The 1990s made for a bizarre decade, fondly remembered by those who lived and grew up within its years. An integral piece of the pop culture of this time were boy bands, with their semi-matching ridiculous outfits and flawless dance moves, and most paled in comparison to the Backstreet Boys.
The renowned boy band are currently touring and will be at the Chicago Theatre Dec. 6. If there is one thing 2013 has proved, it’s that Backstreet’s back and have yet to outstay their welcome.
The group, consisting of Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Nick Carter, formed in 1992 in Orlando, FL. Soon after, they auditioned for Lou Pearlman, a former music manager, who also worked with ‘N Sync. Pearlman named the group after an Orlando flea market and booked their first show at SeaWorld.
Their first album was released in 1996 internationally, selling in large quantities in Europe and getting very high positions on album charts throughout the continent. Their most popular album, “Millennium,” was released May 18, 1999. It went 13 times platinum in the United States and sold an exorbitant amount throughout the world as well. Their tour for “Millennium” consisted of 115 shows in 84 cities, all of which sold out.
The album and tour turned the group into superstars, and the Backstreet Boys entered the hearts of pre-teens and teenagers throughout the world. Right on the tail of their success was the other goldmine of Lou Pearlman, ‘N Sync. The fans of these two staples of pop music created a rivalry so intense that it makes the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry look like a tee-ball meltdown. Fans felt as if they had to choose between the groups, and instead of appreciating the pop ballads and dance routines perfected by both groups, they became incredibly defensive over their choices. On top of that, there were also divisions between Backstreet Boys fans on which member was their favorite.
A year after “Millennium” was released, the Boys churned out “Black & Blue,” which garnered positive reviews for the group, but things soon went downhill for member AJ McLean. In 2002 he entered rehab for the second time, putting the group on hiatus. After his treatment the group eventually got back together and released “Never Gone,” their fifth studio album, in 2005.
While almost all the other boy bands of the 1990s and early 2000s have faded out of existence and memories, the Backstreet Boys are back (alright). They have continued to make music together since 2005, and this year put out their eighth studio album. Although they have never regained the popularity they had in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they still continue to be successful in their endeavors. As they are still making music together, many of the group members have released their own solo albums and have pursued their individual creative interests. They always come back to the group that started it all for them, though.
Not only is 2013 the 20th anniversary for the group, but it has also been one of their most successful years since the very early 2000s. They appeared in one of the biggest comedies of the year, “This is the End”; embarked on a Backstreet Boys cruise; and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.