NKOTBSB live in Manila concert review

Imagine 10,000 to 12,000 fans usually between the ages of 20-40, awaiting the arrival of two boy bands from two different eras on stage. The NKOTBSB Manila tour consisting of boy band from the ‘80s New Kids On The Block and their ‘90s counterpart Backstreet Boys, performed at the Mall of Asia Arena on June 3, 2012 with cheers from mostly female fans.

They dimmed the lights and the music started to play. All concert goers were transported back to the era of NKOTBSB 15-25 years ago.

The 2-hour and 30-minute show kicked off with a mash-up of Single and The One, mixed by Coldplay’s Vida La Vida. The whole venue was packed .The excitement and energy was so upbeat that it would be impossible for someone to not have a great time.  Kids took the stage first with their hit Summertime and followed by BSB’s The Call from their album Black & Blue.

They performed most of their hits that made them popular. All the boys put so much energy both in dancing and singing. I’m only familiar with Backstreet’s songs but I have to hand it also to New Kids on the Block, for being amazing performers! I was too young to remember their era.

Their energy was on full blast throughout the night and left drenched in sweat from dancing and ears ringing from screams all around. The show brought back so great memories for all the fans that went to see this once in a lifetime concert. During I’ll Never Break Your Heart, they picked ladies up on stage and each one serenaded and also received roses from the boys.

NKOTB joined the audience to stand atop five separate platforms to perform Tonight and Backstreet Boys’ Nick and Brian grand entrance singing Shape Of My Heart while shaking hands and high-fiving fans. One of the most unforgettable performances was McIntyre’s Please Don’t Go Girl while he slid on his knees across the runway.

Other songs from New Kids were such upbeat numbers as New Kids’ You Got It (The Right Stuff) and Step By Step, and Backstreet’s Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), Larger Than Life along with their power ballads like As Long As You Love Me, Show Me The Meaning of Lonely, Incomplete, All I Have To Give and If You Stay.

The stage setup plus a runway was great for the audience to get a decent view. I loved how the lightings moved and the special effects during the concert. Both groups came out in the audience and really enjoyed being with the crowd for a song or two and there’s no auto-tuning or lip-synching, it’s 100% live!

The overall entertainment value was great, the production was amazing and everyone had a lot of fun. Watching two amazing boy bands in one venue was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. They had so much energy and put on an amazing show plus the love for their fans showed. The sound was loud and good enough to cover thousands of screaming fans. Having bunch of girls seating around me at this show, I know they loved it and will remember this once in lifetime concert for the rest of their lives.

NKOTBSB Live in Manila Concert Rating:

Sound – 10
Venue – 10
Stage Setup/Design – 9.5
Setlist – 10

Overall Production Values  – 9.8/10

NKOTBSB live in Manila  was presented by Ovation Productions

Dont miss their next event American Idol Live Tour 2012 om September 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

By: Cen Sulit
Writer/admin for Philippine Concerts