This was New Kids on the Block’s first RodeoHouston. But it’s definitely not, as they say, their first rodeo.
The enduring boy band is probably the most qualified act, with the exception of Garth Brooks, to play such a large venue. At its peak, NKOTB was one of the biggest acts in the world. The group amassed a fiercely loyal following of “Blockheads”, created a record-breaking TV special, everything from backpacks to puppets and even a Saturday morning cartoon.
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They paved the way for Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and One Direction and regularly played massive venues, including the former home of RodeoHouston.
Connie Leon, left, Dawnisha St. Julien and Jesykah Leon show their NKOTB love at RodeoHouston.
Connie Leon“I just want to say what an honor it is to play in this amazing stadium, because honestly, it feels like yesterday, August 20, 1990, when we played in the old football stadium, the Houston Astrodome,” Donnie Wahlberg told the newspaper. cheering crowd.
“All those years ago you treated us with so much love and you do it again tonight.”
Even before the show, NKOTB mania was in full effect. Groups of giddy women roamed the grounds in matching NKOTB t-shirts. (“I’m not old, I’m vintage” was a favorite.) Vendors inside the NRG Center blasted classic NKOTB hits.
Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block at a Starbucks in Houston.
instagram.com/joeymcintyre/Joey McIntyre showed appreciation at a local Starbucks. Jonathan Knight took in the Livestock Show.
“The spirit of this city these past few days has touched our hearts. It’s inspired us,” Wahlberg told the crowd of 59,032.
The group took the stage in matching black and white, a mix of cowboy hats, sequins and snaps. Wahlberg said he challenged himself to keep his hat on for the entire show, but traded it for an Astros ballcap to lead the audience through “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” He was then joined by Jordan Knight and Tio Choko, the pelvic thrusting Tik Tok star from Houston, for a bit of “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)”
Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids on the Block jumps the rails at RodeoHouston.
Joey Guerra/StaffThat segment typified NKOTB’s unique appeal. They’re hammy and campy and fun – just what their fans want. Wahlberg in particular has perfected it all. Teasingly, he lifts his shirt. He shakes his butt. He makes each fan charge as if he is speaking directly to them.
Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block took in some livestock at RodeoHouston.
instagram.com/jonathanrknight/It wouldn’t work as well if the guys weren’t such engaging entertainers. They opened with “Welcome to the Block Party” and rose to the stage’s five-star rating. “My Favorite Girl” and “I’ll be Loving You (Forever)” showcased Jordan Knight’s still strong falsetto. “Dirty Dancing” was preceded by the film’s iconic “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” scene. The whole stadium fainted in unison. Every song was a song.
The guys recreated the uh-oh dance from the “The Right Stuff (You Got It)” music video and added some extra hip thrusts.
“We want to hear you go wild!” Wahlberg commanded. He didn’t really even have to ask.
He introduced “Please Don’t Go Girl,” the group’s 1988 breakout single, as “the song that made the Astrodome possible and made this night possible.” McIntyre was barely a teenager when he recorded the song’s lead vocals in a sweet, chirpy voice that made it a hit. Now 50, he can still hit those high points, but has also stretched out the song to suit his experience.
Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids on the Block jumps the rails at RodeoHouston.
Joey Guerra/StaffAll five members jumped off the stage during “Tonight,” a Beatles-esque ode to their fans. They posed for pictures and snapped selfies. They gave out hugs. One of them said, “Hello, ma’am.” Wahlberg took it a step further and jumped on the rails to mingle with a crowd of crazy fans.
“Step by Step”, the group’s biggest hit, gave way to a bit of Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It”. Closer “Hangin’ Tough” morphed into Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and back again. But the biggest surprise? That it took RodeoHouston this long to get NKOTB onto the rotating stage.
New Kids on the Block RodeoHouston Setlist
“Welcome to the block party”
“My Favorite Girl”
“Dirty Dancing”
“Summer Time”
“Cover Girl”
“The Right Stuff”
“Remix (I Like The)”
“Please Don’t Go Girl”
“Game”
“Tonight”
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” Me All Night Long” On a Prayer” (single)
“Deep in the Heart of Texas”
“Save a horse ride a cowboy”
“I will love you forever)”
“Step by step” it”
“Hangin’ Tough” Will Rock You”
