History of New Kids on the Block in Timeline

New Kids on the Block are an American boy band formed in Dorchester, Massachusetts, consisting of Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Achieving immense success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they have sold over 80 million records globally. They are recognized for their influence on subsequent boy bands like Take That, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. The group received two American Music Awards in 1990, honoring them as Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group and for Favorite Pop/Rock Album.

1984: Formation of New Kids on the Block

In 1984, New Kids on the Block were formed.

April 1986: Debut Album Release

In April 1986, Columbia Records released New Kids on the Block's self-titled debut album.

1987: Second Album Recording

During most of 1987, New Kids on the Block was in the studio recording their second album.

1988: Release of Hangin' Tough

In 1988, New Kids on the Block released their second album, Hangin' Tough. Also in the Spring of 1988, the album's first single, "Please Don't Go Girl" was released.

April 24, 1989: New Kids on the Block Day

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

1989: Hangin' Tough Home Video Release

In 1989, Columbia Music Video released a home video, Hangin' Tough, a documentary on the band that included their four hit music videos and a live concert recorded during their 1989 tour. It achieved massive sales, earning a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video nomination.

1989: Achieved Stardom

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

1989: National Televised Appearances

In 1989, New Kids on the Block made national televised appearances on music programs such as Showtime at the Apollo and Soul Train. Later in 1989, the band landed a spot as an opening act for Tiffany on her U.S. concert tour. At the end of 1989, the album's second single, "You Got It (The Right Stuff)", was released and received a huge boost when MTV began playing the music video. By early 1989, it cracked the top five. The New Kids then hit pay dirt with their next single, "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)", which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart in June.

1989: Rolling Stone Article

In 1989, an article by Rolling Stone suggested a possible connection to Nanook of the North.

1989: Hangin' Tough Success

In 1989, more top five singles from the album Hangin' Tough followed into the summer and fall, including the title track and "Cover Girl". Also, Columbia Records released the single "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" from the group's debut album. By the end of 1989, Hangin' Tough had climbed to number one on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart and had gone eight-times platinum. They subsequently became the first 'teen' act to garner five top ten hits from a single album.

January 1990: American Music Awards Won

In January 1990, the album Hangin' Tough won two American Music Awards for "Best Pop/Rock Album" and "Best Pop/Rock Group".

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

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

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

On August 11, 1990, the PPV special New Kids on the Block: Magic Summer Tour (1990) was filmed at the Florida Suncoast Dome during NKOTB's 1990 Magic Summer Tour in St. Petersburg, Florida.

1990: American Music Awards

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

1990: Step by Step Album Release and Success

In May 1990, New Kids on the Block followed up the album Hangin' Tough with Step by Step. The first single, the title track, hit number one on the Hot 100 Singles Chart and became their biggest-selling single. Also in 1990, "Baby I Believe in You" went to number one in Japan.

1990: The Magic Summer Tour

In the summer of 1990, New Kids on the Block went on an extravagant worldwide concert tour called The Magic Summer Tour, sponsored by Coke. Also in 1990, NKOTB licensed merchandise flooded the market, including lunch boxes, buttons, t-shirts, comic books (published by Harvey Comics), and dolls. They inspired a Saturday morning cartoon, developed by the Pangea Corporation and animated by DIC Entertainment.

1991: Forbes List and Remix Album

In 1991, New Kids on the Block topped Forbes' list of highest paid entertainers. At year's end, Columbia released No More Games/The Remix Album, a compilation of remixes of the group's biggest hits.

1991: Merchandise Sales

In 1991, sales of New Kids on the Block's merchandise was estimated at US$400 million.

1991: Debut Album Production and Super Bowl Halftime Show

In the summer of 1991, Danny Wood and Donnie Wahlberg cowrote and produced the debut album from Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. In 1991, New Kids on the Block performed the halftime show at Super Bowl XXV.

February 10, 1992: Defamation Lawsuit Filed

On February 10, 1992, New Kids on the Block filed a defamation lawsuit against Gregory McPherson regarding his lip-syncing allegations.

April 1992: McPherson Recants Allegations

In April 1992, Gregory McPherson dropped his suit against Maurice Starr and released a statement recanting his previous allegations, stating, "[The New Kids] did sing lead on their vocals".

1992: Accusations of Lip-Syncing

In 1992, New Kids on the Block found themselves accused of lip-syncing by Gregory McPherson, who alleged that Maurice Starr sang the vocals while the group lip-synced to pre-recorded vocals during their live performances. Also in 1992, the group released the stand-alone single "If You Go Away", the only new track on the compilation H.I.T.S..

1993: Name Change

In 1993, New Kids on the Block shortened their name to the initialism NKOTB after having split from Maurice Starr.

January 1994: Release of Face the Music

In January 1994, NKOTB's fourth studio album, Face the Music, was released.

1994: New Kids on the Block Disbanded

New Kids on the Block disbanded in 1994.

1999: Solo Albums Recorded and Reunion Attempted

In 1999, Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight recorded solo albums. Also in 1999, MTV attempted to reunite the group and get them to perform on that year's VMAs.

2004: VH1 Reunion Attempt

In 2004, Aamer Haleem, host of VH1's Bands Reunited, attempted to convince each of the members of New Kids on the Block to reunite for a one-night performance for the show.

