I was 11 years old when the Backstreet Boys released their first self-titled album on August 12, 1997. I remember vividly asking for it for Christmas and being so excited to open that cassette tape on Christmas morning. My dad bought it for me from Tower Records in New York and it quickly became one of my favorite albums. When Millennium was released on May 18, 1999, I couldn’t wait to get it in my hands. I anxiously waited for TRL that day to share in my joy, as the boys made what became a recording-breaking appearance. Flash forward to 2016…
It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to meet Nick Carter. This year, I decided to treat myself to an early 30th birthday present and buy the VIP Meet and Greet for the Solona Beach Show at the Belly Up on February 27. I thought for weeks about what I would finally get to say to him and told myself to make sure to really remember the moment. Well that certainly went out the window when I was waiting in line to greet him. Instead, I joked with others in the line. What if I said, “It’s cold outside. Can you warm me up?” And that’s just what I did. Seriously. I think he said something like, “It is cold out isn’t it?” but honestly who knows. I was finally getting my hug from Nick, one I have been waiting for for 20 years and it was amazing. Then they took our picture, and I had a few more seconds to try and remember any of the lines I had rehearsed for weeks. I mentioned how I didn’t get into Dancing With the Stars but that he tweeted me that night and it made me happy. I must mention that the entire time I was talking to him, he was looking me directly in the eyes and holding my hands. Nick is truly attentive to all of his fans. He appreciates all of his Backstreet Army and I will always be an #NCFan4Life.
A few days later, Nick added Appetizing Afternoons to some of his east coast dates, and I debated whether or not to splurge on one last weekend. After all, it was my birthday. So I flew to Boston to meet my best friend Melissa and let me just say that it was literally the best weekend ever.
Nick is so down-to-earth and I am so appreciative for the time he took to greet each of his fans at Kings in Boston. I am proud to be a fan for 20+ years. I don’t think I’ve smiled more in one day in my life. Thank you for all your hugs, birthday wishes and of course both of your amazing shows. You are a class act.
Concert Review
I have seen Nick live a total of 5 times prior to the All American tour. This includes two shows on the Black and Blue tour, NKOTBSB, A World Like This and Nick and Knight. Each tour was unique in its own way, but I can honestly say that All American is the most personable, high-energy tour Nick has ever been in.
I had the pleasure of seeing Nick at the Belly Up in Solona Beach on February 27 and at the House of Blues in Boston on March 13th.
The crowd at both shows erupted in cheers as soon as the band played those infamous snippets from “Everybody.” Then out came Nick, wearing his affectionately named Clark Kent glasses, as he began to rock out on his guitar to “Blow Your Mind.”
Aside from the Nick and Knight tour, I have mostly seen Nick in larger venues and while I enjoyed every concert I have been to, there is nothing like seeing him up close and personal. He knows how to work the crowd and offers plenty of crowd participation during such songs as “One More Time” and “Second Wind.”
Throughout several portions of the show Nick showed off his Dancing With The Stars skills, eliciting cheers from the crowd that only got louder as the night wore on.
As the tour has gone on, it has only gotten better. Horoscope, one of my favorite songs on All American was added to the set list after Solona Beach, and I am so glad I got to see it live.
In addition, Nick also covered “Wonderwall” by Oasis. It was a fitting choice and seemed to be a thank you to his fans, as he sang, “I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now.” It was a cool moment to be singing along with the entire crowd. It was like we were all transported back to the beginning of Nick’s career.
All American has a little bit of everything: classic Backstreet, old school solo Nick, and snippets of hits “Rocket Man” (during “I’m Taking Off”) and “Jessie’s Girl” (during “All American”).
The show itself has a great pace- alternating between newer and older tracks, and slower and faster. I was highly impressed by the musical arrangements of the acoustic portion of the show, which included many Backstreet Boys hits including “I Want It That Way,” “Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely,” and “Madeline.” Carter’s voice has only matured over the years, and hearing him sing these classics in his own interpretation was almost like hearing the Backstreet Boys for the first time. I personally enjoyed “I Will Wait” as well, as it showcases his falsetto and crooning that his fans have come to know and love.
Nick’s shining moment came on “Falling Down.” He said at sound check in Boston, that that song is currently his favorite to perform. You can tell when a performer connects to a song, and his performance was by far one of my favorites of the tour. Carter performs it with such conviction and honesty. In Boston, he jokingly apologized for getting lost in it, but for those of us watching, it was Carter’s vocal equivalent of his captivating Dancing With the Stars number that he dedicated to his wife Lauren.
"Burning Up" features Nick at his finest. The song on its own is upbeat, but as the chorus hits, he really gets into his groove, firing up the crowd with his high- energy dance moves.
“Fun” is the best way to describe the last few songs of the set list. Tijuana was also added after Solona Beach, and it was another great addition to the show. Nick jumped up and down on the stage and his energy radiated to the crowd.
“19 in 99” and “Get Over Me” literally made the crowd wild for more, and by the encore I am pretty sure no one wanted the show to end.
When Nick is onstage, he is in his element. He is the ultimate performer. Despite being sick in Boston, he never skipped a beat. All American delivers in every way possible. Don’t miss out!
