The Q-Kids: Origin Story

by John R. Nocero & Andrea Bordonaro

JRN: The Q in the Q-Kids obviously stands for Quality with my history in quality, regulatory, education and training and compliance. But why the Kids and why is the name so important to me? Why did I want to call us the Q-Kids? It stems from Andrea's love of New Kids on the Block. But don't take my word for it.

ALB: Our inspiration for the Q-Kids...

Started at the age of 11 with my obsession and love for New Kids on the Block in 1988 when they first made their appearance as a group in the music scene. I heard HANGING TOUGH and THE RIGHT STUFF and was INSTANTLY hooked in a way that I still don't have an explanation for to this day. I was not only in awe of their music, but my inner hormones went crazy as I developed?a major crush on the five guys from Boston.

I owned EVERY single poster, VHS tape, t-shirt, record, cassette tape, CD (later on), teen magazine that even merely mentioned their name, and I never missed a single concert to this day almost 35 years later. I have even travelled to other cities to see them on the same tour and convinced my parents to purchase every time they appeared on a pay-per-view special when I was growing up. This deep love and infatuation for this group has evolved over time as we have now grown up together. They have each branched out into other careers and I'm an avid fan of them all, all the while staying true to them as a group.

They truly appreciate their fans, who they lovingly refer to as "blockheads" in a way that we can only understand and adore. It's a love like no other, honestly, it is amazing to me that it continues to withstand the true test of time. These guys age finer than the best wine and I love them not only for the wonderful music they make but even more so for the characters in which they stand for - who they are as individuals and when they come together, too.

No matter what phase of life I have been in: teenage years, in my 20s, dating, newlywed, new mom, raising my own kids, divorced single mom, embracing who I am as a 40+ year old career woman...their songs speak to me in ways that truly transcend their lyrics and beat. They ALWAYS improve my mood, my perspective on any life situation, and help bring me back to what's important in life. I am a true fan for life and these five guys will always, no matter what, hold the most special place in my aging, yet very grateful and loving heart.