2007: New Kids on the Block Reunion

In 2007, New Kids on the Block reunited to record an album.

April 2008: Group Reunion Confirmed

In April 2008, Mark Wahlberg confirmed that New Kids on the Block had reunited and were planning to record new music and embark on 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", featuring R&B singer Ne-Yo.

September 2008: Release of "The Block" and Chart Debut

In September 2008, New Kids on the Block released their first studio album in fourteen years, "The Block". The album 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 Begins

On September 18, 2008, the New Kids on the Block reunion tour, "New Kids on the Block: Live", commenced at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Natasha Bedingfield and Lady Gaga were supporting acts.

October 2008: "The Block" Certified Gold in Canada

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

2008: New Kids on the Block Concert Tour

In 2008, New Kids on the Block mounted a concert tour.

2009: NKOTB concert cruise and Full Service Tour Announced

In 2009, New Kids on the Block had a sponsored 'theme' concert cruise for their fans 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 the Backstreet Boys had a surprise collaboration performance at Radio City Music Hall.

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

On August 13, 2010, tickets for the third annual NKOTB cruise went on sale. The cruise took place aboard the Carnival Destiny, leaving from Miami, FL on Thursday, May 12, 2011, to Nassau and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas and returning to Miami, FL on Monday, May 16, 2011 and sold out the same day.

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

On August 18, 2010, it was announced that NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys would be touring together in 2011, following a successful collaboration at Radio City Music Hall.

October 8, 2010: Brian Littrell Comments on NKOTBSB Tour

On October 8, 2010, Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys stated there was a 78% chance of the NKOTBSB 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 NKOTB and BSB would be touring together in the summer of 2011 with Jordin Sparks and Ashlyne Huff.

2010: Solo Endeavors and Cruise Announcement

In 2010, Jordan Knight announced a new concert cruise. Following the tour, each member took a break to pursue other endeavors, including solo music projects by McIntyre and Wahlberg.

May 12, 2011: Third Annual NKOTB Cruise Departs

On May 12, 2011, the third annual NKOTB cruise left Miami, FL aboard the Carnival Destiny for Nassau and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

May 2011: Matthew Morrison Joins NKOTBSB Tour

In May 2011, Matthew Morrison confirmed he would be joining the NKOTBSB Tour during an interview on Chelsea Lately.

May 16, 2011: Third Annual NKOTB Cruise Returns

On May 16, 2011, the third annual NKOTB cruise returned to Miami, FL after visiting Nassau and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

May 25, 2011: NKOTBSB Tour Begins

On May 25, 2011, the NKOTBSB Tour began.

2011: Rumored NKOTB and Backstreet Boys Tour

In 2011, there was an unofficial announcement that NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys would be touring together.

June 2012: NKOTBSB Tour Ends

In June 2012, the NKOTBSB Tour ended.

June 22, 2012: NKOTB Selected for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

On June 22, 2012, NKOTB was among 24 celebrities selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for 2013.

2012: Official Biography

In 2012, Nikki Van Noy, author of the group's official biography, wrote that the name Nynuk is "meaningless".

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

On January 22, 2013, during an appearance on The View, New Kids on the Block announced the release of their new single "Remix (I Like The)" on January 28 and a new album titled "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 "10" Album

On April 2, 2013, New Kids on the Block released their album "10" via Kobalt Label Services.

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.

October 9, 2014: NKOTB Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

2014: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

In 2014, New Kids on the Block received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

January 2015: Announcement of The Main Event Tour and Reality TV Series

In January 2015, New Kids on the Block announced The Main Event summer tour with TLC and Nelly. They also starred on Pop's reality television series Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block, featuring the band on a cruise to Bermuda.

November 2016: Announcement of The Total Package Tour

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

December 9, 2016: Appearance on Fuller House

On December 9, 2016, New Kids on the Block appeared as themselves on an episode of the second season of "Fuller House" entitled, "New Kids in the House", where they performed songs and sang Happy Birthday to DJ Tanner.

March 2017: Performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden

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

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

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

October 2018: Announcement of the MixTape Tour

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

December 13, 2018: Performance at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2019 Announced

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 the music video "Boys in the Band (Boy Band Anthem)", featuring cameos from various artists and shout outs to numerous boy bands.

May 2, 2019: The MixTape Tour Kickoff

On May 2, 2019, the MixTape Tour was set to start in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2020: Release of "House Party" Single

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, NKOTB released the single "House Party" which peaked at number five on Billboard's Digital Songs chart. The song featured Naughty by Nature, Boyz II Men, Big Freedia and Jordin Sparks.

August 6, 2021: Concert at Fenway Park

On August 6, 2021, New Kids on the Block played a concert at Fenway Park in Boston with special guest Bell Biv Devoe and surprise guest D-Nice.

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

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

March 5, 2024: Release of "Kids" Single and Music Video

On March 5, 2024, New Kids on the Block released the first single and music video for "Kids", preceding their new album.

March 2024: Announcement of Still Kids Album and The Magic Summer Tour

In March 2024, New Kids on the Block announced that their eighth album, Still Kids, would be released. The group also announced that they would embark on The Magic Summer Tour (2024) with opening acts Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff in June 2024.