My N.E. Heartbreak

New Edition in Atlanta - AJC/Akili-Casundria Ramsess Photo

Every girl going through puberty has had the inevitable experience of having the biggest crush on the hottest boy band during her time.  Of course during puberty,a  girl’s hormones are raging to the point that they have no other choice but to scream when they have the chance to see their boy band perform in concert. I think it’s a funny way of purging their feelings for the guys they have professed to love forever.

Well my turn to purge and scream to the top of my lungs at the age of 10, quickly ended when I arrived to the concert.

For me, my boy band crush of the 80’s was New Edition. No one could tell me that I was not destined to marry either Ralph Tresvant or Ronnie Devoe someday. I recall getting my first album, the self-titled 1984 album “New Edition”, which I believe can still be found in my Mom’s house somewhere. I remember I would sit alone in our den, with my Dad’s huge headphones on my ears, listening to that album over & over again…daydreaming .

Me and my girl Latoya Harmon

If I recall correctly, that same year, my girlfriends and I found out that New Edition was coming to Birmingham, AL to perform in concert. While the other girls were able to get their tickets in advance, my Mom finally relented to let me go and gave me the money to buy my ticket on the day of the concert. I remember getting a brand new outfit, which included the freshest “LA Gear” jacket I’d ever had. I was excited and dying with anticipation to see MY guys live on stage.

When we arrived for the concert, I received the worst news ever…the concert was sold-out. As I’m sitting here typing this story, I can literally feel the pain I felt  in my chest that day when I realized that I was the only one in my group of girlfriends who would not be attending the concert. I recall having to call my Mom through sobbing tears on a payphone, telling her the news and asking her to come pick me up. I was completely embarrassed and most of all DEVASTATED!  Needless to say, I cried all the way home.

Well last night, I finally got my chance to see New Edition perform at Chastain Park Amphitheater. This time I had the opportunity to share the moment with two of my closest girlfriends.  Unsurprisingly, the concert was sold-out. But this time I didn’t get turned away, because I made sure to purchase my ticket in advance. My girls and I had a FABULOUS time!!