History of New Kids on the Block in Timeline
New Kids on the Block is an American boy band hailing from Dorchester, Massachusetts, composed of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Achieving significant fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they've sold over 80 million records globally. They are often credited with opening doors for subsequent boy bands like Take That, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. The group received two American Music Awards in 1990, recognizing them as Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group, and acknowledging their album as the Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
1984: Formation of New Kids on the Block
In 1984, New Kids on the Block were formed, marking the beginning of their journey as a boy band.
April 1986: Debut Album Release
In April 1986, Columbia Records released New Kids on the Block's self-titled debut album, featuring bubblegum pop material written and produced by Maurice Starr.
1987: Recording Hangin' Tough Album
For most of 1987, New Kids on the Block were in the studio recording their second album, Hangin' Tough, expressing their desire for more input on their look, direction, and song material.
1988: "Please Don't Go Girl" Released
In 1988, the ballad "Please Don't Go Girl" was released as the first single from Hangin' Tough. Initially unnoticed, it gained popularity after a Florida radio station started playing it, leading to national attention and the group's first hit.
April 24, 1989: "New Kids on the Block Day"
On April 24, 1989, the then governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis, declared April 24, 1989 to be "New Kids on the Block Day", showing the band's cultural impact.
1989: Release of Hangin' Tough Home Video
In 1989, Columbia Music Video released a home video, Hangin' Tough, which included their four hit music videos and a live concert recorded during their 1989 tour.
1989: Achieving 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: National Televised Appearances and Touring
In 1989, New Kids on the Block began making national televised appearances and landed a spot as an opening act for Tiffany. The single "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" gained popularity on MTV, and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1989: Rolling Stone Article
In 1989, an article by Rolling Stone suggested a possible connection between the group's original name, Nynuk, and Nanook of the North.
1989: Hangin' Tough Success
Throughout the summer and fall of 1989, more top five singles from Hangin' Tough were released, including the title track and "Cover Girl". By the end of 1989, the album had climbed to number one on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart and had gone eight-times platinum.
January 1990: American Music Awards Win and Chart Success
In January 1990, Hangin' Tough won two American Music Awards. The group had three singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, each from a different album: "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)", "Cover Girl", and "This One's For the Children".
March 15, 1990: Hangin' Tough Tour PPV Special Filmed
On March 15, 1990, the New Kids on the Block: Live from New York PPV special was filmed at Nassau Coliseum during the Hangin Tough Tour.
August 11, 1990: Magic Summer Tour PPV Special
On August 11, 1990, the New Kids on the Block: Magic Summer Tour PPV special was filmed during NKOTB's 1990 Magic Summer Tour in St. Petersburg, Florida.
1990: Another No More Games Tour PPV Special
In 1990, Another No More Games Tour PPV special was filmed in Providence, Rhode Island on December 6 and 7.
1990: Release of 'Step by Step' Album
In 1990, New Kids on the Block followed up Hangin' Tough with Step by Step. The title track hit number one, and the album achieved significant international success.
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: Magic Summer Tour and Commercial Success
In the summer of 1990, New Kids on the Block embarked on The Magic Summer Tour, grossing $74 million and becoming the top-grossing touring act in the country. Licensed merchandise flooded the market.
1991: Super Bowl Halftime Performance
In 1991, New Kids on the Block performed the halftime show at Super Bowl XXV, a first for a pop music group, though the performance was not broadcast due to a preemption for a speech from President George H. W. Bush.
1991: Forbes Highest Paid Entertainers
In 1991, New Kids on the Block topped Forbes' list of highest-paid entertainers, ahead of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bill Cosby, showcasing their peak earning power.
1991: Merchandise Sales
In 1991, sales of New Kids on the Block's merchandise was estimated at US$400 million, highlighting the band's immense popularity and commercial appeal.
1991: New Kids on the Block at Disney MGM Studios: Wildest Dreams
In 1991, the concert special New Kids on the Block at Disney MGM Studios: Wildest Dreams was filmed at Walt Disney World's Disney MGM Studios.
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, McPherson dropped his suit against Starr and released a statement recanting his previous allegations, stating, "[The New Kids] did sing lead on their vocals".
1992: Lip-Syncing Accusations
In early 1992, New Kids on the Block found themselves accused of lip-syncing by Gregory McPherson, adding to the controversies surrounding the group.
1993: Name Shortened to NKOTB
In 1993, after splitting from Maurice Starr, New Kids on the Block shortened their name to the initialism NKOTB.
January 1994: Release of 'Face the Music' Album
In January 1994, NKOTB released their fourth studio album, Face the Music, marking a musical departure from their previous efforts. The album was largely written and co-produced by the group, but it failed to meet commercial expectations.
1994: Band Disbanded
In 1994, New Kids on the Block disbanded, marking the end of their initial run as a group.
1999: Solo Albums and MTV Reunion Attempt
In 1999, Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight recorded solo albums. MTV attempted to reunite the group for that year's VMAs, but the performance did not happen due to Jonathan Knight's refusal to participate.
2004: VH1 Bands Reunited 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, but McIntyre, Wahlberg, and Wood all declined.
