New Kids on the Block Brought That Summertime Magic to Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA – It’s like magic when New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) come to town. They brought with them special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, and I was eager to see and photograph all three for the first time. Magic Summer Tour 2024 promotes their new album, Still Kids (via BMG), which was just released in May, is their first album in 11 years, and debuted in the Top 5 on the Album Sales chart. The excitement in Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Virginia was palatable. Loyal fans affectionately known as “Blockheads,” filed in with neon attire and high spirits, anxious to relive the magic that only NKOTB can deliver.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
After the sun set and the lights went out, New Kids on the Block made their grand entrance rising through the stage floor and took their places in front of what looked like boxes that housed their youthful 1990 action figures, transporting Blockheads back 34 years to Magic Summer Tour 1990. Nostalgia at its finest. Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, and Danny Wood emerged and performed “Magic,” the first track from the new album.

“Summer Love” had fun bursts of cryo, “My Favorite Girl” ended with huge blasts of confetti, and both songs featured lead singer Jordan Knight’s smooth vocals with his signature high notes hitting the stratosphere. The nearly 30-song setlist contained ten tracks from their new album, and even several from their 1^st album, New Kids on the Block, which was released in 1986. By mixing new tunes and classic hits, Blockheads and Baby Blockheads had a night to remember.

The talented Donnie Wahlberg, the original member of New Kids on the Block and a star of the TV show Bluebloods, rapped, sang, danced, emceed and was obviously the official hype man. After 40 years since their 1984 debut, he and the band look like they’ve been hitting the gym hard and are in top form. Even Donnie’s hip gyrations surpassed those of country singer Luke Bryan’s, and when the breeze of a fan whipped Jordan Knight’s white shirt open, it sent the ladies into a frenzy.

NKOTB had some fan features throughout the night that seemed fairly unique. Besides the usual Meet and Greets, they offered a Backstage and Onstage Magic Seat package where some fans could enjoy part of the show on stage and occasionally interact with the guys as they performed (see photos below). During “Block Party” and “Tonight,” all five ventured into the audience and performed on small platforms close to the crowd. Later, other fan interactions included two ladies coming on stage while Jonathan sang “Happy Birthday,” Danny singing “Valentine Girl” to one, and later others came on stage for a slow dance with the guys during “A Dance with You” and “A Love Like This.” Lastly, an audience member named “Thomas” came up on stage and rapped during “Long Time Comin’.” NKOTB made their loyal fan base feel special.

With the new album, great production, impressive vocals, fan interaction, and playful energy, they’ve still got the magic. Check out photos from the concert below as well as those from the openers Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff. All three setlists are at the end.

Tour Schedule and Tickets HERE

PAULA ABDUL
Right before NKOTB, Grammy and Emmy-winning pop sensation Paula Abdul made a grand entrance on stage for “Straight Up,” (one of her #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100), looking at least 20 years younger than her years, very fit, and as beautiful as ever. Her experience as a highly sought-after choreographer who has worked with artists like Janet Jackson, flowed throughout her set. After the first song, one of her six dancers, Shane, brought Paula an oxygen tank. She took a few breaths, then said, “This is 62, folks!” However, given her health setbacks in the past, she is obviously a fighter and seems to be doing incredibly well. Next, she performed “Vibeology,” then another #1 hit “Cold Hearted” which pays paid homage to a favorite choreographer, Bob Fosse. It was amazing to see this pop culture icon on stage for the first time. Enjoy the images below of the first three songs photographed from the soundboard.

DJ JAZZY JEFF
Even though it was a steamy 90 degrees at 7pm, Grammy-winner DJ Jazzy Jeff opened the evening getting the crowd hopping and singing along to songs like “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars (minus the incredible intro by my friend Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers), “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, and lots of TV theme songs including “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” of course. Jeff was half of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince featuring Will Smith. Jeff later appeared on stage with New Kids on the Block. Donnie Wahlberg explained how DJ Jazzy Jeff helped the band in the early days. He said, “In 1988, New Kids on the Block, after we finished touring with Tiffany, toured with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. It was one of the greatest, most influential times in our careers. You guys treated us like family, and you still do today, Jeff. It meant the world to us. Thank you.”

New Kids on the Block Setlist
1. Magic
2. Summer Love
3. My Favorite Girl
4. Cover Girl
5. Dirty Dancing
6. Summertime
7. You Got It (The Right Stuff)
8. Remix (I Like the)
9. Block Party
10. Tonight
11. Where Do I Go From Here? / Treat Me Right
12. Call It What You Want
13. Popsicle / Games / Stay With Me Baby / This is How We do It / Baby, I Believe in You
15. Never Gonna Fall in Love Again
16. Happy Birthday
17. Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) / Valentine Girl
18. Please Don’t Go Girl
19. Get Down (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
20. Dance With You / A Love Like This (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
21. In the Night / Long Time Coming (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
22. Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince cover with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
23. Kids

Encore:
24. I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
25. Step by Step
26. Hangin’ Tough
27. These are the Better Days

Paula Abdul Setlist
1. Straight Up
2. Vibeology
3. Cold Hearted
4. Opposites Attract
5. (It’s Just) The Way That You Love Me
6. Rush Rush
7. The Promise of a New Day / Knocked Out / Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up
8. Forever Your Girl

DJ Jazzy Jeff Approx. Setlist
O.P.P. / ABC / Jump / Crazy in love / Single Ladies / I Wish / Love Like This / This or That / Let Me Clear My Throat / Eye of the Tiger / Momma Said Knock You Out / Stayin’ Alive / Jump Around / Work It / This Is How We Do It / 24k Magic / I’m A Believer / Cheers Theme / The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme / Super Mario Bros. Theme / It Takes Two / Uptown Funk / Let’s Dance / Don’t You Want Me / Apache / Don’t Stop Believing / Living on a Prayer

Show Date: August 1, 2024