They've still got the right stuff...
On Tuesday, Nikki and I went to the New Kids on the Block concert. I have to admit, when she asked me months ago if I wanted to go I wasn't really sure. But I said yes because she was coming to Edmonton to see the show, and I thought it would be a good laugh if nothing else. After months of mentally preparing myself for what could be one of the worst (and most expensive) concert experiences of my life, the night finally came.
It was a pretty big deal for me because the first concert I'd ever been to was the New Kids. It was the highlight of my life back then. They were my idols. I had their tapes (both cassette and VHS), posters, even a duffel bag (which I still have to this day). And I still know the rap from "Funky, Funky Christmas" by heart. They turned me on to concerts, and I really didn't want them to turn me off.
After work, I met Nikki and her friend Jeni at their hotel. We hopped the LRT to Rexall, and made our way down to the floor. Our seats were in the very last row on the left hand side. Not the best, but I'd rather be on the floor than in the stands. Lady Gaga started off the show with a bang. I'm not really into mainstream pop, but I really liked her. She's cute and spunky and her music is catchy as hell. Natasha Bedingfield played a solid set, and then it was time for the New Kids.
Trust me when I say I have never been to a louder concert audience-wise. And I've been to a LOT of concerts. It was like the Oilers' recent playoff run, except all-female. They were screaming at the top of their lungs, and I have to say I wasn't prepared for that. I felt like an old fogey, covering my ears with my hands at some points. It was deafening. My ears were still ringing the next day.
I was slightly disappointed when they opened with a new song. Going in, I had been worried the would want to be taken seriously and promote the shit out of their new album. But my fears were quelled when then they delved into their old hits right after, scattering four or five more of their new songs in between.
I remembered most of the words from my favourite songs, and I was very impressed with their voices - they seem to have improved with age (believe it or not, Jordan can still hit the high notes). And their dance moves were still in synch and en pointe (Danny even pulled off a few breakdance moves). To top it all off, they even busted out all of their old, cheesy dance moves, which was very amusing.
I have a renewed respect for them as performers. It was so nice to see a pop group singing their own songs while dancing their asses off. For some reason today's pop stars can only do one at a time. I'd much rather have them fudge a few notes live than listen to a recorded track.
At one point in the show, the security guards started moving barriers behind us, blocking access to our seats. We were like, WTF? But then one of them tapped us on the shoulder, and told us to stand around this round, raised platform that was covered with a black sheet.
During a video break, the New Kids made their way to the back of the arena via backstage. The sheet was lifted to reveal a grand piano. When the video was over the guys jumped up on the mini stage, which rotated them around us, and played a few songs there (including my fave - "Tonight"). It was pretty surreal.
The one thing I remember from the show back in 1990 is Jordan taking his shirt off for a song. It was a white button up shirt, and a wind machine made it billow behind him. Everyone started screaming, so I did too, even though I was too young to really understand why. For some reason I always thought I made that part up, but I must not have because he did it again. At least this time I could appreciate it! He still has a smokin' hot bod for a thirtysomething.
Their last two songs were "Step by Step" and "Hangin' Tough," which was a great way to end the show. They seemed really appreciative of the audience, like they couldn't believe how much support they were getting. I have to admit I couldn't really believe it either. But I guess that just goes to show they know what they're doing. They reunited on their own terms, on their own time, and are giving it their all.
I think that says a lot about their work ethic, and a lot of newer acts can learn a lot from them. They were stars before the advent of the Internet, and I think it's really worked in their favour. They worked their asses off in the '80s when you couldn't get free publicity from the web, and it shows to this day. They're much more appreciative of their fans (and the media) than most major acts these days. Class act.
If you can't tell, I had a really good time. I might even go so far as to say it was the concert of the year for me. Jack Johnson, the Foo Fighters, and Feist are all right up there, but this show was so big and so well put together that it might just top them all. (Sorry Oasis, you really sucked in comparison!) I was hesitant to go, but I'm really glad I did.
