Last night I relived a mix of my past: caught somewhere between 33 years ago when I first discovered @nkotb & 3 years ago when I was on the road with #NKOTB on the first version of the #MixTapeTour. I was graciously given a working pass to roam around backstage & see some of my old pals who made it back after three grueling years away from the #roadlife we all knew best. It’s hard not to compare the 1st #MTT to this one, but I did love the element of surprise in seeing the show without knowing exactly what was about to happen next. @donniewahlberg & co. cracked the code on creating a fresh, yet nostalgic 80s pop show. The format, a replica of 2019’s smash hit / sold out tour, swapped out their beloved pop divas (@Tiffany_Tunes & @DebbieGibson) with the soulful queens of @envoguemusic, which made returning champion @saltnpepaofficial’s set even more electric when they did a live version of their collab Whatta Man. (PS. don’t think I’m not studying up my moves for next year’s @justwannaweeked.) Some of the gang from @naugtybynature4ever were still on hand to hype up the crowd (with the pre-show #SluggaLounge!) but the biggest joyful surprise (other than our beloved headliners) was @officialrickastley. Not only does this man look & sound exactly the same as 30+ years ago, somehow I knew all the words to “It Would Take a Strong Strong Man” — which I probably haven’t heard in since it came out in ’88. I left the show energized & exhausted, with a bit of melancholy, reminiscent of our world (& tour) pre-shut down. But I’m grateful that the show will always go on & that they’re never gonna give us up.