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)

Wednesday 17 February

By chrystal

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All I have to say is...They are the ORIGINAL boy band anything else is just...Second Best!!!!!

By Only1Bree

Dear Haters:

I would just like to say that the great thing about this country we live in is that we are all entitled to whatever our opinion may be, no matter how much it differs from someone else's. So, the fact that you don't care for NKOTB is your right. That's perfectly fine with me. You don't have to love them. You just have to accept the fact that others do. Why waste your time just making other people angry and spreading your negativity around when you could be doing something that actually intrests you, like checking out what YOUR favorite band is doing these days? I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't need the extra negativity in my life. Thank you.

By Liz Anne

Nice article and pics! Excited to see them at the Radio City Music Hall in June!

Thursday 18 February

By BfromHoustonTX

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WOW... AHHHH-MAZINGGGGG photos of my fav 5 bad borthas...love it, love it!!!

By Jennifer

I love these guys so much, especially Jordan! I went on the cruise last year,and going again this year VIP. I've been to numerous concerts since their reunion and going to Radio City 5Star and can't wait! People may talk all the sh!t they want, but I loved them then and love them even more now. Especially after losing my mom in July, she knew my infatuation with them and was glad they reunited because she knew that would be my happiness and reason to smile when she was gone....and I thank them all for that, Jordan made me smile again!!

By Christy

I bet the cruise with them is fun! I would have loved to go. I always had a thing for Donnie!
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. Stay strong!

By Nate

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Thanks AOL... I needed a laugh today. Just when things look bad I see an article like this, too funny. It looks loke they apend a lot of time at Starbucks, sad.

Friday 19 February

By Aimee

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I think they all look great. I've been a fan since 1986 and I'm still a fan. I never got to see them the first time. I've seen them twice already and want to see them again. I'm a blockhead forever.

By Lisa

They are awesome - LOVE THEM!

Saturday 20 February

By MRSKI

NEW KIDS? MORE LIKE OLD GUYS, WHAT A JOKE

By Sandy

I love NKOTB always have and always will...especially Jordan :)

By Janis

Hey every1 all those with negative thoughts you suck you must like that loser jayz and the woman beater chris brown. These guys are hot and unlike every1 else in the business they care about other people not just themselves. They are not in it for the money but to see their fans happy. New kids rule. Hey everyone heres a thought for you I know where Vanilla Ice is performing for you negative thinkers. Now thats gross vanilla ice. makes me want to go crawl in a hole somewhere.

By JeanaMa

People are just being hateful towards NKOTB because they can can still make it happen after 15 years--Platinum Status! Face it haters, you could never be them, and I know you wish you could! Haterz hate to see them on a paper(money) spree! New Kids On The Block--Platinum Plus! Enough to make these HaterS wanna cus!!! LOL :) As the saying goes........Keep Hatin, your only make'n them famouS! *stupid bit**es*

By sharp pin

What's the matter, sweetie? Did we pop your balloon?

By MBA

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Looks like even the paid bloggers from the marketing department are bored with this story.

By Carla

I'm ready for some FULL SERVICE!Yummmmm

By Wade

Which is the cool one with the friend in Brazil?

By DUWAN

Moon doggie, you are probably right....all them beach bimbos in cali can't take these guys seriously. Guys that actually worked for what they have rather than being given a shiny pink ragtop for their 16th birthday. How could they possibly understand real life.
P.S. Go get your barbie, woof woof

By Gidget

we have Ellen...you have Rosie. Enough said!

By TRiSHA

Go get in your jeep gidget...time to hit the beach

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