Matthew Morrison: 'I was a secret NKOTB fan'

Matthew Morrison has revealed that he was a fan of New Kids on the Block in the 1980s, even though the pop group wasn't popular with boys his age.

The Glee actor, who released his debut LP earlier this month, recently announced that he will join NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys for several dates on their summer tour.

Morrison recalled that he hid his affinity for New Kids on the Block from friends during his youth because the boyband was not regarded as "cool" at the time.

"I liked some of their songs. I had a cassette tape of [the group's 1986 debut] New Kids on the Block," he told Parade. "They had fun, catchy songs. I was there for the first album. I think it wasn't cool for guys to like them after that, but I probably secretly still listened to them."

Morrison also revealed that he signed on to tour with the 'Hangin' Tough' group in order to expand his fanbase.

He explained: "I have a whole solo tour planned, but they came to me with this offer to do a couple shows and I really couldn't refuse. My tour will be playing 2,000 to 3,000 seats a night, but this is the opportunity to play 15,000 to 20,000 seats a night, and to people who don't really know me as a musician, so I can really gain more fans."

New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys kicks off their tour tonight at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Morrison will join the lineup for the July 6 show at Anaheim, California's Honda Centre.

> Gwyneth Paltrow 'leaves Matthew Morrison tour'

Watch New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys perform a medley of their hits below: