The Backstreet Boys at the O2 Arena

Backstreet’s back. Not that the quintet ever really went away. In between raising families and pursuing various solo endeavours, the boys have released 10 studio albums, including their first-ever Christmas record this year. Arriving on the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1996, they are the biggest-selling boyband of all time. With over 130 million album sales to date, the vocal harmony group have vastly surpassed the commercial success of the Jackson Five, as well as their forerunners New Kids on the Block and closest 90s rivals NSync. Now, as part of their DNA tour – in support of the 2019 number-one album of the same name – the pop superstars come to London’s O2 Arena for one night only.

Fans were touch-and-go as to whether the concert would go ahead following the tragic news of Aaron Carter’s death. He and his sibling, Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, shared a tumultuous relationship and had grown estranged in recent years. Regardless, Carter appeared emotionally overwhelmed throughout but grateful of both the fan’s love and support and that of his bandmates. One of the most beautiful and endearing aspects of the group and a reason behind their longevity is their brotherly bond and overt love for one another.

I Wana Be with You takes us back to the mid-nineties before the boys swerve into The Call. Get Down has the crowd moving while Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely is more emotive and poignant than ever, with Carter understandably struggling to get through his verse. Incomplete and More than That are sung with great gusto – the audience joining in. Crowd pleaser Quit Playing Games doesn’t disappoint and As Long as You Love Me and All I Have to Give showcase the best of the boy’s vocal abilities. Recent single No Place is dedicated to Aaron and emotionally charged, with Kevin acknowledging the bereavement in a touching crowd address. Aaron opened for the band on several occasions in the early days of his own pop career.

One of the most revered pop anthems of all time Everybody delights and I Want it That Way reminds us of the sheer talent and impressive back catalogue Backstreet Boys possess. DNA tracks Nobody Else, the funky New Love, Chateau and lead single Don’t Go Breaking My Heart are well received and demonstrate the vocal maturity of the boys. Catering to fans both old and new, the setlist is varied and suitably exhibits all eras of the band. Larger than Life – a song about and dedicated to the fans – makes for an appropriate finale.

Some seasoned performers might appear to simply be going through the motions. It is more than apparent the Backstreet Boys still love what they do. They have retained their unwaveringly loyal fanbase while simultaneously appealing to a new generation. Their zest for performing and sincere affection and appreciation for their fans radiates out to the 20,000-strong crowd. Over a quarter of a century later, the group are as tight and cohesive a unit as they’ve ever been. The trademark choreographed moves transport us back to an era of innocent pop. The fan interactions are charming. The old-school professionalism and brotherly camaraderie behind the performance is a joy to see. It is the skilled vocals, however, that magnetically enthral. It has become second nature for the Backstreet Boys to deliver an expertly executed show. That is exactly what was gifted to London on this memorable evening. Thoughts are with Nick and the Carter family.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit The Backstreet Boys’ website here.

Watch the video for the single No Place here: