New Edition is an American R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The original lineup consisted of Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Ricky Bell. They were discovered by producer Maurice Starr and released their debut album Candy Girl in 1983, which featured the title track hit. New Edition went on to become one of the biggest boy bands of the 1980s with a string of hits like “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” and “Can You Stand The Rain.”
Over the years, the lineup has changed with members coming and going. Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, and Michael Bivins all joined the group at various points. Despite the changing faces, New Edition’s signature sound and tight harmonies have remained iconic. They paved the way for the boy bands that followed like New Kids on the Block.
In 2022, New Edition announced a reunion tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Original members Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Johnny Gill are all set to perform together for the first time in over 30 years. The Legacy Tour will kick off in February 2023 and make stops in over 30 cities across North America.
Who is in the Current Lineup?
The current lineup of New Edition performing on the Legacy Tour includes:
Bobby Brown
Bobby Brown has been with New Edition from the very beginning. He was one of the original members who started the group in 1978 alongside Ralph Tresvant and Ricky Bell. Brown was the breakout star of New Edition and later went on to have a successful solo career with hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step.” His powerful vocals and electric stage presence made him a fan favorite in the group. Though he left New Edition in the 80s to go solo, he has reunited with the band over the years and remains an integral part of their legacy.
Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant is another original member of New Edition. He met Bobby Brown and Ricky Bell as a child in Roxbury, MA and formed the group. Tresvant sang lead on many of New Edition’s hits and captivated fans with his high tenor vocals and dynamic range. When the group went on hiatus in the 90s, Tresvant also had success as a solo act with songs like “Sensitivity” and “Do What I Gotta Do.” The current tour gives fans a chance to hear Tresvant’s iconic voice once again.
Ricky Bell
Ricky Bell rounded out the trio of original New Edition members along with Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant. Though he generally sang background and danced during performances, Bell served as a founder of the iconic boy band. His smooth vocals can be heard supporting leads Brown and Tresvant on classics like “Candy Girl.” Bell brings experience and history to the current Legacy Tour lineup.
Ronnie DeVoe
Ronnie DeVoe joined New Edition in the mid 80s after Bobby Brown’s departure. His addition helped fill the void and introduced fresh energy on stage. DeVoe took on rap duties for the group, dropping slick rhymes on songs like “Cool It Now.” The Legacy Tour will showcase DeVoe’s MC skills that added a new dimension to New Edition’s sound.
Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill joined New Edition in 1987 during their comeback album Heart Break. His vocal talent was a highlight of the album and Gill took leads on hits like “Can You Stand The Rain” and “If It Isn’t Love.” Gill’s smooth tenor balanced the other singers and brought New Edition back to the charts. Fans will be eager to hear him reprise classics alongside the other legends during the tour.
Michael Bivins
Michael Bivins rounded out the lineup of New Edition when he joined in the late 80s. Though not a lead vocalist, Bivins contributed rap verses and became known as the hype man during live shows. His energy encouraged crowds to get on their feet. Bivins is also credited with discovering boy bands like Boyz II Men and Another Bad Creation during New Edition’s heyday.
What Are Some of Their Biggest Hits?
Over their 40-year career, New Edition racked up countless hits that define the 80s and 90s eras of R&B. Here are some of their biggest smash singles that fans can expect to hear on the Legacy Tour:
“Candy Girl” (1983)
“Candy Girl” was New Edition’s first pop hit and launched them into stardom in 1983. The sweet ballad featured lead vocals from Ralph Tresvant backed up by Bobby Brown and Ricky Bell. It reached #1 on the Billboard R&B charts.
“Mr. Telephone Man” (1984)
The title track from their sophomore album, this funky tune followed up “Candy Girl” with another #1 R&B hit. It highlighted Ricky Bell on lead vocals.
“Cool It Now” (1984)
Bobby Brown shined on this infectious dance track that became one of New Edition’s signature hits of the 80s. It incorporated more mainstream pop and hip hop influences.
“If It Isn’t Love” (1988)
A standout from their Heart Break comeback album, Johnny Gill lent his smooth crooning to this #1 R&B ballad. It marked their return to the top of the charts.
