NKOTB News for April 27

• The time of the webcast on Sunday is now an hour earlier! So the start times for the US are:

• 2:45PM Eastern 

• 1:45PM Central 

• 12:45 PM Mountain 

• 11:45 AM Pacific

• Mixtape Festival tickets are now on sale to the general public.

• The photos from VIP Nation's 5* meet and greet sessions can be viewed here (Update: website no longer up) (enter password nkotbvip). You'll know what day of the week the photos were taken (Joey's shirts) and see what each of the guys looks like in glasses:)

• Johnny Ruffo, who appeared on the Australian versions of The X-Factor and Dancing With The Stars, will be the opening act for NKOTBSB in Australia.

• In an article from contact music, Donnie says "After we finish up the European leg of the tour we head off to Asia and Australia and then we're going to take a much needed break. Backstreet Boys are going back into the studio after July 4 to make a new BSB record. This is a tour that we are all enjoying so much so if at any point down the road an opportunity arises for us to do this again then NKOTBSB will rise to the occasion again. We've all had fun doing this so who knows. This whole concept, it just works so we're there!"

• Music producer Jim Jonsin thinks Justin Bieber should record a song like NKOTB's "Please Don't Go Girl". (Click here to read the article.)

• Quite Great PR is now promoting the New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys. According to their article, there will be articles about NKOTBSB in upcoming issues of OK! and Hello! magazines.

NKOTB Book now available for pre-order

New Kids on the Block: Five Brothers and a Million Sisters by Nikki Van Noy (aka "NKOTB and Us") is now available for pre-order on Amazon (it will be released on October 2, 2012).

Click here to order New Kids on the Block: Five Brothers and a Million Sisters!

Clip of Joey McIntyre singing "Help" in Liverpool

Saw lots of people talking about this on Twitter, and a video has finally surfaced! Joey sings a little bit of the Beatles song "Help" during his performance of "Please Don't Go Girl" in Liverpool.


Video courtesy of BiLittrell

Here is a shorter clip, but closer up:

Video courtesy of jojo55508

Listen to Jordan Knight and Donnie Wahlberg on BBC Radio 5 Live

Jordan and Donnie did an interview on 5 Live Breakfast. They talk about starting their reunion 4 years ago, a debate whether the Beatles were considered a boyband and more.

Update: Interview has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

Reviews from the first 3 shows of the NKOTBSB 2012 tour

Here are some articles and reviews from the NKOTBSB concerts in Belfast, Dublin, and Liverpool:

Photo courtesy of Birmingham Mail

Update: deleted the outdated links. 

BBC News:
NKOTBSB tour Boy bandmash up

Daily Mail:
Backstreet Old Boys and Elderly Kids on the Block! The 'boy' bands show their age as they struggle with their moves on stage

Photo courtesy of the Daily Mail (at least the photos were nice even if the review wasn't!)

Watch NKOTBSB on BBC One Breakfast

Here's a video of NKOTB and BSB on BBC One Breakfast

Entrevista do NKOTBSB no BBC Breakfast from TheBackstreetBoys.com.br on Vimeo.

NKOTBSB on BBC Breakfast Tuesday

From the BBC Breakfast Twitter page:

Tomorrow @nkotbsb will be on the sofa with bill and Susanna after 0830 ! Exciting!!!

Vote for NKOTB in MTV's Battle of the Boybands!

MTV has a "battle of the boybands" going on and the New Kids on the Block and NKOTBSB are in the running.

There is no email address or personal information needed to vote. Currently, NKOTB is in a tight match with Take That (but NKOTB has a slight lead) and NKOTBSB is in the lead over New Edition.

Update: they are no longer taking votes.   

NKOTBSB in Metro Newspaper

Here is Metro's article about NKOTBSB.

NKOTBSB: We're more refined on tour but there's a s***load of dancing

Boyband juggernauts New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys talk to Metro about going on the road, inter-band rivalry and why they won't be slowing down too much on tour.

‘There are eight million stories in every boy band… so there are about 16million in this one.’ Joey McIntyre flashes a pearly showbiz trouper smile, despite the fact he’s been up since dawn for a TV shoot. Even at 39, he has a sparkly youthfulness that hints at his past in US late-1980s/1990s boy band New Kids On The Block – McIntyre was just 12 when he joined the line-up.

On his left sits the similarly bright-eyed Howie Dorough, 38, an original member of the Backstreet Boys. Now both men feature in the nine-strong man band, NKOTBSB – with New Kids Jordan and Jon Knight, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood and Backstreet’s AJ McLean, Nick Carter and Brian Littrell. It’s a pop mash-up sparking an age of hysteria. ‘The first time this idea was mentioned, around 2008, New Kids were just returning, so I wasn’t that interested,’ says McIntyre. ‘Perspectives change so much in the music industry.’

Blockbuster pop is certainly not limited to teenyboppers any more. The New Kids’ smash reunion tour came more than a decade after the band’s exhausted implosion; it also echoed Take That’s romance with an older fanbase. Backstreet, meanwhile, never really split, although various members battled addictions (McLean, Carter) and one (Kevin Richardson) quit. ‘Doing this brings out the good and bad in you, depending on how cohesive you are as a team,’ says Dorough.

When NKOTBSB did get the collective go-ahead, it was unveiled with a flourish: at a New Kids’ 2010 show at Radio City Music Hall. ‘Backstreet were in New York too, so we thought it’d be an amazing surprise to get them onstage,’ grins McIntyre. ‘We did an acoustic set, beginning with (Backstreet’s 1999 hit) I Want It That Way – then the curtain went up and these four guys were standing there. The place just went mad – everyone knew how effing cool this was.’

