Live Show Review: New Kids On The Block

Review by Isabelle Turner

While internet fame and hit songs can have their place in the music industry, one of the most defining traits of any artist is longevity. New Kids on the Block shows that as they continue to make an impact on the next generation. 

PHOTO CREDIT: PARIS VISONE

I had the amazing opportunity to see New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) during their Mixtape Tour in Greenville, South Carolina. The Mixtape Tour also included Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue, bringing fans back to a certain time in music. 

I was personally introduced to New Kids on the Block by my mom, who said that “The Right Stuff” music video would change my life (it did). The five New Kids (Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, Jordan Knight, and Jonathan Knight) continue to have one of the most passionate fan bases to this day. Beyond their classic dance moves and catchy songs, I have been interested in what makes NKOTB able to continue selling out arenas years after their peak of popularity. 

The Mixtape Tour began as NKOTB opened with “Block Party” and “My Favorite Girl”, two classics that got the crowd eager. Including their iconic music video dances, nostalgia and excitement filled the arena. They incorporated the other artists on the lineup throughout the set, rather than all at once. Singing hit after hit, the energy of the performers was unmatched. Donnie Wahlberg even joined Salt-N-Pepa on stage for “Shoop”, singing a verse of the song. They even joked around with one another, bringing Rick Astley out at one point to ‘Rick Roll’ the audience, playing the infamous “Never Gonna Give You Up”. 

One of the most prevalent things about the show was the pure joy that filled the arena. Each member of the lineup looked like they were having just as much fun as the dancing fans below them. During one point on the center stage, the instrumentals for “Tonight” began and NKOTB started a heartfelt speech, thanking the fans for being with them through everything. Jumping into the audience, the band weaved throughout the crowd, taking photos with fans and singing while doing so. While many fans in attendance have been following the band since the 80s, there was a staggering amount of young fans, singing along to every word. At the end of “Tonight” Wahlberg yelled, “To The Next Generation”. 

NKOTB put on an energetic show but the most remarkable aspect of the concert was the passion that followed their music. Despite singing the same classics for 30 years, the band sang these songs like they came out yesterday. The love that The New Kids have for their music transcends directly to the dedicated fans. This dedication is being passed on to the next generation, something that few bands accomplish.

NKOTB continue to defy all notions of 80s bands by continuing to find massive success in live music. To leave such a legacy that impacts even the next generation, is remarkable and has set the standard for bands to create passion that long outlasts any radio hit. 

Check out New Kids on the Block and their website for tour dates near you. Be sure to follow them on social media so you can stay up to date on their continuing success.