Posted By ANGELA SCAPPATURA
Updated 13 hours ago
Across section of boy band fanatics, including children, teens and adult women crammed into The Sudbury Arena on Tuesday for what was arguably the biggest concert to come to Sudbury. The Backstreet Boys. Before the show began, gaggles of squealing teenagers bounded about the arena, many draped in Backstreet Boys T-Shirts-- some with Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Littrell scrawled across their backs.
"He touched THIS hand!" a girl's voice excitedly reported from the steps behind me.
As the crowd waited anxiously for the music to begin, every stray drum beat, light change or slight movement from beside the stage incited wild screams from those on the floor. At one point, it appeared as though a stampede aimed toward the blackened stage would ensue when a familiar face was spotted walking by.
The flicker of cameras became like strobe lights when Aaron Carter -- Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter's younger brother -- began waving at the crowd. He goaded them on, clearly enjoying the fawning.
In one quick second, the room went black, and the crowd simultaneously exhaled a piercing wail.
While The Backstreet Boys, also known as BSB, have released four albums since "Millennium" (1999), their status as pop superstars has faded.
In the past eight years, two members have released forgettable solo projects, one has been to rehab and another achieved reality television notoriety.
Noticeably absent from the show was former member, Kevin Richardson. It has been reported that Richardson left the band to start a family.
The show started with each of the four members -- Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and A. J. McLean -- standing beside a boxing ring, draped in hooded shiny boxing robes.
The first song, "Larger Than Life," was underscored by heavy beats with corresponding dance moves that mimicked boxing punches. It was campy, but the crowd loved it.
Part of the allure of the Backstreet Boys -- back when they were the most adored pop act -- was their innovative and precise dance moves. Now, it seemed, some of those moves should have been left in the 90s. At times, it felt like I was somehow a part of an elaborate set for a satirical movie on boy bands. There was a smattering of new material, but their style was firmly planted in the past.
Of nothing else, The Backstreet Boys fed into the audience's desire for nostalgia. Girls screamed at the sight of Nick Carter belting a love ballad and the crowd chanted along with their hits, "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," and "I Want It That Way."
A few of the boys were slightly ragged in their appearance. A. J. McLean used to be known as the alluring tattooed rebel of the group but his manicured soul patch and handle-bar facial hair has grown into an unruly beard. His black eyeliner smudged from what looked like days of wear.
Individual members of the band took the opportunity to showcase some of their solo material.
If silence was possible in an arena filled with teenage girls, Howie Dorough achieved it with his attempt at a Spanish infused ballad. His mostly off-key performance was saved only by awkward hip swivels that elicited some cheers.
If igniting the nostalgic glee in once rabid and loyal fans was their goal, The Backstreet Boys deserve a shiny gold star. But, if they are seeking even a speck of their past popularity, it's time for a new choreographer.
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