For over three decades, Joey McIntyre has been a staple in the pop music landscape. As the youngest member of New Kids on the Block, he skyrocketed to fame during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
As McIntyre forges ahead on his own musical journey, he’s doing more than just revisiting his past—he’s redefining it. His new solo album Freedom represents a deeply personal chapter in his career, one that reflects not just his growth as an artist, but the impact of his family and his need for autonomy from New Kids on the Block.
“I’m in my own lane now,” he says, with the confidence that comes with both experience and introspection.
A PARTNERSHIP WITH A PRODIGY
In the midst of the pandemic, McIntyre found himself recording with ’80s pop icon Debbie Gibson on a reimagined version of her hit “Lost in Your Eyes.” It was during this collaboration that he met Sean Thomas, a Berklee School of Music graduate and prodigious co-producer, a connection that would spark a powerful songwriting partnership.
The duo would go on to tour together in 2023 and create not just tracks for McIntyre’s Freedom album, but also songs for the New Kids on the Block’s Still Kids.
McIntyre is keenly aware of how special their bond is—both in the studio and on stage.
You know, when we were writing the album, I go, ‘Hmm, well, he’s literally half my age. What’s this guy getting from me?’ But then I thought, ‘Wait, I guess I’m pretty cool. I’ve got a lot of experience, and I bring a lot to the table.
Despite the generational divide, the two have formed a creative connection that’s helped McIntyre navigate his transition from boy band heartthrob to solo artist. The result is a collection of songs that feel as raw and personal as they are powerful.
“But he’s very… he’s wise beyond his years. He’s incredibly talented, he’s a hard worker,” McIntyre continues. “He’s a very decent guy, very funny. I mean, I think most people will tell you that, you know, lucky enough to make records and make music, the best part of the experience is just being in the studio. And, of course, you know, finding and clicking, you know what I mean? Making that music, but also just laughing, just being silly, you know, and just goofing off. And, you know, Sean and I have had a lot of laughs over the years, over the last couple of years, on stage and in the studio.”
THE FREEDOM TOUR: A WHOLE NEW VIBE
McIntyre is stepping into 2025 with an electrifying new vision. His upcoming Freedom tour promises an experience unlike any other he’s delivered before. “This tour’s going to be different from what I’ve done before,” McIntyre says, his excitement palpable.
“I want to create an experience, something that feels more intimate, more raw.” Kicking things off in Houston and Dallas on April 4 and 5, McIntyre is pushing the boundaries of what his live show can be.
I’m bringing a stage, lights, the whole deal,” he reveals. “It’s me stepping up, really going for it—putting in the time, the energy, and bringing in a few extra hands to take the show to the next level.
This isn’t just a performance; it’s a bold statement. McIntyre is ready to connect with his fans on a deeper level, offering them something they won’t forget. “In 2025, I’m all in for giving fans a high-octane, immersive experience,” he says. It’s all in service of showcasing the deeply personal album that is Freedom.
FREEDOM: A SONG OF SELF-DISCOVERY
McIntyre’s new album Freedom serves as both a reflection of his personal evolution and a testament to his ongoing journey of self-discovery. The album effortlessly blends vulnerability with bravado, capturing both the triumph and internal tension that comes with living in the public eye.
At the heart of it all is the title track, a song that has drawn praise from fans and critics alike for McIntyre’s growth as a songwriter and his newfound freedom to be brutally honest, both with himself and with his New Kids on the Block bandmates.
“Freedom was the last song we wrote… it became this almost dance track, and I think the music gods just sent down a real gift with that one,” McIntyre reflects. He acknowledges that much of the album, particularly this song, was shaped by his personal experiences—not just with New Kids on the Block but also in his life beyond the band.
“Freedom” may sound like an anthem of liberation on the surface, but it’s far more layered. Beneath the pounding beats lies a deeper yearning for self-expression and autonomy, a theme McIntyre has always grappled with as a member of a global pop phenomenon. “We knew how to put it down. It just came together because we were so loose and in such good shape,” he recalls of the creative process that brought the song to life.
The track’s inception had an almost magical feel. “Some of the ideas had been floating around for months, but it wasn’t until Sean and I got together during the Magic Summer tour that it all clicked,” McIntyre explains. Over the course of a rare three-day break during the tour, McIntyre and Thomas rented an Airbnb and dove deep into the creative process. “I had some pieces of it already, but it had a different vibe at first. It ended up transforming into a dance track, which felt like a gift from the music gods.”
In a process McIntyre likens to building with Legos, the song slowly took shape, with the duo fine-tuning its parts, deciding which section should be the verse and which would be the chorus. They’d been collaborating together for almost a year, so they had learned how to bring their ideas together effortlessly. But even then, the song almost didn’t come together.
