New Kids On The Block Launch into UK Tour

It’s been more than a decade since their last live UK performance and most young people would now call them ‘old’, but the New Kids On The Block seem to still have what it takes after launching fans into a frenzy at their first UK performance on September 8, 2008. The performance was the first in a string that will make up their UK tour.

The Award-winning American pop group New Kids On The Block first shot into the spotlight in the late 1980s. They were assembled in Boston in 1984 and consisted of Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg and Joey McIntyre. In their time they were incredibly successful, with more than 70 million albums sold worldwide and two American Music Awards – one for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group and another for Favorite Pop/Rock Album which was for “Hangin’ Tough”. The band is widely considered to have been the first true boy band. It officially disbanded in 1994 and several attempts have been made to reunite the members since then but this was the first time these endeavors have been successful. Judging by the response to Monday’s concert, the new tour will be very successful indeed. However it seems hardly appropriate to continue to call it a ‘boy’ band now that the members are all grown up.

The new concert tour comes in the wake of the release of their new album, “The Block”. The album was released on September 2, 2008 and is the first thing they have produced since reuniting earlier this year. The Block is their first album in almost 15 years and it seems it’s been far too long for die-hard fans. When the famous five stepped out on the stage, fans went absolutely wild with excitement. And they didn’t disappoint, performing classic singles like ‘Tonight’ and ‘Step By Step’ in true ‘Block’ style. However they also sang the songs from their newest album, promoting their latest creation and helping fans to get better acquainted with their new music. Their next performance will take place in Manchester at the MEN Arena on January 16 2009, followed by Birmingham’s NIA (Jan 17), Glasgow’s SECC (Jan 18), Nottingham’s Trent FM Arena (Jan 23), London’s The O2 (Jan 24), Sheffield Arena (Jan 27), Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (Jan 28) and Cardiff International Arena (Jan 29). Tickets will go on sale on September 19 2008 and by the looks of things, you’d better book early to avoid disappointment!