Mark My Words - I’m Getting That VIP.

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I’m writing this in advance, as I listen to New Kids On The Block’s Mixtape Tour 2022 concert on YouTube. This is long and about my favorite band, so you can hit the back button if you don't want to read it. But this just hit me, and I want to get this off my chest. Oh, the memories of being on the floor. For years, I said that one day I would get floor seats. I would dance under the confetti, see my boys’ faces up close, and not worry about them looking like ants from my seats. It took a bit of saving, plus Fiverr money that came in with my tax refund (no, the entire refund did not go toward my ticket), but I made it happen. I had to wait until after the holidays because I wouldn’t have had the money for anything more than a nosebleed seat, if even that, but I made it happen. I wound up stepping out of my comfort zone and attending the show alone (I had a ride to/from the venue) so that I could afford a seat on the floor, but I MADE. IT. HAPPEN. Okay, that was a pep talk to myself lol. But yeah, I’m ready to take it up a notch. After I get things in gear with Christmas shopping and my taxes (remember, I pay self-employment taxes), I want to start putting away for 5-Star VIP for their next tour. What is 5-Star VIP? It’s a dream for many NKOTB fans, including yours truly. You get an amazing seat (or you can stand in the pit around the stage), as well as early entrance, pop-up photo ops, and exclusive merchandise. Oh, and did I mention you get to meet the band? The meet and greet is done in groups of 10, and you can work it out with your group on which guy you stand next to for the picture. Fans usually plan it out ahead of time. You get to meet and hug each guy as you walk down the line to your designated guy (my dream would be standing next to Jordan Knight, lol). Oh, and this is in addition to the fact that they always interact with the crowd (i.e., walking through, taking selfies, etc.). I’m going for the regular 5-Star VIP, which would be a seat in the crowd. I would love a barstool seat (the bar is attached to the stage), but that’s more expensive and I have other things I’m saving for as well. If need be, I’d get 5-Star Party Pit with Meet and Greet. It’s cheaper, but you’re standing around the second stage the whole time. I’d prefer a seat though because I’m not getting any younger lol. One thing I’d LOVE to get is an Individual Meet and Greet. Once you get your 5-Star VIP, you can upgrade it at an additional price, but there are only 10 Individual Meet and Greet tickets per show. In addition to the group of 10 meet and greet (which I had no idea you still get with Individual until recently), you also meet the guys BY YOURSELF. You and them, with multiple pictures. But realistically, I don’t think it’s gonna work for my budget, so that’s a more distant goal. Besides, meeting them with other fans is good “practice” because I’m sure my nerves are gonna be shot. Yes, I know they’re human, and I’ve interacted with a few of them on their official accounts, but this is still my all-time favorite group we’re talking about here. Plus, I’m painfully shy at times lol. Butttttt, if the opportunity to grab an Individual were to come up, I’d take it and worry about my nerves later lol. So as you have probably guessed, this is expensive. It’s great value for all you get, but I haven’t been able to save up for it yet. Will I get it for their next tour (2024, assuming)? I honestly have no idea. Will I get it for a future tour (they have no plans of stopping anytime soon)? You better believe it. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” The time is gonna pass anyway, so I may as well add to the funds. It might mean sitting in the cheaper seats again for a bit (because I don’t want to skip any shows. I’ve skipped their shows enough over the years), but it’ll be worth it when a 30+-year dream comes true. And yes, I know it’s not as important as other things, but I’m allowed to have a fun dream/goal. :) My other goal is to attend multiple shows in one tour, but I’m not going to be able to do that AND go for VIP on the same tour. Going for VIP won out this time around. Anywho, I haven’t started saving up for their next tour yet, but I’m hoping to be able to do so soon. Christmas and tax season need to come first. Mark my words, it’s going to happen for me someday. If you read through all of that, you have the patience of a saint. I’m getting back to work now. I’ll most likely be back a few more times before bed. Photo Credit: These are my pictures from NKOTB’s Mixtape Tour 2022 over the summer.