August 9, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
On a hot and rainy summer night in NJ, New Kids on the Block still proved that they have “The Right Stuff” as they brought their Magic Summer 2024 Tour to PNC Bank Arts Center. The amphitheater was abuzz with electrifying nostalgia in anticipation of New Kids On The Block (NKOTB).
The crowd—spanning generations—was a vibrant mix of original fans and newer enthusiasts (as young as 5 years old), all eagerly awaiting the arrival of NKOTB. The stage was set with an impressive array of lights, pyrotechnics, and a massive, LED-studded backdrop that promised a night of visual and auditory spectacle.
The iconic boy band, now seasoned veterans of the music scene, delivered a performance that was both a testament to their enduring appeal and a celebration of their remarkable journey from the mid ’80s to the present. Formed in 1984 NKOTB are considered one of the first “boy bands” and paved the way for other successful boy groups with the likes of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. The venue ebbed and flowed in a sea of fans (mostly women aka: “Blockheads”) all dressed in their 80’s inspired neon’s from pinks, yellows and greens, to “I love Donny” handmade t-shirts, florescent bandanas, and coordinated cheerleading outfits. Adoring fans seemed to have the same excitement today as they had when NKOTB posters were hanging on their bedroom walls over 30 years ago.
Long time friend of NKOTB and Philadelphia born, DJ Jazzy Jeff (DJJJ) kicked off the evening and riled up the crowd spinning his cool mixes including popular tracks “Uptown Funk” and “Don’t Stop Believin'”. He is best known for his collaboration with Will Smith on 80’s hits such as “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Nightmare on My Street.”
Following DJJJ was former Laker Girl, American Idol judge, choreographer and Grammy winning pop singer, Paula Abdul. Abdul opened with her biggest hit “Straight Up” gliding across the stage on tables and chairs, and accompanied by a full set of talented dancers. Her set design was grand, colorful and constantly changing. At one point, after a big dance scene, one of her dancers brought out an oxygen tank, Paula put the mask on, inhaled a couple of times and said, “You think I’m kidding? This is 62!”. Putting everything she has into her performances; Paula Abdul is truly a showstopper. She looked amazing, delivering all the hits we love so much including “Cold Hearted” “Forever Your Girl” and “Hush Hush”.
When Paula concluded, the countdown to the moment these fans have been waiting for was upon them. As Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Jonathan Knight, and Danny Wood hit the stage, the fans went absolutely wild. I usually wear earplugs to help with the bass being so close but this time I needed them the entire concert due to the pane glass cracking screams from adoring fans. I’ve never heard screams so loud – literally screaming at the top of their lungs! It was nuts!! NKOTB opened up with “Magic”, their first track off their recent album.
The visual elements of the concert were impressive. The stage design was dynamic, incorporating a series of elevated platforms, vibrant light shows, and impressive video projections. The choreography was tight and well-coordinated, with each dance routine perfectly timed to complement the high-energy beats of their songs. Neons, bright lights, streamers, confetti cannons and fog machines filled the venue. The high energy choreographies were fun! They incorporated all their signature moves effortlessly and you could tell they were having fun and didn’t take themselves too seriously. They were a bit more suggestive than their younger years, Donnie couldn’t help but to show off his abs several times and the “hip thrusts” thrown by each band member throughout the show made us all giggle. Each band member has such different personalities and it showed through as the night went on. The engagement they all have with their fans is like none other, bringing fans onstage to dance with them, having them singalong and even having group of fans stand on each side of the stage throughout the show for a lucky up close experience.
One of the stand out moments was when the fans all got a lot closer to the action as each band member ran throughout the venue, hugging and kissing fans and taking selfies, eventually landing on elevated platforms providing fans with a closer experience than they expected. They performed multiple songs perched from the platforms as fans screamed to “Block Party” and “Tonight“. Once they made their way back on stage NKOTB showcased a few solos from select members including Joey’s piano take on “Where Do I Go From Here?”, “Treat Me Right”, Donnie’s “Stay With Me Baby”, Jordan’s “Baby, I Believe In You” and Jonathan’s serenade of “Happy Birthday” to one lucky fan.
The latter part of the show featured hits such as “Please Don’t Go Girl” and “Step By Step.” They had multiple wardrobe changes with one in particular donning their blinged out and bedazzled Boston Celtics jerseys before performing “Hangin’ Tough” as an ode to their hometown of Boston’s basketball team. They finished the thunderous evening with the live debut of “Better Days” where decibel levels were so high I felt the pillars of the venue would collapse.
For fans of NKOTB and lovers of pop music nostalgia, the night at the PNC Bank Arts Center was a memorable celebration that reaffirmed why these boys from Boston remain beloved icons in the world of music.