What It's Like To See NKOTB In Concert As An Adult

When my best friend asked me, "So do you want me to get you a ticket for the Nelly, TLC, and New Kids on the Block concert?" my immediate response was, "OF COURSE." Throwback pop concerts are by far the best bang for your buck. Their price points are usually really affordable (a mere $40 for Friday night's affair), they are endlessly entertaining, and you can pretty much always skip the line for the women's bathroom and just use the men's room, because they are almost always empty. Concerts like these are the cream of the crop. You stand united with tens of thousands of other shameless fans, screaming your favorite Top 40 of years gone by — it's as poetic as it is outrageously fun.

This particular concert covered all of the playlists from my middle school and high school dances. There was boy band serenades, powerful girl group hits, and total booty-shaking hip-hop. What's not to love? The tour also has the added bonus of nostalgia. Oh, the memories of singing, "No Scrubs" out of the softball bus on hot early summer afternoons... and now I have the opportunity of seeing it live and in person with the comfort of actual seating. Ah, the simple joys of growing older.

As strange of a line-up as it was, the concert was a total blast. Here are some observations I made during the pre-concert tailgate and beyond at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Enjoy.

Hell or High Watermelon is the Pop Fan's Drink of Choice

I didn't pass a single tailgate without it.

Coming in Second, Bud Lite Lime-A-Rita

Sounds like a hangover to me.

Nothing Brings People Together Like Cheesy Music and Flip Cup

The car next to us had a great sound system and we had a flip cup table... needless to say our two camps became instant friends.

I Forgot How Many Big Songs Nelly Had

More than just, "Country Grammar" and, "Hot in Herre," everyone.

His Dancers' Hair Flips Are On Point

It was more mezmerizing than Oprah's hair flip

Oh Yuck, I'm Now Remembering What Grinding Was

Make it stop, make it stop!

TLC Was Introduced as the Number One Selling Female Group of All Time

I'll take it.

Their Outfits Look like C-3PO and I Love It

They rocked gold metallic overalls like it was nobody's business.

Oh Man, Left Eye Was From Philly... I am Sad Now

"We will never ever replace our sister, Lisa Left Eye Lopes." — Chili

Yes! They Are Rocking the Same Dance Moves From Their Videos

And they make it look completely effortless.

Wait, Was T-Boz the Beyoncé of TLC?

I always thought it was kinda Chili, but T-Boz really has more solos.

Yep, I Cried During, "Waterfalls"

This song really holds up.

NKOTB Arrived in Boxing Robes But Weren't Shirtless Underneath

NOT COOL, GUYS.

Clearly Donnie is the Fan Favorite

The crowd went NUTS when he was announced on stage. I'm more of a Joey gal myself.

Tonight's Event is Sponsored by the Magic Mike School of Dance

Joey Mac, I am feeling things.

Jordan Knight Sang "Give it To You"

And it got SEXUAL.

Donnie Got All Serious During his Solo Song

UGH. I expected more thrusting from you.

Hey! Danny Did Some Breakdancing

About time he got the spotlight.

Danny and Jonathan Are the Kelly and Michelle of the Group

They deserve more love!

Joey and Jordan Can Still Really Hit Those High Notes

"Please Don't Go Girl" has barely changed sound in 27 years.

I'm Still Not Too Old to Sneak to the Front

I did it! And it was WORTH IT! NKOTB are the kings of boy band dance moves. One Direction could learn a thing or two.

The "Hangin' Tough" Move is the BEST Move

Ohhh waaaaah ohhh waahhh oohhhh!

Lastly, Here Are the Abs You've All Been Waiting For!

I told you these concerts were the best bang for your buck. Now don't you want to run out and grab a concert ticket of your own?

Images: ramirezcesar; theonecanuckian/Tumblr; Giphy (3)