It was a night I won't forget for a really long time, and they deserve all the success they get from this reunion. I really believe they're doing it because they want to, and not because they're strapped for cash or anything. The only one who didn't seem to be giving it his all was Jon, but he was always the wallflower of the group, and apparently doesn't like crowds. But other than that, it was a rockin' show. If you were a fan back in the day, just go. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.
It was a pretty big deal for me because the first concert I'd ever been to was the New Kids. It was the highlight of my life back then. They were my idols. I had their tapes (both cassette and VHS), posters, even a duffel bag (which I still have to this day). And I still know the rap from "Funky, Funky Christmas" by heart. They turned me on to concerts, and I really didn't want them to turn me off.
After work, I met Nikki and her friend Jeni at their hotel. We hopped the LRT to Rexall, and made our way down to the floor. Our seats were in the very last row on the left hand side. Not the best, but I'd rather be on the floor than in the stands. Lady Gaga started off the show with a bang. I'm not really into mainstream pop, but I really liked her. She's cute and spunky and her music is catchy as hell. Natasha Bedingfield played a solid set, and then it was time for the New Kids.
Trust me when I say I have never been to a louder concert audience-wise. And I've been to a LOT of concerts. It was like the Oilers' recent playoff run, except all-female. They were screaming at the top of their lungs, and I have to say I wasn't prepared for that. I felt like an old fogey, covering my ears with my hands at some points. It was deafening. My ears were still ringing the next day.
I was slightly disappointed when they opened with a new song. Going in, I had been worried the would want to be taken seriously and promote the shit out of their new album. But my fears were quelled when then they delved into their old hits right after, scattering four or five more of their new songs in between.
I remembered most of the words from my favourite songs, and I was very impressed with their voices - they seem to have improved with age (believe it or not, Jordan can still hit the high notes). And their dance moves were still in synch and en pointe (Danny even pulled off a few breakdance moves). To top it all off, they even busted out all of their old, cheesy dance moves, which was very amusing.
I have a renewed respect for them as performers. It was so nice to see a pop group singing their own songs while dancing their asses off. For some reason today's pop stars can only do one at a time. I'd much rather have them fudge a few notes live than listen to a recorded track.
At one point in the show, the security guards started moving barriers behind us, blocking access to our seats. We were like, WTF? But then one of them tapped us on the shoulder, and told us to stand around this round, raised platform that was covered with a black sheet.
During a video break, the New Kids made their way to the back of the arena via backstage. The sheet was lifted to reveal a grand piano. When the video was over the guys jumped up on the mini stage, which rotated them around us, and played a few songs there (including my fave - "Tonight"). It was pretty surreal.
The one thing I remember from the show back in 1990 is Jordan taking his shirt off for a song. It was a white button up shirt, and a wind machine made it billow behind him. Everyone started screaming, so I did too, even though I was too young to really understand why. For some reason I always thought I made that part up, but I must not have because he did it again. At least this time I could appreciate it! He still has a smokin' hot bod for a thirtysomething.
Their last two songs were "Step by Step" and "Hangin' Tough," which was a great way to end the show. They seemed really appreciative of the audience, like they couldn't believe how much support they were getting. I have to admit I couldn't really believe it either. But I guess that just goes to show they know what they're doing. They reunited on their own terms, on their own time, and are giving it their all.
I think that says a lot about their work ethic, and a lot of newer acts can learn a lot from them. They were stars before the advent of the Internet, and I think it's really worked in their favour. They worked their asses off in the '80s when you couldn't get free publicity from the web, and it shows to this day. They're much more appreciative of their fans (and the media) than most major acts these days. Class act.
If you can't tell, I had a really good time. I might even go so far as to say it was the concert of the year for me. Jack Johnson, the Foo Fighters, and Feist are all right up there, but this show was so big and so well put together that it might just top them all. (Sorry Oasis, you really sucked in comparison!) I was hesitant to go, but I'm really glad I did.
It was a night I won't forget for a really long time, and they deserve all the success they get from this reunion. I really believe they're doing it because they want to, and not because they're strapped for cash or anything. The only one who didn't seem to be giving it his all was Jon, but he was always the wallflower of the group, and apparently doesn't like crowds. But other than that, it was a rockin' show. If you were a fan back in the day, just go. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.