The pop icons are touring in support of their new album, Still Kids
“It’s loud as hell tonight!” Donnie Wahlberg announced seven songs in New Kids on the Block’s marathon set at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Friday (Aug 16th). Accounting for songs within medleys, the group performed nearly three dozen numbers.
NKOTB asked fans to treat the Magic Summer Tour as a bit of a time capsule of the 80s and 90s. At the band’s behest, fans wore neon colors to match the bright vibes of the show. And bright they were, including a hot pink cheetah-print fan stand for the VIPs on stage.
The band is vocally as tight as ever. They trade off lead vocals as the moment requires. Donnie did right by “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “Tonight.” Joe stripped away the boy band bubblegum for a beautiful “Where Do I Go From Here” followed by a bouncy “Treat Me Right.”
Jordan offered an open-shirted “Baby I Believe In You.” His vocals were great. I’m sure many of the women noticed when they weren’t screaming about his pecs. Danny spotlighted on “Never Gonna Fall in Love.” And Jonathan showcased his high register on a sultry “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time.”
The New Kids still have the moves, though now with a slight tinge of “goofball dad dancing.” A nod to that fact: While his colleagues wore boy band chic, Jonathan opted for a black John Deer t-shirt for the opening segment. But NKOTB has always been over-the-top, and something is refreshing about having no shame in your game after 50. (Oh, and not looking at all past 42.)
Also over-the-top: the New Kids’ blinged-out costumes. Always willing to wink at themselves, they host “Club Quick Change,” a camera booth placed backstage in the quick change tent to showcase more shenanigans.
Dance music icon Paula Abdul opened with a 30-minute, fully produced set with props and highly skilled dancers. Her show alone is worth the price, as she’s still at the top of her game.
DJ Jazzy Jeff, of Fresh Prince fame, spun tunes early in the night. He joined NKOTB to add the funk at the turntable for a few numbers toward the end of the night.
New Kids on the Block provides quintessential summer escapism. The band doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Which, perhaps ironically, is why their fans are so seriously devoted. One sign in the crowd read “MY BOOBIES LAST CONCERT / STEP BY STEP (the name of an NKOTB song) TO NO MORE CANCER. The crowd screamed in support when the sign showed up on screen.
That crystallizes the New Kids experience. The music is held dear by those who love it as a Time Machine to a simpler time of innocence and carefree summers. The band revels in continuing to provide an escape that is truly, well, magical.
