As a child, a female child of the eighties, I was not alone in my love for New Kids on The Block. Like many, I had their tapes, tons of shirts, blankets, buttons, action dolls and concert videos. I had many dreams of marrying Joey (or Jonathan) and living happily ever after.

Looking back, at the time I was around 10 and Joey was 18 (Jonathan 22) um, gross. I really didn’t grasp the age difference back then.

I digress, the point, I was a huge fan, like all the girls my age and I was never fortunate enough to see them live in concert.

Fast forward to Hawaii 2007, while on vacation I was watching VH1’s Bands Reunited, and they attempted to get New Kids on the Block to reunite for a one-night show. I was so excited. However, each member (except Jonathan) declined. I was crushed.

April 2008. Donnie confirmed the band was reuniting for a new CD and tour! The first round of touring brought them as close as Kansas City (where my hair stylist Hannah saw them and said it was awesome). Finally, they extended their dates and included a stop in good ol’ Des Moines! Craig and Tia hooked us up with tickets and that brings us to last Monday.

My life is now complete.

Couple things I want to say about the show:

Party the whole atmosphere was a giant fun-filled, neon-colored eighties party.

Jabbawockeez they opened the show, the music was super awesome and the dancing was amazing. My only complaint was the length; I wish they had performed longer.

Songs Holy shit, they played every hit. They even mixed it up and came in the middle of the audience to sing/play the piano. Jordan, Joey and Donnie all did individual songs. Jordan sang his solo-artist song Give It to You, Joey sang his solo-artist song Stay the Same and Donnie sang “Cover Girl” decked out in Iowa Hawkeye gear while playing the guitar. Though it was “I’ll be loving you forever” in the white suits that melted my ten-year-old heart.

Jordan there he was all alone on the stage in a buttoned down white shirt singing Baby, I Believe in You. All of a sudden the artificial wind swoops up and he busts open his shirt in true Superman fashion for all us ladies. Truly amazing was this moment and I realized, yes, it is the same New Kids that I loved.

All Grown Up there were flashes throughout the night where I was truly happy I am 28 and seeing this concert…

1. I could drink. This never hurts a concert.

2. Joey said “balls” sorry, this is funny to me. He said while attempting to spell out IOWA, Danny was trying to light Donnie’s balls on fire. Never would have happened 15 years ago.

3.I was a witness to possibly the greatest sign ever…during their goodbyes, someone threw a sign on stage, a great sheet material, homemade sign “Danny Wood gives us lady wood” hells yeah.

Hangin’ Tough the final song of the night and it was fabulous. Swinging our arms in the air, it was the perfect ending with my men from Boston. You really believe they are doing this for the fans. During the final minutes, Joey took the time and signed autographs from the audience. How cool is that.

Money’s Worth the show was over two hours! It was high-energy. A great mix of classic songs, new (not so bad) songs and the fantastic true-to-fashion New Kids choreography. There was confetti, great costume changes (including Joey’s gold jacket) and fan participation. Not gonna lie, got goose bumps when the giant screen flashed “NKTOB”. It was so fun, so entertaining, everything I ever thought it would be and so much more.

Grandpa my grandpa was there! Not with us, but working. That is pretty awesome.

Friends This night was even better since I shared it with Kari, Drea and Tia. My only regret is we needed matching T-shirts…next time!

Concert Photos