Four-time Grammy Award-winners, Boyz II Men are bringing their soulful sounds down under for a long-anticipated tour this October.
Baritone Nathan Morris and tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman are excited for the upcoming eight-stop tour, promising to fill each show with all of the Boyz II Men hits that you’ve come to love. Get in the mood and get ready for some nostalgia, because these R&B legends are ready to make you swoon.
Shawn Stockman explains why it's been “cool to know that we have been a part of people’s lives from dating to their weddings”.
Who were your musical inspirations as a kid, and how have they changed over the years?
We have always looked up to everyone from the Jacksons to New Edition to Prince! Over the years we have seen a tonne of new artists emerge and we always admire their talent.
How does it feel to know Boyz II Men has been an inspiration for many musicians over the years?
There have been so many amazing stories we have heard from other artists who have been inspired by our music. It is truly touching each time someone credits Boyz II Men as their inspiration.
What has the highlight of your career been so far?
We have won awards and gained some great recognition, but the best part of our career has been the fans. Throughout the years they have grown up with us have continued to support us.
Your songs can be quite romantic, and hits like 'I’ll Make Love To You' have made their way into bedrooms across the world. How does it feel like to know that your music is responsible for a significant amount of babies?
It is actually pretty cool to know that we have been a part of people’s lives from dating to their weddings. We are all about making music for special moments in our fans lives!
Your band has been together for such a long time, do you feel like family? Do you fight like brothers?
We have been together for almost 25 years and have developed a brotherly bond. We are definitely like a family and of course have our little arguments, but we are always able to work out our issues!
Each band sees its fair share of ups and downs, are you still in contact with former band member and founder – Marc Nelson?
Yes! We are still close with Marc and he even sings some of our classic hits with us at every show at The Mirage in Las Vegas.
What was it like watching Michael McCary retire from the band he helped found due to illness?
It was tough watching him leave the group, but it was for the best so that he was able to deal with his health issues. We hear from him from time to time and wish him all the best.
How do you make the move from a quartet to a trio? Do you have to arrange songs differently, are their some hits that just don’t sound the same?
We had to make a few changes, but Nate has an incredible vocal range and can sing any part from baritone to tenor.
What is the difference between a Boyz II Men concert from when you first started, to a Boyz II Men concert today?
We have created so much music over the years that our concerts today include our old sound as well as the new sound we created on our album 'Collide' (released in 2014). We have also learned how to play instruments so we have incorporated guitars into our show at The Mirage in Las Vegas where we have our residency, and the fans have been so excited to experience our new sound.
Do you prefer singing at spontaneous, jam sessions or sold-out tours?
Whenever we are around our fans we always have a great time. We love having a spontaneous jam session, but it is the best feeling to sing in front of our fans and feel their energy.
Are you getting excited for your Australian tour?
I can’t wait for the Australian tour! We have performed in Australia a number of times and we always love the fans and the energy there.
Is there one city in particular that you can’t wait to visit?
I am excited to visit the Sydney Opera House since it is such an iconic, musical spot.
What’s next for Boyz II Men?
We will continue to perform in Las Vegas at The Mirage where fans can visit us Thursday-Sunday night. Also, we are working on the 'Doo-Wop Project' to share the story of doo-wop and its impact on urban music.
Written by Rachel Barnes
Boyz II Men Tour Dates
Sat 3 Oct - Metro City (Perth)Mon 5 Oct - Thebarton Theatre (Adelaide)
Tue 6 Oct - Palais Theatre (Melbourne)
Thu 8 Oct - Eatons Hill Hotel (Brisbane)
Fri 9 Oct - Jupiter’s Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Sat 10 Oct - Big Top (Sydney)
Mon 12 Oct - Royal Theatre (Canberra)
Wed 14 Oct - Big Top (Sydney)
Thu 15 Oct - Evans Theatre Penrith Panthers
