R&B duo TLC and rapper Nelly served as their opening acts. New Kids on The Block began their set with the festive “Block Party” and they immediately broke into “Crash” and “My Favorite Girl.” Their high-energy show consisted of pyrotechnics and confetti canyons.
“New York,” Donnie Wahlberg shouted, prior to having the audience clapping along. They continued with “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “The Whisper,” the latter of which was the fan-favorite tune in the first half of their set, while confetti drizzles throughout the venue. It was coupled by “Single” and “Shout.”
The band members underwent a “quick change,” which was televised for the fans via a large screen, as Daft Punk’s “One More Time” played in the background, and they subsequently blew a kiss to their fans.
They were dressed in their tuxedos as they performed the ballad “Let’s Try It Again,” and they took their audience on a trip to 2013 with “We Own Tonight,” which was an optimistic power-ballad that they nailed. Their harmonies were united and strong, and they were interacting well with the fans during this performance, which included handshakes and hugs.
They sang a medley of their hits from 1986 to 1992, which included “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “If You Go Away,” “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Valentine Girl,” where a “Valentine’s Day” theme displayed on the televised screen.
Joey McIntyre showcased his tremendous vocals on “Please Don’t Go Girl,” prior to noting that he has been singing this song for 27 years.
“It feels like New York City, it sounds like New York City and it smells like New York City,” Donnie Wahlberg said. The band shared that there was more electricity in this iconic building, Madison Square Garden, than all of the previous states that they performed in combined.
They got their crowd pumped up on “Remix (I Like the),” as well as the follow-up numbers “Summertime” and “Dirty Dancing.”
Most impressive about this segment of their show is that it featured a cameo from Donnie’s brother, “Marky Mark” himself, Mark Wahlberg, which marked his first appearance at a New Kids on the Block concert in 25 years.
Jordan, Joe and Donny were each given a chance to shine in their medley of hits in a solo fashion, but the vocal that stole the show was “Cover Girl.” They closed with “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” and “Hangin’ Tough.”
The Verdict
Overall, The New Kids on the Block show at Madison Square Garden was upbeat and a great deal of fun. They were able to transport their fans to simpler times via their music. Their “Main Event” tour stop in New York garnered 4.5 out of 5 stars.
