New Kids on the Block Reunion?

Back in January, after years of inactivity, www.nkotb.com showed something different. There was footage of the New Kids on the Block in their heyday and a form to fill out for "exclusive info". Being as that I was a huge New Kids on the Block fan back when I was a preteen/teenager, and that I'd followed the band's breakup and then solo projects, I filled out the form.

On March 31^st, 2008 I received information I was delighted to hear: Tune into Friday's Today Show broadcast in order to find out what's going on with the former band. Since the band's breakup in 1994, 14 years ago, fans have been waiting for this event. Today, according to CNN.com, 20 years after the release of "Hanging Tough", my favorite boy band will be releasing a new album and going on tour. In a People.com video, the five boys - no - MEN are reunited and talk about their plans.

While this is very exciting news for fans old and new, what are the chances of New Kids on the Block pulling the reunion off? In 2007, The Police, The Spice Girls, and Rage Against the Machine all pulled off reunions. Even Menudo experienced a "comeback" of sorts in 2007 under new management and with a new tour. It would seem, then, at least on some level that nostalgia really is king when it comes to the music groups of the past.

The police began their reunion tour in Vancouver on May 28^th of last year. This tour continues this year with world tour dates listed at www.policereuniontour.com. My personal favorites by the Police included "Every Breath you Take" and "Wrapped Around Your Finger".

The Spice Girls went on a brief world tour from December 2007 until the end of January this year. On their website, the girls left a message thanking their fans for making their reunion amazing.

Rage Against the Machine had split up back in 2000 after the release of their fourth album. In January 2007, rumors for Rage Against the Machine were flying and also were founded in a reunion tour. This tour is continuing with dates listed on their website.

Menudo, always reinventing itself with a stock of young men, has been doing quite well for itself over time. Think American Idol and Making the Band before reality TV. Menudo is almost more like a brand name than a band - replacing its members as they grow up and pursue their own careers. They have released a new album and, naturally, have an accompanying tour.

Personally, I'm waking up early tomorrow to catch NKOTB on the Today Show. I'm struck by curiosity to see what they have to say. The reunion of Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood has caught a lot of interest, with many people on MySpace.com buzzing about it. During their 1990's concerts, the announcer would ask the audience "Are you ready? Are you ready for Jonathan? Are you ready for Donnie? Are you ready for Jordan? What about Joe? What about Danny?" My answer, as a grown woman living in 2008 long after I've taken the posters off my walls is "Yes, I certainly am. Let's see what you guys do!"