his rock guitar skills for this tour. I haven't seen this current band perform live yet, so can't really give a fair opinion of them. So with the current band, it's something new, a change at the moment for many fans, especially those who are more into his rock guitar playing. Who knows what he will have up his sleeve a year or two from now and what direction he'll go with his music next. We shall see.

[Edited 5/11/13 17:51pm]

a very nice observation,yes the original NPG had a lot of soul and style combined

with virtuosity but all the latter additions and changes seemed like perfect machine

for reproducing Prince's sound then the people who play with passion .with the exception

of a 2002-2004 line up -they were great.

But this current line up of NPG sound like a souless cover band with

karaoke singers.Shelby is a good person maybe

but she is a big distraction to the show.

On the other side if you listen to a recordings

from the current tour

you can hear a band that plays with a lot of heart and soul

and it seems like they inspire Prince very much.not only his guitar playing

but his voice sounds better then it was in years.

no hoarse nasal tones anymore, Prince kicks ass vocally and it's gotta be because of those girls.

I'm talking about the most recent NPG band members. I loved their sound, and we're talking about established and very skilled musicians and artists who have performed with other well-known musicians/artists. Shelby was not a problem to me, and neither was the two backup singers. I had no problem with any of the 3 backup singers sound or role in the NPG or the various styles of music Prince played from 2006 until he changed direction with his band members. I don't think how he performs now, musically, has anything to do with these 3 girls, because he's had that talent long before these 3 females became part of the band,and they are certainly not the reason for his amazing guitar skills. It's a learning experience for them, I'm sure, and a great opportunity to add to their resumé, once they are no longer performing with Prince.

What you're saying, is almost like when some fans seem to believe Prince couldn't bring out his best unless he was with Wendy & Lisa. It's like you're saying that all of a sudden he's just becoming Prince, the badass rock guitar player, when he has always been that, long before he formed this trio of musicians as his backup band for this tour, and he has always wowed his audience with his voice. Two of them are new to his music family, so only time will tell how well they succeed.

[Edited 5/11/13 23:47pm]

npg i wouldnt go pay 2 see 3rd eye girl for some reason they just dont tickle my fancy like the npg does. i havent heard anything from them yet that gives me goosebumps and usually anything with prince involved just does it 4 me

cbarnes3121 said:

npg i wouldnt go pay 2 see 3rd eye girl for some reason they just dont tickle my fancy like the npg does. i havent heard anything from them yet that gives me goosebumps and usually anything with prince involved just does it 4 me

I'm not picky when it comes to Prince music...as long as Prince is in the Band

imo Prince brings new life...... that comes out of any backup band

thebanishedone said:

no ,that is your projection of my words.what i say is prince is sounding fresh,raw ,inspired,motivated again. and i'm not talking about guitar.

Banishedone:Shelby is a good person maybe

but she is a big distraction to the show.

On the other side if you listen to a recordings

from the current tour

you can hear a band that plays with a lot of heart and soul

and it seems like they inspire Prince very much.not only his guitar playing

but his voice sounds better then it was in years.

Prince kicks ass vocally and it's gotta be because of those girls.

Not projecting it, but referencing what you said in your previous post above. You said he is suddenly, 'fresh, raw, inspired and motivated' by this band, when the man is basically his own inspiration and motivator. Those 3 women are not the cause of a talent he already possesses. More than likely the type of music he is playing, he is the one choosing the songs to be performed, and directing his current band members as how he wants it to be played. That's more than likely what you're hearing. Donna and Hannah are new to his band, so fans attending are hearing both of these ladies perform for the first time live, along with him. It's safe to say, since he is directing them to what he wants to hear, is what you're hearing. He's motivating and inspiring them to bring the sounds he wants to hear.

