NKOTB - Trip to KC - Part 4 - The SHOW!

(FYI, there are links, photos and embedded videos throughout this blog. Please make sure to interact as much as possible for the FULL NKOTB experience!)

Are you ready? Are you kidding me?!

HELL YES! We've been ready for 14 years - what kind of crazy ass question is THAT?!

Within seconds, the stage lifted and our five boys (yes, we counted..RiceChex and I have ridden THAT sad little rodeo before!) appeared. Tears!! Screams! Tears! Shrieks! Tears! Gasps for breath! Tears! Pounding on Silly's shoulder! Tears! Tears! Tears!

There they were!!!!! Flesh and blood and sounding like angels!

They began the show with a montage of Single, My Favorite Girl and You Got It (The Right Stuff). I don't know what I expected, but whatever I had in my mind was blown away. I remember watching videos of Elvis...the Beatles...hell, even these guys in the Old School days and thinking "My God, look at those idiots screaming and crying. What the hell??"

I get it now. I totally get it.

Didn't I Blow Your Mind and Valentine Girl sent us all into hysterics as we realized that our BOYS had indeed become men with their grabbing and thrusty. Sweet Jesus, Joseph and Mary, they were like orgasms on a stick!

Age has been kind to our boys, that's for sure. Deeper voices, sexier moves and the fact that *THEY are in control of the show now is apparent in every single step. Every single note. Every single breath they take. They OWN the stage. There's no question about it.

Please, Don't Go Girl brought me to tears again - Joe's voice as a pre-pubescent teenager was crystal....as an adult, he's diamond. Every note. Every time. Pure heaven. If there was ever a song I wish Joe would re-record, it's this one. He oozes sexy from every pore when he croons this little numbah. *sigh*

Next came Grown Man and No More Games which led to Danny breakdancing and If You Go Away. At the end of "If You Go Away" there was a tribute to people who've passed away - people who influenced them and their music, celebrities they were close to and finally those who were part of the NKOTB family. This video has the full clip of the tribute. RiceChex and I were literally sobbing by the time this song finished. Thank God I packed Kleenex in my purse.

Kimmi made the comment later about how amazed she was at the audience participation. She'd never been to a concert where EVERY single person was involved in the show to the extent the NK's fans were. This gives a quick glimpse into what she meant:

The guys then surprised us with a second stage at the back of the venue. Dirty Dancing started out the show on Stage B, followed by 2 in the Morning and Tonight, which finished on the main stage after they drove the crowd wild by skimming up the side aisle.

Twisted came next, which happens to be my favorite and what I consider to be my theme song. What can I say...there were X-rated thoughts flying through my head as I watched Joe perform that little sucker!!

Jordan teased us into oblivion with Baby, I Believe in You - good lord! It's astonishing to me that his body is STILL in that good a shape after all these years. And let's just say the man can still do "THRUST" like nobody's business! He followed it up with his solo, Give it to You.

Joe sweetened the pot with Stay the Same and even brought in a choir. Silly said she closed her eyes throughout the whole song and just listened. It really was an amazing performance. I always did love the song, but the choir just added that much more to it. *swoon*

Not to be left out, Donnie wooed the ladies with Cover Girl, sending women over the edge with a striptease-esque booty shake to end all booty shakes. I admit, I was writhing in ecstasy agony.

The one song that absolutely brought me to a sobbing mess, though, was I'll Be Loving You (Forever). Twenty years and it still gets to me. It was the song that got my attention in 1988 and it still brings me to my knees today.

Click, Click, Click definitely brought some excitement. The song itself didn't really impress me the first few times I heard it, but as a photographer and as I got over the whole "sex" thing they were going for on "the Block", I quickly swung the other way and as it turns out, I LOVE THIS SONG! The guys end the song with a "Pose Off" and it brought laughter and confusion from the crowd. It wasn't until we got back to the hotel and went through the pictures that we truly realized where Jordan had gone during the Pose Off. Sneaky little shit.

Silly, RiceChex and myself were TOTALLY enthralled!!

Next came Summertime! This was the song that really caught my attention when it was first released. It was the first video they made when they came back and it really struck a familiar chord in all of us. I don't think there was a single girl there who didn't sing along. LOVED it! Donnie took the mic for a bit and made sure to address the hubbies, too. Can't leave them out!

The first encore was Step by Step - I'd almost forgotten that they hadn't done it yet. I knew Hangin' Tough was still to come, but Step by Step had slipped my mind. How the hell did THAT happen?!!

And, no NKOTB concert would be complete without a little HANGIN' TOUGH!!! They topped off the show with some old Queen. Gotta love Jordan's little "Mud on yo face, a big disgrace, blah da mah dah bah...place."

