SAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Prince’s iconic band member reportedly dies of food poisoning..
Former Prince Collaborator from New Power Generation Reportedly Dies of Food Poisoning
Los Angeles, CA — May 5, 2025
In a heartbreaking report that’s rocked the funk and soul music communities, Lorenzo “Lo” Tate, a one-time session keyboardist for Prince’s New Power Generation (NPG), has reportedly died from acute food poisoning at the age of 55.
Tate, who briefly collaborated with Prince during the recording of The Gold Experience in the mid-90s, was said to have contributed to early demo arrangements and ambient synth textures on several unreleased tracks. Though his contributions were uncredited on official albums, his name has surfaced in studio notes and fan lore as “the man behind the shimmer.”
The cause of death was linked to a toxic bacterial infection from improperly stored sushi, according to preliminary reports from Los Angeles health officials.
Former NPG members offered condolences via social media, with Morris Hayes stating: “Lo had this subtle touch — you felt his sound more than you heard it. Prince recognized that.”
Prince historians now speculate that some of Tate’s keyboard work might appear in a rumored posthumous compilation from the Paisley Park Vaults, adding new mystique to his legacy.
