by Serena Butler
Being born in the final year of the 1980s, I never really got a chance to experience the magic that was New Kids on The Block. Growing up, my sister had the dolls, and we had the sleeping bags, but I didn’t have a full on grasp on what the boyband thing was all about until I came across the Backstreet Boys in the mid-late 90s. So, this past Saturday thought I would go check out Danny Wood to get a taste of something I’ve longed for. A taste of the 80s. Though, coming out of the show I had a bigger reaction than just a taste of the past.
Many NKOTB fans know that Danny lost his mother in 1999 from breast cancer. Since his first few solo releases in the early 2000’s, all of the money he makes from his solo endeavors goes to his foundation Remember Betty to assist those who struggle from the chemo, radiation, and all the horrible things that come with being diagnosed with cancer. This is a story I know all too well. In 2009, my own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. No worries though, she kicked its ass. Though out the night I would continually think of my mom whom I took with me to the show.
The set, it was very relaxed and quite a display of humility from Danny. Between his solo songs which ranged from very alternative rock to a bit of a guitar driven pop; he would stop and take questions from the crowd regarding virtually anything in his career. You name it, he answered. Just not about Johnathan Knight’s bees… he doesn’t know the answer to that one.
The feel of the intimate group brought a new life to the music that I only come to in my later life discover. As he took on NKOTB classics like “Valentine Girl” and “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” there was this instant transport to a time where none of us in the room had any issues in life. We were all 15 again. I may not have been around during the height of NKOTB but I surely felt the magic that those girls felt back then.
Then it hit me, what that whole evening was about. It wasn’t about the music, but the music brought life to the cause. I walked out and gave my mom the biggest hug and kiss. She is my warrior and my rock. Danny reminded me that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.
I love you Mom.
Check out The Remember Betty foundation for more information and get his solo tracks from there!