Concert Review
New Kids On The Block
Paula Abdul
Thursday August 22, 2024
Darien Lake Amphitheater
Darien Center, NY
The New Kids On The Block summer tour hit the Darien Lake Amphitheater last week with a crowd of 10,000 plus in attendance watching the boys every move. “This is how it’s gonna be Buffalo?” exclaimed Donnie Wahlberg in between songs as the fans screamed on. Amazing this late into their career how they can still get the gals excited enough to scream for them like it was 1989 all over again.
The band featured the usual gang with Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre and the Knight brothers Jordan and Jonathan.
As the confetti flew in the air for new song “Kids” it was apparent these guys have not lost anything as evidenced by the mid-tempo song. Following up with their three number one songs all in a row was a unique way of finishing off in “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” “Step By Step” and “Hangin’ Tough”. For the latter the band donned Boston Celtics jerseys prompting Wahlberg to say “Don’t worry it’s not a Patriots jersey. It’s your Buffalo Bills year this year we got you” drawing a positive reaction from the crowd who must have been exhausted by this point. The band chose to end the night with “These Are The Better Days”.
Paula Abdul started the night with an array of hits from her catalog. Beginning with “Straight Up” and running through a medley that ended up with “Forever Your Girl”. Her brief 35-minute, choreographed set featured many dancers and many of the hits we have grown accustomed to from Abdul.
This Darien Center date was one of the last of the more than forty city tour. This summer tour dubbed the Magic Summer 24 featured Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff. It drew its inspiration from the 1990 tour of the same name. The band promised the hits, unexpected fan favorites and magical surprises and delivered as advertised.
NKOTB
Paula Abdul
DJ Jazzy Jeff
Set List
Magic
Summer Love
My Favorite Girl
Cover Girl
Dirty Dancing
You Got It (The Right Stuff)
Remix (I Like the)
Block Party
Tonight
Where Do I Go From Here?
Treat Me Right
Call It What You Want
Fame
Popsicle / Games / This Is How We Do It / Stay With Me Baby
Baby, I Believe in You
Never Gonna Fall in Love Again / Paradise City
Happy Birthday
Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) / Valentine Girl
Please Don’t Go Girl
Get Down w DJ Jazzy Jeff
Dance With You / A Love Like This
In the Night / Long Time Coming
Summertime
Kids
I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
Step by Step
Hangin’ Tough / We Will Rock You
These are the Better Days
