Greenville, SC (7/6/22) – Well now that Covid is over (we can say that right) we can get back to partying. That’s exactly what G-Vegas, as the locals call it, did tonight. New Kids On The Block have revamped their successful 2019 Mixtape Tour for 2022. As fans filled the venue they were met with a dance party vibe provided by the Illtown Sluggaz who gave the audience a hype playlist of classic 80’s songs. All around the venue there were flashes of bright neon colored and sparkled clothing as fans grooved to the music.
I have to say this was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve been too. It’s not your typical concert. With two stages all of the nights acts took spots on the main stage and the smaller center stage giving the whole venue equal opportunity to see them. NKOTB actually starts the show off and has several mini sets through out the evening. As they take breaks for outfit changes the nights other artists are featured.
EnVogue would remind us all to be color blind and “Free Your Mind” before the crowd would get “Rick Rolled” as Rick Astley had the crowd singing along to “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Salt N Pepa reminded everyone to “Shake Your Thing” as they danced along to “Let’s Talk About Sex.”
Their would be a few collaborations as well with EnVogue joining Salt N Pepa for a rendition of “Whatta Man” and Donnie Walhburg would join them for “Shoop.” At the close of the show all artists took to the stage at once for a huge sing along finale.
Intermingled between featured artists moments the boy band sensation known as New Kids On The Block had mothers and daughters in a frenzy. The five guys known as Donnie, Joey, Jordan, Danny and Jonathan had everyone “Hangin’ Tough” as they took us “Step By Step” through a set list of their massive hits. From “You Got The Right Stuff” to “Cover Girl” to “Dirty Dancing.” The group featured a few 80’s medleys of some of their favorite cover songs such as “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Return of the Mack,” “Poison” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”
Amongst giving those in attendance an abundance of hit songs I have to complement them on being the most crowd interactive group I’ve ever seen. The guys could not stay on stage and that meant great things for the fans. Each member took multiple moments to make personal connections with fans taking selfies, videoing sing-alongs and dancing in the aisles. These moments were not just limited to those up close in a pit area of floor access only. The members of NKOTB climbed on to and over the boundary walls of floor seating to join those in the lower bowl as well.
I’m typically a rock and roll guy but photography brings me to shows of all genres and I have to say this is one of the highest energy, fun time shows I’ve ever been too. The appreciation these guys have for their fans and the amount they give back to the crowd during their show is unmatched. If you missed tonight’s event you can catch the show on July 12th up in Charlotte, NC at the Spectrum Center.
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Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
