Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Following a late 1980s/early ‘90s reign as the leading boy band in any land, New Kids On The Block went on hiatus, but have proven to be even more popular since reuniting in the late 2000s.

In fact, the fellas sold upwards of four million tickets during their second life alone, filling up places as massive as the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on the “Magic Summer” Tour where they were joined by longtime friend DJ Jazzy Jeff, though as the parking lot was filling up, it was suddenly announced supporting act Paula Abdul would “no longer be performing…due to production issues.”

As far as NKOTB was concerned, rather than merely coasting on nostalgia, the entirely original line-up of Jonathan Knight, brother Jordan, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood continue recording, releasing “Still Kids” to steady sales or streams from both Blockheads and yet another entirely new generation.

Though they could’ve easily opened with any of many mega chart-toppers, the guys confidently committed to “Magic” and “Summer Love,” each adapting to a contemporary dance/pop direction, while retaining their textbook harmonies.

The retro likes of “My Favorite Girl,” “Cover Girl” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” weren’t that far behind, wrapped around comeback tracks “Dirty Dancing” and “Summertime” as the almost entirely female audience filmed and grooved.

They all got a lot closer to the action when the Kids ran throughout the pavilion and landed on a platform closer to the lawn for the bangers “Block Party” and “Tonight,” before the Kids bravely ventured to home base in between hugs, screams and selfies.

NKOTB also spent a considerable portion of almost two hours on surprises and solos, including Joey’s piano take on “Where Do I Go From Here?” or their childhood origins of “Treat Me Right,” Donnie’s reggae-infused “Stay With Me Baby,” Jordan’s soulful “Baby, I Believe In You” and Jonathan’s serenade of the “Happy Birthday” to a lucky fan.

Additional ballads “Didn’t I (Blow You Mind This Time)” and “Valentine Girl” shifted the gears towards a jaw-dropping “Please Don’t Go Girl,” though the party quickly resumed when opener DJ Jazzy Jeff joined to “Get Down” and recall “Summertime” from his days alongside The Fresh Prince (Will Smith), prior to NKOTB’s “Step By Step” stretch through all their other enjoyable essentials as they were collectively showered with cries of “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever).”

For additional information on New Kids On The Block, visit NKOTB.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre include Santana and Counting Crows (Jun. 29); Niall Horan (Jul. 9); Train and REO Speedwagon (Jul. 13); Grupo Firme (Jul. 19); Limp Bizkit (Jul. 20); I Prevail & Halestorm (Jul. 21); Hardy (Jul. 27); Sammy Hagar (Aug. 3); Hootie & The Blowfish (Aug. 9); Xscape and SWV (Aug.11); Creed (Aug. 16); Kids Bop (Aug. 17); Imagine Dragons (Aug. 18); Deep Purple (Aug. 23); Styx and Foreigner (Aug. 24); The Doobie Brothers (Aug. 25); Pitbull (Aug. 30); Fuerza Regida (Sept. 1); Megadeth (Sept. 3); Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp (Sept. 7); Staind and Breaking Benjamin (Sept. 14) and Korn (Sept. 28). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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