NKOTB 4-ever!

Last Friday after work, I decided to go to the Mall of America to exchange some jeans. (Side note for those of you not from around here: the MOA truely is a gigantic mall, but for most of us, it's very normal now. This is actually where I do most of my shopping.) My friend, Tarin, and her husband, Greg, happened to also be at the mall, so I met them on my way in. They were on their way out and mentioned that apparently the New Kids on the Block were about to do a free concert in the main rotunda. "Really?" I asked, "The New Kids?" T & G were clearly not feeling the New Kids vibe and quickly left the mall.



I proceeded to The Buckle for my exchange. My course took me through the rotunda, where I found literally hundreds of 30ish-aged women (and some men) with cameras and shopping bags. I found it to be pretty funny, that so many people had stopped their activities to sneak a peak at THE boyband of the '80s. I found my way through the crowd, while texting Anne & Hope "NKOTB @ MOA right now!" Hope didn't respond, but Anne - of course - sent me an immediate text "R U there? Take pictures! U R so lucky!" As much fun as I was having with it, her excitement (as usual) got me going. After all, I can say without a doubt that I would not be going to their concert in October if she hadn't been so excited about it. I can also say that it was her enthusiasm that made it so much fun to still listen and dance to "Hangin' Tough" and "Please Don't Go Girl" well into high school (and really, to this day).



I decided at that point that I needed to document this event for her, myself, and all of you out there who only WISH you could have gotten this close. Okay, so I wasn't that close. They weren't even on stage yet, and it was tough to even see around all of the Gen-Xers packed around the stage. But I would sure try.

view of the crowd in the rotunda

I exchanged my jeans, and checked out the situation. I noticed that there was a path around the rotunda that security was keeping clear, and that the escalators were still in use. From the escalators you could get a clear view of the stage above the crowd, but it was only a short glimpse. I also noticed that a small crowd had gathered near an entrance, so I went to check it out. I soon realized that this must be where the boys would enter the performance. There was a curtained-off area, and a roped-off path that was being heavily guarded. Everyone hanging out had their cameras and cell phones ready to snap pictures as soon as they came out. As silly as I found this to be, I immediately followed suit and waited in anticipation. As I stood there, people entered the mall in much the same way I did, with no purpose other than to shop. As they came in and saw the crowd, they'd stop to ask what was going on and I would tell them about the NKOTB show. The common reaction was the same as mine "What? The New Kids?" and a little snicker. But then seeing that I was among those waiting patiently with my camera ready, they'd let out a little grin and hang out themselves for while, trying to catch a glimpse.

Finally, they did emerge from behind the curtain, although I didn't get much of a shot.

Once they took the stage, I made my way to a second-floor balcony, behind the others who actually had purchased or won passes that earned them their right to a railing view. I was able to catch some photos, zoomed in, between 30-year-old butts and legs, above shopping bags, and through the glass railing. Here they are for your enjoyment!!

Donnie (he's my favorite, so he gets two pictures)

Joe

Jordan

Group shots

And my favorite: Joe, pointing to Donnie's butt as he shows the audience.

As you can imagine, the crowd went wild!

As I crouched and leaned to get my photos, I giggled to myself as I realized how much of a fun flashback this was. As soon as one of the boys would dance or saunter into my viewfinder, I'd feel a rush of girliness and the feeling I used to get watching the "Hangin' Tough" VHS video compilation tape. Donnie teasing to take of his leather jacket, or that cute smile from Joe. Ugh - melting! Thanks, Donnie, Danny, Joe, Jon, and Jordan, for that trip down memory lane. See you in October!!

And, to make this flashback complete, the neon Reebok high-tops

I saw at a shoe store after my adventure.