# DARK SECRETS About ‘New Edition’ Members That SHOCKED FANS!!

New Edition, the iconic R&B boy band that launched in the 1980s, has captivated fans with hits like “Candy Girl” and “Can You Stand the Rain.”

But behind the smooth harmonies and choreography lies a turbulent history of fights, betrayals, and personal demons that nearly tore the group apart. From Bobby Brown’s rebellious solo pivot to Ricky Bell’s battle with addiction, these secrets reveal the dark side of fame.

Formed in 1978 in Boston, the original members—Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant—started as street singers earning pocket money.

Discovered by producer Maurice Starr, they recorded their debut album *Candy Girl* in 1983, which topped R&B charts and hit the Billboard Hot 100. Success was swift, but so were the struggles: a meager $187 payout per member after their first tour exposed exploitation.

Frustrated, the boys split from Starr and sued to break free in 1984. They signed with MCA but faced new woes, borrowing $100,000 each to sever ties with producer Jump and Shoot.

Their second album, *New Edition* (1984), went double platinum, spawning hits like “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man.” Yet, tensions simmered. Bobby, the boldest, clashed with the group’s clean image, adding provocative moves and skipping shows. In 1986, he left for a solo career, calling the group too “teeny-bop.”

As four, they toured and released *All for Love* (1985), selling a million copies. Johnny Gill joined in 1987, expanding to six. Their 1988 album *Heartbreak* marked maturity, going double platinum with singles like “Can You Stand the Rain.” But drama escalated in 1997’s Home Again Tour reunion.

A Las Cruces, New Mexico, show erupted when Bobby overstayed his solo set; Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe yanked him off stage, sparking a brawl with gunshots. Bobby and Michael left early, ending the tour in disarray.

Offstage, secrets emerged. Ricky Bell’s 2017 BET doc revealed a 16-year addiction battle starting in the mid-90s with ecstasy and cocaine. He lost his home, selling possessions to feed his habit. An overdose scared him into rehab; today, clean, he shares his story to help others.

The group fractured again over their name. In 2011, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant trademarked it without others, leading to splits: the four formed RBBM, while Johnny and Ralph pursued solo paths. After years, they reconciled in 2023, equally sharing ownership.

Reunions brought highs: 2011 Essence Festival, 2014 tour, and 2022’s Culture Tour with Bobby. Despite Whitney Houston’s death forcing Bobby’s absences, they’ve toured globally, earning awards like the 2012 Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and 2017 Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Yet, the “marriage” of brotherhood remains fragile, with egos and past wounds. Fans celebrate their legacy, but these secrets show the cost of stardom—struggles that forged resilience.

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