When New Kids on the Block rolled into Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center in June 2024, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The boy band that defined a generation of pop fans in the late ’80s and early ’90s has long since crossed over into legacy territory, but they don’t just rest on nostalgia. If anything, their live show proves that they’ve mastered the art of balancing the old and the new, the guilty pleasures and the heartfelt ballads, the slick choreography and the off-the-cuff moments that keep it feeling spontaneous.
This was a summer night tailor-made for a pop spectacle. The crowd was overwhelmingly filled with longtime fans—most of whom grew up with Hangin’ Tough and Step by Step posters on their bedroom walls—but there was also a surprising number of younger faces. It’s a testament to how NKOTB have evolved from a teen phenomenon into a multi-generational pop institution. And while the stage production was polished, the banter loose, and the choreography tight, the one thing that carried the entire show was the undeniable chemistry between Donnie, Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, and Danny.
Setting the Tone: The Openers
The show kicked off with “Magic,” and it lived up to the title. There’s no easing into an NKOTB set—they launch right in with coordinated moves, flashing lights, and an instant singalong. “Summer Love” followed, keeping the warm-season energy alive, and by the time “My Favorite Girl” and “Cover Girl” rolled out, the nostalgia had fully kicked in. These early numbers reminded everyone that this was as much about reliving memories as it was about celebrating NKOTB’s staying power.
“Dirty Dancing” and “Summertime” added to that vibe, with the guys strutting across the stage like they’d found the fountain of youth. Donnie Wahlberg, in particular, worked the crowd with his usual mix of charm and playfulness. It was clear early on: this wasn’t just a concert, it was a reunion—between the band and their fans, between past and present.
The Right Stuff
One of the biggest eruptions of the night came when the extended video intro for “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” began playing. It was like the entire venue had been waiting for this exact moment. When the guys hit the stage again in their signature formation, complete with the classic “oh-oh-oh-oh-oh” moves, it was pandemonium. It’s one of those songs that instantly transports people back to the late ’80s, and yet it still works live without feeling dated.
“Remix (I Like The)” brought things back into the modern era, proving that NKOTB can still craft songs that feel fresh and fun. Then came “Block Party,” which took things to another level by moving the guys out into mini-stages in the crowd. Fans in the back who thought they’d only be watching from afar suddenly had Donnie or Jordan just a few feet away. It was a brilliant move—literal and figurative—to break down the distance between the band and their audience.
They kept that momentum going with “Tonight,” also performed from the mini-stages. That song has always been a fan favorite because it feels like an anthem directly to the audience, and performing it while surrounded by fans amplified that intimacy.
Solo Spotlights and Quick Changes
Part of what made this tour special was how it gave each member moments to shine. A playful “Quick Change Cam” bit set up “Are You Down?” and brought plenty of laughs, while Joey McIntyre stepped into the spotlight with “Where Do I Go From Here?” and “Treat Me Right.” Sitting at the piano for the former, Joey reminded everyone that beneath all the choreography and flash, NKOTB has always had real vocal talent.
“Call It What You Want” brought the group back together before another medley—“Popsicle / Games / This Is How We Do It”—turned Riverbend into one massive dance floor. It wasn’t just the nostalgia factor; it was the energy of seeing these guys still hitting harmonies, trading lines, and working the stage with the enthusiasm of performers half their age.
Donnie Wahlberg took his turn with a passionate version of “Stay With Me Baby,” showing off his grit, while Jordan Knight soared with “Baby, I Believe in You.” Jordan’s falsetto remains one of NKOTB’s secret weapons, and hearing him nail those notes decades later felt almost surreal.
The solos kept coming: Joey returned with “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” which morphed into a surprise snippet of Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City.” It was one of those mash-ups that could have felt gimmicky, but Joey leaned into it and made it work. Jonathan Knight had his moment with “Happy Birthday,” a lighter, more playful interlude, while the group regrouped for the classic ballad “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” mixed with “Valentine Girl.”
Of course, no NKOTB show is complete without “Please Don’t Go Girl,” and when Joey sang it, you could hear just how much the song still resonates. The entire venue was singing every word, some with tears in their eyes, proof of how much this music has meant over the years.
A Party with DJ Jazzy Jeff
If there was a turning point in the night, it was when DJ Jazzy Jeff hit the stage. Suddenly, the concert turned into a full-on block party. “Get Down” had everyone moving, and then the band rolled into a mega-medley of “Dance With You / A Love Like This / In the Night / Long Time Coming.” It was high-energy, joyous, and perfectly suited for a summer night.
But the real surprise came when they teamed with Jazzy Jeff for a cover of “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. That song is already one of the ultimate summer jams, and seeing NKOTB lean into it, backed by the man himself, was a thrill. It was a rare moment that felt like a true collaboration rather than just a guest spot. The crowd went ballistic, and it was one of the highlights of the entire show.
The Home Stretch
By the time “Kids” rolled out, the energy had reached its peak. That song has always been a bridge between eras, and live it felt anthemic. Then came the ballad every fan was waiting for: “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever).” Jordan once again carried the high notes, and the harmonies were spot-on. Couples in the crowd swayed, longtime fans sang it arm-in-arm, and it felt like the emotional core of the evening.
The encore sealed the deal. “Step by Step” was pure joy, with the crowd dancing like it was 1990 all over again. Then “Hangin’ Tough” fused with Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” creating a mash-up that was equal parts nostalgia and arena-rock power. And finally, “Better Days” brought the night to a close with a hopeful, uplifting message. It wasn’t just about reliving the past—it was about looking forward, too.
The Setlist in Full
Here’s the full setlist from NKOTB at Riverbend Music Center, June 2024:
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Magic
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Summer Love
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My Favorite Girl
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Cover Girl
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Dirty Dancing
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Summertime
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You Got It (The Right Stuff) (Extended Video Intro)
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Remix (I Like The)
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Block Party (Mini Stages in Crowd)
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Tonight (Mini Stages in Crowd)
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Are You Down? (Quick Change Cam)
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Where Do I Go From Here? (Joey Piano Solo)
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Treat Me Right (Joey Solo)
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Call It What You Want
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Popsicle / Games / This Is How We Do It
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Stay With Me Baby (Donnie Solo)
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Baby, I Believe in You (Jordan Solo)
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Never Gonna Fall in Love Again / Paradise City
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Happy Birthday (Jonathan Solo)
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Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) / Valentine Girl
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Please Don’t Go Girl
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Get Down (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
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Dance With You / A Love Like This / In the Night / Long Time Coming
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Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince cover) (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
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Kids
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I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
Encore:
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Step by Step
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Hangin’ Tough / We Will Rock You
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Better Days
Final Thoughts
New Kids on the Block at Riverbend Music Center wasn’t just a concert—it was a communal experience. Yes, it was heavy on nostalgia, but it never felt like they were stuck in the past. The solos, the medleys, the covers, and the collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff kept it fresh. The setlist was smartly structured to give everyone their moment while still delivering the hits that fans came to hear.
What made the night special wasn’t just the music—it was the connection. Donnie, Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, and Danny all made a point to engage with the crowd, crack jokes, and make it feel less like a big tour stop and more like an intimate party with old friends.
Thirty-plus years into their career, NKOTB are still proving why they matter. They may not be the “new kids” anymore, but they’re still masters of the pop spectacle. Riverbend got a show that was equal parts throwback, celebration, and love letter to the fans who’ve stuck by them for decades. Walking out of the venue, it was hard not to feel like you’d just been part of something bigger than a concert—it felt like being welcomed back into the block party, where everyone’s invited, and the music never really stops.