It’s bizarre hearing this former teen fave using ‘salty’ language. What’s even more strange, though, is that both bands should gel so easily as showmen, release a collaborative compilation album and embark on a global tour. They might have shared commercial territory (and a big-time manager, Johnny Wright) but pop fans, like football supporters, are noted for their loyalty and partial to fierce rivalry.

‘Backstreet always credited New Kids as the first group of our style,’ says Dorough, nodding at his pop comrade. ‘When they decided to break, we took the torch and carried on. We were from two different eras but both groups always had some fans that crossover. If we did a show with N Sync, maybe that would clash.’

McIntyre adds: ‘Time Magazine called us the second biggest comeback of 2011 – behind Gabby Giffords,’ referring to the US politician who recovered from a near-fatal shooting. He’s clearly aware of how surreal this seems but also quite pleased. McIntyre seems confident about what makes NKOTBSB work. ‘From the get-go, we came together and made this one performance, so it’s like a rollercoaster,’ he says. ‘Each fanbase gets their group but then we trade off, so the energy never stops. At the end of the day, you gotta give a good show.’

New Kids’ members have used the ‘rollercoaster’ analogy before. Back in 1993, a shattered Danny Wood told Smash Hits: ‘It was going too fast. We were on a rollercoaster, we had to get off.’ In 2012, though, NKOTBSB seem fairly well-adjusted, good-humoured and up for the ride. As McIntyre points out: ‘What guy wouldn’t want to have a bunch of screaming girls in the audience? Everyone’s older, the pitch is not as piercing to the ears – there’s more of a husk to it. And being on the road is different now. There’s wives, kids and…’‘Lovers!’ interjects Dorough, laughing.

Boy bands generally play to type, so have roles shifted within NKOTBSB? ‘There’s similarity between different characters onstage,’ says McIntyre. ‘Donnie and AJ would play on being the ‘bad boys’; we’d all bust each others’ balls. But in a weird way, this also gave me permission to be my best. Before, you’d get so locked into your own group, thinking: “I gotta be more cute than sexy.” The more we allow each other space, the more we come back to the table.’

NKOTBSB’s combined multimillion-selling hit repertoire includes 1989 chart-topper You Got It (The Right Stuff) and 1997’s Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), and McIntyre promises they won’t be relaxing with ballads: ‘There’s a s***load of dancing in this show.’

Their aim, though, remains strictly mainstream. Dorough is already mulling over ‘a Vegas, Celine Dion kinda thing’, while McIntyre cites a classier tradition. ‘Boy bands come from that vocal revue history: The Temptations, The Four Tops,’ he says. ‘We’re really singing for our supper.’

Only now there’s a crucial difference. ‘When we were younger, we were running around like headless chickens,’ says McIntyre. ‘This time, it’s much more refined.’

The six-date British leg of NKOTBSB’s world tour starts tonight at the Liverpool Echo Arena. www.nkotbsb.com

Photos of NKOTB in Ireland

Here are some photos of the New Kids on the Block members in Ireland. Photos courtesy of WENN/Stephanie1086.

NKOTBSB Backstage in Dublin

Here is a video of the New Kids on the Block and Backstreet boys backstage in Dublin that Joey shared on Twitter last night:

Update: Video has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight Dublin Song

Joey and Jordan were playing around with an iPhone app and created this song in honor of Dublin.

Update: This has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

NKOTBSB webcast FAQ's

Here are some answers to some FAQ's about the NKOTBSB live stream from Live Beats:


1) I purchased a ticket, what do I have to do on April 29?
Get back to a NKOTBSB showpage (it does not matter where, you can go on on the bands’ fanpages, on the livebeats fanpage, on livebeats.com), click on the player and login with your email address and the password provided to you in the confirmation email. The stream starts approximately 15 minutes before the concert. Once you are logged in, you can always return to the player without having to login again. Note: Your login data is in the confirmation email. The PDF is only your receipt of purchase.

2) When the stream starts, it will be 20:45 (GMT+1) local time in London. How can I find out what time it will be where I am based?
There are plenty of websites which help you convert local time to your time zone. You can easily do this e.g. here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

3) Will the live stream be accessible worldwide?
Yes, the stream can be watched from everywhere in the world. There are no restrictions whatsoever.

4) Can I watch the stream on any iOS device?
Only flash supported devices will play the stream (Flash 10.4 or higher), i.e. it cannot be watched on iPad or iPhone.

5) How good will the quality of the stream be?
The stream will be state of the art video and audio quality (HD and AAC). To enjoy an uninterrupted stream, you must have sufficient bandwidth for your Internet connection (we recommend at least 2mb/s constant downstream).

6) What can I do if the stream interrupts during transmission?
Either your browser cache is full (clear cache), or you do not have sufficient downstream bandwidth. If you encounter problems despite sufficient bandwith, this probably means that the access point of your IP provider is overloaded.

7) The player keeps looking for Paypal connection but no purchase confirmation appears in the player?
Paypal may take up to 30 minutes to send the confirmation. As soon as you reveive an email confirming your Paypal purchase your payment went through and you are all set. Reload the player and log in (email address and password as stated in confirmation email).

Mixtape VIP ticket update

Here is an update about the Mixtape Festival VIP from nkotb.com

Dear NKOTB fans!

