After lying low for the past couple of years, the ballad singing group Boyz II Men is resurfacing with a new single, "Pass You By," out now, and an album, Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya, which hits stores on Sept. 12.
The quartet has also returned to the concert stage, though in the unaccustomed role as an opening act for Luther Vandross, reported ABC online.
"It's a little strange at first, considering the fact that the past couple of tours we've done we've headlined," acknowledges Boyz member Shawn Stockman, who wrote "Pass You By," said ABC online.
"To come on before somebody, and leave the venue when it's still 9 o'clock or something like that, it's a little weird for us. But it's cool; we're very aware we've been away for a long time, and our concern is about being recognized and showing ourselves again.
"We're approaching this like we are somewhat of a new group and not taking anything for granted," he continues. "We felt it was best for us to not go out on some huge tour and have people not come because they don't remember us."
Stockman says Boyz II Men's opening set is just enough time to remind the crowds of its passel of '90s hits, including "Motownphilly," "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love to You," and "On Bended Knee." The crowd response, he says, "gives us reassurance that people still feel us and still remember and still know us." And if all goes well, Stockman anticipates Boyz will be back to headlining after Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya is released.
"I hope so," he says. "It all depends on the public's perception and if they feel the album and if they love the album, which we hope they do. After that, we'll see what happens. Of course we'd love to go out on tour and to perform and do what we've been doing these past nine years, but, again, it's all about the people"-Albawaba.com.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