“Can You Stand The Rain” (1988)
The emotional ballad “Can You Stand The Rain” was another Heart Break hit for Johnny Gill. It also featured Ralph Tresvant and has become a New Edition staple.
“Sensitivity” (1990)
Ralph Tresvant took the lead on this #1 solo hit during New Edition’s hiatus in the 90s. It remains a fan favorite that he’s sure to perform on the reunion tour.
“Hit Me Off” (1996)
After reuniting in 1996, New Edition scored another R&B chart topper with “Hit Me Off.” It served as the lead single from their Home Again album.
“I’m Still In Love With You” (1997)
Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant shared lead vocals on this silky ballad that hit #7 on the R&B charts and reminded fans why New Edition is iconic.
What Are the Tour Dates and Venues?
The New Edition Legacy Tour kicks off in February 2023 and runs through April, hitting major cities across North America. Here are the scheduled tour dates and venues:
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
February 16, 2023 | Columbia, SC | Colonial Life Arena |
February 18, 2023 | Virginia Beach, VA | Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater |
February 19, 2023 | Roanoke, VA | Berglund Center Coliseum |
February 22, 2023 | Savannah, GA | Enmarket Arena |
February 24, 2023 | Greenville, SC | Bon Secours Wellness Arena |
February 25, 2023 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena |
March 2, 2023 | St. Louis, MO | Enterprise Center |
March 3, 2023 | Memphis, TN | FedExForum |
March 4, 2023 | Birmingham, AL | Legacy Arena at The BJCC |
March 9, 2023 | Louisville, KY | KFC Yum! Center |
March 10, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH | Heritage Bank Center |
March 11, 2023 | Cleveland, OH | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
March 16, 2023 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena |
March 17, 2023 | Knoxville, TN | Thompson-Boling Arena |
March 18, 2023 | Charlotte, NC | Spectrum Center |
March 23, 2023 | Washington, DC | Capital One Arena |
March 24, 2023 | Hampton, VA | Hampton Coliseum |
March 25, 2023 | Pittsburgh, PA | PPG Paints Arena |
March 30, 2023 | Detroit, MI | Little Caesars Arena |
March 31, 2023 | Grand Rapids, MI | Van Andel Arena |
April 1, 2023 | Chicago, IL | United Center |
April 6, 2023 | Birmingham, AL | Legacy Arena at The BJCC |
April 7, 2023 | New Orleans, LA | Smoothie King Center |
April 8, 2023 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center |
April 13, 2023 | Columbus, GA | Columbus Civic Center |
April 14, 2023 | Charlotte, NC | Spectrum Center |
April 15, 2023 | Greensboro, NC | Greensboro Coliseum |
How Can I Get Tickets?
Given the historic significance of the New Edition Legacy Tour, tickets are sure to sell out fast. Here are some tips for securing seats:
Get Them Early
Purchase tickets as soon as you can when they go on sale to the general public. Sign up for presales if you have access to American Express or fan club presales. Set a calendar reminder for the on-sale date.
Buy Official Tickets
Use trusted vendors like Ticketmaster to ensure your tickets are valid. Avoid buying from unofficial resale sites where you risk getting scammed. Stick to official sources.
Be Flexible
If your desired show sells out quickly, consider attending a different tour stop in a nearby city. With over 30 dates scheduled, you have options to see the show elsewhere. Expand your search.
Prepare For High Demand
Understand that these tickets will be in very high demand from diehard New Edition fans. Prices may be higher than average tours. Come prepared to pay a premium for seats.
Act Fast At the Venue
If you don’t score tickets in advance, check availability at the venue box office on the day of the show. People may be reselling extra tickets last minute at face value outside the arena. Get there early to get in line. Persistence and flexibility can pay off.
Conclusion
The New Edition Legacy Tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest R&B events of the year. Original members Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, and Michael Bivins reuniting will be an unforgettable night. Their collection of smash hits defined multiple eras from “Candy Girl” to “Hit Me Off.” By following tips to get tickets early and being flexible, you can secure seats to witness this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. Don’t miss out on seeing New Edition together on stage for the first time in over 30 years.