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NKOTB's retro/modern mash-up,
plus a dance/pop princess returns after 25 years

New Kids On The Block/ Paula Abdul/ Boyz II Men
Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, MI
May 13, 2017

New Kids On The Block

Paula Abdul

Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis

Ever since reuniting nearly ten years ago, the New Kids On The Block have stayed almost as active in the recording studio and on the road than the first time around. And their unceasing streak of packed-to-the-rafters shows kept right on coming during opening weekend of "The Total Package" Tour at the Van Andel Arena, which found the headliners flanked by the highly-anticipated return of dance/pop princess Paula Abdul and some additional support from vocal troupe Boyz II Men.

In fact, just a mere day before this particular concert, NKOTB released the brand new EP "Thankful," which helped further direct the set list towards a retro/modern mash-up, complete with snippets as wide reaching as EDM favorites Daft Punk to rap queens Salt-N-Pepa. From the original old school, "My Favorite Girl" popped up pretty early in the near two-hour performance, accompanied by some blustery confetti blasts that paved the way for some pyro and a round of "Dirty Dancing."

As the bubbly beats of "Tonight" began, the guys made a very brave voyage into the masses of screaming ladies, followed by a trip to a mini-stage in the back of the venue for some "Summertime" and "Games." Come "Cover Girl" back at home base, Donnie Wahlberg paraded around and atop piano engulfed in flames, while the more recent "The Whisper" scored a clever collision with The Isley Brothers' "Shout" and LMFAO and Lil Jon's "Shots."

Outside of the regulars, NKOTB dug crazy deep into their more than 80 million album-selling catalogue, including medleys from their school days, the often overlooked Christmas album (such as the seasonally neutral "This One's For The Children") through the fivesome's more mature R&B/rap/new jack swing experiments from "Face The Music." Yet it was the plethora of "Hangin' Tough" tunes that truly tore down the house with Joey McIntyre proudly belting out "Please Don't Go Girl" and Jordan Knight flexing his falsetto throughout "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" as extremely dedicated onlookers made sure to let him know the feeling was mutual.

Just prior to the Kids, one of the most famous artists from the '90s turned "American Idol" judge and perpetual TV star Paula Abdul came out of retirement for her first tour in exactly 25 years. Despite the ridiculously lengthy absence from a woman who once gave Janet Jackson a serious run for the "Rhythm Nation" and also influenced practically the entire Britney Spears generation, the physically fit 54-year-old effortlessly made it seem like she never took a break.

Her all too short but hit-stacked set knocked out all the biggies from "Forever Your Girl," plus a smidge from "Spellbound" (the enchanting "Rush Rush"), all while showcasing some killer choreography. Abdul also displayed repeated visual innovation with virtual reality-like screens, including an adorable recreation of her half human/half cartoon "Opposites Attract" music video in real time, and to close the comeback, dove head first off the top of a ladder into the hands of her athletic dancers as the awestruck audience roared.

R&B/pop trio Boyz II Men got the night started with key tracks from their "Cooleyhighharmony" and "II" best-sellers, plus shared NKOTB's trend of dusting off some rarities. Believe it or not, the guys never previously performed the Mariah Carey duet "One Sweet Day" on one of their own outings before this one, which alongside everything from "Motownphilly" to "End Of The Road," found their harmonies in tip top shape to enhance a true "Total Package."

New Kids On The Block, Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men appear in Rosemont, IL at the Allstate Arena on Jun. 15 and Jun. 16. For additional details, visit www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Van Andel Arena include Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (Jun. 15); Maxwell (Jun. 16); Red Hot Chili Peppers (Jun. 25); The Who (Jul. 25); Retro Futura: Howard Jones, The English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern English, Paul Young and Katrina (Aug. 1); Janet Jackson (Nov. 1) and Chris Stapleton (Nov. 4). For additional details, visit www.vanandelarena.com.