In a moment that has sent waves of emotion through pop culture fans worldwide, Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block have officially confirmed their much-anticipated farewell collaboration: the Encore Tour, set to kick off in Spring 2026. The announcement, made on October 19, 2025, marks a defining moment in the history of boy bands, bringing together two of the most iconic pop groups for one final, epic celebration of music, memories, and milestones.
This is more than a tour—it’s a global pop event, a nostalgic curtain call, and the last time fans will see these two legendary groups perform side-by-side on a full-scale international tour.
A Pop Culture Milestone Decades in the Making
Between them, Backstreet Boys (BSB) and New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) have sold over 180 million albums, generated dozens of chart-topping hits, and performed in sold-out arenas across the globe. They each helped define their respective eras: NKOTB as the blueprint of the modern boy band in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, and BSB as the global juggernaut of the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
While their previous joint outing—the 2011 NKOTBSB Tour—was a blockbuster success, Encore is being billed as the final chapter in their touring story together. Unlike the last collaboration, this tour will serve as a grand finale, with no planned follow-ups or future joint tours.
In a joint statement released on October 19, both bands expressed their gratitude and excitement:
“This isn’t just a tour—it’s our final thank you. To the fans who have been with us since the beginning, who grew up with our music, and who never stopped believing in us. We’re giving you everything we’ve got, one last time.”
Tour Details: The Ultimate Farewell Experience
Encore: The Final Bow will span over 50 cities across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia, with the opening night set for May 15, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Highlights of the tour will include:
- 🎤 Full headlining sets from both Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block
- 🔁 Collaborative performances and mashups, including unreleased material and fan-favorite B-sides
- 💥 High-concept stage production, blending nostalgia with state-of-the-art visuals and lighting
- 🎞️ Multimedia storytelling, including home video footage, backstage moments, and tributes to fans
- 🧡 Emotional goodbyes, with each night featuring a rotating “Legacy Moment” where band members share personal memories and messages
“This is going to be the biggest show we’ve ever put on—hands down,” said Kevin Richardson of Backstreet Boys during a live fan Q&A. “It’s not just a concert. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve lived through and built—together.”
Danny Wood of NKOTB added: “We’ve been through marriages, kids, losses, comebacks, and incredible highs. This tour is the exclamation point on a lifetime of memories.”
A Generation Reunited
For many fans, the Encore tour is more than a music event—it’s an emotional time capsule. The music of BSB and NKOTB shaped childhoods, soundtracked teenage years, and remained a steady presence through adulthood.
Online forums, fan groups, and social media exploded within hours of the October 19 announcement, with hashtags like #EncoreFinalBow, #BSBNKOTBForever, and #LastDanceTour trending globally. Fans are already organizing “boy band reunions,” planning road trips, and reliving their favorite concert moments from decades past.
“I met my best friend at a BSB show in 1999. We’ve stayed close ever since, and now we’re taking our teenage daughters to the Encore tour,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “Full-circle moment.”
Another fan posted:
“This is it. My childhood and adulthood colliding on one stage. I’m not ready for the final goodbye—but I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
What Makes This Tour Different?
Unlike typical farewell tours, Encore isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about honoring a shared legacy between two bands that revolutionized pop music, fan culture, and live performance. This tour has been in the works for nearly two years, with both bands carefully crafting a show that not only showcases their greatest hits but also their journeys, growth, and friendship.
Behind the scenes, the tour is being produced by Live Nation with creative direction from Jamie King, the visionary behind tours for artists like Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears.
King has promised a “multi-sensory experience” that balances nostalgia with fresh energy.
“The Encore tour will feel like stepping into the greatest music time machine of your life—but with all the production value of 2026.”
Ticket Info, Dates, and VIP Packages
The Encore tour is expected to sell out within hours, as presale demand has already surpassed expectations.
- Fan Club Presale: Opens October 23, 2025
- General Public Sale: Begins October 25, 2025
- VIP Packages: Include meet-and-greets, soundcheck access, limited-edition tour merch, photo ops, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Key confirmed cities on the tour include:
- Las Vegas, NV – May 15 (Opening Night)
- Los Angeles, CA – May 20
- Toronto, ON – May 28
- New York, NY – June 5–7 (3-night special event)
- London, UK – June 21
- Berlin, DE – June 26
- Tokyo, JP – July 10
- São Paulo, BR – July 22
- Sydney, AU – August 2
- Miami, FL – August 30 (Final North American stop)
Additional dates are expected to be announced in early 2026, depending on demand.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Though this may be the final joint tour, neither band is signaling the end of their musical journeys. Solo projects, acting roles, limited engagements, and possible Las Vegas residencies are all on the table. But Encore: The Final Bow is the last time the two titans of pop will take the stage together in a global, full-scale production.
“We’ll always be Backstreet Boys. They’ll always be New Kids,” said Donnie Wahlberg during an interview. “But this is the last time we’ll light up the world—side by side. Let’s make it unforgettable.”
Final Thoughts
The Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block have shaped the lives of millions, created timeless music, and built a fan culture that is as loyal today as it was decades ago. The Encore tour isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a powerful, joyful, and emotional celebration of everything these bands stood for: unity, harmony, love, and the unshakable bond between artists and their fans.
So whether you’re a lifelong Blockhead, a die-hard member of the BSB Army, or someone who simply wants to relive the magic of the boy band era one last time—Encore is your final chance.
Get ready to sing. Get ready to scream. Get ready to say goodbye… together.
