With the recent success of Donnie Wahlberg’s TV career (“Blue Bloods,” “Wahlburgers” and “Donnie Loves Jenny” ) you would think it almost impossible for him to lend any time to what got him started in the entertainment business over 30 years ago, which was starting one of the biggest boy bands ever with the New Kids on the Block. However, a well placed nod to the past appears at the beginning of the set that included in a video montage featuring Walhberg as his Blue Bloods character. In the scene, Walhberg is saving a crime victim and the character turns to him and states ‘”hey, you should get the NKOTB back together,” and that’s where the show began with the 1st act.
The theme of the entire tour was centered around boxing and was aptly titled “The Main Event.” The stage was 360 degrees in the round, with VIP seating set up around the stage. Before each act (both TLC and Nelly also performed), they had someone walk around with a cue card like they do at boxing events which introduced the upcoming performer (either Act 1, Act 2 or Act 3).
Nelly took the stage first and rapped his way through a 45-minute set. He came out in a white hoodie and dark sunglasses. He performed alongside 2 other guys and a barrage of women dancers on the stage gyrating to the music. He closed the set with the popular hit “Hot in Here.”
The biggest selling female group of all time, TLC, took the stage next. The act is now only comprised of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas after Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ untimely death back in 2002. Accompanied by a bevy of dancers, the group covered the huge amount of stage during their performance while singing their hits such as the upbeat “What About Your Friends,” the sultry “Baby, Baby, Baby” and their biggest hit “Waterfalls.” They left the stage making sure to slap hands with fans and to wave to everyone as they took their time exiting.
NKOTB took to the stage after being introduced on the video screen by legendary announcer Michael Buffer. Soon thereafter, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood and Donnie Wahlberg took the stage to a round of screams and shrieks from the predominantly female audience.
The band appropriately opened up with “Block Party” to set the mood for the night. Each member shared the spotlight at various points through the show. The choreography was amazing and each band member covered all the stage so everyone got an equal chance at their favorite.
Various clothing changes, confetti, and risers made for a very entertaining show. What impressed me was that they sang to a backing band that was strategically placed in the corners of stage. A piano also sat a top the stage to be utilized on a few tracks.
They remarked how they traveled the entire country on this tour and saved the best for last as the show in Buffalo, NY marked the official last date of the 40 city run. The band then went into the “The Remix.” They closed with their first hit “Hanging Touch” with a medley of the Queen classic “We Will Rock You.”
I must admit, I was impressed by the showmanship of the band and the choreography that was incorporated into their set. As long as the fans who came were entertained, that’s all you can ask for. The audience left with smiles on their faces so I guess you can say mission accomplished!
Setlist:
Block Party
Crash
My Favorite Girl
You Got It (The Right Stuff)
The Whisper
Shout
Let’s Try It Again
We Own Tonight
Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) / Valentine Girl / If You Go Away / Never Can Say Goodbye / Please Don’t Go Girl
Remix (I Like the)
Summertime
Dirty Dancing
Just a Friend / Good Vibrations
Tonight
Baby, I Believe in You / Give It to You (Jordan solo)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) / Twisted (Joe Solo)
I Need You / Lean on Me / Cover Girl (Donnie Solo)
Games
Step by Step
I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
Hangin’ Tough / We Will Rock You (Queen cover)
We would like to thank Tracey Mancini from the First Niagara Center for her assistance in obtaining credentials for BackstageAxxess to review the show.
