Routines in the Lions Cage

Hangin' Tough with the New Kids

I have to say that, I did not want to see the New Kids. My roommate really wanted to go so I said I'd go with her. I wasn't into them as a kid, because even as a six year old I was an elitest bastard. Everybody else liked them, so I couldn't. It was in Omaha at the Qwest on November 12th. We got 30 dollar tickets up in section 210 and just wanted to experience it so her childhood dream could come true.
After a little "parking adventure" we finally got to the Qwest. We had heard that Natasha Bedingfield was opening. When we got to our seats we saw it was NOT Natasha but it WAS Lady Gaga. I didn't think I was familiar with her. However, throughout the course of her 20 minute set I realized I knew several songs. Because I watch entirely too much MTVu. It was fun to watch. Lots of dancing and flashy colors. We were dancing around like goons and realized that there were a LOT of empty seats below. After Lady Gaga a security guard came and told us that they were closing our section. He explained that we could go to a table and get... UPGRADES! We ended up in section 112. This was obviously much closer. Our 30 dollar seats had turned into 60 dollar seats. This excited us greatly.
Natasha Bedingfield was alright. She has a great voice. And I knew more of her songs than I thought I would. She was signing autographs after her set and I thought that was really chill of her.
NEW KIDS.
For starters I have to say that I never understood the hoopla. I got into Jordan & Joey's solo stuff when I was a 13 year old that watched TRL religiously. In fact, I really enjoyed "Give it to You" and "Stay the Same." I also picked up a few of the bigger New Kids songs like "Step by Step," "Hangin' Tough," and "The Right Stuff."
They really know how to work a crowd. Despite the thousands in attendance you felt like you were part of something and that there was some connection. If I were 13 and saw that, I'd be in love. I very much understand why they were so huge now.
They definately sexed up the show for an older audience. There were a couple good shots of Donnie's junk and half a song that Jordan sang shirtless. Donnie also said, "I remember when you were all cute little girls. Now you've all grown up." It was as though we were all the sexiest ladies on the planet. Donnie is by far the best showman of the five. Overall they had good witty banter and I wonder if it was scripted or if it was on the fly. Never has the smell of alcohol been so prevelent at an NKOTB show. It was funny watching 30 year olds lose their shit like they were 12.
As far as WHAT they sang, a setlist is as follows (thanks Yahoo Answers):
New Kids On The Block 2008 Tour Set List
1. Single
2. My Favorite Girl
3. You Got It (The Right Stuff)
4. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)/Valentine Girl Medley
5. Please Don't Go Girl
6. Grown Man
7. No More Games
8. If You Go Away
9. 2 In The Morning
10. Dirty Dancing
11. Tonight
12. Twisted
13. Baby I Believe In You (Jordan Solo)
14. Give It To You (Jordan Solo)
15. Stay The Same (Joey Solo)
16. Cover Girl (Donnie Solo)
17. I'll Be Loving You (Forever)
18. Click Click Click
19. Summertime

ENCORE:
1. Step By Step
2. Hangin' Tough / We Will Rock You
They played a good mix of old hits and songs from the new album. Also, my dream came true and I got to hear "Give it to You" and "Stay the Same."
The biggest thing I noticed is that it didn't look pathetic. It felt like a decent reunion tour. It did NOT feel like, "uh, I'm poor." They were all in great shape and I found them to be very attractive 40 year old men. The production value was impressive. There were dancers, flashy lights, and pyro. Not to mention they did a few songs on a rotating circle in the middle of the floor section.
Overall, far better than I expected. Dani was right, the New Kids have the right stuff.

Posted at 05:37PM Nov 16, 2008 by Valerie Bartlett in General  |  Comments[1]