New Kids on The Block

I left 30 minutes into the first encore, before they played their 3 major hits. Coming from a self proclaimed die hard NKOTB fan this spoke volumes as to how bad the show was.
I wasn’t expecting to be blown away but I just wanted a fun party night to enjoy my guilty pleasure.
I saw the NKOTB on their first reunion with a great comeback album to promote. The formula was in place and even though the show was simple it didn’t fail to entertain. The show even introduced the world to Lady Gaga (opening act).
I saw the NKOTB/​BSB tour which was okay but I still enjoyed myself.
Something changed tonight. It wasn’t my fandom in the band which is still strong. I love the songs and I was pumped for the evening, however, there were things that fell off the map for me.
1. Seating arrangements. The floor was packed with more equipment, floor band and gadgets that it left little to no room for fans on the floor to really move around. It felt like more clutter than substance. The balcony was closed off as well. Lots of empty seats in the lower bowl sections in spite of Ticket Master selling me shitty seats.
2. The boy’s voices were very weak and flat, with the exception of Joey and Jordan who traditionally always do the heavy lifting. I could tell that there were moments in which they were struggling both vocally and emotionally.
3. EDM remixes of their major hits.
4. Remixes of their new material. Major failure since this would’ve been a great opportunity to introduce the audience to the new material heard as is on the recordings.
5. No flash, simple, however, left no dimension to the show. It worked great during their second run with the BSB. This time they struggled to make use of the space. This time all I saw was a band who will be playing my local casino next year.
6. The boys weren’t into it. They tried but they looked as though they were milking it for all it was worth.
7. When Jordan did his signature shirt in the wind move during, Baby I believe In You (which I am sure that Jordan himself is embarrassed about) all I kept thinking was, «Put your fucking shirt on.»
8. It was uncomfortable for me to watch Jon, who has a panic disorder. He was clock watching while doing as little as possible on stage. I could feel his anxiety. In general I don’t like seeing people who are uncomfortable.
9. I like Chip and Dale strippers, however, I came to see a show… not that kind of show.
10. Charging $ 50 for a thin shirt = highway robbery. The shirt selection was actually the highlight of the show.
11. Stage banter were ramblings with no end in sight.
12. Their moves were simple, however, given their age it looked like arthritic line dancing.
This show would’ve been good in a smaller venue like a casino with the boys not trying so hard. Part of it was that they’re out of touch of what makes a great pop show and they’re assumptive of what the audience actually wants to see. The reason why Boys 2 Men do so well at the casino is that they accept and work within their given environment.
I was standing in a section with a row of hard core fans some of which paid good money to get the VIP package. By the forth song they sat bored, most left at the 1 hour mark.
There were some cool things technically going on the ground floor that I rarely see which were cool to observe. The «Quick Cam» live changing of clothes segment from backstage was fun and cheeky (no pun intended).
It was 90 minutes wasted, however, I’m still a fan of a the New Kids and will wear my vintage t-​shirt at the next heavy metal show. I just have no need to see them again. I will preserve the memory of the other two shows in my heart.