We understand there has been a bit of confusion with the VIP packages for Summer MixTape Festival 2012. You have lots of questions and concerns, and are looking for more specific information about additional events and parties, etc. So, we thought you might want to know EXACTLY what BOTH the SIDE A and SIDE B VIP packages will include:

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE FRIDAY AFTERSHOW AND DONNIE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH DJ PAULY D! A TRUE DDUB CELEBRATION!!
ALL VIP TICKET HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE MEET & GREET WITH NKOTB! We couldn’t let you come all the way to Hershey without saying hi! Details on where and when will be revealed at a later date.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE SATURDAY AFTERSHOW - COME PARTY WITH US AND A FEW SPECIAL FRIENDS AS WE WRAP THE FESTIVAL IN NK FASHION!
EXCLUSIVE SUNDAY MORNING CHAMPIONSHIP ROCK N JOCK SOFTBALL GAME - JOIN NKOTB FOR A SOFTBALL GAME AS THEY FACE OFF WITH WITH OUR FRIENDS THE BACKSTREET BOYS & SOME FAMILIAR FACES. A GREAT WAY TO SPEND THE DAY BEFORE YOU HEAD HOME. NOW BATTING...
And more soon-to-be announced surprises!
Yep, ANY VIP PACKAGE will include the above exclusive perks!!! Due to capacity limitations at the festival, VIP packages will be limited and while supplies last, so be sure to get yours before they are gone! You will also receive the following amenities:

SIDE A VIP

2 Day Ticket to festival
Preferred access/front of line passes to all events/parties/activities and VIP section in front of stages
Barricaded viewing area closest to the stage
Private VIP Entrance
Access To VIP Compound: upgraded restroom facilities, baggage check, pampering areas, snack/beverages, misting tents, private merchandise booths
Exclusive event merchandise item
Golf cart/shuttle access to/from events/venues
Access to after-events
Access to any soon-to-be announced special additional events
SIDE B VIP

2 Day Ticket to festival
Barricaded viewing area closest to the stage
Access To VIP Compound: upgraded restroom facilities, baggage check, pampering areas, snack/beverages, misting tents, private merchandise booths
Private VIP entrance
Access to after-events
Access to soon-to-be announced special additional events
NKOTB aims to provide the BEST experience for you, our fans, at all of our concerts and events! Come hang with us for what will be a memorable and exciting weekend at the sweetest place on Earth, Hersheypark Stadium. It wouldn’t be a NKOTB weekend with our fans, so come and play!

Please visit mixtapefestival.com and nkotb.com for more information.

Love,
NKOTB

Around the world in 80 days... A new blog from Joey McIntyre

Joey had a difficult time sleeping last night due to the time change, so he wrote a blog on his website:

Around the world in 80 days...

but first... jet lag. It was once "he who not be named", but I have given in and admit I have jet lag. But after a little activity in the middle of the night (whatever gets ya thru), I will settle back down, maybe listen to a little James Taylor, think of home and hopefully doze off for a bit CUZ I NEED MY BEAUTY SLEEP! My rock star sleep, my boyband sleep- which is much more necessary when you are not a boy anymore. Starting in Belfast. Nice to be back hanging with the fellas. In my heart I was sad to leave the family, but now that we are officially on the road I have to accept it. And with that acceptance comes the many gifts of being a New Kid on the Block. As I have said many times, the UK and Europe crowds have an energy all their own and we will be ready for it. Once we hit that stage it is on and a whole new chapter will start of this miraculous journey. Looking forward to checking out these double decker tour buses over here. Been a while, and I hear they are much better now a days. Hitting each city, inspired each day by different people, different tastes, different sites. Gonna be fun for sure. But first I must pray to the goddess of melatonin that she may wash over me and let my body and more importantly my mind rest. We're comin' for ya!!!!!! "Stay up!" cuz right now, I sure am!

NKOTB News for April 18

• In case you missed the earlier post, NKOTBSB will be doing a webcast of their concert on April 29!

• NKOTB arrived in Europe yesterday! Here are a couple photos of them waiting to leave LAX on Monday evening from Donnie and Jonathan.

• If you are going to NKOTBSB show in Belfast and will be Tweeting about the show, send a tweet to @nkotbnews and I'll add you to the NKOTBSB Belfast list so those that want spoilers for the 2012 NKOTBSB tour can read all about it.

• The group "Queensbury" will be joining Neverest as an opening act for the German NKOTBSB tour dates.

• TV.com posted a bunch of photo stills from Blue Bloods episodes including some from upcoming episodes such as the April 27 one titled "Working Girls" and the May 4th one called "Collateral Damage".

• The Mixtape Festival has made some updates to their FAQ's and map. Block Nation presales begin THIS Thursday, April 19th at 10am PT via nkotb.com (Full Service starts at 10AM PDT and Premium at 10:30AM PDT). Simply log into your Block Nation account and visit the Events page to get your tickets. No password needed.

NKOTBSB webcast from the O2 Arena

NKOTBSB will be webcasting their show live from the O2 Arena in London on April 29!

Here is the description:
NKOTBSB offer live PPV stream on livebeats The April 29th live O2 show featuring two of the biggest pop bands of the last 20 years, New Kids on the Block and The Backstreet Boys, will set yet another milestone. After the announcement of the cinema cast live to cinemas across Europe earlier this month, the bands were inundated with fan inquiries from all over the world, all wondering why the show could not be brought to a theater in their city. Overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of their fans, NKOTBSB are proud to announce that their April 29 live show can now be watched by everyone around the globe thanks to an exclusive live stream, which will be made available on the bands’ facebook pages. The ticket to watch the live stream costs $4.99.

Update: Here is the video!

Video courtesy of TheDarkSideBSB

Joey McIntyre's interview with Manchester Gossip

Joey McIntyre did an interview with Manchester Gossip about the NKOTBSB tour.

Last week I was lucky enough to grab a chat with Joey McIntyre of NKOTB fame - thanking him for his time he told me he was quite happy to be kept out of rehearsals to have a convo with us...

For those of you who live in a cave, Joey is a member of the massively successful '90s boy band New Kids On The Block who had a string of number ones including Hangin' Tough and You Got It.

The group disbanded in 1994, secretly regrouping in 2007 to tour and release a new album in 2008 - much to the joy of their hugely supportive fans.

"We've had time off in between 2008 and now but we're still gong strong and are always looks for ways to challenge ourselves. That's how the collaboration with Backstreet Boys came about and from day one we've had so much fun."

