LAS VEGAS-It's hard to believe that a large number of the Vegas visitors this weekend weren't there to put their money on the cards and in the slot machines, but to put it into one of the two performances of one of the most anticipated concerts of 1999. The multi-platinum fivesome, Backstreet Boys, hit Las Vegas this weekend, generating enough power to put the Hoover Dam to shame. Their Saturday evening performance took all eyes from the lights of the Strip and put light in the eyes of those lucky enough to get a seat in the electrifying environment of the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Not even an early-morning earthquake could keep Kevin Richardson, 28, Howie Dorough, 26, Brian Littrell, 24, A.J. McLean, 21, and Nick Carter, 19, from arriving by plane to meet up with their 16 tour buses and show staff Saturday afternoon. From that moment on, it seemed as if the whole city of Las Vegas, or at least the guests of the MGM Grand Hotel, were on 24-hour Backstreet watch. Fans were already lining up outside the doors to the arena (which didn't open until 6:00) at 3:00. The MGM Grand casino and lobby, as well as the area directly outside the arena, was littered with girls with the names of "their" boy emblazoned across their forehead and some with mock-tattoos covering their arms, proclaiming their love for the "tattooed-one," AJ. Homemade posters with "I [heart] Nick and Brian," "Kisses 4 Kevin," and "Frick and Frack 4EVER!"scrawled across them covered the carpets.
At 7:30, the lights dimmed over the crowd of over 15,000 and the music of Mandy Moore blared over the loud speakers. Moore, a new recording artist for Sony 550 Records, sang songs from her new album, "Mandy Moore," as well as her current single, "Candy." As good as she was, the crowd was already getting restless by the time the young woman left the stage with the cry of "Are you ready for the Backstreet Boys?" When the lights dimmed a second time, many fans obviously thought that it was time for the main attraction to appear, but they were wrong. EYC, a California based group whose name stands for Express Yourself Clearly, hit the stage next. Unfortunatel y for the young trio, by the eightieth time that they reminded the crowd that their name stood for Express Yourself Clearly, the audience had grown weary of their strip tease routines. At about 8:15, the group exited to the joy of many an audience member and the countdown began. For fifteen minutes, the audience alternated between several successful rounds of the "wave" and chants of "Backstreet Boys! Backstreet Boys!" Once the lighting crew was in their places, the harnesses were set, and the stage completely set up, the "X-Files" music stopped, the smoke began to fly and the arena darkened.
The excitement at that moment was enough to drive even the person with the best intentions of remaining sane to screaming and tears. With the music of "Star Wars" serenading them, the group's dancers marched in with torches, stood at salute, and made way for the phenoms to get to the stage. However, they arrived there in a totally non-traditional way. The boys gave the fans on the floor a treat by "soaring" overhead on glow-in-the-dark boogie boards. After a triumphant march around the pentagonal stage, "Larger Than Life" began and the mayhem ensued.
Part of the success of the boys is due to their ability to get on the same level as their fans. Although they are currently considered the biggest pop group in the world, they never fail to seem like just what they are-five guys making music. At the show, it was not hard to mistake them for the boys you grew up with down the street.
"We love each and every one of you very much," said several of the young men during their turns to address the crowd.
The near-flawless performance was enhanced by the stage antics of the "wild" one, McLean, who introduced himself as "A.J., also known as 'Bone.'" During "Quit Playing Games With My Heart," when all five are "flying" over the crowd on harnesses, showering the fans with roses and teddy bears, A.J. flew upside down. Quite a bit of his singing took place while he was laying on the stage, or hanging upside down on a ladder-like contraption set up for "Don't Want You Back."
Carter, the youngest member of the group who probably has the most fan following, drove the kiddies (and their moms) wild with just a grin or a wave. Numerous items thrown on stage took on a life of their own when he made them sing and dance. Although he has grown up considerably since the group's conception in 1993, he still managed to look like a kid having a blast and trying not to get caught. At the same time, however, the tall blonde succeeded at melting the hearts of the older fans, as well.
Although he doesn't have the same following as Nick, Littrell has his own special magic. The sparkle in his eyes and his constant acknowledgement of the fans gave him the most response at the show. Except where the performance called for it, the smile never left the "good boy's" face and his famous dimples kept the crowd going crazy. The songs that he wrote, "Larger Than Life," "The One," and "The Perfect Fan" (an homage to his mother), were among the favorites.
Not to be forgotten, the popular tenor and the bass of the group, Dorough and Richardson showed their immense popularity as well. Dorough got a rise out of the crowd when he entered the introductions phase of the concert as rapper M.C.D. During the flight over the crowd, he showed off his acrobatic skills by performing flips. Richardson, with his long coats and smoldering smile, managed to make the crowd weak at the knees with just a simple glance. His rich harmonies with his cousin, Littrell, showed just how much talent one family can have.
At the same time that the group members were winning hearts one-by-one, the true beauty of the Backstreet Boys was revealed. The group's ability to harmonize and put their all into the music shined through in songs such as "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," "Spanish Eyes," "Don't Want To Lose You Now," and "Back to Your Heart."
By the time that McLean implored the crowd to throw their hands up in the air during "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," the audience was eager and willing to oblige. Fans gave the green-coated security staff hell by storming the stage pit when the boys jumped in the pit to touch hands with their fans. Every few seconds, a stuffed animal or a rose would land at the feet or in the hands of one of the group members.
Although the show was technically superior, with pyrotechnics, amazing stunts and lighting, it didn't take anything away from the actual performance. The group went through several costume changes which included a futuristic look for "Larger Than Life," pink "gangster" suits for "I'll Never Break Your Heart" and "All I Have to Give," and pajama pants and, in the case of McLean, a straight jacket for the encore of "I Want it That Way." Prior to the performance of "Back to Your Heart," a white baby grand piano dropped from the rafters for Richardson to play. Richardson, who wrote the song, joined saxaphonist Mindi Abair in a moving duet before the group broke into the vocals of the song.
Their fame didn't keep them from making their traditional stop at the closest McDonalds, exploring the casinos, or just partying. The group's notorious Mickey-D's fan, McLean, stopped in at the MGM Grand's McDonalds and signed autographs and took pictures. Richardson and Dorough were spotted by a couple of fans inside the hotel and took time out to take a few pictures, as well. After the show was over, Carter, Dorough, and McLean retreated to the Studio 54 night club above the casino, which could explain why the line to get inside extended outside onto the bridge connecting MGM to New York, New York.
The performance at the MGM Grand did two things. It helped dispel the stereotype that the Backstreet Boys are all about "bubble-gum pop." It also undoubtedly helped them win over the people that accompanied their younger fans to the show.