CLEVELAND — New Kids on the Block has got the "right stuff, baby!"
On Thursday, the longtime music group released it's latest single, "Bring back the Time," featuring Salt N Pepa , En Vogue, and Rick Astley. In addition to the song's release, the group also put out an 80's inspired video for the song that includes video recreations from icons including Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Madonna and more.
"The video was really born out of wanting to celebrate that time in our lives, you know, when we were just younger and innocent," said Donnie Walberg. "I think it's important just as much now as ever to just remember to just celebrate, you know, the little moments and celebrate the special times in our lives."
The song and video are just a preview of what you can expect when all of them hit the road for the "Mixtape Tour," which was also announced Thursday morning.
The 50-city tour will kick-off in Cincinnati this May. The tour will make its way to Northeast Ohio on June 21 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
This isn't the first time the Mixtape Tour has hit the road, in 2019, NKOTB hit the road with Salt N Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson and Naughty by Nature under the same moniker. According to the group, it was successful enough to bring it back, offering fans a one-of-a-kind experience.
"When you come to our show, it's nonstop, the acts come in and out and, and we're on stage the whole time coming in and out as well. So it's just nonstop and I don't think you get that kind of entertainment nowadays," explained Joey McIntyre.
New Kids on the Block first debuted back in 1986 with their self-titled album.
Atypical of transitional boy bands, the group has remained close despite a mid-career hiatus.
"We're lucky. I mean, a lot of groups don't benefit from getting back together," said McIntyre. "It's just all of us, you know, trying to do the best we can for each other. And we all bring something different to the table and allow everybody to be themselves. And, you know, just rolling with the challenges and celebrating, you know, the blessings," he explained.
But even when the going gets tough, NKOTB credits its unwavering fan base for the motivation to move forward.
"The fans really are the sixth member of the band," said Wahlberg. "When fans show up the way they do and bring that love and energy every night, it's just, it always, I think it unifies us."
Tickets for the Mixtape Tour go on sale, Friday, March 4 at 11 a.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Watch 3News Digital Reporter Kierra Cotton's full interview with New Kids on the Block in the player below.
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