In 1993, when The Backstreet Boys came together as a group in Orlando, Florida, no one could have predicted the scope of their success. Typically, teen pop acts come and go leaving nothing behind but a moldy hit or two and a sprinkling of die-hard fans scattered around the globe. The fact that seventeen years after their inception, The Backstreet Boys are still packing them in says something for their fortitude, the loyalty of their fans and, oh, yeah, their talent.
My daughter has been a fan of the group since the time “The Boys” (as their long-time followers call them) began getting airplay and having entire issues of Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine devoted to them. I followed along at first because I wanted to make my daughter happy, but then something strange happened. I began enjoying those songs with their delicious hooks and well crafted melodies. The group members possessed personality and charm that others of their ilk seemed to lack. It stands to reason that in order to appeal to a wide range of the populace and increase your selling power, you must be likable, and not just to the kids. The Backstreet Boys learned this early on.
I’ve witnessed the band during various phases of their long career: from teetering on the brink of fame to full blown Backstreet-mania, when Times Square had to be shut down for their appearance on MTV’s Total Request Live. For awhile they were the hottest pop band going. But time has a way of controlling the ebb and flow of fame. Eventually their U.S. record sales flagged (although in Europe their recordings still do well). A.J. Mclean went through rehab for drug and alcohol abuse, Kevin Richardson, the band's eldest member, left to spend more time with his family. But now McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, and Brian Littrell are on the road with their “This Is Us” tour and it’s almost like the golden days are upon them again.
Their show is a mix of material both new and old and is as much a production as it can be in these economically challenged times. Yes, the requisite dry ice is present, along with four female dancers, who take over the show when the group is off for another costume change. A screen at the rear of the stage is the entrance point for the guys, who burst through their own images to dance and leap down the stairs on either side of a massive platform.
Article comments
1 - Samantha
I was at this show... and they DID introduce the DJ and dancers towards the end of the show...
2 - Mindy Peterman
Those must have been extremely quick shout-outs. Do you happen to remember the DJ's name?
3 - Samantha
LOL i could care less about his name or the dancers names but the backstreet boys have always taken the time to shoutout whoever is on stage with them. and they definitley did during the june 15th concert at mohegan. dancers were during the last 2 songs... the DJ intro was during the last quarter.
4 - Samantha
As a matter of fact it was right before he did his own private set while they costume changed (he did a pitbull song remix I'm pretty sure). Hope that triggers your memory.
5 - Mindy Peterman
Hi Samantha: The DJ was an essential part of that show. His virtuosity impressed me, which is why I wanted to know his name. In any case, thanks for the info. I appreciate your helping me out with the facts.
6 - Songbird
I saw the same show in London when they were here. I have to say they looked and sounded and danced better than in ages. I still do miss Kevin a bit though, but I am glad the new album is steering them away from the ballads a little bit towards more uptempo material. It was a great night.
7 - Inke
The Dj's name is LaniAkea he's on Facebook you should find him and be his friend! I know he posts mixes he does on there from time to time
8 - Mindy
Inke: Thanks for the info.
9 - jetex
i always love Backstreet boys ....i want 2 kiss them 1 by 1..lol...