At one point, we almost gave up on the idea. Sean literally closed the laptop, but right after, I had this moment of inspiration and told him to open it again. I told him to press record, and suddenly, I just sang, ‘I love you, baby, but you’re making me crazy. I can’t stand it.’ The crazy part was that I’d never sung it that way before. I always sang it lower, almost like an outro, but this time it was the chorus. We looked at each other in disbelief—it was a one-take recording, and I never sang it like that again.
What sets Freedom apart is its raw honesty—particularly in how it mirrors McIntyre’s past.
The song shares an undeniable resonance with New Kids on the Block’s “Step by Step.” “When you talk about the correlation between this song and ‘Step by Step,’ there are clear echoes,” McIntyre says. “This is the first time I got explicit about what I call the ‘gilded cage.’ It’s the beautiful gift of being part of New Kids, but it also comes with a feeling of being stuck or trapped. I think a lot of people can relate to that—having a great job, a family, all these things that make you feel grateful, but still wanting your own space and wanting to carve your own path. That takes work, energy, and a lot of self-reflection.”
In “Step by Step,” the lyrics are a blueprint for optimism: “Step one, we can have lots of fun. Step two, there’s so much we can do…” But in Freedom, McIntyre flips the script.
I sang, ‘Step one, this isn’t any fun. Two steps from the door, close your eyes and count to three. Open up, you won’t see me. Step four, I cannot give you more if I’m ever going to make it out alive.’” It’s a declaration of independence, a need for personal space even in the face of success. “It was about integrity—taking care of myself so I can truly give my best to the group,” he says. “It felt good to say it out loud. And sharing that with the fans and the group was important, because there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes it can feel like you’re betraying people by speaking your truth, but as long as I’m not being hurtful, I have the right to share it.
For McIntyre, Freedom is not just a musical statement but a reclamation of self—a message that is both personal and universal.
BALANCING SOLO AMBITIONS WITH NEW KIDS OBLIGATIONS
Even with his new solo work lighting a fire within him, McIntyre remains tethered to his roots.
Despite his deep connection to the album’s creation, McIntyre found himself torn between his solo work and the obligations he feels to his group, as his bandmates announced the recording of a new album and summer tour.
“I wasn’t super excited about making another New Kids record because I was so into the Joe lane,” he admits. But after some internal push and pull, McIntyre embraced the challenge, and the result is Still Kids, which featured six songs that McIntyre co-wrote, most with Thomas.
Writing for both his solo project and the New Kids album wasn’t always easy.
The toughest part is offering up your music to the group and wondering if they’ll like it,” McIntyre confesses. But the collaborative effort pushed him to become a better writer. “We were in the gym every day, so to speak. We were in great, great fighting shape to make my own album,” he says, acknowledging how the two projects supported each other. “And, you know, again, you know, my ego early on, wanted it to be a different way. You know what I mean? No, I’m going to do it my way, this, that, and the other thing. But, you know, I was of service to the group and I got a lot out of it, and it ended up working nicely because we dovetailed into my solo album.
Even as McIntyre continues to embrace his autonomy, he’s grateful for the unbreakable bond he shares with New Kids on the Block. Their tight-knit friendship and shared experiences are key to the band’s enduring success. “We’ve always chosen family and friendship over business,” McIntyre reflects. “That’s what has kept us together.”
GROWING UP A NEW KID
Joey McIntyre’s journey into the world of New Kids on the Block began in 1985 when he was discovered by producer Maurice Starr.
At just 12 years old, Joey was recruited as the youngest member of the group, joining Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, Danny Wood, and Jonathan Knight to complete the five-member lineup. Joey’s fresh-faced charm, impressive vocal ability, and youthful energy quickly earned him a spot as a fan favorite. While the rest of the members had already been working with Starr for a while, Joey brought a unique dynamic to the group, which would later contribute to the group’s rise to superstardom.
The group’s debut album, New Kids on the Block (1986), initially struggled to make an impact. Despite the band’s dedication and the catchy nature of their songs, the album didn’t fare well commercially, failing to chart significantly or generate major radio hits. It wasn’t a total failure, but the lack of immediate success led to doubts about the viability of the boy band’s potential. The members, still relatively young, faced a steep uphill battle in a competitive industry, and the band was at a crossroads as they considered their next move. Joey and the other members, however, remained determined and believed in their potential to succeed.
The turning point for New Kids on the Block came with the release of their second album, Hangin’ Tough (1988). This album marked a significant shift in both the group’s sound and image.
LEGACY OF HANGIN’ TOUGH
McIntyre looks back with a sense of awe at the global phenomenon that Hangin’ Tough became, reflecting on the magic that made the album such a monumental success. For him, the key to the album’s success wasn’t just about being in the right place at the right time—it was about authenticity, timing, and the unique blend of talents within New Kids on the Block.
