Backstreet Boys Invade Times Square

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Nov 22, 2000 Source: Billboard Submitted By: HiC Wednesday, 22 November 2000 To celebrate the release of their new Jive album "Black & Blue," the Backstreet Boys were on hand yesterday (Nov. 21) at a fan-packed Times Square in New York to tape MTV's "Total Request Live." But things really got interesting when the band took an unscheduled walk through the Virgin Megastore, across the street from MTV's headquarters. According to Virgin Entertainment Group (VEG) president/CEO Glen Ward, there was talk some time ago of having the band make a formal street-date appearance at the store; however, VEG rejected the idea as being uneconomical during one of the biggest shopping weeks of the year. When the Boys unexpectedly appeared yesterday, they were trailed by 2,000 fans, according to Ward. "We see this as reckless on their part," he says. Adds a Virgin staffer, "It was like a stadium in here." Elsewhere, speculation continued about a Backstreet Boys price war at retail. Best Buy entered the fray by selling "Black & Blue" at a loss for $9.99. Despite speculation that Wal-Mart would offer it at the lowest price among U.S. mass merchants, that chain is selling an exclusive version of the set with a bonus track for $11.88. Industry sources had anticipated that Wal-Mart would counter Best Buy's recent $9.98 Limp Bizkit promotion by offering the Backstreet album at a lower price. Circuit City has also undercut Wal-Mart, selling the album for $10.99. As reported yesterday, the Backstreet Boys begin a world tour Jan. 22 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., which will proceed to 23 other cities. Visits to South America (April), Europe (June), a North American stadium tour (summer), and the Pacific Rim are also in the works. Venues and dates will be announced Monday (Nov. 27). -- Wes Orshoski and Ed Christman, N.Y. Comment on this item. Next Item: Hot & Red Hot Prev Item: Fervent Fans Throw Themselves at Backstreet Boys