New Kids on the Block launch historic Las Vegas residency: “Vegas was ready for us”
After four decades in the music industry, New Kids on the Block made their long-awaited Las Vegas debut on Friday, June 20, 2025, launching “The Right Stuff” residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM with a high-energy performance that proved the legendary boy band still has the magic that made them global superstars.
Opening night delivers on 40 years of expectations
The sold-out crowd at Dolby Live – affectionately known as “Blockheads” – represented a diverse demographic spanning from elementary school age to grandparents, though predominantly featuring the middle-aged women who grew up with the band in the 1980s and 1990s. The two-hour performance showcased why NKOTB remains one of the most enduring acts in pop music history.
The comprehensive set list delivered fan favorites including “Cover Girl,” “Please Don’t Go Girl,” “I’ll Be Loving You Forever,” “Valentine Girl,” “Hangin’ Tough,” “The Right Stuff,” “Step by Step,” “Tonight,” “Summertime,” “The Whisper,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Remix (I Like The),” among others, spanning the group’s entire catalog from their 1986 debut through recent releases.
Vegas-exclusive production showcases Dolby Live’s capabilities
The residency format allowed New Kids on the Block to create spectacular production elements impossible on traditional tours. “There’s definitely some things we’re doing here that we could never do on a tour,” explained Danny Wood. “Being in this theater, it comes with a lot of benefits – there’s already built-in features in the rafters, the lights and sound are already built into the place, so you have things in this show that you would never out on a tour.”
The Las Vegas-exclusive show features innovative staging including a moving stage floor and five suspended platforms that elevate each band member high above the audience, ensuring optimal sightlines throughout the 5,000-capacity venue. The production incorporates archival footage and recreates iconic imagery from classic NKOTB music videos, including a subway train set piece and a white convertible that delivered the group to the stage for their encore.
In a particularly memorable moment referencing Jordan Knight’s solo hit “Give It to You,” the singer strapped himself into a Ferris wheel-style contraption that traveled back and forth above the stage during his performance, demonstrating the creative possibilities that the Vegas format provides.
Perfect timing for Las Vegas expansion
“The time was right because I think Vegas was ready for us, and they came knocking on our door,” said Donnie Wahlberg. The band’s decision to embrace a Las Vegas residency reflects both their career evolution and the city’s transformation into a premier entertainment destination that appeals to artists seeking creative control and audience intimacy.
Wahlberg explained the practical benefits of the residency format: “Five years ago, 10 years ago, we probably would have said, ‘No, we just came off a grueling outdoor summer tour on five tour buses that bounced around the road every single night.’ … [After we decided to do the residency], we then set out to create a very exclusive show that is made for Vegas.”
Fan interaction takes center stage
The opening night performance highlighted NKOTB’s legendary connection with their fanbase through extensive crowd interaction. Band members regularly ventured into the audience to shake hands and embrace fans, with Wahlberg notably giving a warm hug to a woman attending in a wedding gown.
The group’s appreciation for their dedicated following was evident throughout the show, with choreography specifically designed to ensure every audience member had optimal viewing opportunities. “No matter where you were sitting, you had a good view of at least one New Kid at any given time,” according to attendees.
Blockhead HQ: A Vegas experience beyond the show
New Kids on the Block have created an immersive fan experience extending beyond the concert itself. Blockhead HQ at Park MGM features exclusive merchandise, NKOTB photo opportunities, exhibits filled with iconic memorabilia, live entertainment, and NKOTB-themed food and beverages.
The space also includes “The Formless Beauty by Jenny McCarthy Pop-Up Experience: Fan Makeovers Live!” – a reference to Wahlberg’s wife – along with additional surprises for visiting fans. The overwhelming demand for Blockhead HQ has required reservations, with walk-up visitors being turned away due to capacity constraints.
Additionally, Wahlberg hosts “The Right Stuff Afterparty Experience” at the speakeasy/club On the Record inside Park MGM on select Saturday nights, providing another touchpoint for fan engagement.
Reflecting on four decades of success
The band members, now ranging in age from 52 to 56, took time during interviews to reflect on their remarkable longevity in an industry known for brief careers. “It’s a humbling question,” Wahlberg said when asked about their staying power. “First of all, the fans are the reason we’re still here. First and foremost, they keep showing up, we keep showing up.”
The group credits their working-class Boston upbringing, producer Maurice Starr’s vision, and their genuine appreciation for their opportunities. “We were all not dumb enough to know how lucky we were, and we haven’t messed it up,” noted Joey McIntyre.
Family legacy continues
The current phase of NKOTB’s career includes sharing their success with the next generation. Danny Wood expressed particular joy about performing for his grandchildren: “I got picture drawn for me today saying ‘good luck, Pop-Pop’ from my oldest granddaughter, who is 5. It’s in my dressing room. Now they’re understanding what I do and who these guys are.”
Wahlberg became emotional discussing how family members’ reactions to dress rehearsals validated their Vegas production: “I looked at Joey’s kids… I was like, shit, I think we did it. I think we nailed that, and that’s our reference.”
Beyond music: Individual pursuits
The band members have maintained diverse careers outside NKOTB, with Jonathan Knight achieving recognition through HGTV home renovation shows alongside brother Jordan. “Dudes are stopping me, saying, ‘Man, I love your brother’s show. How did he put that frame in the doorway?'” Jordan Knight shared about fan interactions at Home Depot.
This diversification has kept the group members engaged in different creative pursuits while maintaining their collective musical identity.
The right stuff residency schedule
The Las Vegas residency runs through multiple blocks: June 20-July 5 and November 1-15, 2025, and February 14-28, 2026, totaling 24 performances. The extended format allows the group to settle into Las Vegas while providing fans multiple opportunities to experience the show.
Pre-show nerves and opening night success
Despite their decades of experience, opening night still brought familiar pre-performance anxiety. Jonathan Knight admitted to nervousness while demonstrating slightly shaking hands, saying, “I’m nervous, but that’s normal for me. You know, I’ll probably miss the first 10 steps and maybe fall down the stairs, but I’ll get back up and look over at these guys.”
Fortunately, Jonathan didn’t fall, and the fans’ enthusiastic response confirmed that New Kids on the Block’s Las Vegas debut exceeded expectations.
Las Vegas entertainment legacy continues
The successful launch of “The Right Stuff” residency adds another chapter to Las Vegas’s storied entertainment history while demonstrating the city’s continued evolution as a destination for diverse musical acts. NKOTB joins an elite roster of artists who have found creative fulfillment and commercial success through Las Vegas residencies.
The opening night success suggests that New Kids on the Block’s Las Vegas adventure will provide both nostalgic satisfaction for longtime fans and new opportunities to reach audiences discovering their music for the first time in the entertainment capital of the world.
Category: Nightlife, Culture
Subcategory: Entertainment
Date: 06/24/2025