I know this blog sounds more like a recap than an experience, but it is only because I truly lack words to accurately describe the emotions I was feeling without coming off like a crazed lunatic. What words come to mind?

Euphoric.
Nostalgic.
Reminiscing.
Amazing.
Unbelievable.
Astounding.
Paralyzing.
Heart-wrenching.
Overwhelming.
Orgasmic.

The-single-most-awesome-experience-of-my-whole-fucking-life.

Yeah. That's it. That sums it up right there.


(All the photos and video clips embedded on this blog were ones I shot. The linked video clips were found on YouTube and took place at our show in KC with the exceptions of Single, Favorite Girl & You Got It (the Right Stuff) which came from their VH-1 Boxed set, Twisted, which was from the Montreal show and the second clip of "If You Go Away" which came from their Boston show.)

In regards to the newsflash that destroyed my life yesterday:

Donnie squelched the rumors this afternoon and Robo is consequentially at the very TOP of my shit list now. You better sleep with one eye open, buddy!! ;)

Here's Donnie's blog putting the rumor to rest:
Happy Holidays from DONNIE

We interrupt your program to bring you the following news bulletin:

I'm sitting here tonight evaluating the psychosis that has become my life. In that self-evaluation, I've learned that I'm beyond fucked up. My priorities are so screwed up and the worst part?? I don't care. I don't want to fix them.

For those who know me, you know I'm a huge New Kids on the Block fan. I have been for 20 years and I will be forever. I'm part of numerous websites and follow the guys lives pretty closely. I haven't met any of them, but recently came close at a reunion concert in Kansas City in November.

On one of the fan sites today, a woman posted about how she got some "face time" (got to meet them) with Donnie Wahlberg for the second week in a row on the set of Bunker Hill in Boston. This was what she wrote:

"Ok Divas, you're all gonna think I'm crazy but I just got back from getting more facetime with Donnie (and Robo too)!!!

I met my girl Phyllis in East Boston and we got to meet Donnie and get pics with him. We talked with Robo for a good 20 minutes too. He gave me a cup of tea he had bought for Donnie. Walked over and handed it to me. I said "what's this?" and Robo said e had gotten it for Donnie but someone else got him one first. Donnie asked Robo if there were any fans outside and said to give it to one of us because we were probably freezing. So Robo gave it to me!

I'm pretty sure I'm just completely insane! I was literally in and out, it was real quick this time, not too much waiting around. Robo confirmed a summer tour but then said that would be the end of the New Kids :( He was soooo sweet, gave us lots of info and kept coming back over to us. Donnie looked exhausted but was nice enough to pose for pics again. As he was walking across the street to us he wouldn't take his eyes off me. I think the wheels were spinning and he was thinking, "didn't I just see this girl", lol! I smiled at him though and he just smiled back. As I was getting my pic (which Robo took) I said to Donnie, "Look Robo is so sweet he gave me your tea." To which Donnie replied, "Well what are you gonna do with it?" I just laughed and sarcastically said "I'm drinking it Donnie Wahlberg, what do you think I'm gonna do with it?" He just laughed back and said alright!"

THE END OF THE NEW KIDS?!?!?!?!?!?!

I've dealt with a lot of losses in my life: both my parents, a child, my best friend, numerous relatives and acquaintances....but I haven't felt this heartbroken in a VERY long time.

Speaking rationally*, how much sense does it make to take the time, energy and resources to reunite a group THIS big with this huge of a following only to have them stick around a year?? 500,000 people paid for tickets to their shows on their three month tour. I can't speak for everyone, but my tickets alone cost $80 each. That's not counting the $375 5* seats that covered the first ten rows for each show.

And think about what this will do to ALL the fans, not just me. We have waited over sixteen years for this to happen...we've been swept back out to sea with their music, their talent, their charm, their devotion and love for us. Are they going to walk away again?

If this does turn out to be true, I will have lost some major respect for these guys. Nobody who loves their fans would do this to them. Not now. Not ever.

If you'll excuse me now, I'm going to go back into my little box and not going to pay attention to these HORRIBLE vicious rumors!!

And God bless my friends on the forums who WEREN'T part of that horrific thread that tore my life apart....they posted these for me:

- yes, I know how dangerous of a word "rational" can be for someone in my state of mind, but I promise you, this is NOT the psychosis talking

NKOTB - Trip to KC - Part 3

Those of you without obsessive/addictive personalities may find difficulty understanding this next part of the trip. Humor me anyway.

With having had nearly 20 years go by since our last NKOTB concert, things have changed. Instead of just flooding the stadium, we now have to be individually searched & monitored as we enter the venue. Metal detectors & bag searches add an edge to the concert that we didn't experience as teenagers. Fortunately the security personnel have the job down to an art and it didn't take more than a few seconds to pass through without problems. Rice Chex & Silly headed to the merchandise counter and since I was anxious to see our seats and really didn't have the cash to spend on tshirts, I headed to our seats. I swear to you, I heard trumpets and harps as I passed through the black curtain into the main arena. Even the air seemed lighter.

