Donnie Wahlberg and his bandmates from New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) are set to extend their Las Vegas residency, with new concert dates scheduled for June, July, and October 2024. The announcement comes as Wahlberg reflects on the long journey that has brought the iconic boy band to where they are today.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/donnie-wahlberg-nkotb-52926-daaaae64e26b4ca786d09375fe739d52.jpg)
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the band’s frontman elaborated on the significance of their career that has spanned decades. At 56, Wahlberg expressed his gratitude for the experiences he has had with NKOTB, a group he co-founded in the early 1980s alongside his brother Mark and friends Jamie Kelly, Jordan Knight, and Danny Wood. While Jaime left shortly after their formation, Jonathan Knight joined, and eventually, Joey McIntyre rounded out the group.
Speaking candidly about the passing of time, Wahlberg noted the contrasting experiences they had on red carpets during their rise to fame. “There was a time when we were the kids, and all these older artists were on the red carpet,” he said. “Now we’re the older ones, and it’s an incredible reminder of how far we’ve come. We’re grateful to still be part of this industry and hope the young artists today feel the same honour.”
The band underwent a hiatus in 1994 after achieving significant fame as an 80s boy band, but they have reunited multiple times since then. Their latest album, **Still Kids**, was released in March 2024, marking their first album in over a decade. Fans can expect an array of surprises during their Las Vegas performances at Dolby Live at Park MGM, where the residency—a concert series aptly named **The Right Stuff**—first launched in June 2025.
Wahlberg highlighted the unique atmosphere that surrounds their performances. “Each night is different,” he said, sharing that they have welcomed special guest appearances from members of groups like New Edition and Backstreet Boys. “It’s not redundant at all. It’s a magical experience for us and our audience alike.”
The band’s upcoming shows aim to offer more engagement and a fresh experience for attendees. Donnie mentioned how seriously they take their fanbase and the importance of ensuring that their performances continue to evolve. “Our fans are incredible; they travel from near and far to see us. We want them to feel they are getting the full New Kids experience,” he added.
Beyond his musical career, Wahlberg is also known for his role as Detective Danny Reagan on CBS’s new spin-off, **Boston Blue**, where he portrays a character who relocates to Boston for family reasons. This personal connection to fatherhood resonates deeply within the storyline of the show. He explained, “I have a 24-year-old son who often asks me to move closer to him. This experience translates into my character, demonstrating that the bond between a father and son is incredibly strong.”
Wahlberg has his two adult sons, Xavier and Elijah, from his first marriage to Kim Fey, and a stepson named Evan with his wife, Jenny McCarthy. He described his personal relationships as a major highlight of his life, emphasising that life experiences inform the character he plays on-screen. “Every time there’s a doubt about Danny staying in Boston, I think of my son’s text asking me to be closer to him,” Wahlberg shared.
As New Kids on the Block look to reignite the excitement of their live shows, the anticipation builds for fans eager to witness the band share their journey and evolving musical expression. Wahlberg’s reflections not only celebrate their rich history but also serve as an inspiration for upcoming artists in the industry, showcasing that resilience and adaptability can lead to success across generations.
For fans eager to follow the band’s next chapter, the eagerly awaited residency in Las Vegas promises to deliver countless memorable moments. The performers seem ready to enhance the experience for fans old and new, ensuring that the legacy of New Kids on the Block continues to thrive well into the future.