When you've sold 40 million records and been nominated for several Grammys, that's huge. When you've got your own comic book, too, well, that's larger than life.
The Backstreet Boys' thrilling entrance at the Alamodome on Wednesday is meant to reinforce the new Marvel Comics-style image on the second leg of their "Into the Millennium Tour."
The first thing fans will see (when the lights finally go down) is their singing group floating in formation on neon surfboards, high above a space-age octagonal stage — surfing superheroes straight out of their newly launched Stan Lee comic book, "The Backstreet Project" — all to the tune of "Star Wars" and 40,000 screams.
Like a mutation of Jonny Quest, the Power Rangers and Batman, the Backstreet Boys will storm the stage in their colorful, muscle-rippled molded outfits to sing the opening number, "Larger Than Life," backed by their six-piece band and 10 dancers.
It is strobe lights-and-smoke exhilaration unlike any other. Fire even shoots up from the stage floor. And when singer A.J. McLean asks, "Are you ready to party?" there's no turning back at this concert-in-the-round.
Tickets are still available for the Backstreet Boys Alamodome appearance. More than 40,000 fans are expected. Rap/scratch duo the Jungle Brothers will open the show to ratchet up the electricity.
Strictly by the numbers, the multiplatinum Backstreet Boys are the biggest pop group in the world today. "Millennium" sold a record 1.1 million units in its first week of release in May. Worldwide, the hit album's sales are nearing 30 million.
However, ask any of the millions of young girls who absolutely love them, and they'll tell you that they're simply "cute and wild."
Their names and personalities are well known to their loyal legion. Howard "Howie D." Dorough is the sweet one; McLean is the rebel; Kevin Richardson is the serious, handsome older guy; Nick Carter is the sexy golden boy, and at 19, the baby of the group; and Brian "B-Rok" Littrell is the earnest balladeer.
People magazine named Richardson, a former Ninja Turtle at Disneyland, its "sexiest pop star" last year. At Wednesday's spectacular, he'll be the only Backstreet Boy to play an instrument when he solos on a white grand piano that descends out of the sky.
The Backstreet Boys made history last weekend when they performed for more than 70,000 fans at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Inside, teen-agers held up handmade signs with messages like "I Love Nick," "I'm Legal," "Nick Naked," "A.J. I'm Pregnant," "Marry Me, A.J."
Several costume changes will see the boys switch from action-hero garb to black leather. And later, into white silk, ties and vests, "Guys and Dolls"-style pinstripe suits and fedoras and casual, hip utilitarian gear.
Of course, nothing can keep wild child A.J. from going shirtless occasionally, blowing kisses to the audience and shaking his booty.
During "Don't Want You Back," the boys will strut tough and grimace like they really mean it. They'll make sweet and cuddly on "The Perfect Fan" when they invite five moms and daughters up onstage and hold hands (Littrell wrote this one for his mother).
Most impressive is when the Backstreet Boys appear after a costume change to sing "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" while flying on trapeze harnesses in five different directions overhead and managing somersaults, too.
All the while, everyone in the place is singing and screaming along. Everyone should bring ear protection because this one's going to be loud — A.J. and Nick win in the pandemonium-inducing category.
"The Backstreet Project" comic book is available exclusively at concert venues or online at www.backstreetproject.com. As singing and dancing superheroes, Howie has telepathy, Kevin has superhuman strength, A.J. is the ultimate marksman, Brian can jump over buildings and Nick has Ninja powers.
The show closes with the band's latest Top 20 single, "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," and everyone will have to wait for the last encore number to hear the smash hit "I Want It That Way."
There is hope for those who can't make Wednesday's concert.
Beginning March 15 through July 31, New York-based online retailer MCY.com will offer a pay-per-view Webcast of the first two shows of the sold-out tour, along with backstage interviews at www.mcy.com.
