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)

Thursday 18 February

By mindy

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i love nkotb but that was too funny

Tuesday 16 February

By len

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Seriously! LEt it go!

Wednesday 17 February

By DdubsWaGirl

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Wow... some people really need to open up their minds a little bit and learn to have respect for others! Oprah when you learn how to spell then maybe someone might want to see what you have to say but until then go to school and get an education! All you other hater's need to do some research and realize just how much these guys actually care for their fans! You would be amazed how many shows they have sold out since getting back together... I don't know about you but I am and always will be a Blockhead Sister! Love you Guys!!!!

By Bruce

What are the NKOTB's stats?

By CAROL

NEW KIDS WERE GREAT THEN, AND THEY STILL REMAIN THE SAME"GREAT" THEIR CONCERTS ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT.

By Squiggy

sold out where?... in Branson, Missouri?

By TheBlock4eva_5

All I have to say is....I LOVE YOU JORDAN, JON, DONNIE, DANNY & JOEY!!!!

By ross

Nice article had me in tears. Been a huge fan since 1985 & will never stop. Thanks so much.

By Butch

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Hey ross- How's your Barbie collection?

By Caren

I'll be in NYC the 17th-19th...seeing the concert on the 18th! I'd LOVE to finally meet them. I never got to see them in concert when I was younger--so I'm making up for it now!!! :)
columbus & cincinnati and now NYC!!!
xoxo
@caren1977

By Moon Doggie

Best of luck guys! NYC/East Coast is a good place to start. It has your biggest fan base with so many hopeless, middle-age single women. Not sure if they would take you seriously in Cali.

By prettygirl123

JORDAN KNIGHT STILL HAS THE RIGHT STUFF!!!I LOVE THESE GUYS. I STILL CAN REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST SAW THEM IN 1988, WOW THATS ALONG TIME AGO. I LOVE LOVE THESE GUYS. KEEP IT GOING YOU STLL HAVE MY HEART.

By BIBYSK

NKOTB THE BEST FOREVER
Jordan Knight ...my sexi man ever

By Macarena

Upsss I Loved this Video and NKOTB Pics!!!!
My Boys Look Awesome ,Sexy and Hotties!!!!
Chile Love Ya !!!!

By Jenn

Hey "Sistahs".. Don't let these haters get you all upset.. They're just jealous!

Hey sweeties, jealousy doesn't look good on you, now move on..

We know all the love and dedication that our 5 guys give to us, and there's no reason for us to explain it.

Love you Jordan, Jon, Joe, Donnie & Danny.. And my million "sistahs"... :)

P.S. Haters, please learn how to spell, Nothing like trying to bash someone being illiterate .. Thanks.. buh-bye!

By Maria

Jenn......go feed your fifteen cats

Maria, Go get a life.. I have a family, thank you very much!

By na

The members of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) look exhausted in the photos. It's hard balancing work and family life.

Besides, what's wrong with 30 and 40 somethings performing? There is a large consumer fan base in their 30's, 40's, and 50's who yearn for pop music and NKOTB, New Edition, Kool and the Gang, EWF, Boyz II Men, Chicago, etc. Why is someone in their 30's, 40's, or 50's considered too old to perform?

Have you ever seen a NKOTB concert? Last year, I went to my second NKOTB concert with family members in their 30's and 50's and they said that NKOTB's concert was one of the best that they had seen in years and that they would like to go to another NKOTB concert.

The fact that NKOTB can return with a successfully CD and concert tours after 20 years speaks for itself...NKOTB is a talented and underrated American group that deserves more credit.

By Carina

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Congrats guys!! I love you!!

By candileighh

None of them looked fat to me They look just as good or better

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