Former New Kids still ‘hangin’ tough’ after ’80s stardom, success

Dan Hopper

It has been 10 years since Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Joey McIntyre — the five members of ’80s sensation New Kids on the Block — dissolved the group to pursue other individual endeavors.

The five split after their 1994 album “Face The Music,” and four of the five members are making every effort to make sure they are remembered — even if they’re only remembered as New Kids members.

Jordan Knight:

Jordan Knight’s post NKOTB endeavors have led him to a solid solo music career. Knight released his self-titled debut album, which includes the hit “Give It to You.”

Knight has been touring in Europe and is currently doing some dates in the United States. He is also working on a sophomore album, which is scheduled to hit stores this coming summer or early fall.

Knight’s tour will make a stop in Ames at the Maintenance Shop on Saturday. He will be performing songs from the upcoming solo album, as well as past hits, and possibly even a few New Kids tunes.

Joey McIntyre:

Joey McIntyre, NKOTB’s youngest member, is currently involved in the music industry as a solo artist. Since leaving NKOTB, Joey has recorded four solo albums. He has also pursued acting jobs and has starred in Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tick, Boom!” in New York, as well as the TV show “Boston Public.” McIntyre also has film credits to his name, which include “Tony and Tina’s Wedding,” which will be released later this year. McIntyre’s new album, “8:09,” is scheduled for release on April 27. He is currently touring to promote the new disc.

Donnie Wahlberg:

Donnie Wahlberg has gone the way of the actor in his post-NKOTB days. Wahlberg has made a name for himself in the movie industry. His first film, “Ransom,” in which he plays a member of a gang who kidnaps the son of the movie’s main character, played by Mel Gibson, jump-started what has become a solid acting career.

Wahlberg has many film and television credits to his name, the most notable of which include: “The Sixth Sense” (1999), “Band of Brothers” (2001) and “Dreamcatcher” (2003).

Wahlberg also starred in the TV series “Boomtown” and produced a few tracks on both McIntyre’s and Jordan Knight’s debut albums.

Wahlberg is currently married to Kim Fey and has two children, Elijah Hendrix and Xavier Alexander.

Donnie is the older brother of actor and former Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch creator Mark Wahlberg, who has also met varying degrees of success in both music and film.

Jonathan Knight:

Jonathan was known for his shyness while in New Kids on the Block, and the trait seems to have continued beyond the band. He is the older brother of fellow New Kid Jordan Knight. He is the only former member of the group who has not continued to pursue a career in the music industry. He is currently working in the real estate business.

Danny Wood:

Danny joined New Kids on the Block in 1984 after a recommendation from Donnie Wahlberg. He was a member of the Rock Against Racism break-dancing group and attended the William Monroe Trotter school where he met Donnie. The two were members of the Kool Aid Bunch.

During his New Kids stint, Danny became interested in the production side of music. He wrote and produced some of the songs for New Kids albums “Hangin’ Tough,” “Step By Step” and “Face The Music.”

Wood also co-wrote and co-produced albums for various groups, including Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He has also worked with Tommy Page and LFO.

Who: Jordan Knight

Where: M-Shop

When: 9 p.m., Saturday

Cost: $14 students, $16 public

— Information compiled from www.rollingstone.com, www.allmusic.com, www.jordanknight.com and www.joeymcintyre.com