History of New Kids on the Block in Timeline

New Kids on the Block are an American boy band originating from Dorchester, Massachusetts, comprising Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Achieving widespread success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they have sold over 80 million records globally. The band is frequently recognized for influencing subsequent boy bands like Take That, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. Their accolades include two American Music Awards, both received in 1990, for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.

April 24, 1989: "New Kids on the Block Day"

On April 24, 1989, the governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis, declared April 24, 1989 to be "New Kids on the Block Day".

1989: Home Video Release

In 1989, Columbia Music Video released "Hangin' Tough", a documentary home video on New Kids on the Block, which included their four hit music videos and a live concert from their 1989 tour. The video was a commercial success and received a Grammy Award nomination.

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1989: Stardom

In 1989, New Kids on the Block achieved stardom, which was later listed as number 16 on Rolling Stone's "Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments".

1989: Rising Popularity

In 1989, New Kids on the Block made national televised appearances on music programs like Showtime at the Apollo and Soul Train. They opened for Tiffany's U.S. tour, but their popularity grew, leading Tiffany to open for them later on. MTV started playing their video for "You Got It (The Right Stuff)", helping it crack the top five. "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart in June 1989.

March 15, 1990: Filming of New Kids on the Block: Live from New York PPV Special

New Kids on the Block: Live from New York PPV special was filmed on March 15, 1990 at Nassau Coliseum during the Hangin Tough Tour.

August 11, 1990: Filming of Magic Summer Tour PPV Special

On August 11, 1990, the New Kids on the Block: Magic Summer Tour PPV special was filmed at the Florida Suncoast Dome during their 1990 tour in St. Petersburg, Florida.

1990: Merchandise Licensing

In 1990, NKOTB licensed merchandise such as lunch boxes, buttons, t-shirts, comic books and dolls, and inspired a Saturday morning cartoon.

1990: American Music Awards

In 1990, New Kids on the Block won two American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.

1990: Step by Step Album

In May 1990, New Kids on the Block released "Step by Step". The title track hit number one on the Hot 100 Singles Chart. The album was eventually certified triple platinum, selling close to 20 million copies worldwide. By late 1990, David Dyson assumed the role of musical director.

1990: The Magic Summer Tour

In the summer of 1990, New Kids on the Block embarked on The Magic Summer Tour, sponsored by Coke. The tour grossed $74 million, making them the top-grossing touring act in the country at the time with 3.2 million attendees.

April 2008: Group Reunion and New Music Plans Confirmed

In April 2008, Mark Wahlberg confirmed the reunion of New Kids on the Block, with plans to record new music and stage a tour.

August 12, 2008: Release of "Single" featuring Ne-Yo

On August 12, 2008, New Kids on the Block released their second single, "Single," which features R&B singer Ne-Yo.

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September 2008: The Block Album Debut

In September 2008, New Kids on the Block's album 'The Block' debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

September 18, 2008: New Kids on the Block: Live Tour Kickoff

On September 18, 2008, New Kids on the Block's reunion tour, "New Kids on the Block: Live", began at Toronto's Air Canada Centre.

October 2008: "The Block" Album Certified Gold in Canada

In October 2008, New Kids on the Block's album 'The Block' was certified Gold in Canada.

2009: NKOTB Concert Cruise and Full Service Tour Announcement

In 2009, New Kids on the Block had a sponsored 'theme' concert cruise departing from Miami to the Bahamas. They also announced the Full Service Tour featuring Jesse McCartney and Jabbawockeez.

June 19, 2010: Surprise Collaboration Performance at Radio City Music Hall

On June 19, 2010, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys had a successful surprise collaboration performance at Radio City Music Hall.

August 13, 2010: Tickets On Sale for the Third Annual NKOTB Cruise

On August 13, 2010, tickets went on sale for the third annual NKOTB cruise, which would take place aboard the Carnival Destiny in 2011. The cruise sold out on the same day.

August 18, 2010: Announcement of Potential NKOTB and Backstreet Boys Tour

On August 18, 2010, it was unofficially announced that New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys would be touring together in 2011 after their successful collaboration performance in June.

October 8, 2010: Brian Littrell Discusses NKOTB and Backstreet Boys Tour

On October 8, 2010, Brian Littrell from Backstreet Boys stated there was a 78% chance of the NKOTB and Backstreet Boys tour happening and that he and Wahlberg had been working on songs together.