You said Shelby was a distraction, so let's compare from reports of those who attended these recent concerts, with the 3rdeyegirl band members, and compare their roles in Prince's band vs recent members of the NPG music family:

Donnna and Ida - on this current tour -

Those who attend state that Donna and Ida sings some songs with Prince;reports Donna jumps on the amps;Donna is given guitar solo time and a one-on-one guitar challenge with Prince, and reports stated Donna has crowd surfed. So that's not considered a distraction and gets a pass?

vs ShelbyJ: Shelby J sang duets with Prince, given some solo vocal time, along with the other 2 backup singers, and Shelby participated in hyping the crowd with 'Put your hands up", as well as the other 2 backup singers (Liv/Elisa), walking around the stage, singing throughout Prince's performances when he performs upbeat songs.But some fans called that a distraction.

vs Twinz: Both Twinz danced next to Prince during the majority of his performances, and sang along with him during the entire time they toured with him. But some fans called that a distraction.

vs Misty - Danced on stage during W2A during specific songs. But some fans called that a distraction.

vs Andy Allo: Sang and played guitar with Prince onstage, and some fans complained that was a distraction.

Prior to that there were others, Sheila E, Cat, Bonnie Boyer (RIP), Tamar, Frank of Fred(?), Chance Howard, the Harmonica guy (forgot his name), and many of his band members,and new artists, that either sang along or danced with him on stage. He has always had dancers and other performers on stage with him since the 80s, and neither one of them stole his spotlight while on stage with him.

So how is what Donna and Ida does with their roles currently on stage with him, is considered a 'non-distraction' and suddenly he's inspired, fresh, motivated new, and his voice flawless, because 2 new band members have been added? Are you kidding me? This is a man who has performed with the best of the best with former, and experienced musicians/artists. Sheila E, John Blackwell, ShelbyJ, Renato Neto, Maceo Parker, Mike Phillips, just to name a few, that have very, good resumés,and suddenly he's fresh/new with 2 unknowns (Donna/Hannah), and I mean that with no disrespect towards those 2 ladies.

He pretty much is his own inspiration and motivator, because he's been performing live for a number of years now;has been releasing music whether it's a single or two through some form of social media/website, prior to this new band; has released at least 3 albums within the past 6 years. He pretty much stays motivated, introducing new talent and giving new artists an opportunity to have their talent shine while on stage with him, and these 2 additions to the current band, are just being given the same opportunity to shine theirs, like those before them.

I think the difference with this group and the type of crowd they can attract will differ from the crowd he was able to attract with the most recent NPG members. For example, with his focus on rock, rock musicians focusing on 'rock' music, usually attract a much younger fan base, and less diverse crowd, so that's the type of audience he will get with this current band. With the NPG, he attracted fans of all age groups, racial backgrounds, because he played a variety of music flavors. Nothing wrong with any of that, but that's usually the norm with any musician, with the type of audience they attract depends on their music output.

Also, on the W2A tour advertisements, I noticed there were no pics of Prince with the NPG bandmembers when he was promoting that tour, compared to the advertisements with his current band members on the tour advertisement pic with him. Well, we shall see how this current band progresses over time. I could only wish them the best.

[Edited 5/12/13 7:31am]

thebanishedone said:

Right now, it seems Prince is trying to break a rut he's been in for way too long.

*

What we are seeing with this NPG it's been like that since Planet Earth

*

I'm going with the band now,

OldFriends4Sale said:

Right now, it seems Prince is trying to break a rut he's been in for way too long.

*

What we are seeing with this NPG it's been like that since Planet Earth

*

I'm going with the band now,

Didn't seem like the NPG was stuck in a rut at all, but that's just my personal opinion. He wasn't playing the same form of music through those years, but instead a little bit of everything from rock to r&b/blues/jazz/latin music, etc., and the fact that he didn't stick to one form of music. I think for many fans, individually, it depends on what form of music or your tastes in music you favor.


According to some concert reports and set lists, there were some songs on those current set lists, that he's performed with members of the NPG in the past, so it's not like he hasn't performed those same songs with former band members. But like I said, different strokes for different folks. Only time will tell how large an audience he will attract in the future, if he continues to tour with these new band members, and do more shows with them, within the U.S., in comparison to when he performed with the most recent NPG members. I'm wondering if these 3 girls performed together, under a different name, without Prince, if the would receive the same reaction from Prince's fans that they are receiving now.

[Edited 5/14/13 11:23am]

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

Right now, it seems Prince is trying to break a rut he's been in for way too long.

*

What we are seeing with this NPG it's been like that since Planet Earth

*

I'm going with the band now,

Didn't seem like the NPG was stuck in a rut at all, but that's just my personal opinion. He wasn't playing the same form of music through those years, but instead a little bit of everything from rock to r&b/blues/jazz/latin music, etc., and the fact that he didn't stick to one form of music. I think for many fans, individually, it depends on what form of music or your tastes in music you favor.


