New Kids On The Block Are “Still Kids” On The Magic Summer Tour!

So, there I was, surrounded by neon-wearing 40-50-somethings who were collectively acting like they just got crowned prom queen and king. Yes, folks, I found myself at the Magic Summer tour featuring New Kids On The Block and DJ Jazzy Jeff, who opened the show like he was running for Mayor of Nostalgia-ville.

Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride Photography

DJ Jazzy Jeff, of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fame, kicked off the night in Tinley Park, IL, at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater. And let me tell you, this man could DJ at my future grandkid’s wedding and still make it feel like it’s 1992. He spun some of the biggest dance hits from back in the day, and I swear, the crowd—decked out in more neon than a highlighter factory—was moving like it was the high school prom they never got over.

Click The Image For The Full DJ Jazzy Jeff Gallery

For those who came to see Paula Abdul, the pop star's absence for the second night in a row due to production issues was met with a collective groan. We get it, Paula. Perfection takes time, but twice in a row? Was she stuck in a straight-up traffic jam? Anyhow, the show must go on, and boy did it.

After a swift stage turnover, it was time for the main act—New Kids On The Block. The quintet emerged to a roar of excitement that probably registered on the Richter scale. They launched right into Magic, and suddenly, it was 1989 all over again. Confetti cannons exploded heart-shaped confetti over the ecstatic crowd during Summer In Love and Favorite Girl. Donnie Wahlberg, clearly riding a high from his homecoming, grabbed the mic and gave a shout-out: It’s good to be home!

Next up were hits like Cover Girl, Dirty Dancing, and Summertime, and the crowd was out-singing each other like it was a karaoke night on steroids. The energy was palpable, and Donnie, still vibing on that hometown magic, got the Blockheads riled up for The Right Stuff. In an inspired moment of crowd interaction, the boys trotted off to five makeshift stages set up at the back of the amphitheater. They performed Block Party and Tonight from these mini-stages, proving that they can still rock a venue—front, back, and center.

Now, here’s where the night took a sweet turn. From 1994 to 2008, the New Kids On The Block was on a short hiatus (you know, like a college gap year that lasts 14 years). Some members explored solo careers, and in Tinley Park, they brought those solo vibes to the stage. Joey McIntyre, who joined NKOTB before his 13th birthday, stole the spotlight, serenading the crowd with Where Do I Go From Here on the piano. Cue the swooning. The band rejoined him for Treat Me Right, setting the stage for Donnie Wahlberg’s solo number Stay With Me Baby, which included some hip-thrusting that had the crowd, let’s say, highly appreciative.

In a heartwarming moment, Joey made a promise to the fans, saying, If you keep showing up, we can do this for another 10, 20, or even 30 years. And you know what? With the enthusiasm in that amphitheater, I wouldn’t bet against it. DJ Jazzy Jeff came back to join the New Kids for Get Down and a fresh spin on Summertime. They even had a slow dance segment, inviting some lucky fans on stage for Dance With You.

NKOTB wrapped up the set with I’ll Be Loving You Forever. But come on, we knew that wasn’t the end. As the lights dimmed and the chants of NKOTB! NKOTB! grew deafening, all five members re-emerged, clad in Boston Celtics jerseys. A bold move in Chicago, but hey, some rivalries are eternal. Donnie, ever the charmer, couldn’t resist giving a shout-out to his second hometown while still repping Boston. The crowd took it in stride; after all, it’s hard to stay mad at Donnie Wahlberg for too long.

Click The Image For The Full New Kids On The Block Gallery

Step By Step had everyone from the nosebleeds to the VIP section singing along, And Hangin' Tough? Let’s just say if there was a roof, it would have been blown off. The energy of the night hit a new high, and it felt like being swept up in a wave of collective euphoria. Finally, they closed the night with Better Days, a song that, while newer, still managed to encapsulate the enduring spirit of NKOTB. It was the perfect note to end on, a reminder that while we can all revel in the past, there's always room for looking forward to what comes next.

 Check Out The Magic Tour This Summer

 New Kids On The Block Set-List

Magic

Summer Love

My Favorite Girl

Cover Girl

Dirty Dancing

Summertime

You Got It (The Right Stuff)

Remix (I Like the)

Block Party (Mini Stages in Crowd)

Tonight (Mini Stages in Crowd)

Are You Down? (Quick Change Cam)

Where Do I Go From Here? (Joey Piano Solo)

Treat Me Right (Joey Solo)

Call It What You Want

Popsicle / Games / This Is How We Do It

Stay With Me Baby (Donnie Solo)

Baby, I Believe in You (Jordan Solo)

Never Gonna Fall in Love Again / Paradise City

Happy Birthday (Jonathan Solo)

Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) / Valentine Girl

Please Don't Go Girl

Get Down (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)

Dance With You / A Love Like This / In the Night / Long Time Coming

Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince cover) (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)

Kids

I'll Be Loving You (Forever)

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Step by Step

Hangin' Tough / We Will Rock You

Better Days