With the Boston Marathon bombings now firmly in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to look ahead to the future of the victims and the city itself — reason enough for New Kids on the Block to organize and recruit acts for an all-star benefit concert.
Boston Strong, scheduled to take place at Boston’s TD Arena on May 30, will feature one wicked lineup, including performances by Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffett, Dane Cook, Extreme, James Taylor, Steven Wright, J Geils Band, Godsmack, Carole King and, of course, homegrown artists Aerosmith, Boston and New Kids, the latter who are headlining a pair of sold out shows at the same venue on June 2 and 3.
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Indeed, according to event producer and NKOTB manager Jared Paul, “It all started with Donny [Wahlberg],” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “We were so taken by what happened in Boston, and we all said, ‘We have to do something.’ So I contacted Live Nation and they were able to get the building — donated — and clear a date and we started calling artists.”
The charity element was a no-brainer for hometown heroes, naturally, but booking Aerosmith was key and the band only confirmed late Thursday night (the show was announced on the morning of Friday, May 3). “It’s going to be an amazing evening,” says Paul, who pulled the bill together in a week. “The three goals are to raise money for the victims, to honor the first responders and law enforcement and to celebrate the town of Boston, a town that’s so near and dear to the New Kids’ hearts. It’s the very fabric of who they are.”
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The group, which is comprised of Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight and Joey McIntyre, is hoping that the all-star assembly will bring some joy to the city and its residents. Says Paul: “That needs to happen. This town can’t be brought down. It’s definitely the most historic night in Boston music that’s ever been assembled.”
On May 28, the New Kids embark on a two-month tour starting at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena.
Twitter: @THRMusic
