New Kids On The Block, one of the world's first "boy bands', is planning a comeback.
Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, Jordan Knight and his brother Jonathan, are expected to make the official announcement in coming weeks.It has been 24 years since NKOTB were 'Hangin' Tough'.
The group's official web site was reactivated last week with a new copyright notice 2008 NKOTB Inc added.
New Kids On The Block were manufactured in Boston in 1984 as a white version of New Edition.15 year old Donnie Wahlberg won the audition over 500 other entrants to become the first member.
He initially brought in his little brother Mark but the younger Wahlberg made a good choice and didn't pursue the band. He started his own group Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch, and had a number of hits on his own, including 'Good Vibrations'. He is now a successful movie star.
Danny Wood was Donnie's best friend. He got a gig. The Knight's went to school with Donnie.
Another early recruit, Jaime Kelly didn't last long. He was replaced with 12 year old Joey McIntyre.
The first album by NKOTB came out in 1986 but was widely ignored. 'Hangin' Tough', the second album in 1988 hit the spot with the single 'You Got It (The Right Stuff).
The end came in 1994 after the final album 'NKOTB'. With the guys now in their mid to late 20s, New Kids On The Block were no longer "cute" anymore.
NKOTB.com is expected to make the reunion announcement in February.
Meantime, to prepare for what this thing could turn out like, I recommend you watch the Australian movie Boy Town.
The comedy Boy Town was about a boy band that decided to reform when they are in their mid 30s. They soon discover that the old teenage love songs don't work with the audience anymore, so they right a new batch of songs for 30+ women to identify with.
The new song titles were 'Pussywhipped', Parent Teacher Night', 'Dishpan Hands', 'Cellulite Lady' and 'Special Time Of The Month'.
The reformed NKOTB might be well advised to throw a few Boy Town covers into their set.
