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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, Donnie Wahlberg opened up about his years-long journey with New Kids on the Block.
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Wahlberg and his bandmates will continue their Las Vegas concert series in June, July and October.
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Wahlberg, who is starring in the spin-off series «"Blue blood"» , also spoke about how fatherhood inspired him to create the character's story in in the film "Boston Blue".
Donnie Wahlberg still considers it an honor to perform with the band New Kids on the Block. .
During the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 25, Donnie, 56, reminisced about NKOTB, the band his brother Mark Wahlberg once belonged to, and the group's award-winning journey over the decades.
«"These red carpets are an incredible reminder because there was a time when we were kids, and all these older artists would walk the red carpet, and we'd be like, 'Oh, so-and-so, so-and-so.' And they'd be like, 'Who are these kids?' And now we're walking around like, 'Who is this kid? Who is this kid?' And the roles have literally been reversed, but we're so lucky to still be here," he exclusively told PEOPLE.
Donny added, "We're so grateful to still be here, and we're rooting for all these young guys to realize that, because this time, everything's better. The later, the better. I'm not walking down this red carpet wishing I was 20 again. I'm so honored to be here at 56. And I hope these young artists feel that, too.".
New Kids on the Block will perform as part of their Las Vegas residency in 2025. Source: Live Nation
Donnie formed the band New Kids on the Block in the early 1980s, inviting his younger brother Mark and their friends Jamie Kelly, Jordan Knight, and Danny Wood. However, Jamie quickly left the group, so Jordan's older brother, Jonathan, joined. The final member was Joey McIntyre. .
Mark, 54, eventually left the band in 1984. Later in the 1990s, he formed the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, and then, thanks to his musical success, began an acting career.
As New Kids on the Block became a prominent boy band in the 1980s, its members eventually decided to disband in 1994.
However, they have reunited quite frequently since then. In March 2024, members Donnie, Jordan, Danny, Jonathan, and Joey released their eighth studio album, New Kids on the Block., Still Kids , which became their first full-length release in 11 years.
New Kids on the Block in their youth. Photo: Michel Linssen/Redferns
The band is currently performing a series of concerts in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM, offering fans a variety of surprises and special guests. The series, titled The Right Stuff launched in June 2025.
«"I was so excited to have New Edition and the Backstreet Boys come out and have them perform with us," Donnie said. "I'm not sure anything will ever compare to opening night, but it's a magical event, and while you might think it could get monotonous, it doesn't. Every night is different, every night is fun, and I hope we have many more incredible memories to come.".
The residence will continue its work in June, July and October.
«"Our fans travel for us," Donnie said. "That's really important, and we want them to feel like they're part of New Kids on the Coast. And I think they've accomplished that, but I think we have more to offer, and we're going to use some of our old tricks.".
«"This time they'll get much more, and they deserve it," he continued. "And we want to have fun and be entertained, too. We take our fans very seriously. We don't take ourselves as seriously, but we do take our fans seriously. We want them to have a great time, and that's truly the most important thing to us.".
Besides music, Donnie plays Detective Danny Reagan in the TV series« Boston Blue» on CBS. His character moved from New York to Boston to be near his son, Sean, who works as a police officer.
«"A lot of people say, 'Well, Danny would never leave New York. It's unbelievable, and his son wouldn't want him in Boston.' I have a 24-year-old son, and I can't tell you how many times over the last year he's asked me to move back to California to be with him," Donny told PEOPLE.
Donnie has two adult sons, Xavier and Elijah, with his first wife, Kim Fey, and a stepson, Evan, with his wife, Jenny McCarthy. .
Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg in March 2025. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
«"It's the most wonderful feeling in my personal life, and I see it in my television life," he added. "Every time I have doubts about whether this guy will stay in town, I just remember my son's message and say, 'You think a son wouldn't want to be around his dad?' Danny has no more reason to leave New York than his son does.".
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The first season of the series «Boston Blue» , spin-off «Blue Bloods» , is available to watch on Paramount+.
Read the original article on People.