Creative Artists Agency lit the internet on fire July 7 after the company announced on Instagram that legendary R&B group New Edition will be reuniting for a Las Vegas residency and a tour in 2022.
The big surprise of it all that has everyone chatting is that all of the members — original and added — are slated for the exciting event. The post is a photo of cover art with the letters “NE” and the names of the six members written at the bottom.
“New client: the legendary Pop and R&B kings, New Edition,” reads the caption. “Featuring Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill. 👑 From Roxbury, MA to superstardom, a 2022 arena tour is already in the works along with their own Las Vegas Residency. Stay tuned…and welcome to the fam!”
While plenty of fans are ecstatic to hear some of the classic ’80s R&B tunes, which include “If It Isn’t Love,” “Can You Stand the Rain,” “Cool It Now” and loads more, others are saving their excitement. With the group having a history of breakups and makeups, some fans are not so sure if all six men will truly make an appearance at next year’s concerts.
“Well, I’m not getting my hopes up too much because they stay breaking up! But this would be dope if they can out egos aside,” said one fan. Another person said, “I’m going to the first concert cuz they never make it past 10.” Someone else wrote, “I’ll believe it when I see it. They always fall out like it’s nothing 😂.”
Others were hoping the group would get some practice in before performing. Many targeted Bobby Brown because of his lack of energy at the Verzuz battle he recently did against Keith Sweat. “Bobby better start rehearsals neeeeoooow,” wrote one fan.
In the prime days of the group’s career, there were several changes in the membership. Bobby Brown, one of the original members of the group, was voted out by the other members due to his reckless behavior, and he was replaced by Johnny Gill. The “On Our Own” singer later embarked on his solo career, which was successful and earned him several awards, including a Grammy.
Ralph Tresvant, another original member, also left the group for a while to pursue a solo career. He had a few songs hit the Billboard charts, and his debut album went platinum.
The remaining group members, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe formed their own group called Bell Biv DeVoe and released a smashing hit called “Poison” which peaked at No. 1 on two Billboard charts in 1990. Gill released a self-titled solo album in 1990, and later Bell also released a solo album in 2000.
Despite their numerous fallouts, the group members have always found their way back to one other.