According to some concert reports and set lists, there were some songs on those current set lists, that he's performed with members of the NPG in the past, so it's not like he hasn't performed those same songs with former band members. But like I said, different strokes for different folks. Only time will tell how large an audience he will attract in the future, if he continues to tour with these new band members, and do more shows with them, within the U.S., in comparison to when he performed with the most recent NPG members. I'm wondering if these 3 girls performed together, under a different name, without Prince, if the would receive the same reaction from Prince's fans that they are receiving now.

[Edited 5/14/13 11:23am]

I've looked at tons of set lists from the Earth Tour till the Welcome 2 shows, and give or take, the set list has been almost the same, with a number of covers, and usually no featuring of current album cuts.

*

When he's done certain smaller sets like in NYC with the 21 Nights book, it was changed up, and the band simplified. the Minneapolis 3 shows were diverse

*

I liked the large integrated band in Texas last month that was hot, I could see him doing shows like that here and there.

*

I don't think anyone would give attention to the NPG members without Prince either, to the degree they get. That's understandable and cool. Larger names will always get more focus on people in the bands in general.

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

Didn't seem like the NPG was stuck in a rut at all, but that's just my personal opinion. He wasn't playing the same form of music through those years, but instead a little bit of everything from rock to r&b/blues/jazz/latin music, etc., and the fact that he didn't stick to one form of music. I think for many fans, individually, it depends on what form of music or your tastes in music you favor.


According to some concert reports and set lists, there were some songs on those current set lists, that he's performed with members of the NPG in the past, so it's not like he hasn't performed those same songs with former band members. But like I said, different strokes for different folks. Only time will tell how large an audience he will attract in the future, if he continues to tour with these new band members, and do more shows with them, within the U.S., in comparison to when he performed with the most recent NPG members. I'm wondering if these 3 girls performed together, under a different name, without Prince, if the would receive the same reaction from Prince's fans that they are receiving now.

[Edited 5/14/13 11:23am]

I've looked at tons of set lists from the Earth Tour till the Welcome 2 shows, and give or take, the set list has been almost the same, with a number of covers, and usually no featuring of current album cuts.

*

When he's done certain smaller sets like in NYC with the 21 Nights book, it was changed up, and the band simplified. the Minneapolis 3 shows were diverse

*

I liked the large integrated band in Texas last month that was hot, I could see him doing shows like that here and there.

*

I don't think anyone would give attention to the NPG members without Prince either, to the degree they get. That's understandable and cool. Larger names will always get more focus on people in the bands in general.

Yes, I think it would be cool, if he switched up band members, like he did in Minne at the Dakota shows would be cool.

A rejuvenated Prince looks forward again

• Article by: JON BREAM
• Updated: May 14, 2013 - 11:28 PM

DENVER – Prince pounded his rhinestone-encrusted cane into the floor to make a point. “I don’t have time for old people,” he insisted. “I want to work with young people.”

As he prepares to turn 55 on June 7, the Minnesota music legend is turning a new page — looking forward, not backward.

During a rare and far-ranging, two-hour-plus interview late, late on Monday night, Prince pointed across the room at his 22-year-old manager and the members of his new female backup band, 3rdEyeGirl, featuring a 24-year-old drummer he discovered on the Internet.

“I have my legacy,” he said. “It’s time for their legacy. They’re a Minneapolis band, too.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer touched on assorted topics as he unwound after two sold-out shows at the Ogden Theatre in Denver, performances in which he seemed refreshed and buoyed by his young and hungry bandmates doing both old favorites and new jams.

He talked about a new album with 3rdEyeGirl; other new younger musicians in his royal court; the preponderance of lip-syncing among today’s pop stars, the lack of songwriting craft today; his mentor Larry Graham of Sly & the Family Stone; and his highly lucrative, stripped-down club tour that comes home to the Myth in Maplewood on May 25.

What he didn’t discuss were some things Minnesotan. He dodged questions about the state’s new marriage-equality law, the influence of Minnesota on his music and the impact that Bob Dylan had on him.

...

“They don’t care about the world,” he said of 3rdEyeGirl. “They care about music.”

