Boys II Men gig review - Birmingham Symphony Hall

Wow, so after all the drama of moving house ended with it all falling through 2 hours before I was set to sign the contract, I'm back at last!!

I've seen Boys II Men twice before. The first time was at the Hammersmith Palais 2 years ago which was a really nice intimate gig, then the second time at the Hammersmith Apollo with Joe and Brian McKnight.

This time was the first time they've ever come to Birmingham and it was in the mighty Symphony Hall. For all of you who've never been there before, as the name suggests, it's usually used for classical shows and was designed to give the best sound quality you could possibly get for a building that size!

Tickets sold out for this gig incredibly fast and I was lucky enough to get tickets, although I was in the nosebleed section!

While it wasn't really reported anywhere, the support act was Anthony David, best known for his cover of Level 42's 'There's something about you' which you might have heard on 1xtra or seen on MTV Base before. He has 2 albums out, '3 chords and the truth' and 'The Red Clay Chronicle's. Anthony came on at about quarter to 8 and performed a number of tracks from both albums, guitar in hand. The crowd - a mostly pop crowd - while quiet, seemed to really enjoy a few tracks, especially 'there's something about u' and his cover of Bill Withers - Lovely Day at the end. Anthony was on for about half an hour and then went out the back to sign copies of his album on the merchandise stand (I bought my second copy of Red Clay Chronicles and got it signed, expect to see my interview with Anthony David online in the next week or so).

I was really impressed with the stage setup. They had a small box stage, candles all around and a big video screen in the middle with a live band behind (which we never saw).
Boys II Men came on at about quarter to 9 and performed:

Motownphilly
Music
On bended knee remix - original
4 Seasons of Lonelinessx
Tracks of my tears
Just my Imagination
Money
Reach out I'll be there
Please Don't Go
Colour of love
Water Runs Dry
I'll make love to you (during which they gave roses out to the crowd)
A song for Mama
End of the Road

The Encore was Motownphilly again.

During each track they had the video playing on the main screen which was a really cool effect, did a little dance routine and 90% of the tracks were live instruments which really added to the experience as this was the first time I'd seen them with live instruments.

The only real downside is Shawn Stockman struggled with a few of the high notes which I've noticed in previous concerts too. He's still an amazing singer though! Shawn really kept the crowd entertained in-between songs too. There was also a lack of a warmup DJ, instead there was an old school CD on repeat which was a shame.

Wanya Morris is an absolute beast on the mic, he was belting out note after note and really is one of the best live singers I've ever heard!

If you can make any of the remaining shows (and if they aren't sold out) you really need to experience Boys II Men live. It really is one of the best concerts you will ever see! Don't miss your chance to see these legends of R&B!

Up next....Dwele at the Drum in Birmingham on 29th March!

Currently listening to Anthony David - There's something about you