top of page

NKOTB: The Main Event

By Christine Petralia

Photo by Christine Petralia

Seen June 20, 2015 at the Nassau Coliseum

 

*It should be noted that I saw this epic show in a skybox at the Nassau Coliseum. The first half of this review will be about the show itself and the second will be about my experience at the Coliseum.

 

Remember when you were younger and you saw your favorite band come out for the first time? That is exactly how I felt when I saw the New Kids on the Block come out for The Main Event tour. The arrival brought out those same emotions I felt as a 7-year-old seeing them for the first time. Donnie, Jordan, Joey, Danny and Jonathan were announced by the WWE announcer (Lord knows how much money they paid for him), and brought the funk, sexiness and fun to Long Island.

 

Coming out strong to "Block Party" on their massive stage, which featured a main ring with two side stages, as well as VIP bar stools for lucky fans (OK, fans with money to spend). And those fans were in for a treat when Donnie came around and shared some drinks with them. I’m sure those people were sprayed with sweat too, as the guys worked the audience dancing and singing their hits.

 

Though not as enthusiastic as the Package Tour, the guys did put on an amazing show, with classics such as "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," "Step by Step," and my favorites "Cover Girl" and "Tonight." They also sang their newer hits, such as "Summertime" and "Dirty Dancing." I still love "We Own the Night" and "Remix (I Like the)." Those are newer songs within the last few years, but I feel they encompass the feelings of their fans.

 

Half way through the show, Donnie, Jordan and Joey sang some solos. And I really could have done without Jordan’s single "Give It To You," which was a hit when he went solo and toured with ‘N SYNC.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the highlights was when Joey brought out his son Griffin for Tonight. He did this two years ago, and the kid was adorable with his big headphones to drown out the noise. This year, he came out, jumped on the piano and kicked off the song. The guys then headed out into the audience, where Donnie almost got carried away by fans. It was really nice to see how they appreciate their fans after almost 30 years. And how the understand just how lucky they are to be up there in their 40s entertaining the masses.

 

It is funny to see Donnie sort of taking over as the ‘leader’ of the group. In years past, Jordan was sort of the leader as far as solos and being the heartthrob. Now, I find myself, as well as others, turning more toward Donnie. The former bad boy is now number one in my book. He seems to have just the right amount of boyish charm, sexiness and charisma. He also seems really happy to be up there during his break from filming his numerous TV shows. I guess, being married to Jenny McCarthy has humbled him. Either way, I could watch him all night!

 

All in all, a great night and a must see for any true NKOTB fan. Though, you may want to skip round one of the tour, Nelly. While it was fun to sing along to his classics, Hot in Herre, Dilemma and Just a Dream, it wasn’t really the crowd for him. Or perhaps he could have toned down his twerking dancers? Definitely arrive early enough to catch TLC. The ladies still have it, singing all your favorites and dancing like it’s 1995. It’s clear that they miss Left-Eye, but singing along to her tracks is a good enough tribute to remember the late singer.

Now, let’s talk for a minute about the Nassau Coliseum. We all know the Coliseum is closing for renovations in a month or two. And we all know the Islanders are leaving for the Barclays Center. That does NOT mean that things can just go to crap at the Coliseum!!!! Never in my life have I had to wait to enter the Coliseum for any event. The doors opened at 6:01 p.m. for a 7 p.m. concert. And while some may say, “Oh concerts always start late.” No, this one started on time. Half of the concession stands were closed. The staff seemed unenthusiastic as most. And they doubled the price of parking. It’s now $30 to park in most of the lots. Though, here’s a hint, try and find the $8.25 parking lot with the entrance on the side street of the Coliseum. Also, try parking at the Marriott hotel next door. It’s probably a shorter walk and could cost between $15-$20. Still a lot, but cheaper than giving $30 to something that’s closing soon.

 

The skybox experience itself was a blast. Our waitress was great, especially when it took forever to get beer. The food that we ordered was delicious, to the point where I wish I had ordered more if the price wasn’t so high (which was totally expected and I’m not complaining about that). The delay in beer was basically a result of staff just not really caring anymore. Which was really disappointing. I understand some are losing their jobs, but there are still a few more events in the arena, you should also give 110% on anything you do. But as I said, after a quick conversation with our waitress and the head of catering, everything was fixed and we were happy for the rest of the night. Well, except for the fact that I ordered my favorite pretzel braids and got regular pretzels instead. While I didn’t say anything at the time, I was pretty disappointed that I won’t ever get another pretzel braid again.

 

Setlist:

Block Party

Crash

You’re My Favorite Girl

You Got It (The Right Stuff)

The Whisper/Single/Shout

Let’s Try It Again

We Own The Night

Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)/Valentine Girl/If You Go Away/Never Can Say Goodbye/Please Don’t Go Girl

Remix (I Like The)

Summertime

Dirty Dancing

Just a Friend/Good Vibrations/California Love

Tonight

Baby I Believe In You/Give It To You – Jordan Solo

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)/Twisted – Joey Solo

I Need You/Lean on Me/Cover Girl – Donnie Solo

Games

Step by Step

I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)

Hangin’ Tough

Our favorite 80s boy band is back at it again, performing hits and making the ladies swoon. Groups Boyz II Men and 98 Degrees open completing this Package Tour. Seen June 14, 2013 at the Verizon Center in DC.

Great for all ages and fitness levels, this Ridiculous Obstacle Course is a 5K with 12 Wipe Out-style obstacles. The race came to New York, in Brooklyn, on Sept. 13.

All works created by Christine McGrath; Centereach, New York  All Rights Reserved 2024

bottom of page