You Wanna Battle? Bring it.

From the Midway:Old solders never die; they just fade away
Mike Leckband
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back in 1990, my friends and I fought a great war. Not the Gulf War but one that was just as bad when it comes to terror. The war we fought was on pop culture - what we saw as the greatest threat to ever hit mankind.

I am referring to the top boy-band of that time period, New Kids On The Block.

The battles then were epic and our long hair mullets were flapping in the wind for change. We were rebelling against a system that forced this "music" down our throats.

There were many a nights that we were standing in front of malls or record stores in our old ripped up jeans that were rolled (or pegged) up around our ankle just to give us support to stop this injustice.

It wasn't a pretty war, there were losses on both sides. Eventually there was a compromise made. Our side agreed to let Donnie Wahlberg and his little brother Marky Mark have film careers but the music had to stop. After all Donnie was a motorcycle man in a moped band.

For 18 years the peace has lasted in the land.

A few months ago the New Kids On The Block announced that they would be performing a comeback tour. That did not bother me so much. I figured a few of the guys may need the money and what's the harm of them singing a few of their hits to a small crowd or two?

I was not aware however that the boys would be releasing new material - a direct violation of the peace treaty that was signed in the fall of 1991.

So my friends, we must act quickly. Their music has already slithered it way back on to the airwaves and no doubt a music video is sure to follow.

I put up with a lot of junk over the years, but no more.

What concerns me the most right now are our young people. If they are exposed to this type of music, they might think this is how all music should be. Look how they have already affected our music scene. If we could have totally stopped them in the 90's maybe there would never of been an 'N Sync or the Backstreet Boys.

Just imagine if we weren't on the front lines back in the day. You would have heard a lot more bands like these. We're not asking for thanks or recognition for what we did back then. I just want this generation to step in and demand better music for themselves.

There are so many talented artists out there, why should we have to subject ourselves to their sub-standard music?

I'm sure there are some die-hard NKOTB fans out there and by now their underwear is probably in a bunch. My only advice for you is… tough luck. This is a war. As I stated earlier, there are casualties on both side and you just became one of them.

As for the people who feel the way I do about this scourge on mankind, don't be shy, let other people know how you feel.

We won't win if you sit idly by.

Ahem...

Hello Mr. Leckband,

I read your satirical article about your so-called "war" against the New Kids on the Block reunion and I have to say that there is a bigger picture you seem to have overlooked. I don't know who your "friends" are who were fighting this war but the thing is, it doesn't sound like you’re a big fan of pop culture and you & your friends are trying to kill it. It seems quite difficult for you to accept that everyone is different and we will enjoy whatever music we want to enjoy. Why are you making such a subjective assumption that the younger generation needs you to fight this war for them? Did they ask you to? I would highly suggest you include your qualifications if that were the case.

Back then, when NKOTB came out, they were more than just music to their fans. They were their positive outlet, their positive influence, and their retreat. They raised us to be strong, independent, & drug-free individuals. They taught us that it's okay if we don't want to give in to peer pressure. Their messages cradled us and kept us out of trouble rather than the latter grunge bands that came in and made it normal to do drugs and commit suicide for fun. Is that the type of influence you want for your children?

I also noticed that you failed to mention the war that they were fighting on their own. Where is the mention of how it was due to all the merchandising conglomerates, the money hungry management companies, and every tom, dick & harry who was trying to make money off of the New Kids that were the ones who created the "system" that supposedly "forced" this music down your throats? I'm sorry but the last time I checked, it was a free country and if you didn't want to listen to certain music, you change the station. You don't need to make a big fuss and write a public article, whining like a baby, pretending you have an imaginary war to fight and trying to put down a band that has given their fans nothing but love, respect, and shelter. I believe there are more important matters at hand than your little war. For example, how about the hurricane? How about writing about that? Or how about writing about us well-taught NKOTB fans who are donating money in NKOTB’s name to the Red Cross because that’s what the New Kids taught us? Is your war against their reunion REALLY more important than lives of thousands who are about to be homeless, suffering, or dead? Your credibility as a “solder” is diminishing in my eyes further and further as I write.

I highly doubt the younger generation will be negatively affected by this reunion. I'll bet you didn't even bother to do any research about this reunion and are just making blind accusations towards them, their fans & their good intentions. If anything, the New Kids have fought enough wars with self-proclaimed music experts like you and at this point in time, they really don't care WHAT you say. You can complain all you want, fight as hard as you can, and protest as much as your heart desires. Fact is, they have something to say and if you don't want to listen, THAT is where you’re supposed to write, “Who cares?” They certainly don’t. You were never invited to the reunion in the first place so it’d be best if you just stayed out of the way.

Sincerely,

Ava

On a lighter note, if you haven't yet purchased The Block, I highly recommend you do so. Without being biased, I seriously ROCKED OUT to this music! For a group that has not made any music together in 15 years, the end product will blow you away.