New Kids on the Block are considered to be the OG boy band.
Believe it or not, however, their self-titled debut album failed to capture an audience.
It wasn’t until their second studio album, Hangin’ Tough, was released in August 1988 that the band notched a hit.
The record’s title track, “Hangin’ Tough,” hit No. 1 the following year on Sept. 9, 1989.
The release of Hangin’ Tough solidified the group, consisting of Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre and brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, as an official cultural phenomenon.
The wildly successful album also produced hit singles “Please Don’t Go Girl,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and ballad “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever).”
Watch NKOTB’s “Hangin’ Tough” Music Video:
NKOTB made their 1984 debut when Joey was only 12, and the others were just teenagers. While some people drift apart over the years, the bandmates feel more connected today than ever before.
In an exclusive chat with PopCrush Nights, New Kids on the Block revealed what bonds them after nearly four decades.
When asked what keeps the band “Hangin’ Tough” decades on, they shared it all comes down to the “memories” they’ve made together.
“The old stories that we tell. [There’s] so much history with us, there’s always something to talk about,” NKOTB told PopCrush Nights.
READ MORE: New Kids on the Block Had Fun on the Road With These Iconic Artists (EXCLUSIVE)
With all the shows, fans, memories and time they have spent together, there is always “something to laugh about,” the band added.
NKOTB just finished their Magic Summer 2024 Tour — a nostalgic reference to their 1990 stadium tour of the same name.
Joined by pop icon Paula Abdul and legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, the band kicked off their latest tour in Ohio last month, and wrapped up their 40-date run on Aug. 25 in Indiana.
Watch NKOTB’s Chat With PopCrush Nights:
Listen to PopCrush Nights every weeknight starting at 7PM by downloading the PopCrush App. Or listen online 24/7 here!
Misheard Lyrics From Iconic Pop Songs
Gallery Credit: Stacker