2007: Reunion of New Kids on the Block
In 2007, New Kids on the Block reunited, signaling their return to the music scene.
April 2008: Reunion Confirmed
In April 2008, Donnie Wahlberg confirmed that New Kids on the Block had reunited with plans to record new material and stage a tour.
August 12, 2008: Release of "Single"
On August 12, 2008, New Kids on the Block released their second single, "Single", which featured R&B singer Ne-Yo.
September 2008: Release of 'The Block'
In September 2008, New Kids on the Block released "The Block," their first studio album in fourteen years. 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 Began
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. Natasha Bedingfield and Lady Gaga were supporting acts.
October 2008: 'The Block' Certified Gold
In October 2008, New Kids on the Block's album "The Block" was certified Gold in Canada.
2008: Concert Tour
In 2008, New Kids on the Block mounted a concert tour following their reunion.
2009: Full Service Tour Announced
In 2009, New Kids on the Block announced the Full Service Tour, featuring Jesse McCartney and Jabbawockeez.
June 19, 2010: Surprise Collaboration Performance
On June 19, 2010, NKOTB and Backstreet Boys had a successful surprise collaboration performance at Radio City Music Hall.
August 13, 2010: Tickets On Sale for 3rd Annual NKOTB Cruise
On August 13, 2010, tickets went on sale for the third annual NKOTB cruise.
August 18, 2010: NKOTB and Backstreet Boys Tour Announcement
On August 18, 2010, an 'unofficial' announcement was made that NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys would be touring together in 2011.
October 8, 2010: Brian Littrell's Tour Update
On October 8, 2010, Brian Littrell stated that the joint NKOTB and Backstreet Boys tour had a 78% chance of happening, and he and Wahlberg had been working on songs together.
November 3, 2010: Official NKOTB and BSB Tour Announcement
On November 3, 2010, an official announcement was made that NKOTB and BSB would be touring together in the summer of 2011 along with Jordin Sparks and Ashlyne Huff.
2010: New Concert Cruise Announced
In 2010, Jordan Knight announced a new concert cruise.
May 12, 2011: 3rd Annual NKOTB Cruise Departure
On Thursday, May 12, 2011, the third annual NKOTB cruise departed from Miami, FL.
May 2011: Matthew Morrison Joining the Tour
In May 2011, Matthew Morrison confirmed he would be joining the NKOTBSB tour.
May 16, 2011: 3rd Annual NKOTB Cruise Return
On Monday, May 16, 2011, the third annual NKOTB cruise returned to Miami, FL.
May 25, 2011: NKOTBSB Tour Began
On May 25, 2011, the NKOTBSB Tour began.
2011: Tour Announcement
In 2011, it was announced that NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys would be touring together.
June 22, 2012: NKOTB Selected for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On June 22, 2012, NKOTB was among 24 celebrities selected 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: New Single and Album Announcement
On January 22, 2013, NKOTB appeared on The View and announced the release of their new single "Remix (I Like The)" and new album titled 10.
April 2, 2013: Release of '10' Album
On April 2, 2013, New Kids on the Block released their album "10".
May 30, 2013: Boston Strong Telethon Performance
On May 30, 2013, New Kids on the Block, along with Boyz II Men, performed on the Boston Strong telethon.
2013: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2013, NKOTB received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
February 3, 2014: European Tour 2014 Announcement
On February 3, 2014, New Kids on the Block announced their European Tour 2014.
October 9, 2014: 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, solidifying their legacy in the entertainment industry.
January 2015: The Main Event Tour and Reality Show
In January 2015, New Kids on the Block announced The Main Event summer tour with TLC and Nelly, and starred on Pop's Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block.
November 2016: The Total Package Tour Announcement
In November 2016, New Kids on the Block announced The Total Package Tour with Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men.
December 9, 2016: Fuller House Episode Release
On December 9, 2016, the Fuller House episode "New Kids in the House", featuring New Kids on the Block, was released.
March 2017: "One More Night" Performance
In March 2017, New Kids on the Block performed the new single "One More Night" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
December 2017: Release of Thankful (Unwrapped)
In December 2017, New Kids on the Block released an expanded version of the EP entitled Thankful (Unwrapped) and announced a short-film documentary.
October 2018: MixTape Tour Announcement
In October 2018, New Kids on the Block announced their MixTape Tour with 1980s and 1990s stars.
December 13, 2018: New Year's Rockin' Eve Performance Announcement
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 a new music video for "Boys in the Band (Boy Band Anthem)" with cameos from various artists.
2020: Release of "House Party" Single
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, NKOTB released the single "House Party."
August 6, 2021: Fenway Park Concert
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, as well as Joey's son Griffin McIntyre.
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
On March 5, 2024, the group released the first single and music video for "Kids".
March 2024: Announcement of 'Still Kids'
In March 2024, New Kids on the Block announced that their eighth album, Still Kids, would be released on May 17, 2024.
May 17, 2024: Release of 'Still Kids' Album
On May 17, 2024, New Kids on the Block released their eighth album, Still Kids.
June 2024: Magic Summer Tour 2024
In June 2024, the group embarked on The Magic Summer Tour (2024).
