Oakland, CA -- It was a reunion and a celebration. Remembering some of the band's greatest hits as well as going back down memory lane. They came out to a standing ovation; no one remained in their seats. The anticipation of this group's return to the Bay Area brought the young and old out. Thirty years later, the anniversary of one of the greatest "boy bands" assembled.
New Edition, now in their 40's, have returned to the stage to relive and remake the moments that brought so many fans to their concerts in years past. Despite a rigorous tour of traveling throughout the U.S., the group still has the energy to execute a two-hour performance just as they did back in the early 1980s.
A time when boy bands were on the rise with groups like Menudo and New Kids on the Block -- but there something special about New Edition that captivated millions with their music. The unique sound, style and choreography reminded you of then-group, the Jackson 5. All five members were present including Johnny Gill who joined the group in 1987.
Singing hit songs from their first album Candy Girl, they also performed some of their chart topping songs such as "Can You Stand the Rain," "Mr. Telephone Man," "Popcorn Love" and many others. The group also featured hits from solo projects from Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Bell Biv DeVoe v(Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe) and Gill.
For two hours, New Edition stayed on beat while they performed dance moves from their videos without looking exhausted or tired. The audience danced along with the group as well as sang the hits songs aloud. Controversial member Brown, took time out to thank the crowd for their support in the death of his ex-wife Whitney Houston.
The group in the end thanked the crowd purposely for their support through the years. As for what's next for the members of New Edition, it looks like they all be back in the studio as a group and separately working on new albums. So, we have not heard the last of Bobby, Ralph, Ronnie, Ricky, Mike and Johnny.