You remember the New Kids on the Block, right? Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, Donnie, and Danny made up the cute 80s/90s boy band that bred the Backstreet Boys, Nsync, and, ugh, 98 Degrees. These kids (men?) have been on a “comeback” for nearly a year now, though besides a few weeks of radio play for their new album The Block last fall, you’d be hard pressed to know it. But they’re not giving up hope — hope for one more chance to cash in. Enter, then, the New Kids on the Block Cruise.
Tickets go on sale today went on sale yesterday for the Ft. Lauderdale-Bahamas cruise, where the man band “will entertain fans on board with special performances and meet and greets,” says People.
You’d be right to conclude this is the final nail in the coffin for NKOTB, but that’s not the way they’re thinking about it. “Our manager tells us this is not a cheesy thing,” insists Joey McIntyre. “This is not a step back.”
Well if your manager tells you it’s not cheesy …
How about we take this to the next level?
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daniel k
Why is this so bad? They’ll never acheive the popularity they once had, but many of those adoring fans are older just like them and still love them. The tour has been sold out most of the year…
BTW no I’m not a crazed fan, but why label someone irrelevent just because they’re in their late 30’s (like me) and still trying to entertain someone other than 20 year olds?
Joe M
@daniel k: C’mon, you don’t think it’s a little sad that they are playing on a cruise? A wee bit? I do. That said, looking at the pic above – I’d hit it. Every one of ’em. Well, not Joey, who looks like your typical creepy born-again. But gay Jonathan is yummy and Danny is just walking gay porn, ain’t he?
Sarah C
Tickets went on sale yesterday- and they all but sold out in 2 hours.
http://www.rosetours.com/nkotb/pricing3.php
Irrelevant to some- but in this economy to sell out a luxury like a cruise that fast is impressive.
Your story is a little late- dare I say irrelevant?
Debby
New Kids on the Block were popular when I was in 5th grade. I had posters, pillows, blankets, dolls, pins… you name it I had it. I would think that they would appeal to people my age (almost 30). We all remember the NKOTB craze and always dreamed of the day they would get back together.
Paul Raposo
@Joe M:
…looking at the pic above – I’d hit it. Every one of ’em.
Agreed! They were all pretty ugly in their younger years, but they’ve grown up quite nicley.
Ashley
I’d love to go! I <3 Joey!!
Erin
I went to both concerts in Chicago and loved every minute of it! They still know how to entertain and the audience was filled with people my age and some young kids. If I had the time and money I would go on this cruise just to see my teen idols up close!
Lori
I think it’s a great idea – I’m not sure of any other band or singer that has done this! It shows that they really care about their fans….and of course making some money, who doesn’t?
I’m really bummed that I didn’t know about the trip though! I SOOO would have went.
I <3 Joey!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ
@Joe M: Love it and couldn’t agree more. Jonathan was always the hottest …he needs to come on out though!
mashia6
Do you have any idea how many great songs don’t make it to radio? That doesn’t make them unsuccessful or irrelevant.
This “unsuccessful comeback” announced a Spring Tour this morning because of fan demand. A summer tour is also in the works. All because the original tour was so successful.
If program directors would actually put their singles on the playlist, I can almost guarantee people would like what they hear. My friends have convinced DJ’s to play tracks from THE BLOCK in clubs and people love them…and then get the bombshell…you just danced to NKOTB.
scott
Celebs do stuff like singing at weddings and parties, so I see no difference between sweet 16 parties and cruises. A paycheck is a paycheck.
That said, I hated NYOTB then and now. These suckers RAKED in big bucks when they were popular, so I think it’s weird that they’d do a cruise for a paycheck. Pride and all. But, whatever.