If you book him, they will come.

And so it went on Thursday afternoon when former New Kid On The Block Joey McIntyre turned up at the Virgin Megastore in New York's Times Square, drawing a crowd of thousands of old school and new school fans alike.

An estimated crowd of 2,000 ranging in age from 12 to 28 filed into the store, and much crying, screaming, and emoting followed. Beginning at 5 p.m., McIntyre began signing items running the gamut from copies of his new solo CD, "Stay The Same," to mousepads and a slew of New Kids gear including dolls, posters, and magazines. The steady stream of devotees kept McIntyre signing until past 6:30 p.m.

"It's very incredible," McIntyre told MTV News of the response he found, which saw him adorned with gifts from fans, including a number of marriage proposals. "I don't take it for granted. It's like surreal." [RealVideo]

"I've loved him since I was two years old, and I'm 14 now," one fans gushed as she waited to meet McIntyre. "I used to love (New Kid) Jordan (Knight), but Jordan sucks now. I love Joey. I'm gonna ask him if he can marry me." [RealVideo]

That fan will probably have to content herself with the Joey doll that McIntyre signed for her, as well as a copy of "Stay The Same," which is in stores now.

Joey's caravan of squeals will next roll into Houston on Friday and Boston on Saturday. He will hit the road for a string of U.S. concerts this summer. Here's where he will be (please plan accordingly):

  • 6/18 - Westbury, NY @ Westbury Music Fair
  • 6/24 - Milwaukee, WI @ SummerFest
  • 6/25 - Merillville, IN @ Star Plaza Theater
  • 6/27 - Springfield, MO @ TBA
  • 7/1 - Tampa, FL @ Tampa Bay Perf. Arts Center
  • 7/2 - Pompano Beach, FL @ Pompano Beach Amph.
  • 7/14 - Portland, ME @ State Theatre
  • 7/16 - Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
  • 7/17 - Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
  • 7/18 - Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino
  • 7/20 - New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
  • 7/21 - Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Music Theatre