That's right girls. Both bands are touring together. What more could you want? The tour comes to Manchester on 24th April, Press here for a chance to win tickets, "Manchester have THE best crowds, I remember them fondly. They're rowdier and more ready to have fun that a lot of other cities."

"We're all enjoying the tour and can't wait to come perform here. We're fortunate to be doing what we're doing, especially to have a break and come back."

"To still be current and fresh (and we're all still young remember!), there's not many that get the chance to do what we're doing."

But there's no competing between the bands - If you're consumed by what the other guy's doing, you need your head screwed on tighter."

So to everyone lucky enough to have got their hands on tickets, you can be sure you're in for one heck of a show - "We've been knocked over by the audience response. Friends of mine who weren't big fans back in the day are so surprised and entertained that they're having such a fun night out!"

Of course, us Brits have a successful export touring the US right now - One Direction. I wondered if Joey had any advice for the young group, "Every band is different so there's nothing specific I can tell them... They're having the time of their lives y'know and there's lots of kids who'd love to trade places with them but you do miss out on things - things that others might dread like high school and dating.

"Making mistakes is a big part of life so it's difficult and eventually you have to come up for air. It can take time to decompress."

Of course, this being Manchester Gossip we had to ask if Joey had any tour gossip for us, "We try not to mess with each other too much but there was quite a prank that Howie (BSB) pulled - there's a plexiglass centre in the stage which we walk under to get to the other side. One night I was on stage and Howie hid so when I looked down he was standing there holding a gay magazine up - certainly gave me a bit of a shock!"

And on that note, we'll have to wait and see what goes on when the tour comes to Manchester...

More information about the MixTape Festival

Here is some more information about the MixTape Festival in Hershey, PA on August 17-18:


Some answers to FAQ's from @nkotb on Twitter:

1. VIP does NOT include a meet/greet.
2. @VIPNation will NOT be offering VIP tickets.
3. There is NO seating, General Admission (GA) only
4. There are no plans to offer after-event only tickets at this time
5. Single day tickets are NOT available at this time but may become available at a later date, check back soon.
6. There are NO @nkotb meet & greets for sale.
7. VIP packages include ALL after events
8. For more info, visit: http://mixtapefestival.com/about#faqs - There's really a ton o good stuff @ this site folks! :)
9. There will be no upgrades offered at this time
10. Due to the nature of the Fest, meet and greets are simply not possible. HOWEVER, plan on plenty o FACE TIME and special events with @NKOTB!
11. ALL special events are included with BOTH VIP packages - you will need VIP to attend.


What does VIP include?
Answer from http://mixtapefestival.com/vip:

SIDE A VIP ($750 + FEES):
2 Day Ticket to festival
Preferred access/front of line passes to all events/parties/activities and VIP section in front of stages
Barricaded viewing area closest to the stage
Private VIP Entrance
Access To VIP Compound: upgraded restroom facilities, baggage check, pampering areas, snack/beverages, misting tents, private merchandise booths
Exclusive event merchandise item
Golf cart/shuttle access to/from events/venues
Access to after-events
Access to any soon-to-be announced special additional events


SIDE B VIP ($500 + FEES):
2 Day Ticket to festival
Barricaded viewing area closest to the stage
Access To VIP Compound: upgraded restroom facilities, baggage check, pampering areas, snack/beverages, misting tents, private merchandise booths
Private VIP entrance
Access to after-events
Access to soon-to-be announced special additional events



Other FAQ's from http://mixtapefestival.com/about#faqs

Where can I purchase Tickets?
Giant Center Box office, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM or by calling 717-534-3911 Ticketmaster outlets, phone (1-800-745-3000) or online at Ticketmaster.com

When do tickets go on sale?
Fan Club Presale: April 19th at 10am PDT
AMEX Presale: April 20th at 10am EST
Public On Sale: April 27th at 10am EST

Will there be tickets on sale at the door?
Yes, there will be tickets available at the door, unless the festival sells out.

When will the show schedule be announced?
The set times and schedule will be announced at a yet-to-be-determined later date.

Are single day tickets available?
Not at this time, but may become available at a later day. Check back soon! *Please note: if you purchase a 2-Day ticket you cannot refund tickets in exchange for single day tickets later on.

What time do doors open?
3:30pm both days.

Does a VIP ticket include a meet and greet?
No. VIP packages do NOT include meet and greet's with MixTape Festival artists.

Can I bring in bags/backpacks?
Small bags are permitted, although discouraged. All bags will be searched upon entry.

Are there in and outs?
There will be NO re-entry.

When will I receive my tickets?
You will be notified about delivery when you purchase tickets based on what type of shipping method you choose.

I hear you're having a vending village?
Yes! Shecky's Girls Night Out on tour! Shecky's Girls Night Out is the ultimate experience where girlfriends get together to discover, shop, and score new products and services!

Are there bike racks?
Bike racks will be made available. More information to come soon.

Does my child need a ticket?
Children ages 2 years old and up will require a ticket for entry.

Is the festival all ages?
Yes, all ages are permitted.

Can I bring in a stroller?
Strollers are NOT permitted inside the venue

Is the festival ADA accessible?
Yes, the festival is ADA compliant.

Can I get a refund if an artist cancels?
Refunds will not be issued if an artist cancels.

MixTape Festival Press Release

Here is some more info about the MixTape Festival:

Announcing Mixtape Festival 2012

MixTape Fest 2012, the major new music festival set to launch this summer, will celebrate the mainstream music scene from across the U.S. with headliners New Kids on the Block, Kelly Clarkson, The Wanted, The Fray and LL Cool J.

Featuring two stages over two days, MixTape Fest 2012 will present platinum-selling marquee acts, icons and pop phenoms from the Pop Music genre for a weekend long action-packed festival set in the sweetest place on earth, the world famous Hersheypark.