There it was. The stage.

In an instant, I retreated to 16 again. Husbands and kids were suddenly a thing of the past and I was a carefree bachelorette! I found my heart rate rising and excitement began to pulse through my body...I could not WAIT for showtime! It wasn't long before the girls joined me - section 107, row 23. Just to our left was the jumbotron. They were playing constant ads for texting into the guys at a chance to win backstage passes, front row, etc. We texted in a few good ones: "Joey, honey, you left your keys on my nightstand, xoxo." "I got a bikini wax for tonight, I DESERVE front row!" and of course, shoutouts to mah girl "Happy birthday, RiceChex!". Conversations were struck with those sitting around us. We discovered how much the girls in front of us enjoyed it when other people fell. The girls behind us were amused by the trashy girls in the restroom using the urinals to pee in. (Yes...I'm serious. I witnessed the classlessness myself)

The lights dimmed and the crowd went nuts as Lady Gaga (Lady Blah Blah, if you ask me) took the stage. Personally, I think she went shoplifting at Ikea and wore one of their lamps as a dress.
I was *not* impressed. Natasha Bedingfield wasn't too bad, but let's face it. We weren't there to see the girls.

Once Natasha left the stage...we knew it was just a matter of minutes before our 20 yr old dreams would come true.

(Part 4 coming soon!)

NKOTB - Trip to KC - Part 2

When we came back out of Californo's after dinner, there was a dusting of snow on the ground. Usually I'm not much for snow, but it really was pretty and since we didn't have to drive more than a couple blocks, we weren't too affected by it. We decided to partake in some stalking intel about the Plaza just in case the Guys decided to stay in KC Saturday night. We staked out Stahbucks (that's right...there's no "R" in Stahbucks) and the Intercontinental hotel, but it was much to our disappointment as we didn't have a single celebrity sighting. Motivated for Saturday, we drove back to the hotel and turned in for the night. RiceChex, bless her heart, was deafened by Silly's and my symphony of snore, so she ended up getting her own room about halfway through the night. I can't blame her.

Saturday came and so did breakfast. Omelet bar from hell in the basement. YUMMO!! I'm not much for omelets, but these were really good. Throw on some salsa and I was good to go. Breakfast, however, led to the disappearance of Silly's cell phone. She was certain she'd brought it down to breakfast with her, but I found it back in the room. Whew. Caper solved. I should'a been a Hardy Boy.

After breakfast, we got ready and headed to the Plaaaaahhhhhza - pronounced with a long ahhhhhh sound, of course, because that's the way we roll. We made a quick perusal through the shops and I danced with the Pen-wins (because we cool people don't pronounce the "G") in front of J Crew.
Next came Figlio's. Ahhhh, Figlio's. Rice Chex and I have fond memories of Figlio's from trips gone by. The pasta...the tiramisu...the atmosphere. Oh man, the atmosphere! There were these awesome black & white old Italy photographs that covered every wall of the restaurant. Rice Chex even found one that looked like her several years ago. Upon entering the restaurant, though, we noticed they'd updated the decor. We hoped this was the ONLY change, but unfortunately, it wasn't. The calimari that used to be to die-for had been diminished to a sad fraction of what it used to be. The breaded squid now sits in a bath of balsamic vinegar - GAG. The pasta wasn't bad, but it did leave a bit to be desired. All-in-all, I was NOT impressed with the changes and we let the waitress know. They say all things must change, but dammit, why'd it have to be Figlio's??!Fortunately our distress about Figlio's was quickly squashed by an hour of luxury at Massage Envy. We'd talked about having massages at our hotel, but at $80 a pop, we decided to find a cheaper alternative. In checking out the Plaza website, I found the link for this little gem. We weren't sure what to expect, since it is part of a chain, but we went in with high hopes and low expectations. How wonderfully we were surprised!!! Heated tables, low lighting and skilled massage therapists, we came out an hour later refreshed, rejuvenated and newly motivated to meet our Men!

