Fans of bubblegum-soul sensation New Edition will no doubt be thrilled to know that their current tour, which covers three decades of hits, includes special guest singer-songwriter Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. Originally composed of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant, the group hit mainstream in the early ’80s with “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now.” Transitioning from boys to men in the late ’80s, the fellas (sans Brown) went in a different direction in music with “If It Isn’t Love” and “Can You Stand The Rain,” which introduced Johnny Gill as Brown’s replacement. The formation of hip-hop trio Bell Biv DeVoe and Tresvant and Gill’s successful solo careers came next, but through it all they never forgot where they came from, and often reunited over the years.
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Gill said he played an almost-finished version of Game Changer (his latest album) for the group when they were rehearsing for a tour. “... All of a sudden the room gets quiet. First thing Michael and Ronnie say is, ‘Come on, man. This is a New Edition song!’” The song he referenced, “This One’s For Me and You,” sparked their current tour.
The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, 9 p.m. July 29, starting at $59.95 plus tax and fee. 888.929.7849
