Buffalo News Review: 11/14/99 Buffalo, NY

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Nov 16, 2099 Source: The Buffalo News Submitted By: Maw615@aol.com The Fab Five - they're funky, romantic and totally awesome REVIEW Backstreet Boys Sunday night in Marine Midland Arena By ANTHONY VIOLANTI News Critic 11/15/99 They're not just boy toys. You can call 'em a boy band, you can call 'em teen idols, but whatever the label, the Backstreet Boys proved Sunday night they are superlative performers, singers and showmen. This was a spectacular stage production before a frenetic throng of mostly adolescent girls screaming their little hearts out in a sold out and deafening Marine Midland Arena. A.J. McLean, Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough, better known as the Boys, appeared with 10 dancers and a six-piece band. The concert was a cross between the live performances of Cher and Garth Brooks. It featured countless costume changes, pyrotechnics, smoke bombs and Jumbotron scoreboard close-ups of the Boys, who eventually were hoisted up to the rafters by wires fastened around their waists. Disneyworld met Motown as the Boys pranced around all night long, singing funky tunes, sweet romantic numbers and melting the hearts of their fans with soft harmony. The entrance set the pace for the entire evening as it was filled with electronic gimmicks and imaginative staging. The theme from "Star Wars" played over the sound system as the arena was darkened and a parade of dancers, carrying glowing poles that resembled street lights, marched to the "in the round" stage. Suddenly, the Backstreet Boys materialized high in the air to one side of the stage. Each boy was suspended near the ceiling on a neon boogie board. Slowly, the boards came down to the stage and the boys, wearing blue vests and black slacks, got off and saluted each other. Then they walked to each side of the stage and saluted the audience. That's when the hot and funky "Larger Than Life" started and the Boys, led by Richardson wearing a microphone headset, ripped into the vocal. The furious pace continued on the first few numbers, such as "Get Down" and "The One." It seemed hard for one singer, Nick Carter, to keep up. Carter, who was born in Jamestown, seemed to be suffering from flu-like symptoms. His voice was hoarse at times; his eyes watery, and he was sweating profusely. But Carter put on a game performance, and with his blond hair and handsome features, seemed to lead the Fab Five in screams. Each Boy flashed his own personality: Richardson was the quiet, handsome brooding one; Littrell, another blond bomber, seemed like Carter's heartthrob sidekick. Dorough added some harmony and charm while McLean was the true bad Boy, with street smarts and cool stage antics. "Look at all the beautiful ladies in Buffalo," McLean said, addressing the crowd. "It's pretty cold outside, so you guys are going to have to keep us warm." The group recognized the parents in the crowd with a number called "The Perfect Fan." Richardson introduced the song by bringing five pairs of mothers and daughters on stage. As they sang the soft tune, the Boys walked around stage, hand in hand with the daughters and eventually presented a rose to each mom. The Boys walked risky ground here by overdoing the maudlin sentiment, but for some reason it worked. "That song with the mothers on stage was tremendous," said Lori Pracht of Perrysburg who drove to the show with her two daughters, Cayleigh 4, and Carin 6. "These guys not only sound great but they know how to touch the hearts of kids and their moms." The Boys put on a glittering display of their five-part harmony on such ballads as "I'll Never Break Your Heart" and a concert highpoint, "I Want It That Way." During the show, each Boy took time to address the fans. "My family is from Buffalo and we're here to put on a show for you," Carter said. "You mean the world to us, and you are the best fans in the world. Littrell echoed those feelings. "Without you there would be no us," he said. Sure, it was corny but there's something about the Backstreet Boys in person that overcomes the sanitized and commercial feeling of their music and image. They have been on the road for five years and have set the standard for the teen acts that are beginning to dominate the music charts. The Backstreet Boys have an edge and polish others lack. They also connect to the deepest level of their fans. Many of those fans have been introduced to rock or taken that interest to a new level thanks to the Backstreet Boys. "It's just awesome seeing them in person." said Christin LoFaso, 15, of Lancaster. "I've had this ticket since August and it seems like forever. Now they're here and I can't believe it." Sunday in the Arena was a night to believe in the Backstreet Boys." 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