First there was the talent shows and New Edition. Then Bobby Brown told us about his prerogatives. We jammed to the thumping bass as Bell Biv DeVoe smoothed hip-hop out on the R&B tip. New Edition made them household names their solo carers made them megastars. RBRM is the latest branch on the New Edition tree. Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and Mike Bivins have spent a lifetime together as friends, building a brotherhood and singing the music that became the soundtrack of a generation.
The New Edition Movie, and the Bobby Brown Story gave us a glimpse into their journey. They are much more than business partners who sing and move in harmony. There’s love there too and that love is the reason behind the tours. The love they have for each other, their fans, and for performing is front and center. You can feel it in the sibling like banter that stems from over 40 years of brotherhood and friendship. The love comes across in their social media posts, and encounters with fans. During an appearance on The View, Ricky explained how the tour and the newest branch of the NE family tree came about.
From Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike to RBRM
Longtime fans, knew the origin story behind the group’s name immediately. Any self-proclaimed NE 4 Lifer who couldn’t identify the nod to the line in New Edition’s “Cool It Now” might want to remove their New Edition and Bobby Brown buttons from their sleeve and retire any thoughts of being promoted to official Candy Girl. In the Cool It Now Video RBRM (then known simply as Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike,) were doing what friends do, giving unsolicited advice, and having fun. Who could imagine this playful ribbing would turn into a global tour that spanned almost 60 cities, and multiple countries? RBRM kicked off the first leg of their tour last fall in September after the Bobby Brown Story aired on Bet.
RBRM 4 The Love of It
RBRM kicked of the second leg of the tour in late April. Since then the multi-platinum icons have crisscrossed the country. Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike give fifty and fine a whole new perspective. They’re still able to perform the complicated dance choreography they are known for.
The tightly knit band of brothers continues their blockbuster summer tour this week with stops in Denver, and Las Vegas. They’ll close out the week with a Father’s Day concert in Oakland, CA. The fellas get a short break and some R&R before heading back out on the road. They are scheduled to perform at the several music festivals this summer including a performance at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
Many of RBRM’s iconic hits defined a moment in R&B. New Edition is the blueprint other boy bands followed to success. While Bobby Brown and Teddy Riley were perfecting the New Jack Swing sound, Bell Biv DeVoe was smoothing hip-hop out with R&B touches and rap monolagues. Finding the right mix of songs that honors everything RBRM has given the music industry is a tall order. But Boston’s favorite sons are up to the challenge.
Concert goers get enough New Edition, Bobby Brown, and Bell Biv DeVoe hits to feel the full experience. But make no mistake this is not a watered down version of New Edition. This is Bobby Brown and Bell Biv DeVoe coming together to form a super R&B Voltron. From the moment DJ Shakim takes the stage, to the last explosion of bass thumps from the stage Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike have the crowd rocking.
RBRM, Mya, H-Town, and Club Nouveau ready to rock the Mile High City
Mya, H-Town and Club Nouveau will round out the show at the Denver Coliseum on June 12. Club Nouveau helped define the New Jack sound with hits that included Lean On Me, and Rumors . H-Town gave the world Knockin’ Da Boots and the remake of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. The group was able to effortlessly slide in the groove between New Edition, Jodeci, and Jagged Edge. They were a little edgier but they still knew how to act if you wanted to daydream about taking them home to meet your mom.
Even though the Denver show falls on a work night, do yourself a favor and grab a ticket to this show. Come prepared. You’re going to dance like you probably haven’t in years. When you wake up Thursday you may have some aches and pains but the smile on your face will tell everyone you encounter you had fun doing it. You will probably lose your voice, because somewhere along the 41 year journey you’ll think you can sing as well as RBRM. Trust me, you can’t, and when you go through your camera feed later in the week you’ll realize they’re legends for a reason. After the show you’ll be glad you went, sad it’s over, and scrolling through Ticketmaster looking for another show in your area.
Don’t forget the souvenirs
After having the time of your life, you’ll want something to remind you of all the fun. Stop by the merchandise booths to pick up all your RBRM merchandise. In addition to RBRM souvenirs, exclusive Code Red SportyRich Apparel items are also available in select cities. Michael Bivins and SportyRich Apparel have more items still to come in the Code Red line. So far the line is a hit with everyone from 3 to 93. It features unisex slides, and a unisex crossbody bag collaboration between SportyRichApparel and Dope Duffle. It’s the perfect bag to keep you fly and hands free during all of your summer fun. Act fast and check www.sportyrichapparel.com often because many items are selling out fast. And of course we can’t forget about BBrown. Bobby has an entire line of flavorful sauces and seasonings available on Bobby Brown Foods.
Still looking for tickets? A few seats are still available, so cross your fingers and then check Ticketmaster, or your local venues to see what’s available in your area. Fans in Denver can check the Denver Coliseum website or the Facebook page for RK Promotions LLC for information about the show on June 12, 2019.
**Images courtesy of ABC, RBRM, an Getty Images. All rights reserved by the original parties. Updated 6/110/2019
