Page 24 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2022

Finally, Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, took the AVA stage a few minutes after 8:00 p.m. The
spontaneous noise that erupted from the crowd, mostly in their 40s, was near deafening.

Formed from the ashes of New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe released their debut record in 1990. Ricky
Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe created a record that continues to be celebrated over 31
years later. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, the group has continuously toured and performed
live, both as an act on their own, and appeared on several New Edition reunion tours. The band is
best known for their debut album, the multi-platinum selling “Poison,” a key work in the new jack
swing movement of the 1990s that combined elements of traditional soul and R&B with hip hop.

Two singles from the album, "Poison" and
"Do Me!," both reached number 3 on
the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. The band
released three more albums, though none
recaptured the success of their debut. Their
most recent album, “Three Stripes,” came
out in 2017.

Hitting the stage with two backup dancers, a
DJ, and a drummer, the group hit their mojo
early in the set. The three members of BBD
never stopped dancing and singing
throughout their energetic performance. And
when they sang their 1990 hit single “Do
Me!,” the already ignited audience practically
caught fire!