Friday night in Pittsburgh means one thing – a night on the town with amazing music. And this evening’s soundtrack was provided by the absolutely legenday Boyz II Men. Whether you grew up slow-dancing to their cassette tapes or spent your youth trying to hit those impossible four-part harmonies in the shower, seeing R&B royalty in the flesh remains a pure religious experience. Boyz II Men are proof that timeless class never fades, taking the stage at Citizens Live at The Wylie for a night of pure nostalgia. This special performance kicked off a new run of dates that will take the group across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand over the coming months. Fans packed the brand new venue to capacity, eager to witness the opening night of a journey spanning multiple continents.
Stepping into the spotlight with effortless charm and only a slight delay, Boyz II Men gave a masterclass in vocal performance that left long-time fans in complete awe. The trio of Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman were all smiles as they took the stage to “Can’t Let Her Go,” so happy to be on stage in front of a screaming crowd. Nathan dominated the mic with rich, grounded baritone that provided the sturdy foundation for every single song. Wanyá brought raw passion and soaring energy, running across the stage while effortlessly executing his signature vocal runs. Shawn rounded out the harmonies with his smooth tenor tones and charismatic interaction with the crowd throughout the night. Backed by a full band, the Wylie was filled to the brim with music that’s surpassed generations. All together, their chemistry was electric, perfectly honed over decades of bringing pure joy to the world. They said there was only one rule for the night – enjoy yourself!
The setlist was a carefully crafted journey through their extensive catalog, offering a little bit of something for every generation in attendance. Classic ballad mainstays “I’ll Make Love to You” and “End of the Road” had the entire room singing along at the top of their lungs. The group sprinkled in a few covers that kept the crowd on their toes. They played Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” early in the set, and it just kept getting better from there! Their cover of New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain” was so beautiful live, raw emotion poured into it making it so sugary sweet. The setlist was perfectly balanced to keep the energy moving continuously without a single dull moment.
A major highlight of the evening came during a newly added segment of their show that the group dubbed The Change. It was a medley of songs that built upon itself. This fresh section began with the deeply soulful “A Change Is Gonna Come” that allowed their raw vocal talents to take center stage. As the segment progressed, the arrangement morphed into high-energy classic rock ‘n roll that caught everyone completely by surprise. Partial covers of “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “American Woman,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Come Together” had the whole crowd up on their feet, moving and grooving to hits everyone loves. Electric guitar riffs blended with their soulful harmonies, transforming the Wylie into a full-blown rock arena. The medley closed out with Prince’s “Purple Rain,” and anyone who hadn’t already been won over was now in love with The Change.
Throughout the entire evening, the vibes in the Wylie were electric, joyful, and so deeply connected. The crowd was instructed to be a Pittsburgh native and introduce yourself to the people to your left and right, something Mr. Rogers himself would be proud of. The lighting and backing screens were so dazzlingly bright, it felt like a high-production Las Vegas spectacular was transported straight into the heart of the Burgh. Glowing visuals complemented every beat, creating an immersive atmosphere that matched the massive sound echoing through the room and made the music a living, breathing entity. The night closed with roses for some lucky fans and one last chance to boogie with “Motownphilly.” It was truly an unforgettable night on the town, one that only the true vocal mastery of Boyz II Men can provide.
October 16th, 2026
