HomeMusicNew Kids on the Block Eventim Apollo London live review

New Kids on the Block Eventim Apollo London live review

This year marks 30 years since New Kids on the Block first formed. Over the years the five-piece have enjoyed massive chart success across the globe and originally they called it a day in 1995. In 2008 the group reunited for a new album before joining forces with Backstreet Boys for NKOTBSB. Now fresh off their US tour with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men, New Kids on the Block are back in the UK with a headline tour in support of their latest studio album Ten.

Itā€™s been just over two years since we last saw New Kids on the Block when they toured with Backstreet Boys as NKOTBSB. This time round theyā€™re flying solo performing at more intimate venues across the country as opposed to the arenas they played in last time. The audience was primarily female with only a handful of men brave enough to risk their ear-drums exploding due to the volume of screaming and hysteria.

New Kids on the Block arrived on stage around 8.15pm and as expected the crowd erupted ā€“ so much so it was difficult to make out much of the eveningā€™s first song which was The Whisper from latest album 10. Once the audience settled down (a bit) it was time for the guys to mix things up with a setlist comprised of new songs, classics and a selection of cover versions.

Considering the five members of New Kids on The Block are now aged between 41-45 they definitely give their younger competition a run for their money. The vocals were live, the dance routines energetic and the rapport with the crowd electric. New Kids on the Block know what their audience wants and boy did they serve it up last night.

Without a doubt it was the classic songs that got the biggest reaction. The first of those on the setlist was (You Got It) The Right Stuff which the guys performed with all the energy and passion that they did when the song was first released back in 1988. The dance moves were still there and the dynamic between the band was clear throughout.

Before embarking on a selection of covers that included Robbie Williamā€™s Rock DJ and George Michaelā€™s Careless Whisper, the band treated fans sat in the upper level by performing Block Party and Tonight amongst them. As you can imagine it caused a frenzy with plenty of screaming and women jumping at the guys for a photo opportunity, a kiss and a hug.

Highlights from the set included Please Donā€™t Go Girl which featured a strong live vocal from Joey McIntyre, the classic uptempo number Step By Step and closing number Hanginā€™ Tough. Some of the newer material resulted in great performances too including Summertime and Single from 2008 album The Block. We must also note that the vocals from Jordan Knight and Joey McIntyre were impressive throughout the set. Both have an incredible range with Jordan really showcasing his remarkable falsetto.

New Kids on the Block proved beyond a doubt that they still have that magic that made them the biggest boyband in the world back in the 80s. Youā€™ve not experienced hysteria until you go to one of their concerts but be warned you may be best taking ear-plugs so you donā€™t get deafened by the crowd. They may be clocking on but New Kids on the Block perform with an infectious energy that the One Directions of todayā€™s charts could learn a lot from. Come back soon boys, weā€™re just about ready for another Block Party.

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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