If there were any doubt that ’90s nostalgia was a huge force, the team-up of boy band New Kids on the Block and girl group TLC for an arena tour would put those doubts to rest. And when ’90s nostalgia joins forces with ’00s nostalgia in the form of rapper Nelly, who fills the third slot on the tour—May 1 in Las Vegas—the result is pretty much unstoppable. NKOTB were one of the biggest pop acts of the late ’80s and early ’90s, thanks to massive hit singles like “Hangin’ Tough,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “Step by Step.”
Although they broke up in 1994, interest in their music only grew in the ensuing years, with fans clamoring for a reunion. When the members finally reunited in 2008, they returned to a huge fan base that had strengthened during their time away, and since then they’ve released two new studio albums.
TLC was also one of the biggest pop acts of the ’90s, and their career was cut short with the death of member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in 2002. Since then, the remaining members have worked on a handful of projects together, and recently mounted a Kickstarter campaign, raising $400,000 to put together a final album. Nelly’s hits, which include “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” came a little later, but he has the same exuberant pop sensibility.
Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. May 1, $39.50-$125 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