Of course, Prince is shrewd about the business, too. He got cagey when asked about the steep price of $259 to see him at the Myth. With a capacity of 3,200, it is certainly not as intimate as the 300-seat Dakota Jazz Club, where he commanded $250 in January for 3rdEyeGirl’s debut.

“I’m paying my band more than I’ve ever paid,” he said at a Denver cabaret, picking at a piece of pizza with a fork. And he’s making more money than usual on the road. That’s partly because he travels with a much smaller entourage and less elaborate production.

While his musicians danced onstage to the music of James Brown and Sly Stone at a private post-concert party, Prince — decked out in turquoise turtleneck and slacks — played the role of salesman.

Like a proud father

He wants the world to hear 3rdEyeGirl: powerhouse drummer Hannah Ford Welton from Louisville, guitar monster Donna Grantis from Toronto and funky bassist Ida Nielsen from Denmark, who started playing with his larger NPG group in 2010.

He’s recorded enough material with 3rdEyeGirl to issue an album later this year via Kobalt Music Group, a relatively new, artist-friendly worldwide music service. One new song, “Plectum Electrum,” was written by Grantis and rearranged by Prince, who wrote the other material. The group has released three singles via 3rdeyegirl.com, including the playful, poppy but rocking “Screwdriver,” which the group performed on both “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

Before arriving at the party, Prince finished editing a video for his next single, “Fix Ur Life Up.” He insisted that his manager, Julia Ramadan, who was a college student when they met during his Los Angeles concert run last year, show the video to everyone at the party.

Lyrics were decipherable and Ford’s backup vocals were prominent, which hadn’t been the case earlier during a rip-roaring rendition at the Ogden. After everyone reacted enthusiastically to the video, Prince smiled. “They are like my kids,” he said. “And I’m learning from them. Young people have the new ideas.”

[Edited 5/15/13 8:27am]

3rdEyeGirl is the most soulful, funky, multi-talented, experienced, and diverse band Prince has ever had.

imago said:

3rdEyeGirl is the most soulful, funky, multi-talented, experienced, and diverse band Prince has ever had.

imago said:

3rdEyeGirl is the most soulful, funky, multi-talented, experienced, and diverse band Prince has ever had.

NPG minus Shelby

N.P.G. in this funky house!

Neither.

Just missing Renato and the main horn man-Maceo.

IOW, the horns and keyboards, including Prince's own piano playing.

If U wanna Rock out, get Michael B & Sonny T. THAT would B Funk-N-Roll!!!!!

funkyrake said:

Just missing Renato and the main horn man-Maceo.

IOW, the horns and keyboards, including Prince's own piano playing.

I believe Prince played piano on the LOL shows

I'm sorry, but I don't care for either of these backing bands. Prince is either better by himself, such as on the "Batman" soundtrack or with the Revolution.

3rd Eye Girl? I'm sorry, but while it's nice to hear him with new material, I feel like just because they are women (and aren't they all white women under the age of 25?), Prince is trying too hard to be eclectic with his choice of bandmates. It's not working. Beyonce even did the "all-girl" band thing before him, and it works for her. By Prince saying something like, "being around younger people, it gives him fresh ideas" (or something to that affect), why do cover songs and new songs with lyrics that do not expand minds? Instead, songs like "FixUr Life Up" condemn. I miss songs like "The Ladder" - where everybody's looking for the ladder (everybody wants salvation of the soul), "Graffiti Bridge" - where everybody's looking for graffiti bridge (something to believe in), and "The One" - with Prince cooing "If you're looking 4 the man who will walk away from responsibility, I ain't the one." Give me songs where Prince questions his own beliefs, such as "It," "Controversy," "Anna Stesia," and "If I Was Your Girlfriend" anytime over ones telling me (one of his longtime fans) I need to somehow "fix my life." So far, I am underwhelmed by the new lyrics and music Prince is giving us with 3rd Eye Girl, BUT, that said, I am glad he is continuing to make new music and I will likely add it to my collection.

Speaking of older songs, it is hard to not mention the work he's done with the NPG, largely because that has been the name of the band he's had since, what, 1990? I think his earlier work with the NPG incarnation was his best with such group. However, I prefer the rock, 808 drums, synths, and guitar riffs he did with the Revolution. I am even partial to the expanded Revolution that came at the end, with adding members of the Family and Sheila E..

