NKOTB's Triple Threat: Vegas, Album Reissue, and More Surprises

Mia Reynolds, 4/25/2025NKOTB is making waves with their 35th-anniversary reissue of "Step by Step," a dynamic Vegas residency, and a unique collaboration with the Calm app. Fans can expect never-before-heard tracks, an immersive fan experience, and unforgettable after-parties, proving the band is still evolving.

Remember "Step by Step"? That game-changing album from 1990 is getting the royal treatment with a 35th-anniversary reissue. Landing June 13, this expanded edition promises to crack open the vault, serving up never-before-heard tracks and remixes that'll have fans feeling like teenagers all over again.

Danny Wood, speaking with the kind of perspective that only comes from decades in the spotlight, gets reflective about the album's significance. "Step by Step was really important to us as a band — then and now." Sure, "Hangin' Tough" might've been their rocket ship to teen idol stardom, but "Step by Step"? That was different. That was five Boston kids growing up in real-time, all while crafting some seriously catchy pop hooks.

The making of the album reads like a rock 'n' roll fairy tale gone slightly sideways. Jordan Knight paints the picture: recording sessions squeezed into hotel rooms, vocals laid down backstage before shows, all while living in the eye of a fan-frenzy hurricane that'd give the Beatles a run for their money. "It was a wild time," he recalls, "but we were soaking up everything around us, learning about music on the fly."

Fast forward to 2025, and NKOTB isn't just riding the nostalgia wave — they're making fresh splashes. Their upcoming Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, cleverly dubbed "The Right Stuff," promises something beyond your typical greatest-hits showcase. Jonathan Knight can barely contain his enthusiasm: "Vegas is going to be insane... a little more upscale, definitely sexier, and the stage? Absolutely massive."

Behind the scenes, the show's taking shape through some serious collaborative effort. Jordan Knight recently camped out at Donnie Wahlberg's Chicago pad for three days, fine-tuning what he describes as "stringing together moments, like a movie." It's clear they're not just phoning this one in.

In an unexpected twist that somehow makes perfect sense, they're also venturing into the wellness space. "Step By Step To Sleep" — their collaboration with the Calm app — might sound like an odd fit at first glance. Even Jordan admits he initially thought it was "corny" before coming around to its charm.

The Vegas experience extends beyond the main stage, with Block-E's Clubhouse at Double Barrel Roadhouse set to become a fan paradise. Think NKOTB museum meets themed hangout spot, with the guys themselves promising to pop in regularly. "We always try to over-deliver," Danny Wood emphasizes, and honestly? Their track record backs that up.

Select shows will wrap with after-parties at On the Record Speakeasy, where Jordan swears they'll be "partying with the Blockheads like crazy" — because some things never change, even if the venues get fancier.

Watching NKOTB navigate this next chapter feels like catching up with old friends who've somehow managed to keep their magic intact. They're not just rehashing greatest hits or banking on nostalgia — they're crafting new memories, one step at a time. And somehow, that makes all the difference.

The New Kids on the Block just proved they're anything but old news. On their official day — a slice of pop culture history carved out by former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis back in '89 — the beloved boy band dropped an announcement that's got longtime "Blockheads" buzzing with excitement.Remember "Step by Step"? That game-changing album from 1990 is getting the royal treatment with a 35th-anniversary reissue. Landing June 13, this expanded edition promises to crack open the vault, serving up never-before-heard tracks and remixes that'll have fans feeling like teenagers all over again.Danny Wood, speaking with the kind of perspective that only comes from decades in the spotlight, gets reflective about the album's significance. "Step by Step was really important to us as a band — then and now." Sure, "Hangin' Tough" might've been their rocket ship to teen idol stardom, but "Step by Step"? That was different. That was five Boston kids growing up in real-time, all while crafting some seriously catchy pop hooks.The making of the album reads like a rock 'n' roll fairy tale gone slightly sideways. Jordan Knight paints the picture: recording sessions squeezed into hotel rooms, vocals laid down backstage before shows, all while living in the eye of a fan-frenzy hurricane that'd give the Beatles a run for their money. "It was a wild time," he recalls, "but we were soaking up everything around us, learning about music on the fly."Fast forward to 2025, and NKOTB isn't just riding the nostalgia wave — they're making fresh splashes. Their upcoming Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, cleverly dubbed "The Right Stuff," promises something beyond your typical greatest-hits showcase. Jonathan Knight can barely contain his enthusiasm: "Vegas is going to be insane... a little more upscale, definitely sexier, and the stage? Absolutely massive."Behind the scenes, the show's taking shape through some serious collaborative effort. Jordan Knight recently camped out at Donnie Wahlberg's Chicago pad for three days, fine-tuning what he describes as "stringing together moments, like a movie." It's clear they're not just phoning this one in.In an unexpected twist that somehow makes perfect sense, they're also venturing into the wellness space. "Step By Step To Sleep" — their collaboration with the Calm app — might sound like an odd fit at first glance. Even Jordan admits he initially thought it was "corny" before coming around to its charm.The Vegas experience extends beyond the main stage, with Block-E's Clubhouse at Double Barrel Roadhouse set to become a fan paradise. Think NKOTB museum meets themed hangout spot, with the guys themselves promising to pop in regularly. "We always try to over-deliver," Danny Wood emphasizes, and honestly? Their track record backs that up.Select shows will wrap with after-parties at On the Record Speakeasy, where Jordan swears they'll be "partying with the Blockheads like crazy" — because some things never change, even if the venues get fancier.Watching NKOTB navigate this next chapter feels like catching up with old friends who've somehow managed to keep their magic intact. They're not just rehashing greatest hits or banking on nostalgia — they're crafting new memories, one step at a time. And somehow, that makes all the difference.