Fifteen Years Ago, They Walked Away.....

And this was how last Friday night began.

Backtrack 18 years.

I was a little 12 year old sixth grader inundated with and immersed in school, friends and family, and of course, New Kids On The Block! For my twelfth birthday I admittedly requested and surely received tickets to their concert in Austin. What an event it was! My entire family went along, as did two girlfriends that I had chosen to join us. Amber, who joined us all those years ago, was with us again last Friday evening, along with my sister Brandie, another loyal and faithful follower.

Present Time.

I still have chills almost a complete week later. I still have yet to shake the excitement and feelings that rushed through me seven short days ago (not to mention the humming still lingering in my ears!) For a brief indescribable few hours, I was a twelve year old again. Listening to the same songs, watching the same group and feeling the same excitement that only one of your favorite bands live could give you, all just upgraded, matured and 18 years later. It was an amazing feeling to wave my arms in the air out of excitement along side 13,000 other adoring fans.

While at the event, Brandie and I donned our original 1990 tour tee-shirts and buttons, and Kim adorned herself with her share of buttons as well. We all received stares and comments about our attire. People were amazed that we had saved these things all these years. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me the real beauty of being a true pack rat and for sifting through dust and years of boxes to look for, and eventually find, my loot from the olden days.

Several members of the band went on to solo careers over the last decade, in which they intertwined into their show. The members with the mousiest and squeakiest of voices back in the day, somehow gave "falsetto" a new name. With voices matured, costumes totally stylish with the times and obviously life experiences made into lyrics, the show was phenomenal. The best I've ever seen. The pyrotechnics were right on and well planned. There was actually more singing than commentary, which was nice. They truly and sincerely preformed the ENTIRE time. Mind you, commentary from these guys is welcome anytime in my book!

One of my favorite parts of the show was when one of the members began discussing how long it had been since their previous tour. He genuinely mentioned that all of us "babies" that attended the shows years ago, where now, all grown up, with husbands, jobs, kids. At that moment, it all hit home how long it had truly been. Their ballads that I grew up with, I now sing to my babies at bedtime.

A constant thought throughout the show was how many of us at that moment had been in the same room 18 years ago and didn't even know it. See, Kim was there in 1990, in the same building at the same time, and I didn't even know her. Look at us know, the closest of friends! BTW, what a girl to attend concerts with! WOW! She's a hoot. I saw a side of her the other night that I had never seen. The next concert that roles into town, oh yea- she's going. She's a blast at events such as these!

What an absolutely amazing night it was. It was an unbelievable feeling to be a part of a "reunion tour." I guess that goes along with getting old!? The music, the lights, the reminiscing, the close friends that I was able to share it all with, I hated to see it end. Even though it was an awesome time, it was so nice to be able get back to reality, but more importantly, my sleeping Babies. They are still to young for the amazing stories of the night, but when they are old enough and have the maturity to fully grasp and understand, I will reminisce. Until then, I will keep singing the tunes. By then, maybe New Kids On The Block will be touring again.

Julie and Amber, a HUGE "Thank You!" for hearing about the concert and filling us in. Also, thank you for dealing with the tickets! I knew they were safe! Your videos and picture discs are on their way to you!

And to the fellow in the stripes who "danced the night away," we have awesome footage! You should be proud! Don't tucker out so soon next time!

Good Night.

Kel