Everybody's free (to wear earplugs)

Everybody's free (to wear earplugs)

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Date: Nov 27, 2099
Source: The Lexington Herald-Leader
Submitted By:
Published Friday, November 26, 1999, in the Herald-Leader
By Heather Svokos
HERALD-LEADER POP CULTURE WRITER
CINCINNATI Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeWoo-oooo Eeeeeeee eeeeee!!!!!!!eeeeeeeee!!!!EEEEeeeeeeee!!!!! This, obviously, is not the sound of two hands clapping.
It is the sound of 20,000 ecstatic Backstreet Boys fans, creating a collective scream that is not unlike a tidal wave paying a two-hour visit to your inner ear (see box).
The crowd at the Nov. 15 show at Firstar Center no doubt expected a larger-than-life entrance, and the Boys did not disappoint. At 9:15 p.m., to the backing of the Star Wars theme, they appeared, in clouds of dry ice, above the heads of the crowd.
Dressed in dark track suits, they ``surfed'' down to the stage on boogie boards (OK, so there might have been a few cables and harnesses), and launched into Larger Than Life, the group's current hit from Millennium.
From there, the hits, the ballads, the dancing and the costume changes kept rolling.
A few things to note for fans getting ready for the Boys' two-show stint at Rupp Arena:

The stage. It's shaped like a pentagon for good reason: one side for each Boy to play to. But when you're in section 212 and Nick (Eeeeeeee!!!) is on the other side of the stage, serenading section 230, you can still crane your neck up toward the giant video monitors, and see that his cute blond head is now the size of a Chevy Suburban. (The monitors also give fans a chance to process A.J.'s latest look: In Cincinnati it was cropped Raggedy Andy-red hair (Woooo!!!), but I'm told it has already changed.)
The costumes. The band and a team of dancers engage the crowd while the guys change underneath the stage. Costumes range from futuristic battle-style gear (with Spiderman-style shirts) to the smooth Fred Astaire vibe Kevin Richardson has referred to: mauve and gray three-piece suits and fedoras.
The homeys. The Kentucky Boys Brian of Lexington (EEEEeeeeeee!) and Kevin of Estill County (EEEEeeeeeeeee!) made several nods to their proximity to home. Kevin donned a UK cap, and Brian told the crowd: ``This is about as good as it gets to performing at home.'' Expect more at Rupp.
The songs. The group played 18 songs all their hits, plus a no-choir version of The Perfect Fan, which Brian wrote for his mother, Jackie (who was in the audience with his father, Harold Jr., and brother Harold III). In Lexington, the song will have the backing of the vocalists from the CD the Tates Creek Choir, under the direction of Brian's mentor, choir director Barry Turner. (Bonus: Five lucky fans and their mothers will be selected ahead of time to participate in the song on stage.)
The dancing. As with some of the song lyrics (``Am I sexual?''), some of the dance moves on stage are suggestive, so be prepared.
The crowd. Sometimes, it's the crowd that's suggestive. At one point, Nick hollered: ``Cincinnati, make some noise!!!'' Cincinnati was apparently slightly deafened from all the screeching, so he prodded: ``C'mon, I'm gonna give you one more chance!'' A woman in the audience sassed back: ``I'll give you one more chance.'' Alrighty then.
The end. The Boys said good night at 10:45 p.m., but, unbeknownst to some Cincy fans who cut out then, it wasn't over. ``They have to do I Want it That Way,'' one girl fretted. Fear not there were two encores. So, make sure you don't leave too earleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

LOUDER THAN LIFE
Backstreet Boys, fans will create a sonic tidal wave
EVERYBODY'S FREE (TO WEAR EARPLUGS) Ladies and gentleman of the class of Into the Millennium `99: Wear earplugs. If I could offer you only one tip for the Backstreet Boys concerts tonight and Saturday at Rupp Arena, earplugs would be it. And fear not this will not squelch the sweet sounds of Brian, Kevin, Howie, Nick and A.J. You'll still be able to hear every ``Bay-bay,'' every ``all-rye-eet,'' and every pledge to die without your love. No, it's not the music that pierces your aural membrane it's the screaming. Young, old, whatever, just get a pair and use `em. Later, when you're leaving the show, you'll be grateful. You can be gracious and not say anything to those who complain that their ears are ringing and they can't hear a blessed thing. Or, if you want, you can smirk at them in self-satisfaction. It's your call.
Heather Svokos, with apologies to Mary Schmich, Kurt Vonnegut (not really), Baz Luhrmann, and the makers of sunscreen everywhere.
IF YOU GO
Backstreet Boys Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean and Nick Carter will perform at Rupp Arena tonight and Saturday. Opening acts Mandy Moore and EYC kick off at 7:30 p.m. Backstreet Boys take the stage about 9. Both shows are sold out.
But trust me on the earplugs.

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