Stranger things have happened. Possibly.
On yesterday’s “Today” show, the members of Boston boy band New Kids on the Block announced plans to reunite, then jetted from New York City to Medford to officially break the news to their hometown fans during a meet-and-greet at the KISS 108 studio.
What forces may have aligned to convince five grown men to reprise their role as teen heartthrobs is still unclear. But it’s happening.
And there were enough screaming girls with giant Jordan Knight buttons to indicate this move might be well-received.
Of course, the five bandmates who brought us hits such as “The Right Stuff” and “Hangin’ Tough,” along with the famous side-to-side, swinging-legs dance, are neither new nor kids anymore.
Most of them are pushing 40; the baby of the group, Joey McIntyre, is 35.
Still, time has generally been kind to them; three of the five were hot back in the day and still are (this assessment coming from a former NKOTB fan who had tapes and posters).
It also helps that the bandanas, loud jackets and super-styled hairdos have been replaced by close cuts and chic attire: button-down shirts, ties and sport jackets.
Die-hard fans who might have been praying for a reunion have been praying for a while.
After paving the way for the Backstreet Boys and the *NSYNCs of the world, the Kids broke up in 1994. Knight, McIntyre and Danny Wood all continued their careers in music, while Donnie Wahlberg went on to acting. Only Jonathan Knight left showbiz entirely and got into real estate.
Now the group has an album and tour in the works, and Jordan Knight promised that the fivesome will be dancing up a storm. Wahlberg said the sound will be signature NKOTB, but with a few fewer “oh-ohs.” Sweet.
Fans should have their outdoor voices ready by next month, when the Kids will return to “Today” on May 16 to perform their first live concert since 1994. Hey, all they can do is take it Step By Step.
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