November 3, 2010: Official Announcement of NKOTBSB Tour

On November 3, 2010, it was officially announced that New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys would be touring together in the summer of 2011, along with Jordin Sparks and Ashlyne Huff.

2010: Solo Endeavors and New Concert Cruise Announcement

In 2010, Jordan Knight announced a new concert cruise. McIntyre recorded songs, and Wahlberg released singles such as "I Got It" featuring Aubrey O'Day and "Rise and Grind" featuring Roscoe Umali.

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May 12, 2011: Departure of Third Annual NKOTB Cruise

On Thursday, May 12, 2011, the third annual NKOTB cruise departed from Miami, FL, to Nassau and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

May 2011: Matthew Morrison Confirms Joining NKOTBSB Tour

In May 2011, Matthew Morrison confirmed that he would be joining the NKOTBSB Tour.

May 16, 2011: Return of Third Annual NKOTB Cruise

On Monday, May 16, 2011, the third annual NKOTB cruise returned to Miami, FL.

May 25, 2011: Start of NKOTBSB Tour

On May 25, 2011, the NKOTBSB Tour began.

2011: Potential NKOTB and Backstreet Boys Tour

In 2011, there were discussions and planning for a potential tour featuring both New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys.

June 2012: End of NKOTBSB Tour

In June 2012, the NKOTBSB Tour ended.

June 22, 2012: Selection for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

On June 22, 2012, New Kids on the Block was among the celebrities selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.

January 22, 2013: Announcement of New Single, Album, and Tour on The View

On January 22, 2013, the group announced on "The View" the upcoming release of their new single "Remix (I Like The)" on January 28 and their album "10" on April 2, 2013. They also announced a North American tour with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men.

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April 2, 2013: Release of Album "10"

On April 2, 2013, New Kids on the Block released their album "10", which received mixed to positive reviews. The album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.

May 30, 2013: Performance on Boston Strong Telethon

On May 30, 2013, New Kids on the Block, along with Boyz II Men, performed on the Boston Strong telethon.

February 3, 2014: Announcement of European Tour 2014

On February 3, 2014, New Kids on the Block announced their European Tour 2014, which would take place in intimate venues across Europe from May to June.

October 9, 2014: New Kids on the Block Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On October 9, 2014, New Kids on the Block received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

January 2015: Announcement of The Main Event Tour and Rock This Boat Series

In January 2015, New Kids on the Block announced their summer tour, "The Main Event," with TLC and Nelly. They also starred in the reality TV series "Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block" on Pop.

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November 2016: Announcement of The Total Package Tour

In November 2016, New Kids on the Block announced "The Total Package Tour" with Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men.

December 9, 2016: Release of Fuller House Episode Featuring NKOTB

On December 9, 2016, the episode of Fuller House titled "New Kids in the House" was released, featuring New Kids on the Block performing songs and singing Happy Birthday to DJ Tanner.

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March 2017: Performance of "One More Night" on The Late Late Show

In March 2017, New Kids on the Block performed their new single "One More Night" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

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December 2017: Release of Thankful (Unwrapped) and Short-Film Documentary Announcement

In December 2017, New Kids on the Block released an expanded version of their EP "Thankful" titled "Thankful (Unwrapped)", including new holiday songs and announced the release of a short-film documentary filmed during their summer tour.

October 2018: Announcement of the MixTape Tour

In October 2018, New Kids on the Block announced their MixTape Tour, which would include 1980s and 1990s stars such as Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty by Nature, Debbie Gibson, and Tiffany.

December 13, 2018: Announcement of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve Performance

On December 13, 2018, New Kids on the Block announced they would perform at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2019 in Times Square.

March 2, 2019: Release of "Boys in the Band (Boy Band Anthem)" Music Video

On March 2, 2019, New Kids on the Block released their music video "Boys in the Band (Boy Band Anthem)", featuring cameos from various artists and shout outs to numerous boy bands.

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May 2, 2019: Start of the MixTape Tour

On May 2, 2019, the MixTape Tour began in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2020: Release of "House Party" Single during COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, NKOTB released the single "House Party," which reached number five on Billboard's Digital Songs chart.

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August 6, 2021: Concert at Fenway Park

On August 6, 2021, New Kids on the Block performed a concert at Fenway Park in Boston with special and surprise guests.

March 3, 2022: Release of "Bring Back the Time" Music Video

On March 3, 2022, NKOTB released the music video "Bring Back the Time," which features Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue and parodies 1980s music videos.