NKOTB has all the right stuff

Brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntry and Danny Wood first graced us with their presence in the early 1980s and skyrocketed to stardom selling more than 70 million records and are solely responsible for launching the "boy band" era of the 1990s. Fast forward some three decades later, New Kids on the Block haven't lost a step with their fans, better known as "blockheads," and that was proved with a sold out Toyota Center in Houston during the "Mix Tape Tour 2022" on May 19.

Though NKOTB were the headliners, they were first out to perform with songs like "Block Party," "My Favorite Girl," "Summer Time" and "You Got It (The Right Stuff)." All five members looked to be incredible shape as Jordan Knight and Donnie Wahlberg removed their shirts frequently throughout the night.

The boys from the Boston, Massachusetts, were also very hands-on with their blockheads. With smaller stage set up on the opposite end of the Toyota Center floor, all five members went back and forth between the two and even up into sides to provide many selfie moments.

After seven songs in, Wahlberg introduced R&B trio En Vogue to the stage, who then performed their radio hits "My Lovin' (Never Gonna Get It)" and "Free Your Mind."

It was then time to get "Rickrolled" with none other than Mr. Rick Astley himself. One of the loudest "pops" of the night came when he sang his classic, "Never Gonna Give You Up."

NKOTB's second set was a musical journey with sing-a-longs from Coldplay, Deee-Lite and Mark Morrison.

Wahlberg let the crowd know that Pepa would not be in attendance due to an injury sustained the night before in New Orleans, but Salt was here and she didn't disappoint with "Push It," "Let's Talk About Sex" and "Whatta Man," with the help from En Vogue, and Walhberg in a black cowboy hat and satin jacket for "Shoop."

What I really enjoyed about the Mix Tape Tour was no intermissions. It was a high-energy show from start to finish. All the big hits from each group were perfectly executed and myself, along with millions of other "blockheads" will be anxiously awaiting the next NKOTB tour.

Chad Cooper is the Entertainment Editor. Contact cooper@theexaminer.com