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Backstreet Boys Kick Off Tour
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Date: Sep 21, 2099 WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 18 — From flying skateboards to confetti to fireworks, the Backstreet Boys' "Into the Millennium" tour is a slick, flashy production that is as much about solid pop songs as it is pink velvet jackets and spats. Though the Boys' highly anticipated arena outing was slated to lift off in Florida last week, Hurricane Floyd forced a delay in the touring mission. After a tardy kick off in Charlotte on Friday (Sept. 17), BSB landed at the MCI Center in D.C. for two sold-out weekend shows (Sept. 18-19) packed with squealing, sobbing teens and their beleaguered parents. While there will always be those you try to discredit the quintet's huggy bear bubble-gum pop, there is little to argue about BSB's solid work ethic. With a new album, Millennium, that has sold a staggering seven million copies in four months, and a record-breaking tour that moved 765,000 tickets within hours nationwide, the Boys could sing in their showers and go platinum. But the precision dance steps, mellifluous harmonies, natty costumes (black leather, button-down vests, Chinese pajamas), and special effects that color this extravaganza are proof of their dedication. Kicking off with the punchy "Larger Than Life," Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean, and Nick Carter slammed out high kicks with their 10 dancers, dashed up hydraulic staircases, and covered every centimeter of the circular stage, set in the center of the arena. By putting the Boys in the round, every fan is provided a swoon-worthy view of their favorite member; judging from the piercing shrieks every time his face flashed across the video screens, Carter, the blond Leo DiCaprio wannabe, is still the fan favorite. He is also rumored as the first Boy to defect with a solo project, even though it is McLean whose gutsy vocals are the standout of the group. Drawing material from both of their albums, the Boys and their sharp six-piece band funked up the joint with "Get Down (You're the One for Me)," the sure-to-be-a-smash "I'll Be the One," and "Don't Want You Back." The addition of tenor saxophone and percussion coated the graceful "As Long as You Love Me" with much-needed texture, while during "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," the Boys were swept into the air to somersault and slap hands with fans. Dorough made the sign of the cross and raised his eyebrows skyward before being jerked off the ground. Somewhere, there is a very financially secure life insurance company. A prime Hallmark moment came midway through the Boys' two-hour show for "The Perfect Fan," a misty ballad written by Littrell for his mother. Five pairs of mothers and daughters were invited onstage to witness the Boys express their maternal appreciation. For those who snipe about the Boys being schmaltzy, this was your moment to jeer. While ballads such as "Show Me the Meaning," "Back to Your Heart" (with Richardson on piano), and the Motown-inspired "I'll Never Break Your Heart" are sweet, it's the fiery dance crackle of "We've Got It Goin' On," "It's Gotta Be You," and "Everybody ("Backstreet's Back)" that exemplify the Boys' true talent to entertain. There is no question as to why the Boys have the 'N Syncs and LFOs of this current boy band crop bested — their songs are more memorable, their performing ability is seamless, and they jibe onstage with the type of easy camaraderie and confidence afforded superstars. Not only is Backstreet back, but it isn't leaving anytime soon. — Lisa Taylor
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