Massachusetts Boy Band New Kids on the Block Never Included Mark Wahlberg

Michael Dukakis recently retired at age 90. He leaves an impressive resume, including the Democrat presidential nominee for 1988 (he got creamed by George H.W. Bush), Northeastern University professor, and two-term Governor of Massachusetts (1983-1991). 

One of Dukakis' less-than-shining moments was when he went for a cruise in an army tank while sporting a blue helmet. Another was declaring April 24, 1989, New Kids on the Block Day in Massachusetts. 

That was 35 years ago. I had almost forgotten until it popped up on social media.

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New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) was a boy band from Dorchester, Massachusetts, active between 1984 and 1994, only to reemerge in 2008. 

NKOTB's original members included 15-year-old Donnie Wahlberg and his schoolmates Jamie Kelly, Jordan Knight, his older brother Jonathan, and Danny Wood. When Kelly left the group, 12-year-old Joey McIntyre replaced him.

Some fans insist Donnie's brother Mark Wahlberg was a founding member of New Kids on the Block, but that is not quite accurate. Wahlberg was with the group briefly but it was when it was known as Nynuk before it adopted the name New Kids on the Block. 

The change from Nynuk to New Kids on the Block occurred after Mark Wahlberg left the group, became Marky Mark (with and without the Funky Bunch), acted in films, and opened hamburger joints.

Technically, Mark Wahlberg was never a member of New Kids on the Block.

Mark Wahlberg ran afoul of the law and developed an addiction to cocaine while running as a young pre-teen in the Boston area. After 45 days in jail and some coaching from his brother Donnie, Mark got his act together and has had a successful career.

New Kids on the Block is touring this summer with a stop in Connecticut in July and a show at Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts on  August 10, 2024.