By Nooreen Kara
Tuesday
23 August 2005
Boyz
II Men invite you out for an evening of
live sensual R&B; flowers and champagne included. It’s taken eight
years for them to return to these shores, but as they sang their little
ageing hearts out at the Hammersmith Palais it was obvious that, despite
the growing list of Bobby Vs and Pretty Rickys, Boyz II Men
remain R&B’s reigning untouchables.
These
boys might have careers that span 15 years, but even as a trio, rather
than the original quartet, they set their vocals in beautiful, perfect
harmony. Michael McCary left the group in 2003 due to chronic back
problems, but “will always remain a part of Boyz II Men,” according to
Wanya Morris. With a back catalogue to die for, the remaining trio
performed a set that most artists today can only dream about composing,
proving that longevity in the entertainment industry is still very much
alive and kicking.
Ripping
the show open with the funky smash hit ‘Motownphilly’ that really
thrust forward their careers, Wanya, Nate and Shawn bounced
across the stage before slowing the beat with ‘On Bended Knee’,
effectively taking back the sold-out Palais to the early ’90s. And of
course, despite how cringing, it was only fitting that they took their
fashion sense back to that era too, as all three wore leather trousers and
matching jackets.
Walking
around onstage with an undeniable romantic swagger and creating a fluid
connection with the audience were the key features of the night. At one
point Shawn realised he had unhooked one of the wires he was connected to
and when he lifted up his T-shirt to put it back in, all the females
yelled out in ecstasy. “Only Calvins,” he laughed.
With a
backdrop of 80’s bar-style stools and tables and candles, the boys
invited girls onstage and as they took turns on the mic singing ballads
from their ‘Throwback’ album, whilst the others serenaded the girls
with champagne and suggestive dance moves.
I’m
glad that the bar backdrop were the only onstage props as that – and the
lack of change of outfits – meant we were treated to hit after hit, no
pauses, no time wasted on special effects; just constant talent showcased,
the way live performances should always be.
When
they announced that they were going to perform the ‘Boyz II Men
classics’, it didn’t take a genius to know what was coming. The word
‘classic’ is almost an understatement as some of soul’s most
serenading hits cascaded off the stage. After a perfect rendition of
‘Water Runs Dry’, the audience were instructed to call their mothers
and wave their lighted mobiles in the air as they performed ‘A Song for
Mama’. They each took phones off people in the front row and sang live
into them while still maintaining a soulful, passionate conviction. Even
during their massive hit song ‘I’ll Make Love to You’, all three
members brought out a bouquet of roses and handed them out to girls in the
audience, showing just how romantic they really are.
The
set-list was capped off with what else but the heart-wrenching ‘End of
the Road’. Boyz II Men were, in fact, not needed for this as the crowd
sang every word to perfection. Then came an encore of ‘Motownphilly’,
before the boys took a final bow and said their goodbyes. The only problem
with the concert was its length. At just over one hour, I felt we had the
energy to dance away a little longer, but at least the boys left us
wanting more (and the afterparty until 2am was a consolation). Salute the
days when good R&B existed; I wish I were still living in the ’90s.
Boyz II
Men were brought to London by TCO: The Concert Organisation. Be sure to
check out their site at http://www.tcogroup.co.uk
for all the latest news on future shows and events.
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