New Kids On The Block: Then & Now - What Are They Up To?

Were you a teenager in the late 80s or early 90s? If so, chances are you knew the words to every NKOTB hit and plastered their posters on your bedroom wall. New Kids on the Block weren't just a boy band; they were a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, and their influence continues to resonate today.

From Boston, Massachusetts, emerged a pop group that would quickly capture the hearts of millions: New Kids on the Block. Formed in 1984, the group, comprising Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, and Donnie Wahlberg, skyrocketed to fame, selling over 70 million records worldwide. Their catchy tunes, synchronized dance moves, and boyish charm made them a global sensation. But what has become of these five young men who once ruled the pop charts? Where are they now, and what have their lives looked like since the frenzy of NKOTB's peak?

Member Full Name Born Career Highlights Current Status Link
Jonathan Knight Jonathan Rashleigh Knight-Rodriguez November 29, 1968 Member of NKOTB, HGTV host ("Farmhouse Fixer") Continues to tour with NKOTB; hosts HGTV show; married to Harley Rodriguez. HGTV - Farmhouse Fixer
Jordan Knight Jordan Nathaniel Marcel Knight May 17, 1970 Member of NKOTB, Solo Artist ("Give It To You") Continues to perform with NKOTB and as a solo artist; has released several solo albums. Jordan Knight Official Website
Joey McIntyre Joseph Mulrey McIntyre December 31, 1972 Member of NKOTB, Actor ("Boston Public"), Solo Artist Active with NKOTB; has appeared in various stage productions and television shows. Joey McIntyre Official Website
Donnie Wahlberg Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr. August 17, 1969 Member of NKOTB, Actor ("Blue Bloods"), Producer Stars in the CBS drama "Blue Bloods"; married to Jenny McCarthy. Active with NKOTB. IMDB - Donnie Wahlberg
Danny Wood Daniel William Wood May 14, 1969 Member of NKOTB, Singer/Songwriter Continues to perform with NKOTB; an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast and is active as founder of the Remembering Betty Foundation. Remembering Betty Foundation

The New Kids on the Block story is one of meteoric rise. In 1984, at the age of 15, the boys, were brought together in Boston, and under the guidance of Maurice Starr, they quickly rose to stardom. Hits like "Please Don't Go Girl" and "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" dominated the airwaves, their music videos were constantly on MTV, and their concerts were filled with screaming fans. Their success was undeniable, garnering them an American Music Award in January 1990 for "Best Pop Group" and "Best Pop Album." They had many hit songs in the 1980s and 1990s, selling millions of records and touring the world. This iconic boy band not only shaped the pop music landscape but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans around the world. Their music was a soundtrack for a generation, and the band became one of the most popular acts in the United States and at this time the band was taking the world step by step.

The group's success wasn't just measured in record sales; it was also reflected in their impact on popular culture. They were the blueprint for the boy band craze that followed, influencing groups like NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees. Before Gen Z went bonkers for BTS, or millennials melted down over Backstreet Boys, there was New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). For almost a decade, the boy bandcomprised of five unknown kids from the Boston areadefined the pop culture zeitgeist. They were on the covers of every teen magazine, and their concerts were legendary. A ppv special was even filmed at the Florida Suncoast Dome during NKOTB's 1990 Magic Summer Tour in St. Petersburg, Florida on August 11, 1990 and the concert special filmed at Walt Disney World's Disney MGM Studios titled "Wildest Dreams" (1991) was another testament to their widespread appeal.

However, the pressures of fame, creative differences, and the changing music landscape led to the group's eventual disbandment in 1994. The group went their separate ways, pursuing individual projects and personal lives. Jonathan Knight was the first to exit in 1994 prior to its official split. Five years after NKOTB disbanded, Danny Wood's beloved mother, Betty Wood, passed away from breast cancer at the age of 55. "So, she had a rough two years of treatment," Wood told ET in 2018.

The announcement of a comeback in 2007, however, was met with excitement and anticipation from fans worldwide. The boys, now men, reunited, proving that their connection to each other and their fans was stronger than ever. They had matured, both as individuals and as artists. The CD, which features appearances from tour mate D.J. Jazzy Jeff as well as a collaboration with fellow 80s/90s star Taylor Dayne, is the most mature album weve ever made, yet its the most fun and most comfortable album weve ever made, Wahlberg shared when the new kids on the block members recently visited Kelly Clarkson on her daytime talk show.

Today, the New Kids on the Block are still a force to be reckoned with. They continue to tour, perform, and release new music, demonstrating their enduring appeal. They are slated to perform 16 shows in 2025 at the Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. These shows are scheduled for June 20th, 21st, 25th, 27th, 28th, July 2nd, 3rd, 5th, November 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th, and 15th.

Donnie Wahlberg has carved a successful career in acting, notably starring in the CBS drama series "Blue Bloods." He is also known for his roles in films such as Saw films, Zookeeper (2011), Dreamcatcher (2003), The Sixth Sense (1999), Righteous Kill (2008), and Ransom (1996). In his personal life, he married actress and TV personality Jenny McCarthy on August 31, 2014, outside of Chicago, as reported by E!News. He remains an active member of NKOTB and is constantly connected with the fans.

Jordan Knight continues to share his musical talent with the world, through music and he is best known for being a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. He continues to release solo albums and tour with NKOTB. His falsetto vocals were a signature element of NKOTB's sound, influencing pop music for years to come. Joey McIntyre has also balanced his music career with acting, appearing in various stage productions and television shows. He also continues to be an active member of NKOTB.

Danny Wood remains a vibrant and creative force, and he is also an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, influencer, and founder of the Remembering Betty Foundation. As a solo artist, he continues to create music, and his dedication to the Remembering Betty Foundation shows his commitment to giving back to his community. He has also maintained his close friendship with Donnie Wahlberg since they were children growing up in Boston.

Jonathan Knight, after leaving the band in 1994, has remained largely out of the public eye, returning to the group when they reunited in 2008. He has also found success as a television personality, hosting HGTV's "Farmhouse Fixer." He is also the oldest member of the band and the first to exit in 1994 prior to its official split.

The New Kids on the Block's influence extends beyond just their music. They were pioneers in the boy band phenomenon, paving the way for groups like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. Their success at a young age had its own challenges. "We became so successful at such a young age, and theres no script," they said. They also showed the blueprint for creating a strong connection with their fan base, often engaging in fan clubs and fan interactions. They were on top of the charts, from 11.19.88 with 3 weeks at No. 3 and the song "I'll be loving you (forever)" to 04.01.89 with 1 week at No. 1, and "Didn't I (blow your mind)" .

The legacy of New Kids on the Block is not just about chart-topping hits and screaming fans. They were a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. They are still releasing new music, with their upcoming album titled "Still Kids," demonstrating their enduring appeal and relevance. Catch up with the boys who've got the right stuff. They have been a household name since their rise to fame in the late 1980s and are the prototype for other boy bands like NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees.

New Kids on the Block The Evolution of Boy Bands POPSUGAR

New Kids on the Block The Evolution of Boy Bands POPSUGAR

Then and Now NKOTB New kids on the block, New kids, Joey mcintyre

Then and Now NKOTB New kids on the block, New kids, Joey mcintyre

New Kids on the Block / NKOTB / THEN AND NOW 2021 YouTube

New Kids on the Block / NKOTB / THEN AND NOW 2021 YouTube

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