NKOTBSB tour gains momentum with more concerts, fan club ticket sell-outs

Though the concept may have its doubters, the joint tour of boy band icons New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys has found its audience. After audiences showed considerable interest in tickets for 24 previously announced concert dates, the bands’ itinerary has been expanded to 41 dates.

The NKOTBSB Tour, a combination of the groups’ respective abbreviated monikers, retains its original June 2 launch date at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. But now the vocal groups won’t reach the end of the road until a July 30 closer at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, PA.

Other newer dates on the Kids and Boys’ calendar include July 9-10 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC; July 15 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN; July 22 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL; and July 29 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.

All of the currently announced shows have opened ticket sales to the general public as of the January 15 weekend; it is unclear whether additional dates may be added in the future. Though prices vary depending on venue, most ticket face values for the tour (new dates and old) fall within a $30 to $90 pre-fee range.

“We can’t thank our fans enough for their continued support,” the groups have said previously in a joint statement. “The love that everyone has shown to us and to this project is incredible. We can feel the excitement and we won’t let the fans down.”

The NKOTBSB crew also alluded to an “elaborate stage design” and promised fans that “there won’t be one bad seat in the house. We are truly blessed and are so appreciative to have you all along with us for the ride.”

The ride started for the singers started with an initial five-date tour announcement in early November. The pairing gained momentum later in the month when NKOTBSB performed at the American Music Awards, followed closely by the unveiling of 19 more concert dates.

Though no overall sell-outs have occurred on the primary market, NKOTBSB tickets have done well with groups’ most dedicated fans. A recent announcement on the NKOTBSB official Web site noted Fan Club sell-outs in Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Greensboro and Minneapolis.

But NKOTBSB may have something up its sleeve. The list of fan club sell-outs was accompanied with a teaser of “big news coming soon!” It remains to be seen whether that upcoming “news” includes more domestic tour dates, an international leg of performances, or something else entirely.

For now, though, the only news from the groups has been regarding A.J. McLean’s return to rehab. The BSB member has struggled with sobriety in the past and said in a statement last week, “With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and at my best.” Despite the news, published reports have the tour on-track for its early June start.

NKOTBSB Tour itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)