My first CD was Boyz II Men’s first album “Cooleyhighharmony” from 1991. My mom got it for me for Christmas later that year and if you could ruin a CD, I would have. I played it over and over again, especially the song “Motownphilly”. They became my favorite group, even above my other favorites, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. This was the beginning of a decade of hip hop and R&B love. It was all I really listened to.

Many years later, when I got the chance to see Boyz II Men in concert, I could not wait for the day. They were performing at Desert Sky Pavilion, one of the outdoor venues in Phoenix, on June 6, 1998 (P.S. I had the look up the date before writing this…). I remember getting up in the middle of the night and going to stand in line for tickets at the venue. This was long before ticket sales on the internet were a thing – you could still go and get tickets the old fashioned away at the box office. I took a lawn chair and sat with a security guard in the dark for literally hours, before another guy showed up to stand in line too, only to find out he was there to buy tickets for another concert. I was “it” for the Boyz II Men concert. I was determined to get front row tickets and I did.

A friend of mine I’d had a couple of classes with that year (since I had just finished my sophomore year) was joining me for the concert. She was a fan too but probably not quite as much as me but I was glad to have a true fan with me regardless.

It was hot as hell as usual in June but I didn’t care. I proudly bought the black “Evolution” tour shirt and made a quick change in the bathroom to wear it. Our seats were excellent. Dead center of the stage in the front row. And this was so long ago that there really wasn’t a “pit” area at this venue then. They just allowed all the front row people the option to stand right at the stage. And we did. The concert was everything I had imagined, complete with long-stem red roses they tossed to the crowd while singing “I’ll Make Love To You”. I luckily nabbed one and managed to get it home that night in one piece. I’m fairly certain I even had some tears when they sang “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” and “End of the Road”. I was that fan. I can still picture standing there at the stage 19 years ago, swaying back and forth with my friend, clutching the rose in my sweaty hand. It was a great night.

This past weekend I got to see them again as they toured with both Paula Abdul (which was a first for me because again, small town = almost zero concerts) and New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), which was the second time I’ve seen them and that was just two years ago. It was great to see all the fans for all three of them, dressed up, singing along, reliving the 90s. Boyz II Men and Paula have both been performing for 25 years, with NKOTB a little longer at 29 years. And the arena was packed. I think there may have been a handful of nosebleed seats left but it was close to a sellout. They played all the favorites and I teared up. Every junior high and high school dance came flashing back to me. I remember the days when I used to be the DJ at my junior high dances and would finish every dance with “End of the Road” because it was fitting. Paula’s “‘Rush, Rush” was always a slow one that we never missed playing and the NKOTB’s “I’ll Be Loving You” typically made the playlist. It was a big Friday night of nostalgia. I could only think and hope that Syd will be as emotionally tied to groups and songs as I was, that in nearly 30 years, she’ll be standing with tears of joy coming down her face at a Katy Perry concert. One thing is for certain though. I’ll continue to get my 90s fix as long as they all keep touring. And maybe the next time I can find my damn “Evolution” shirt so I can wear it. My closet is not at all user-friendly. Don’t get my hubby started. 😉