Boston Strong Concert Brings New Kids On the Block and Godsmack to the Same Room

Jared Paul, the manager of the New Kids on the Block, got the ball rolling on a benefit concert in the city to support the families and victims of the Boston Marathon attack.

Once the Boston-based boy group said they wanted to put on a show, and raise money for the One Fund, set up for those impacted by the Boylston Street blasts, more acts started to jump on the set list soon after.

First it was James Taylor. Then Dane Cook wanted to perform. Soon after, Godsmack and Aerosmith were involved.

Now, on May 30, a benefit concert being called “world class,” will bring together acts that got their start in the state, or have spent significant time in Massachusetts, for the first time, with the goal of raising funds.

“The artist community as a whole, and all my [fellow] managers literally jumped in to see what they could do to help. People moved tour dates…it’s been a collective artist community commitment,” said Paul. “One of the most important things to talk about is this event serves many purposes. It’s going to raise much needed money for the victims, and show recognition for all first responders…but also it’s going to be a celebration of what makes this town so fantastic, and a chance for these acts from this town to take the stage together, many for the first time.”

TD Garden and Live Nation teamed up for the ‘Boston Strong’ celebration and said ticket proceeds will benefit the One Fund, which was created by Mayor Tom Menino and Governor Deval Patrick in the days following the attack. To date, the fund, which will distribute money to victims hurt in the April 15 attack, has raised more than $27 million.

TD Garden officials went as far as donating the arena for the night at no cost, so the concert could go on without profits involved. Ticket sales will be digital only, according to officials, so that no one can profit from paper ticket sales on third-party sites.

Donnie Wahlberg was on hand during the announcement, and said it was the first time he had set foot in the city since the attack. He said the events shook him to the core, and he felt compelled to step up and fight back to help out. “As artists, this is our way to do it. It’s not about us…it’s about showing the spirit of this city, and we won’t be deterred,” Wahlberg said. “I can assure you this is one occasion in history where there is truly no agenda, other than to take care of the victims.” He said when people see the set list it’s “Boston’s best” together in one place. Wahlberg said the goal is to raise “a ton of money” for the victims during this “horrific tragedy.”

“Boston is going to [expletive] rock that night,” said Wahlberg, during a press conference on Friday.

Here is the complete set list:

Aerosmith, Jason Aldean, Boston, Jimmy Buffett, Dane Cook, Extreme, Godsmack, The J. Geils Band, Carole King, New Kids on the Block, James Taylor, and Steven Wright.

Additional artists will be announced. Invitations are still being extended and sorted out, and more guests are expected to appear.

Tickets will go on sale Monday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m. on www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 or at the TD Garden Box Office.