The 2007 trend of every imaginable band trying their hand at a reunion, seems to be continuing into 2008. So, who’s the latest act to jump on the pseudo-reunion band wagon? Apparently, Boyz II Men, as this photo is from a performance this week in Los Angeles.

                                                           (photo from wikimedia uploads)

While I never saw New Kids on The Block live, I am guilty of having seen Boyz II Men in concert, at The Tacoma Dome of all places. I was in seventh grade I believe, so circa ’93 and it was for a good friends birthday. Her poor father made the rush-hour drive to Tacoma, with three squealing giggling girls, singing along to songs on KUBE. The Tacoma Dome was like The  Kingdome Lite, a bit smaller but still with the shitty acoustics. The place was packed that night, filled with everyone from pre-teens and their begrudged parents to swooning middle aged women, pining for a man who would sing “I’ll Make Love to You.” Opening for Boyz II Men, was Brandy, who was about the same age as I was. It was her first national tour, and as it was later revealed, she had a horrible case of stage fright. To this day, I have never seen a more painful performance in my life.

Safe to say, no one was there for Brandy and when Boyz II Men took the stage, in what I’m sure was some over the top way, the crowd went nuts. Shrieking like Boyz II Men were The Beatles. The “Boyz” made multiple costume changes (we’re talking 10 or so), including matching satin pajamas (each “Boy” had his own personal color) for their over-the-top serenade of “I’ll Make Love To You.” This particular song also had the band walking over the crowd on a gigantic translucent plastic runway, where they threw hundreds of red roses to the clamoring audience. At some point in the night there was a rain machine and matching plaid outfits, of course in before mentioned specific color. Somewhere amidst this night, while my friends were shrieking and swooning, I started to form my opinion that a great musician just doesn’t need all this extra shit on stage.

Maybe when Boyz II Men return they’ll do a more pared down tour, just focusing on the fact that these guys could always hit some sweet harmonies. I won’t be in the audience to see, but I’m sure there’s plenty of folks who will be.  And, similar to New Kids on the Block, inquiring minds want to know what both bands will do with their names… seeing that they no longer really apply to the band members. Will Boyz II Men, just be Men?