A Day in the Life: New Kids on the Block

By Emily Tan Posted Feb 16th 2010 03:30PM

New Kids on the Block have been in the game for over 20 years, and though Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre and brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight took a long hiatus in the mid-'90s, the group's comeback in 2008 with its latest album, 'The Block,' proved that this boy band was still "hangin' tough."

The guys recently came to New York City to promote their tour documentary, 'Coming Home,' and their upcoming two-night stint at Radio City Music Hall in June. With hordes of dedicated New Kids fans -- many of whom are now well into their 30s -- still camping out days before an appearance, the guys never seem to get tired of the attention they get.

However, as the New Kids got to each stop on the international tour, it became easier and that energy felt like what they experienced as teenagers. "At our shows, [the fans] really let loose," Danny says. "It's pretty amazing seeing that. It's like a girls' night out."

New Kids on the Block didn't stop there, giving about 2,000 fans the chance to go on a cruise with the group for a few days in May 2009. With the endless cocktails, non-stop club music and access to the band, the fans were able to take their hair down and just party it up. "We're always trying to find new and exciting ways to get together," Joey says. "The idea is to keep it fresh for us. If we're excited about something, the fans will be excited about something. We were a little reticent about getting on a boat with 2,000 people, and it turned out being one of the best things we ever did."

As the guys hopped from interview to interview throughout the day, it's obvious that they still have the same energy as they did when they were teens, perhaps even more. Goofing around whenever they can, they even showed off their love for MTV's hit reality show, 'Jersey Shore,' at every chance they got -- fist pumping in the lobby of the Time and Life Building and even singing the chorus of LMFAO's 'Shots' through the streets of midtown Manhattan. So, what sparked this fascination with pumping one's fist?

"The thing about the fist pumping is it's so goofy," Jordan says. "It's like to let yourself go and do something that goofy is fun, and that's probably why it's so infectious. And ['Shots'] is very obnoxious and perfect for the fist pump."

Despite their funny, energetic and goofy ways, the men of New Kids also have a different side, especially when they talk about their families. For most of the group, fatherhood has not only made them look at getting back into the music business differently but also made them feel whole. "It changes your priorities, how you spend your time trying to figure out, 'OK, how am I going to do what I love to do?" and be there for your family," Joey says. "It's tough. It's a very human thing, to balance work and family. It gives you a lot more perspective in life, makes you a better person, a better artist."

Whether it's giving a show-stopping performance, staying at home with their kids or even just challenging anyone to a fist-pumping battle, New Kids on the Block have come full circle -- and they have no plans of stopping there. With 'Coming Home' on DVD now, the Radio City Music Hall and other gigs on the schedule, as well the second annual NKOTB cruise to the Bahamas, it looks like these Kids have really turned into very fine men who'll never stop pleasing their fans.

"They've been a big part of this reunion," Donnie says. "If the fans want it, we give it to them. We let them dictate."

Watch NKOTB Perform Live at Sessions

Tags: Danny Wood, DannyWood, Donnie Wahlberg, DonnieWahlberg, Joey McIntyre, JoeyMcintyre, Jonathan Knight, JonathanKnight, Jordan Knight, JordanKnight, New Kids on the Block, NewKidsOnTheBlock

Comments

(79)

Tuesday 16 February

By Jenny Bennink

Vote down Vote up Report this

Nice picks- looks like it was a long day though...

By Ginny

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Wow those guys look so old, fat and really ugly. Gross!

What ever happened to the Back Door Boys?

By ankhe68

They are still taking it in the back door1!!!

By BIBYSK

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

are you crazy?
NKOTB are so sexies...dont write sucks

Wednesday 17 February

By Mindy

NKOTB would be a great opening act for Michael Bolton! They have the same lovelorn single fat chick fan base.

By Nancy

My daughters and I have been to every show in our area including a meet and greet and I assure you, they are neither old nor fat!!! Where do you see fat? In fact, Jordan owns gyms in the area where my daughter lives and she and her fiance joined his newest one recently. We just bought our tickets for their May show.

Friday 19 February

By TJB

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I don't know what picture or mirror you're lookin at! I would HATE to see your taste in men (I mean boys)! These guys are great looking and always have been! They are VERY smart and successful...who else has had such success the way that they have? They STILL have it and always will!!!!!!! Grow up!

Monday 22 February

By NKFan4life

WOW...didnt your parents tell you if you have nothing nice to say dont say anything at all!...Jealousy!

Sunday 28 February

By LBtrick

looking for the back door boys? they're right behind you and your mama, too!

By Nikki

NKOTB...such hard workers. Wow, that was really great to see how productive just ONE day can be for these guys and how through all that they find the time to make their fan's feel so special. It so Awesome to be an NKOTB Fan! Can't wait to meet them again after 15 years in N.V. It should be fun. Thank AOL for the great,in depth coverage. Loved It!

By spunkynsassygirl

GINNY WHY DONT YOU STFU! YOU'RE A LOSER WITH NO LIFE! NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK ARE EVEN HOTTER AND SEXIER NOW, IF THATS EVEN POSSIBLE. JORDAN IS THE SEXIEST MAN EVER!

You're right, Jordan Knight would be real sexy modeling Depends diapers! How old is grampa these days.......40?

By Oprah

If dey was black, wouldnt be no pictures of they guys....Gwoin to send Rev. Jackson to see why dey took pictures....

Thursday 18 February

By spirit

Did your mother teach you to speak that way? You are pathetic. I'm almost positive that you're also "White Trash"

By Kara

all i have to say is i love them!!! they are even better than when i was younger...they have the whole package!! keep it up fellas...blockhead 4 lyfe!!!!!

By phedrede05

Jay z needs to shut up. I'm so over him, he thinks he has soo much power. He's the main reason Chris Brown has so much trouble. As for the remake I think it was a good idea to see all the different artist together.

NKOTB are still hot thats why the pics.

By Ballerina

New Kids on the Block? more like "Old Men on the Stoop"!

By Jeff

Now thats funny...

By monica

lol, I love New Kids on the Block but it is more "like grown men in the hood" I'm going to take ya'll waaayyy back, who remebers the New Kids on the Block cartoon???? Saturday mornings baby, Now that's old school! LOL And they still look Hot Jordan I love you!

Page 1 of 4