Overall, however, Prince doesn't need any band! I like it in concerts when it is just him on the guitar or piano. I love his work when credits say it is exclusively him (Jamie Starr, Camille, or whoever). What I do not like in the last 15 or so years is the canned horns, Casio-keyboard sound, and lack of lyrics that do not move or take me somewhere as they once did. I certainly miss Prince's "dirty mind" - but by replacing it with a hollier than thou stance, it only makes me wish he'd return to the classic sounds - no matter if it is just him or with ANY band.

FormerlyKnownAs said:

I'm sorry, but I don't care for either of these backing bands. Prince is either better by himself, such as on the "Batman" soundtrack or with the Revolution.

3rd Eye Girl? I'm sorry, but while it's nice to hear him with new material, I feel like just because they are women (and aren't they all white women under the age of 25?), Prince is trying too hard to be eclectic with his choice of bandmates. It's not working. Beyonce even did the "all-girl" band thing before him, and it works for her. By Prince saying something like, "being around younger people, it gives him fresh ideas" (or something to that affect), why do cover songs and new songs with lyrics that do not expand minds? Instead, songs like "FixUr Life Up" condemn. I miss songs like "The Ladder" - where everybody's looking for the ladder (everybody wants salvation of the soul), "Graffiti Bridge" - where everybody's looking for graffiti bridge (something to believe in), and "The One" - with Prince cooing "If you're looking 4 the man who will walk away from responsibility, I ain't the one." Give me songs where Prince questions his own beliefs, such as "It," "Controversy," "Anna Stesia," and "If I Was Your Girlfriend" anytime over ones telling me (one of his longtime fans) I need to somehow "fix my life." So far, I am underwhelmed by the new lyrics and music Prince is giving us with 3rd Eye Girl, BUT, that said, I am glad he is continuing to make new music and I will likely add it to my collection.

Speaking of older songs, it is hard to not mention the work he's done with the NPG, largely because that has been the name of the band he's had since, what, 1990? I think his earlier work with the NPG incarnation was his best with such group. However, I prefer the rock, 808 drums, synths, and guitar riffs he did with the Revolution. I am even partial to the expanded Revolution that came at the end, with adding members of the Family and Sheila E..

Overall, however, Prince doesn't need any band! I like it in concerts when it is just him on the guitar or piano. I love his work when credits say it is exclusively him (Jamie Starr, Camille, or whoever). What I do not like in the last 15 or so years is the canned horns, Casio-keyboard sound, and lack of lyrics that do not move or take me somewhere as they once did. I certainly miss Prince's "dirty mind" - but by replacing it with a hollier than thou stance, it only makes me wish he'd return to the classic sounds - no matter if it is just him or with ANY band.

I don't care for 3rd Eye Girl or the NPG.

It's always the people who need to fix up their own lives telling other people to Fix Ur life up. He needs to first take the plank out of his own eye.

2elijah said:

I think the NPG is a very, tight band, and performs with their heart and soul as well, and have very talented, experienced musicians, where many of them, even the backup singers have performed with other well-known musicians/artists, so they all have a good resume under their belts and the long-time experience to go with it. Plus they have done some amazing shows with Prince, at the time they were with him, and his focus was more of a variety of various sounds like funk/r&b/pop/some rock/blues/jazz, latin-flavored tracks, etc. A little bit of something for everyone.

With this current band, it seems the focus is on 'rock' moreso for the moment. I think all the hoopla with this current band is because many fans aren't used to him having 3 females as a backup band, and his focus seems to be primarily on pushing his rock guitar skills for this tour. I haven't seen this current band perform live yet, so can't really give a fair opinion of them. So with the current band, it's something new, a change at the moment for many fans, especially those who are more into his rock guitar playing. Who knows what he will have up his sleeve a year or two from now and what direction he'll go with his music next. We shall see.

[Edited 5/11/13 17:51pm]

Your preference is obviously for the stale,lame-assed,stinky smooth jazz Prince has been churning out since the year 2000 or so.

Of course you don't like 3rdeyegirl because you don't like rock.You enjoy banal, stinky drum loops

and bald chicks admonishing us all to CLAP YO HANDS STOMP YO FEET every 8 seconds or so.

That's your preference and thats fine but don't shit on my parade whilst clapping yo hands and stomping yo feet,ok?

thanks.