As a kid, Jordan Knight would spend his summers in Canada, hunting for frogs on the beach and hanging out at his grandparents’ lake-house. These days, the singer’s visits here are more likely to be for tours with New Kids on the Block, sell-out shows with the Backstreet Boys and solo runs like his Live and Still Unfinished tour, currently crossing Canada.
Chatting to HuffPost Canada while preparing to make his debut as a coach for his son’s hockey team, the 42-year-old Bostonian filled us in on his childhood memories of Canada, the hurdles he faced making his fifth solo record Unfinished and how fans can get intimate with him — well, not too intimate (sorry ladies, he’s married) — at morning-after brunches throughout his Canadian tour.
How exciting is it to finally bring your tour to Canada?
It’s just good to get to Canada because we have a great fanbase there and people are so polite, nice and grateful. That’s always a breath of fresh air.
Your parents are from Canada and you have dual-citizenship — did you spend much time here growing up?
We used to go up to the Toronto area every summer, every Christmas and for weddings and family events. We’d drive up at least twice a year.
You grew up with a large family, so that must have been quite a road trip!
We took two cars – the van and my father’s Toyota pickup. I used to drive with my father because he would let me do the stick-shift. And sometimes he would fall asleep at the wheel, so I’d have to nudge him every once in awhile!
What are your standout memories of your time here?
Just the time with my grandparents and cousins. My grandfather had a cottage that he built by hand on Lake Erie and we used to stay there every summer with my aunts, uncles and cousins. We’d play cards at night, walk along the beach looking for frogs and lizards, and surfboard.
Did you spend most of your time near Toronto?
We were mainly in Dunnville, about an hour away but we would go to Orangeville, Burlington, Kitchener and Toronto itself. Anytime we went to Toronto was like we were going to the big city — that was a big day!
What are some of your favourite places to visit in Canada?
This tour I’m going to Montreal which is going to be great. It’s so beautiful. I also love the atmosphere in Vancouver.
Who’s your favourite Canadian artist?
Alanis Morissette. Jagged Little Pill was one of the best albums.
To read the full interview go to HuffingtonPost.ca.