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Prince's Band The NPG Set For Triumphant First Ave. Return

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The group Prince called "the best band ever" is reuniting Thursday night at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

WCCO got an exclusive look at a rehearsal by New Power Generation, aka the NPG, on Wednesday.

WEB EXTRA: New Power Generation Performs "The Morning Papers"

EXCLUSIVE: New Power Generation Plays 'The Morning Papers'

Prince's band The New Power Generation -- which he described as "the best band ever" -- is about to rock First Avenue & 7th St Entry Thursday Night. They gave us a sneak peek of the show with this performance of "The Morning Papers"!

Posted by WCCO-TV | CBS Minnesota on Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Hearing those classic hits fill First Avenue will bring back a lot of memories. The reunion is not just a thrill for fans, but the bandmates themselves.

"It's bittersweet being here in this historic venue, First Ave. Prince really put it on the map," said musical director and keyboardist Morris Hayes. "To be back here, to go full set with it, it feels great."

The venue is an extra special place for NPG rapper and dancer Tony M.

"That's where prince discovered us, upstairs in the bathroom during the filming of 'Purple Rain,'" Tony M. said. "He came in, watched us and boom, that's where it all started."

The NPG has not played together since Super Bowl 52 last February.

Tickets are still available for tonight's show for $31.

WEB EXTRA: New Power Generation Talks Prince, First Ave. Show

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