Hamilton Spectator Review: 3/14/00, Hamilton, ON

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Mar 17, 2000 Source: Hamilton Spectator Submitted By: flutterby A world-class show Lisa Hepfner The Spectator Oh my God I think AJ winked at me. And did you see how cute Nick looked and oooh I wonder if Brian saw my sign? It was veiled behind pyrotechnics, overwrought stunts, glitzy costumes and precise choreography. It was dulled by the apocalyptic shatter of 18,000 straining vocal cords. Much of the crowd was probably more interested in seeing the Backstreet Boys than hearing them. But there was music at the show at Copps Coliseum last night. The Jungle Brothers, a team of two hip-hoppers from the States, was the perfect opening act. They didn't take themselves too seriously, they involved the crowd in most of their songs, and kept talking about the Backstreet Boys. Enthusiasm notwithstanding, everybody pretty much stayed in their seats until the lights dimmed again at 8:45. Then they went crazy. All eyes were focused on the shiny silver scaffolding that hung from the ceiling like a five-pointed star spewing smoke and coloured lights. The Boys made their entrance to the Star Wars theme song, on glow-in-the-dark snowboards suspended in the air. The first song, Larger Than Life, began with streams of fire exploding from the five points of their silver-star stage, specially constructed to give fans maximum viewing pleasure. The song is BSB's tribute to their fans. That led into Get Down, and then The One, which was co-written by Brian Littrell and perhaps inspired by his fiancée Leighanne Wallace. "This is the first time we've ever been here yet, right?" Nick asked. "I'm sorry you guys have waited so long to see us. We've prepared a very special show for you, but I'd like to thank each and every one of you for filling up the seats. A little birdie told me that Hamilton knows how to party." AJ said "Hi" to everyone up top, then his signature, "I notice there are a lot of beautiful ladies in here tonight. I guess that means I'm going to have to move to Hamilton next year." Howie agreed with Nick that we are "da bomb" and thanked us for the petition Hamilton fans signed to convince the band to make a stop here on the tour. And Brian, who elicited the loudest screams, thanked each and every one of us, "because you, the fans, have made us what we are today." The Boys are quoted saying the same words at every concert, but every time they seem sincere. As Long As You Love Me, from the 1997 Backstreet's Back album, brought the first costume change and the famed folding-chair dance. The band kept up the momentum before the Boys came back with Don't Wanna Lose You Now and a lot of black leather. Howie encouraged everybody to sing along to Quit Playing Games With My Heart, and the crowd happily obliged. Then they reattached their cables and flew over the crowd -- Kevin doing somersaults and flapping his arms -- and tossed stuffed animals. The next costume change brought silver or red mock bulletproof vests and the song Don't Want You Back. For A Perfect Fan, Kevin invited some mothers from the audience to come on stage with their daughters. Brian wrote the song for his mother. Some of the younger fans on the stage were a little too overwhelmed to smile. SURVIVING THE INVASION: F2 A hollow white piano descended from the ceiling with a keyboard tucked inside, and Kevin sat down to play the song he co-wrote, Back To Your Heart. The Boys disappeared back under the stage and came up again through the centre on a chain mesh for Everybody (Backstreet's Back) and That's the Way I Like It, this time in white pants and vests over silver shirts. Pinstripe pants, grey vests and ties accompanied Spanish Eyes, I'll Never Break Your Heart, No One Else Comes Close and All I Have To Give. The final song before the encore, Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely, was dedicated to the group's late producer, Dennis Pop. I Want It That Way wrapped up the evening, and it was close to 11 p.m. before the fans piled out of Copps. It was a world-class show, and an event that won't soon be forgotten. WHAT DID YOU THINK? Before your Backstreet Boys concert memories fade, how about sharing them with our readers. We will publish your thoughts and feelings about last night's big show in Monday's Entertainment section, known world-wide as The Buzz. Just e-mail us at bhutton@hamiltonspecator.com. and check it out Monday. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: oem software 4nA9s9 Excellent! Got a real pleasure..! Comment on this item. Next Item: Kalamazoo Gazette Review: 3/13/00, East Lansing, MI Prev Item: Toronto Sun Review: 3/15/00, Toronto, ON