New Kids on the Block Perform on Today Show: Do They Still Have "The Right Stuff"?

The Boston boys are back, now making ladies swoon. That's right, New Kids on the Block, the original boy band from the late 80's, performed again for the first time in 15 years on the Today Show. New Kids on the Block released their first album in 1986 and sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. After a 15 year break they have teamed up once again and released a new album and have concert dates scheduled for the fall of 2008. The question is, do they still have "The Right Stuff"?

Record breaking crows were drawn to Rockefeller Plaza on this rainy morning to watch New Kids on the Block perform. Some even camped out for 48 hours ahead of time. The crowd, many of whom appeared to be 30 something females, wore their N.K.O.T.B. buttons, waved posters, and screamed like school girls anticipating the performance. Finally, the sheet was dropped and Danny, Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, and Donny appeared, looking very clean cut and stylish in their white shirts and black suits. They still possess that boyish charm and charisma they did 15 years ago, but that is probably the only good quality they still retain.

As the New Kids on the Block performed a medley of their most popular songs including "Step by Step", "Hangin' Tough","Please Don't Go Girl", and "The Right Stuff" it sounded as if they had become tone deaf over the past 15 years. They then went on to sing "Summertime" a song on their new album and "Tonight" a song in which they reminisce about their past." Their dance moves, which were not great, were probably more entertaining than their singing. Although, they could have done without the scantly clad female dancers on stage.

After the New Kids on the Block performed Al Roker's comment was, "I think that went well?" During their interview with Matt Lauer and the gang N.K.O.T.B.revelaed that once they got back together "it was like riding a mountain bike." They elaborated that the recording was easier than the dance rehearsals. The group members also stated that this reunion is more about the fans than it is about them, which was evident based on the way they clearly played up to the crowd.

The New Kids on the Block reunion tour kicks off in their hometown of Boston and then moves on to Canada in September. One scheduled performance in Toronto has already been sold out. It will be interesting to see what kinds of crowds will be in attendance. One can envision a girls night out of nostalgic mother's in their 30's, maybe with their young daughters in tow. So although the New Kids on the Block may no longer have "The Right Stuff" vocally, they do have what it takes to take us back to a carefree time and put a smile on our face.