Can somebody tell me why Prince's bands were called 94 East, Champagne, Grand Central (I think it was), The Revolution, and The New Power Generation? I'd like to know why they came up with these names, and what they mean.

Sorry... I'm kind of new 'round here.

No problem. I'll give you the short answer, off the top of my head, someone else can correct me and fill in the blanks!

94 East - Peppe Willie, not Prince, came up with the name. Based on the local I-94 I believe.

Champagne - Picked by Morris, because it sound like a successful band, rather than a school band.

Grand Central - Prince wanted a more hip name, and borrowed from Larrys "Graham Central", his favourite albums.

The Revolution - Not sure on this one. Maybe just plucked out, after "The Rebels" and the new wave thing.

The New Power Generation. Originally a line in "Eye Know". The 87-88 band never actually had a name, it became a bit of a joke through 88. Prince then dubbed them the New power generation, and it stuck. The New power generation song came not long after.

Yeah, 94 East was Pepe's band, the fiance of Prince's cousin. I think the Grand Central name might have also been influenced by the band Grand Funk Railroad as well as Graham Central Station. One of Prince's cousins and former bandmates (can't think of his name) mentions in a video I have titled "PRINCE Unauthorized", that they were fans of GFR.