Festival organizers are also thrilled to announce that after their sold out arena tour in 2011 the New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys will reunite onstage as NKOTBSB for their only North American performance together in 2012. This is currently their last scheduled joint appearance and can very well be the last chance to see this record setting hit filled super group perform together.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 27th at 10am at www.mixtapefestival.com/tickets

AMEX presale starts 10am Friday, April 20 to 10pm Thursday, April 26, 2012. Ticket package details listed at http://www.mixtapefestival.com/tickets

In a scene full of indie music festivals, MixTape Fest aims to fill the gap in the festival circuit for mainstream music lovers, offering them a festival experience of their own.

In doing so, MixTape Fest will showcase popular acts including Kelly Clarkson, The Fray, LL Cool J, New Kids on the Block and highlight the ONLY North American appearance of NKOTBSB in 2012.

Aiming to give fans and pop-culture lovers the biggest weekend dance party, MixTape Fest will offer attendees the ULTIMATE and most luxurious festival experience.

This one of a kind music festival will feature exclusive fan events, interactive exhibits, food trucks, celebrity & special guest appearances and even a spa oasis.

Festival fans will be able to experience all the action from the multiple stages and performance areas in a way that is accessible, inclusive, and designed as a shared celebration of all things mainstream.

Fans can keep the fun going late into the night at after parties attended and hosted by MixTape Festival Talent. DJ Pauly D will man the turntables and light up the after party on Night 1. Attendees can additionally take part in the VIP Luxury Experience offering many different perks and amenities throughout the festival.

Check www.mixtapefestival.com/vip for all package and event details.

Festival producers Live Nation, promise to bring top notch entertainment and first class amenities for all attendees at the first ever MixTape Fest 2012, aiming to create a one of a kind festival experience for mainstream music lovers and pop culture fanatics.

In an effort to further the festival goer experience, MixTape has partnered with Shecky's to bring their “Girls Night Out” experience to Hersheypark Stadium.

Shecky's Girls Night Out on Tour is the ultimate experience where girlfriends get together to discover, shop and score new products from emerging artisan designers while enjoying makeovers, manicures and other fun beauty services.

Geoff Gordon, President of Live Nation Philadelphia region says, “Hershey will host a celebration of pop culture beyond what anyone else has produced in the United States. The Summer Mixtape has it all -- from great artists like NKOTB, Kelly Clarkson, The Fray and Backstreet Boys to a fashion, food, beauty, and shopping village experience curated by Sheckys to VIP packages that will pamper fans to value-based pricing on general admission tickets. Hershey is such a great home for the Mixtape because fans from all major East Coast cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC can easily access the town. And with a world class amusement park like Hersheypark serving as the backdrop, it will certainly make it a once in a lifetime experience for those attending.”

“It’s an honor for us to be a part of the inaugural year of MixTape. To share the stage with such mega artists as Kelly Clarkson, LL Cool J and The Fray is really exciting.

With the artist selection, and all of the amenities and accommodations offered, this festival is raising the bar to the next level,” say New Kids on the Block.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to spend our weekend than with our amazing fans, and there couldn’t be a better setting than such a fun filled festival with such an amazing bill of artists.”

NKOTB at Mixtape Festival August 17 and 18

NKOTB will be a part of the Mix Tape Festival on August 17 and 18 in Hershey Park Stadium.

Here are some details:

MixTape Fest 2012, the major new music festival set to launch this summer, will celebrate the mainstream music scene from across the U.S. with headliners New Kids on the Block, Kelly Clarkson The Fray and LL Cool J.


Click here for more info

Good Day Sacramento's segment about NKOTB Town Hall

Fan Lili DeVaney reports to CBS in Sacamento about the NKOTB Town Hall in Los Angeles.

Update: Video has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

NKOTBSB in TNT Magazine

Here is an article from TNT Magazine about the NKOTBSB tour:

The Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block are back, in the form of a superband. And London has Nineties fever

Girls: hands up who had a favourite boyband member in the Nineties. And hands up all the boys who were jealous. The boyband phenomena – the bleach-white smiles and poster-covered walls – didn’t elude many. So the comeback of the decade for anyone who was a pop-loving pre-teen two decades ago has to be NKOTBSB.

The tongue-twisting and quite frankly OMG-inducing acronym for two all-American boyband greats – Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block – emblazoned across billboards London-wide will have been noticed by most fans. The two old-school greats are touring again, this time as a supergroup.

It’s a risky business – fans were either into BSB or NKOTB. BSB’s Howie Dorough confesses: “At first I wasn’t sure if they were gonna be territorial. I started reading some stuff on Twitter and I was like ‘uh oh, security!’”

But, luckily for the pop veterans, their devotees weren’t as crazy as social media portrayed. “It’s cool to see both fanbases coming together, creating this huge monster-like army and being cool with each other,” Dorough says.

”Now they’re friends.”

They admit teaming up keeps things fresh. New Kid Joey McIntyre sees performing in front of someone else’s fans as a welcome “challenge”. But he still knows the songs will go down well.

“We’re lucky to have hits like The Right Stuff, I Want It That Way, Quit Playing Games With My Heart, I’ll Be Loving You Forever, Hangin’ Tough and Backstreet’s Back – every band would kill to have those hits.”

The shows give a lot more than your usual concert. The bands play both their own old favourites separately, but also produce group efforts and mash-ups of the two bands’ songs with tunes from the likes of Coldplay, Prince, AC/DC and Queen.

And it’s the stonking two-hour sets of joint pop-tastic nostalgia that has made the fans cross over. Dorough remembers one who was torn between him and McIntyre.

“There was a girl at one of our early shows with a ‘Howie’ sign,” he says. “Then, I was looking at the monitor when NKOTB were up, and I was like, ‘does that sign say ‘Joey’? She’s got two signs!’ And I went back up there and the sign would say ‘Howie’. Then, when we were both on stage, she had to flip it!”

