Giving us a special surprise, as New Edition is all about, they then broke off into solo acts. A throne lowered from the rafters, to represent “King of Stage,” as Bobby Brown began “My Prerogative.” His dancing began well, but soon he remember the phrase, “When I say Bobby, you say Brown,” and, pleased with the sound of it, ran across the stage screaming for about 2 minutes. (I suppose this was fun for the Bobby fans.) After performing “get Away,” the show moved onto Bell Biv DeVoe. They truly organized a show! Throughout “Do Me” and “BBD! I Thought It Was Me,” they passed around a basketball, using the entire stage surface for their excellent dancing. The 3 worked very well together, but had to give it up for Ralph after their 2 songs.
Ralph received a well-spoken introduction from Bobby, who called him “The Smooth Criminal, Mr. Ralph Tresvant!” Rizzo the Mack was welcomed by a great deal of well deserved cheering, wearing a new outfit. He and his dancers captivated us throughout, although being the fair gentleman he is, he sang just one song. “Rizz’s Interlude” began to play, and Ralph left the stage for Johnny Gill.
New Edition’s new addition is an equally important member of New Edition as any other, as shown by his heartfelt singing. We quieted for Johnny, as 2 women wearing white dresses brought him pink roses. He was so kind as to throw roses into the audience. “My, My, My” was the only song Mr. Gill sang, but he performed it perfectly, adding extra flourishes whenever the chance arose. It ended too soon. The other members of New Edition walked onstage as Johnny went backstage to change.
Ralph began to sing “Tender Love” but was cut off by Bobby, who reminded him that this song was sung by the Force M.D.’s! When “Lost In Love” opened, I nearly began to cry. Unfortunately, the boys only sang one verse and the chorus before Bobby broke in with “Rock Wit’ Cha” and “Roni.” BBD sang a bit from “When Will I See You Smile Again” and Johnny re-appeared with “Half Crazy.” At this point, he mentioned that although he hadn’t been with New Edition for “Mr. Telephone Man,” he would like to perform in this song. 6 members strong, “Mr. Telephone Man” was a success!
All members were now dressed the same again. To add even more excitement to an already perfect concert, a set of 6 hats and coats came down from a ceiling platform…. “Can You Stand the Rain.” This was perhaps the most well choreographed and organized dance of the entire concert.
Bobby then asked what we wanted to hear. Amidst such suggestions as “Kum Ba Ya” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” from the boys behind me, New Edition picked “Hit Me Off.” “I’m Still in Love with You” was done beautifully; the harmony of Ralph and Ricky was brought out very well. But people were beginning to leave! Midnight was apparently too late for them to hear the most meaningful song of the concert, “Home Again.” Even the people who had been sitting in their seats for the entire concert were swaying back and forth. This was too good to be true – New Edition was indeed home again.
The complaints that the concert was too late and too short are unfounded and irrelevant when compared with the entire concept of New Edition: Home Again and the beautiful show that was put on despite setbacks. While the reunion may have been disappointing in some regards, this was one of the most important events in music history. Never before had a group taken the initiative to carry through with such an extensive reunion. I figure, we waited 7 years – what was a mere few hours for the concert? It was well worth the wait, for New Edition is the best New Year’s gift anyone could ever receive. I will never forget New Year’s 1997. Happy New Year, everybody!
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