New Kids On The Block Performs at House of Blues Anaheim

NKOTB performs at House of Blues Anaheim

Can you believe it has been 30 years since New Kids On The Block started in the late 80s? Long before NSync, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Hanson and One Direction, there was NKOTB. I was working for TEEN magazine in Manila, Philippines when I covered the arrival of the boy band three decades ago and here I am again covering their special concert at the 25th Anniversary of House of Blues on May 27.

This is my scrapbook where I covered NKOTB in Manila for TEEN magazine in 1992

NKOTB at HOB Anaheim

Taking a quick break from their Total Package arena/amphitheater tour (w/ Paula Abdul & Boyz II Men), the show sold out instantly and giddy fans formed long lines early and patiently waited on the third floor of Anaheim Garden Walk. While waiting inside, I witnessed some catfights, and stories that one of them waited since 2 a.m. At the opening of the show, Danny Wood introduced current boy band O-Town, the opening act. You could feel the audience boy-band-crazy energy growing. I was surprised that even these Gen-X’ers knew every word on the lyrics of O-Town’s songs. After O-town’s number, the curtain closed and when it opened, these amazing five men who are no longer boys formed a perfect triangle shaped with carpet of fog over the floor. You could see minimal stage lighting showing the silhouette figures of Jordan & Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood. The largely female audience started to go crazy, jumping wildly. I felt I was witnessing a “moms gone wild” episode on the first song. After a couple songs, NKOTB took off their fancy jackets and showed their muscular bods with their tank tops. I felt I was in a bachelorette’s party. But I must admit, NKOTB still has their mojo especially when they exploded into their total dance moves with “The Right Stuff.”

Jordan Knight

Jonathan Knight

A fan I met on the floor named Stefanie del Mar enthusiastically said, “I’ve been following NKOTB for close to 30 years and have never experienced anything like the show at the House of Blues. We were literally right on the stage making a connection with the band the whole night. It was an experience I’d never forget and made waiting in line all day worth it!” And I totally agree with Stefanie, I’ve been to a lot of concerts but never seen a band that really connected with the fans. It was a great experience see the band meeting with the audience one-on-one and serenading their fans up close and personal. And of course as always, security was on alert in the concert hall.