“We made her decide,” McIntyre says, playfully. And who did she pick? Dorough pauses. “I don’t know … probably Nick [Carter].” And the boyband rivalry is out in the open.

But asked if they fight, Dorough says: “The nine of us have a blast. No arguments. I don’t think anyone’s stupid enough to mess this up.”

But it’s clear they’ve still got their egos – who wouldn’t, after being a heartthrob for 20 years?

“At the beginning of the show we have two lifts and both groups are going up on them. I always equate it to the Roman Colosseum,” McIntyre says.

“We had this one ending and it’s like, ‘boom’ and the lights go out and there’s another roar. It’s magic. It’s something out of some fantasy. To be able to do that every night is really special.

“I would feel for anybody who didn’t want to be in that show.”

Highlights from LA NKOTB Town Hall

Here are some of the highlights of the NKOTB Town Hall in LA from Twitter. Thanks to everyone who shared the details of the event!


From @Erinleigh82

• They pretty much confirmed NKOTB and BoyzIIMen collaboration. At least they couldn't deny it ;) #nkotbtownhallLA
• They couldn't deny a Brazil tour date ;) #nkotbtownhallLA
• Someone asked about a WestCoast cruise next Cabo and Hawaii were mentioned!!! Wooo :) @NKOTB #nkotbtownhallLA
• Someone asked for a BN video chat, @DonnieWahlberg was excited about this & said he would try to do it during Europe tour!
• They have a special announcement for us US girls on Monday! #AHFUCKYEAH @NKOTB #nkotbtownhallLA

From @miss_tattoo

• Omg!!! Just sang "i'll be loving you"on stage w/ @jordanknight !!! #townhallLA I'm dead!!
• At #townhallLA i asked if they'd consider bringing fans on stage for future tours during songs like "I'll be loving you".. Cont
• Then @jordanknight said "ok let's start right now then" & had be join him on stage... Put his arm around me then handed me a mic (dead!)
• Asked if I wanted to start first or him... I said him of course... Hah! I got nervous and shy... Then he started singing to me..
• Then it was my turn I got nervous and finally sang to him... dead!!! Hugged him and it was seriously one of the best days of my life
• @jordanknight thank you for making my night.... You just made my dream come true! :) words can never express how happy you made me! Xoxo

From @christinawrites

• Each guy came out to a campaign song - Joe's was Don't Stop Believin by Journey & Jon's was I Want Your Sex by George Michael (LOL)
• @YoJoe_ItsMo: @christinawrites jordan's was let's go higher. donnie's was party rock anthem, it think.
• After all 5 guys were onstage they played "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" (Bill Clinton 1992 campaign reference, political nerds)
• @dannywood said his campaign platform was to represent the single people, because they have rights too. He gave a rousing speech. :D
• Some of my other favorite parts were when @joeymcintyre said he had two margaritas and referred to Jordan as the ambassador to Latin America.

From @JoeysIrishPower

• I am sure everyone got the lowdown but just in case .. The following tweets r notes from #LATownhall
• #1 was in regards to a new album - @DonnieWahlberg said it was in the infant stages but there will be a surprise, treat = music before album
• #2 was some really a show and tell of a @DonnieWahlberg scent created by a BH ... Clever .. He smelled her... Yep.. Lucky BH
• Moving on... #3 any more collaborations in the works? After much chatting, B2M was confirmed
• #4 will @NKOTB do other type of events or fan gatherings, for example a day at Disneyland... @jordanknight must have cringed!
• #5 (gulp) can first time cruisers having priority over prior cruisers? @DonnieWahlberg was not a big fan of this idea (THANK YOU)
• #6 was a runner that ran in last week's Alzheimer's race that @joeymcintyre was in ... She was asking about doing BH running teams (love it)
• #7 was from a young boy to @DonnieWahlberg about him being a lady's man and could he give him tips (done before) @jordanknight made me LOL With @jordanknight expression that @DonnieWahlberg gets all the girls ... D in essence told him to be himself esp if he's a good kid awwwww
• #8 will they consider doing an Xbox or Wii game? Donnie said they r trying to stay away from games.. They have done everything but...BUT Step By Step is on the 2009 Just Dance for the Wii ...
• #9 a Brazil BH asking if they are coming there... @DonnieWahlberg said the cannot deny that they will be in Brazil (so yes, it will happen)
• #10 for the next DVD could they have subtitles for the hearing impaired? @jordanknight attempted to answer and @joeymcintyre told him, quietly that they have the technology to do so.
• #11 more @NKOTB solo shows and no BSB? They said it will happen in the future (but didn't mention if B2M would be option..hmm?)
• #12 can you change 5*... Example do brunches like @jordanknight VIP? @DonnieWahlberg eloquently answered that there r so many factors ...Many factors, they gotta get to shows, no time, etc... So that would be a No to #12
• #13 west coast cruise? If there's enough demand for it... It is possible @DonnieWahlberg (consider this an official request - love the idea)

From @imnangl

• So Donnie said that they are definitely not NOT going to Brazil this year! Then looked at Jared Paul and asked if that was vague enough!
• 2 peeps suggested a west cruise. They said they would think about it. Joe also suggested 2 cruises a year on 40 person yachts. Lol!
• Someone asked about NKOTB getting involved in different charities fans are involved in. Joe said *maybe* they could choose one a month??
• I asked about doing Jordan like brunches instead of their standard 5*. Donnie said it could be too difficult but they would think about it.

Listen to Joey McIntyre and Howie Dorough on Magic Radio

Joey and Howie did an interview with Magic (a radio station in the UK). They talk about planning the NKOTBSB concerts, The Jackson 5, their Irish heritage, the differences in the music business today and when they were first started out, Joey's "Talk to Me" CD, how long will NKOTBSB last, and more.