“When I look back at Hangin’ Tough, the foundation was a group that really took the time to make this an authentic experience,” McIntyre says. The band’s journey to superstardom wasn’t instantaneous, especially after the failure of their first album, but their decision to work more closely with Maurice Starr, a producer known for his hit-making abilities, would prove pivotal. However, McIntyre insists it wasn’t just Starr’s production skills that made the difference—it was about the group’s willingness to pour their own voices and passions into the music. “Jordan, Danny, and Donnie really pushed Maurice to make this album more about who we really were.
The result was an album that captured their energy, their personalities, and their passion in a way that felt deeply personal and undeniably fresh.
For McIntyre, the creative process behind Hangin’ Tough played a huge role in the album’s lasting impact. The group wasn’t just chasing after a quick hit—they were dedicated to perfecting their sound. At the time, the guys were just 17 and 18 years old, but they were beginning to find their own voices as artists.
We had the passion, we practiced every day, and we were excited to see how the songs would come to life on stage,” McIntyre says. But it wasn’t all about rushing to meet deadlines. Instead, they were given the time to refine the music and make it their own. “I remember taking the bus in to record ‘Please Don’t Go Girl’ over two Saturdays, and it just felt like magic.
It was this dedication to the craft—and the space to explore creatively—that made the music stand out.
Joey draws a comparison between the work he did with Hangin’ Tough and his more recent collaborations, pointing out that just like Jack Antonoff with Taylor Swift or Max Martin with the Backstreet Boys, it’s all about finding the right chemistry between collaborators. “It’s about that click, that vibe, and we had it,” McIntyre said with pride, recalling how the band’s dynamic—especially under Starr’s direction—helped shape the album. “The group, under Maurice’s direction, created a record that wasn’t rushed but carefully crafted.” The music wasn’t just something the guys created in the studio—it was an extension of who they were as people.
It wasn’t just about the breaks we got—it was about the dedication we poured into the music.
One of the standout features of Hangin’ Tough was its structural simplicity: 10 songs that packed a punch, each one contributing to a cohesive whole. “It was a perfectly structured album, with 10 songs that packed a punch,” McIntyre says proudly. He compares this old-school approach to the structure of his new solo album, Freedom, noting the similarities in their streamlined tracklists. “Five songs on each side, just packed a punch,” he says, recognizing that both albums, despite the decades between them, share an energy that transcends time. “There are a lot of similarities between the two,” McIntyre adds confidently, “but it’s no coincidence that both albums had such an impact.”
It’s clear that McIntyre’s journey with Hangin’ Tough helped set the stage for his later success—both as a solo artist and as a member of New Kids on the Block. The album’s success wasn’t just about good timing, but about a group of young men who were willing to invest everything they had into their music. That same commitment to authenticity is what drives McIntyre today, from his solo career to his ongoing work with New Kids on the Block.
Whether in the early days of Hangin’ Tough or in the making of Freedom, McIntyre’s dedication to creating something real, something true, continues to resonate with his fans across the globe.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: FAMILY FIRST
For Joey McIntyre and the rest of New Kids on the Block, family isn’t just an important part of their lives—it’s the very foundation of their success. Reflecting on the early days, McIntyre describes the band’s meteoric rise as “lightning in a bottle,” something that can’t be replicated or manufactured. But for him, the magic wasn’t just about the music or the business—it was about the people behind the scenes and the unshakable support of their families.
“The reality is, you need more than just Maurice Starr, you need Donnie Wahlberg, and you need our parents,” McIntyre says. “We were all from working-class families. We just got up every day, went out, and worked hard with faith and a sense of humor.” Growing up in that environment, the group developed a strong sense of resilience, which would later define their careers. “We came from that stock,” he adds, “a stock built on hard work and belief.”
Family, however, isn’t just something McIntyre talks about—it’s something you can see in their earliest footage. “I just watched an old tape our manager made in 1988 when we all went to Japan,” he recalls. “He had this camcorder, and there’s this footage of us just messing around. We’re saying hi to our families, talking about our loved ones.” The raw, unfiltered affection they shared in those moments was real. “I love you, Mom. I love you, Danny,” McIntyre said, remembering the heartfelt messages they sent home. “And that wasn’t put on. It was genuine.” For McIntyre and his bandmates, those messages were more than just words; they were an expression of who they were, of the close-knit families that supported them every step of the way.
That familial bond wasn’t just a passing sentiment—it became the backbone of their success.
That was part of our DNA,” McIntyre says. “It was the fuel that took us forward.” But the influence of family didn’t stop there. It also became the glue that held the band together, even as they navigated the ups and downs of fame. “We’ve always chosen family and friendship over business,” he says. “And that’s not easy to do. But we’ve done it, a day at a time, a tour at a time, a record at a time.