We went back to the hotel and got ready for the show. Granted..it was only about 3, but we were determined to meet the guys. We headed to the Sprint center as soon as we were ready and after not seeing any sign of the guys and realizing we still had 90 minutes to kill before the doors opened, we decided to find some place to catch some dinner. Across from the Sprint Center is Kansas City's trendy new "Power & Light District"...there we found a great little Irish pub called Raglan's. After contemplating the mostly authentic Irish menu, we settled on an array of appetizers and Rice Chex ordered the Not-So-Clam Chowder. (Little tip: avoid the Daukey Sausages - picture vienna sausages with a bland batter and the chicken skewers were pretty nondescript, too. Ribs, however - HEAVENLY!!) A couple of drinks and the food and we were ready to party!!After dinner, we headed back across the street and got in line. Keep in mind the doors were set to open within about 15 mins...yet there were no crowded mobs of people - just cool, calm and collected small groups of women in their 20's and 30's (with a few of their moms and daughters thrown in to mix it up a bit). Where were the loud choruses of "Hangin' Tough" and "The Right Stuff?" Where were the shrieks of hysterics at the mention of our five fab from Boston? We were in the right place, right?? Guess things DO change. Getting old sucks. Anyway....we quickly made friends with the people around us in line and shared anecdotes of concerts past. We found ourselves quickly feeling not-so-old again. It was if time had indeed stood still. And if you listened carefully, you'd hear subdued little snippets of "Ohh oh oh oh oh" from the pockets of people strewn throughout the city block.

Ahh, we were home!

(stay tuned for part 3)

NKOTB - Trip to KC - Part 1

November 10th: The morning started out simply enough. CriSILLYus and I had pretty much packed the night before, so all we had left to do was grab last minute stuff, throw some food in the cooler and load the car.

I owe Silly a tube of meat, though. hehe.

Since Silly was figuring out the architecture of our luggage situation and her compact car, I figured I'd cut up the cheese and sausage she had in the fridge. I got about half-way done with the sausage and Rice Chex pulled up, so I went outside to greet her. I helped unload her car and into hers. Chatted for a bit as Silly finished loading the trunk then I came back in. The cooler had been moved and the sausage was gone, so I asked her if she'd packed things up. She said "No, why?" I replied with "Where'd the sausage go?" At that point in time, I caught the dog slinking
away with his tail between his legs. SONOFABITCH! The fucking dog at her sausage! Great way to start the trip, don't you agree?? LOL!

Well, we load what's left of the food and we're off! To QuikTrip. We top off the gas tank, grab some breakfast and we're off again! Yay!
Several dozen miles down the road (just inside Missouri) we stop again. Rice Chex and I have to pee, so we stop at Uncle Bob's gas station just off I-35. Quick pee and we're ready to go again. When we get back in the car, out of nowhere, Rice Chex pops up with this little diamond: "So here is something that disturbs me greatly...glass dildos?" This leads into a 20 minute discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of pyrex vs. silicone. Definitely interesting repertoir for the trip!


As we edge near Kansas City, our excitement begins to rise. And in our haste (and my bad memory) we end up going east on 70 instead of south on 35. After some very sketchy instincts kicked in, we did eventually find our way through the downtown area and discovered the Sprint Center.

We circled the joint about twelve times, argued about the hollowness of a particular corner as to whether buses could park in there and after unsuccessfully capturing the Boys on the billboard out front, we parked and I walked over to the sign to get my shot.


I hopped back in the car and we were off again. This time, despite our small turn-around south of downtown, we found Crown Center much more easily and spent the rest of the afternoon there. We drew pictures at the Crayola store, had lunch at A Streetcar Named Desire and perused the little shops before grabbing a custard and going to check in at the hotel.

A sampling of my art:


and Rice Chex with hers:
The hotel was amazing! We stayed at the Q in Westport and despite some issues with the key cards, we were HIGHLY impressed with it all. The only green hotel I've ever stayed at, but it was really awesome, except for the wall of ass in elevator one and the waify curtain of ass in elevator two. Gawd...what DIED?!

Our hotel offered us a free drink during social hour, so we each grabbed one, socialized a bit in the lobby and then headed off to dinner at Californo's, a little bistro just down the street from our hotel. I was skeptical about what they'd have that I would eat. I'm SO typically midwestern, it's scary. Everything seemed to have froof (my definition: shit I don't like surrounded with crap I wouldn't ever even try.) but I was starving, so I knew I had to find something. Being on a budget, I didn't want to spring $18 for a sandwich that I probably wouldn't like, so I settled on a salad. The girls ordered a fancy brie appetizer, which was very good. The dinners came and after feasting on the brie & crackers and taking into consideration the size of the portions, Silly decided that splitting her steak sandwich with me was a must-do. The mashed potatoes were to die for, too. By the time all was said and done, I have to give Californo's a two thumbs-up. They had open-mic night and while it was a VERY very small crowd, it was still a great time! The whole place was very quaint and cozy and I will totally go back next time we're in town.

(stay tuned for parts 2 - whatever...)

Faithful - JM

December 16th, 2008

A ‘FAITHFUL’ BLOG FROM JOE

"May your tree be green. May your ass be warm. May your faith be strong."

Is there any wonder why we love this man?