 
Update: Interview has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

Joey McIntyre's performance of "Let Us Love In Peace" available soon

Joey performed the song "Let Us Love In Peace" for the "The Perfect Year: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" S.T.A.G.E. Benefit in 2004. The song will be available in May as a part of 2 Disc CD set of The 20th Annual STAGE Benefit Concert. You can pre-order the CD by going here.

Here is a video of his performance
Update: video has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

Joey McIntyre at the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List Party

Joey was at the "Conde Nast Traveler Hot List Party" at the Hotel Bel-Air last night (April 12th) in Los Angeles.

Here are some photos:

Jordan Knight gives advice to One Direction

CBS Local talked to Jordan about One Direction and if he has any regrets.

Jordan Knight Advises One Direction: “Don’t Have Regrets”

Jordan Knight was just 14-years-old when he got his start in New Kids On the Block. By the time he was 18 the band was a global sensation. So, he is one artist that knows exactly what One Direction has been facing.

Knight recently sat down with CBS Local and shared his advice for the U.K. sensation.

“I listen to the radio a lot because I have two kids and I take them back and forth to school and hockey practice and they listen to Top 40 radio stations,” he said. “One Direction is very big right now. That’s how old I was when we made it really big.”

Having been given advice continually when NKOTB were at the height of their fame, he had some words to share with One Direction.

“I would say have fun, man and don’t listen to people giving you advice. We always got advice when we were young. When we were just getting famous the same questions were posed to other, older veteran artists. We would always get a little ticked off,” he said. “Having gone through that, my advice is have fun and don’t listen to the critics.”

Knight further stressed to have fun with band members and with all the fans.

“Don’t take yourself too seriously, but take yourself seriously,” he said. “There’s a reason why these guys are famous because they’re talented. They have good songs. Have fun with it. Believe in yourself.”

Knight just finished a solo tour and is headed to the U.K. next week with NKOTB and Backstreet Boys. While he has enjoyed success throughout his career, he said he wished he knew a lot more before he stepped into the music industry.

“I wish I knew a lot of things, but you don’t. I don’t have regrets. I don’t believe in regrets,” he said. “Regrets do nothing for you. Memories are good to learn from, but regrets, there is no need for them. If I knew now what I knew then, my goodness I think a lot of things would be different, but such is life.”

- Annie Reuter CBS Local

Jordan Knight in OK Magazine Red Carpet Confidential

Here is an article about Jordan from OK Magazine

Red Carpet Confidential: Jordan Knight Says "I Was An Alcoholic"

As a member of New Kids On The Block and a successful solo artist, Jordan Knight has had the world at his feet for the past 25 years. Still, not everything has gone smoothly.

“Well, I quit drinking five, six years ago,” the humble heartthrob, 39, tells me during KTU's Singles Mingle at Debbie Gibson’s Culture Club in NYC. “I was an alcoholic, for sure. It became a problem steadily over the course of six years.”

He adds, “It wasn’t pretty. I was in pain, for sure, and I needed to stop. One day I woke up with an atrocious hangover, and it hurt so badly that I told myself ‘it’s time to stop. I can’t do it anymore. It’s not good. It hurts too much.”

One reason he decided to stop is for his family, which includes wife Evelyn, whom he wed in 2004, and their sons Dante, 12, and Eric, 5.

“I told myself, ‘I need to cut the crap.’ You’ve got to grow up. I had to mature basically.”

Classes were his first step on the road to recovery, and now six years removed from the problem, he relies on friends and family to stay away from the bottle.

“Social support is everything. It’s just the acceptance and love.”

How does the former teen idol avoid falling back to the bottle?

“I think if you stop bad habits, and you stop long enough, you develop good habits,” Jordan says. “You realize to keep your good habits up and to keep your good life going, it’s not as attractive — and then you see other people that are sloppy and have the [paper] bag. I just don’t want to go back to that, because things are a lot better.”

Even life on the road touring with New Kids On The Block doesn’t break his will.

“I’m so faraway from that habit, and with the rest of the guys, they don’t party hearty. They’re not big partiers, and they all know that they stopped drinking, so they’re not going to let me drink.”

Despite the problems it caused, he doesn’t wish he did anything differently.

“You learn from everything. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s a mantra! So no, I’ve learned so much from going through it. Life is good — life is good. I can’t complain.”

One thing he will caution his sons against?

“I would strongly tell them to stay away from drugs and alcohol.”

Jordan heads to the stage to perform Let's Go Higher and Stingy from his Let's Go Higher release as single ladies swarm the stage.

Funny enough, he started the interview with the old, “You know I’m married. You know that, right?”

Oh yes, because everyone is interested. ;) It was cute. He definitely won me over.

For more on Jordan Knight, pick up the OK! on newsstands now. The cover line is: “Kim Kardashian: Diets That Work!”

Jordan Knight in OK Magazine

Jordan is in a recent issue of OK magazine. Here is a scan courtesy of NicholeLuvNKOTB:

The West Australian's interview with Jordan Knight

The West Australian interviewed Jordan Knight recently. Here is the article:

Veteran boy band New Kids On The Block have offered words of advice to latest teen pop sensations One Direction. 

Twenty years after they first did the rounds, the re-formed all-singing group have advised One Direction to enjoy the fame while it lasts. 

"My advice would be to have tons and tons of fun and always be good to your fans," says Jordan Knight. 

"I'm sure they don't need any help from an old boy band though. They're doing a good thing so they just need to keep doing it." 

Arriving for a tour of Australia in May, New Kids On The Block are unlikely to attract the frenzied fan-mania that greeted their visit almost two decades ago. 

But sharing the bill with fellow American boy band Backstreet Boys, the group still pack tens of thousands of fans into arena-sized venues, including two dates at Rod Laver Arena. 