Looking back, McIntyre knows that this bond—this sense of loyalty and camaraderie—has been essential to the group’s longevity. “It hasn’t always been perfect, but that’s why we’ve been able to continue to do this. To go beyond our wildest dreams. To continue to surprise each other, and surprise our fans.”
At the heart of it all, it’s clear: family isn’t just a concept for New Kids on the Block. It’s their secret weapon, their guiding force, and the reason they’re still going strong after all these years.
Growing up in Jamaica Plain, McIntyre’s childhood was steeped in love, humor, and hard work—values that have defined both his career and personal life. And that sense of family continues to inspire McIntyre in his role as a father. His son, Griffin, is already following in his footsteps, and McIntyre couldn’t be prouder. “Griffin is an incredible artist. He really shows up for his art and his passion,” he beams. Watching Griffin perform has been an emotional catalyst for McIntyre’s own music. “It’s such a connection to my album, watching him show up the way he does,” he says, visibly moved.
LOVE OF THEATER
Before he was crooning pop anthems with New Kids on the Block, McIntyre was a theater kid—one of those kids who would jump off the school bus and go straight into a rehearsal for the local play.
Yeah, to get right to the heart of it, I grew up just four blocks away from this amazing theater (The Footlight Club,) and I didn’t realize how lucky I was until I moved to New York years later,” McIntyre reflects. “You know, those little black box theaters, where any corner could become a stage? That was my reality. But we had this beautiful 200-seat theater in our backyard in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood just outside Boston, and I didn’t know how special that was at the time.
The theater was more than a place to perform; it was his mother Katherine’s, escape—a place where she could shed the weight of raising nine kids and lose herself in song and dance.
She had nine kids, and she loved singing, performing, and being on stage. That theater was her personal haven. We’d watch her up there, glowing, having a blast. That energy was contagious. And it wasn’t just her; it became part of our DNA,” he says with a smile. “A few of us—three or four—caught the bug and started performing in community theater too.
McIntyre also speaks fondly of his time at the Neighborhood Children’s Theater of Boston, led by the late Michelle McCourt, whom he calls “an angel.” There, he discovered what it meant to be part of something bigger than himself.
“I was made to be a theater kid. I saw it in my family—the joy, the excitement. People from all walks of life came together purely because they loved what they were doing. They gave it their all. You’d have these people working nine-to-five jobs, then they’d walk off the bus and head straight to the theater to live out their dreams. Afterward, they’d grab a beer, unwind, and laugh. It was brilliant.”
For McIntyre, community theater was a place where his artistry was challenged, nurtured, and celebrated.
At the end of the day, it was just fun. It was challenging, and I loved it,” he says. “Then, at 12, I got pulled away from my budding theater career by four ‘dock rats’—as I like to call them. And that’s how the New Kids journey began.
It’s clear that McIntyre’s roots in the theater—and the sense of family that comes with it—are still deeply woven into his music and life today. The lessons he learned in those early years—about love, identity, and the power of community—echo throughout his career, shaping both the man and the artist he’s become. From the small, local stages to the international arenas with New Kids on the Block, McIntyre’s journey has always been about more than just performing; it’s about connection, authenticity, and the shared human experience.
And, just like the performers who walked into that small theater to follow their dreams, McIntyre continues to show up, giving it his all.
Even as McIntyre continues to build on his impressive body of work, he’s not slowing down.
In 2025, he’ll be back on screen, with a sequel to his Christmas movie, “Jingle Bell Love,” slated for release on Roku. And, of course, the New Kids are as active as ever, with an upcoming Las Vegas residency at the end of June at Dolby Live at Park MGM .
“It’s lightning in a bottle,” McIntyre says, reflecting on the magic that the band created and continues to create.
The journey from New Kids on the Block to now has been one of reinvention and growth for Joey McIntyre. He’s not just the boy band heartthrob of yesterday; he’s a seasoned artist, a devoted father, and a man fully in touch with his own voice. And with each new project—whether it’s his solo work, his family life, or his next adventure—McIntyre proves that sometimes the best part of the ride is still yet to come.
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Joey McIntyre – Freedom Tour: Phase One
- April 4 Houston, TX
- April 5 Dallas, TX
- April 7 St. Louis, MI
- April 8Chicago, IL
- April 9 Detroit, MO
- April 11 Toronto, ON
- April 12 Cleveland OH
- April 14 Louisville, KY
- April 15 Nashville, TN
- April 16 Birmingham, AL
- April 18 Gainesville, FL
- April 19 Savannah, GA
- April 21 Raleigh, NC
- April 22 Washington, DC
- April 23 Philadelphia, PA
- April 25 Boston, MA
- April 26 New York, NY
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