By Joanie Cox-Henry
Photo by Joanie Cox-Henry
Inspired by the 1990 Magic Summer tour, this summer's version is the ultimate DeLorean ride back to simpler times when posters of our favorite New Kid On The Block adorned our bedroom walls, we gushed to our bestie all night long on our landline about that guy we totally had a crush on but were not brave enough to make a move on and our Caboodles were stocked with Love's Baby Soft and Bonne Bell Roll-On Lip-gloss!
While we've all gotten a little older we're still just "Kids!" New Kids On The Block fans are some of the most loyal fans I have ever encountered, and I have seen thousands of live shows in every genre imaginable at this point. From private concerts with Prince, Joss Stone, and Wyclef Jean to Page and Plant, Aerosmith, Joan Jett, Heart, and Cher, I have been fortunate enough to land a front-row seat and sometimes even a backstage pass and on-stage pass to some of the coolest concerts ever.
But when it comes to fans, New Kids On The Block fans are truly obsessed, and I say that in the best way possible! They spend months before the show planning their neon outfits and chatting about the band in private groups. They are willing to shell out hundreds if not thousands of dollars for meet and greets with the band. I was lucky enough to interview Jordan Knight on the red carpet many years ago in Miami during the BMI Awards, and I later ran into him at a sushi restaurant on Lincoln Road. On both occasions, he was delightful.
To complete the epic late 80s, early 90s throwback vibes, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Paula Abdul opened the show. These O.G. music icons are still out there doing their thing, and they're doing it well. Paula Abdul just turned 62 in June and is literally defying the laws of gravity. The former Laker Girl looks "Straight Up" fantastic as she bumps and grinds her way through hits such as "Forever Your Girl," "Rush Rush," and "Vibeology." She has an all-star troupe of backup dancers accompanying her on stage. Although Abdul has been canceling shows in multiple cities due to ailments, West Palm Beach was fortunate enough to get to see her on stage. While she admitted she still gets stage fright every time she performs, she looked like a dream up there and even gifted a male fan with her crystal-covered tumbler under the prerequisite that he doesn't sell it on eBay.
From the moment Joey, Jordan, Jonathan, Donnie, and Danny hit the stage July 20, 2024 at iThink Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Fla., it's clear these guys have still got The Right Stuff! They have aged like fine wine, and they're serving up a vintage performance with a modern twist. The choreography is tighter than a pair of skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner and the harmonies? Well, those are smoother than Jagger's moves.
The setlist is a rollercoaster ride through the NKOTB catalog, with all the hits you'd expect. "Step By Step" still has the power to make grown women (and more than a few men) weak at the knees, and they've even resurrected guilty pleasure pop hits such as "Popsicle" and "Treat Me Right." Donnie Wahlberg's signature "Cover Girl" is still a total blast to experience live. I remember listening to that song on a cassette in my mini purple Sharp boombox in '88 and dancing around my childhood bedroom! And these dudes are still the master of belting out heartstopping boy band ballads such as "Please Don't Go Girl" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)."
But it's not all retro vibes and acid-washed memories. The New Kids have peppered their show with some surprisingly fresh material that proves they're not just relying on the oldies to get by. This boy band turned "Grown Man" band also demonstrates they're not afraid to get a little naughty these days.
Their performance of "Dirty Dancing" reawakens memories of Patrick Swayze and even a dash of Magic Mike as the guys appear to be channeling their inner Channing Tatum. Images of Swayze's iconic character Johnny Castle and Jennifer Gray as Baby flashed on a fiery screen as the five Beantown Boys shook what their mamas gave them.
The real magic of this "Magic Summer" tour, though, is the electric connection between the band and their fans. The audience – a sea of neon, scrunchies, and unironic fanny packs – sings along to every word, their enthusiasm infectious enough to make even the most jaded critic crack a smile.
DJ Jazzy Jeff later joined the New Kids On The Block to perform their new song "Get Down." Donnie Wahlberg got sentimental about being on tour again with the hip-hop superstar and shared a story about how when New Kids On The Block were just starting out, Jazzy Jeff always made the New Kids feel welcome, and he showed them the ropes of the entertainment world alongside Fresh Prince Will Smith.
Is it over-the-top? You bet your bedazzled vintage denim jacket it is. But in a world that often takes itself too seriously, New Kids on the Block's "Magic Summer" tour is a much-needed shot of pure, funky fun.
So if the New Kids On The Block tour is heading your way, grab your bestie, dig out that old NKOTB concert tee, and prepare to be transported back to a time when hair was big, love was young, and New Kids on the Block ruled the world. Trust me, it's a trip down memory lane that's worth taking! Visit nkotb.com for the latest on New Kids On The Block and where the Magic Summer tour is headed next!
Here are some pictures I captured at the show.
Some video highlights from the West Palm Beach show:
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