nkotb wrapped up
The past 24 hours have been a blur – a New Kids on the Block blur.
April and I left Asheville around 1:15, with plans of arriving in Charlotte by 3:30. The road trip was fun. For the most part, uneventful….right up until I saw the outlet center outside of Gafney, and I whipped across the interstate, cut off a tractor-trailer, all to get off on the exit so we could take a detour shopping break.
We both scored great jeans at the Gap outlet, by the way.
Made it to Charlotte around 4:30 and couldn’t believe our priceline luck on the hotel. Checked in, changed and got all prettied-up for the NKOTB boys. Took a few photos, and the hotel’s shuttle service drove us to the arena. We ended up at Brixx for dinner, and sat at the bar where we got mostly great service. Two cosmos and a pint of liquor later (I had a vodka and redbull, April had a blue motorcycle), we were on our way to the show…as was 90% of the people in the restaurant. Good thing we both had that much to drink. The crowd was a little much, and we wanted to check out merch before the show started.
I stopped myself short of buying a t-shirt (can we say Christmas gift, anyone?) but did end up with a tote bag š Love it.
The group came on around 9:15 – there were two opening acts, and I had only heard of one. April’s photos probably came out way better than mine, so I’m going to hold off on posting pics just yet. They sang everything – old songs and many off the new CD (which I just happen to love.) The crowd was crazy – lots and lots of women. Very few men.
Donnie was still as cocky as I had remembered him being. Jordan wasn’t so much cocky, but very much the womanizer…just like Britney’s song š His wikipedia page says he’s married. And his second child was born last year. Interesting… Danny didn’t say a whole lot, but did mention his mom at one point (she died after battling breast cancer 9 years ago.) Joey talked a lot. He’s still the sweeter personality of the group. And Jon? I’m still not quite sure if he’s ever sang a solo with that band. I wonder how his real estate career was going before this reunion tour?
This show ranked right up in my top 5 shows of all time. I was trying to think of the best show I’ve ever attended, and I think I need more time to think about it. That’ll be a post for a later date. But trust me…the show was that great. An overall great production, and I’m not usually one who goes for the over-produced concert experiences.
And Joey McIntyre continues to hold a special place in my heart, just as he did 20 years ago.
More to come…I need to get some sleep before my race tomorrow.