Knight believes the quintet's brand of upbeat pop and crotch-grabbing showmanship appeals to original fans who are now grown up and cashed up - but still young at heart. 

"We're all kids deep down and I think when you hear music it pulls you back to the time that song came out," he says. 

"Those are the feelings and images you see in your head so that's what happens, we turn a lot of grown women into young girls again." 

New Kids On The Block were the biggest boy band on the planet in the early `90s with a string of number one hits including Hangin' Tough and You Got It (The Right Stuff).

The group - Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre, Jordan Knight and Jonathan Knight - re-formed in 2008 to record new material and to tour 

Having experienced life outside the bubble since first splitting, Knight says the group are far more appreciative of their second chance 

"The odds of a group of teen idols doing what they love doing 20 years later is very slim," he says. 

"So to have that chance and to still be together with our fans is a beautiful thing." 

New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys play Burswood Dome on May 29.

Listen to Jordan Knight on Mix 106.5 (Sydney)

Jordan Knight was on the Rosso and Claire show on Mix 106.5 in Sydney. He talks about coming back to Australia, the comparison to One Direction, how they handled attention from fans, fashion at the concerts, what attracted him to his wife and more.

 
Update: Interview has been deleted, does anyone have it saved?

NKOTB News for April 11

• It appears from Twitter that all the guys are now in Los Angeles getting ready for this weekend's Town Hall and the NKOTBSB tour! Here are some photos Danny shared today:

• Donnie may be attending the the opening performance of the new basketball drama on broadway called "Magic/Bird" (from Broadway.com).

• Here are a few other links to some NKOTB related articles/blogs.

• Here is a nice re-cap of Jordan's Live and Unfinished Tour.

• A good friend of Andrea Jette (a NKOTB fan who died in a car accident last month) wrote a touching blog about her memories of Andrea.

Jordan Knight interview with Cooking In Choos

Belle from Cooking In Choos got a chance to interview Jordan for a magazine in Perth. Jordan is asked if he plans on jetskiing on the Swan River, what message does he have for his fans in Perth and more.

Click on image for larger version.

Results of Joey McIntyre in the Hollywood Half Marathon

Joey ran in the Hollywood half marathon this morning! Here are his results:

Bib: 7772
Clock Time: 1:55:27.5
Overall Place: 879 / 6094
Gender Place: 598 / 2279
Division Place: 4 / 6
Pace: 8:49
1st 5K: 25:26.8
2nd 5K:25:47.6
Last 6 9M: 1:04:13.0
(Source: active.com)

Money raised for the Alzheimer's Association: $18,200!

Here is a photo posted by Janelly333 on Twitter:

NKOTB Cruise Themes

Here is the email the cruisers received today:

Dear NKOTB CRUISERS,

They're heeerre! You asked, we listened! Announcing NKOTB CRUISE 2012 THEME NIGHTS -- with plenty of time to get your shop on!

Get ready, only 61 days till we set sail!

JUNE 7 - NIGHT 1: You're invited to a RED CARPET AFFAIR. It's opening night, so dress your best as we set sail and launch NKOTB Cruise 2012 across the Atlantic.

JUNE 8 - NIGHT 2: After a long day at Half Moon Cay, why bother getting all dressed up? Let's dress down with a comfy, cozy, UP CLOSE & CUDDLY PARTY! Pajama's, flip flops, hot stuff, fun stuff - even a pair of boxers and ya man's t-shirt! Wear what you want, how you want, and leave the rest to us!

JUNE 9 - NIGHT 3: This is how we do it -- IN THE 90s! Dust off the Doc Martens, break out your scrunchies and flannel, rewind that Face The Music cassette. It’s 90s night at sea!

JUNE 10 - NIGHT 4: Block Heads represent! Join us for an international celebration at our GPS LOVE FEST. Dress in the styles, the colors, the traditions of your country or city. Wave your flags. Support your favorite sports team or cultural theme! Whatever tells us who you are and where you're from.
See you on board!

THE BLOCK

Half Marathon video update from Joey McIntyre

Joey shared a video about him running the half marathon. I don't know if he realized he was recording it upside down:)

Update: Video has been deleted, does anyone have it saved? 

NKOTBSB Live In Manila - Update

According to Ovation Productions, NKOTBSB will be live in Manila on June 3, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

NKOTB News for April 3

Joey McIntyre is interviewed in this clip from A Night At Sardi's. His part starts at 4:50.

Video courtesy of caregivingclub


Here are some video clip from the Jordan's after party in Boston the other day.


Courtesy of lonelyheart95


Courtesy of lonelyheart95


Courtesy of lonelyheart95

Some photos of Jordan from the KTU Singles Mingle 2012 are now posted on KTU.

Here is some news Jordan mentioned to fans over the weekend.
From @JenRaLee:
@jordanknight just announced...for the August event, you will *not* need a tent! Hallelujah!... Also...@jordanknight said you cruisers will have themes "next week" :)

From@BlancoDiddy
@jordanknight he mentioned Seattle/Vancouver/San Jose as potential October dates! (for his solo tour)

Neverest announced as support act for NKOTBSB shows in Germany

Neverest will be the opening act for the New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys shows in Germany May 5 - 10.

NKOTBSB Live in cinemas update

MyScreenEvent.com has now listed what cinemas the NKOTBSB concert on April 29 will be available in. So far it includes cinemas in Germandy, Ireland, Finland, Estonia, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, UK, Denmark, Netherlands and Lithuania. Go here to check it out.

Donnie Wahlberg and Jonathan Knight make appearance at Jordan Knight concert.

Donnie and Jonathan made an appearance at Jordan's concert at Irving Plaza in New York City last night. Here are a video clips of "Stingy" and "The Right Stuff"


Courtesy of KatieNKOTB


Courtesy of KatieNKOTB


Coutesy of danadsgn


Coutesy of danadsgn