Around two years ago, while on stage in London, the Backstreet Boys announced that Kevin would be returning to the group. This announcement led to me finally meeting the boys four months later. So obviously it meant I would be at their gig in London, having not seen them perform live as a five piece since the Millennium tour in 1999! I even renewed my fan club membership just so I could have access to the presale. Even when that day did finally come, I spent an hour trying to decide whether to use money in my savings, specifically for my trip to Paris, to book a ticket. If I had booked immediately I probably would have had a better seat, but even then, due to the stage design, I had a better seat that I thought I would! So most definitely worth the money!
I arrived specifically time so I could see the All Saints perform. Had loved them back in the day and have only really seen them perform live at Party In The Park in 1998. So it was fantastic to see them to do a longer set of all their classic hits. The girls were vocally amazing with tight harmonies! To be honest I felt they sounded better than they had over ten years ago! The reaction from the crowd was fantastic and they were really well received. There was a lot of love for them and I hope to see them produce some new material!
During the wait for the boys to come onstage, there was a number of clips advertising their many events they had lined up for this year, including the trailer for their movie. You are a regular reader of this blog, you may remember me mentioning how there was a film crew there the second time I went to see the boys at the studios two years ago. Well it turns out you can see me quite clearly in the trailer, with my red Palace hoodie on and very blonde hair. Could not miss AJ signing an autograph for me! However, I am no longer blonde, so good chance no one would know it was me, without me mentioning it!
Finally it was time for the boys to take to the stage. The lights went down and my god, the screams were loud! The boys exploded onto the stage and began their set with the fab track, The Call and then headed into the Millennium album track, Don't Want You Back, one of my faves. The boys were back and sounding vocally amazing. Proof why they have always been one of my favourite live acts to go and see. They don't need spectacle as their vocals have always been enough to pull in a sell out crowd.
Before I continue, it should be noted that all these photos I am posting were taken with my DSLR. Turns out that if you are using one with an 18-55mm lens while sat in a floor seat, it is ok! Fab for me, cos I got some fab shots. But only as my usual camera, which a stupidly brilliant zoom, was broken by my kids and I did not know until I got to the venue. So it is a good thing I brought my DSLR with me! However, my usual camera is better for filming video clips as it is easier to focus and the sound is corrected immediately while filming to enhance the music and drown out the screams. I did film some clips and they can be found on my youtube account, with links via my twitter page.
Also want to take a second to praise the boys for the beautiful tribute they made to Q, their long time bodyguard, who sadly passed away last December. It was an absolute shock for all those who knew him and for the fans, especially those who had been lucky enough to meet him. He was a nice person, who was actually respectful towards the fans. The entire arena joined in with a moment's silence for him, though typically there is always one who feels the need to ruin these important moments. Turns that girl got a telling off from her boyfriend!
The setlist for the night was slightly different from the one I had read online but that was to be expected. Songs included: Incomplete, Permanent Stain, All I Have to Give, As Long As You Love Me, Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely, I'll Never Break Your Heart, We've Got It Goin' On, Quit Playin' Games, In a World Like This, I Want it That Way and Everybody (Backstreet's Back), among others. It was a trip down memory lane for the fans, with fantastic tracks thrown in from the latest album (which I will admit, I still have not brought, but will do at some point).
One of my favourite things about the concert was the use of their original choreography for the older numbers, especially the hat routine during All I Have to Give and the chorus to Everybody (Backstreet's Back). The last one especially brought memories to dancing the entire routine with my friend! Sadly I did end up missing the final song of the night, Larger than Life (another of my faves), as I was worried about missing my train home and I wanted to avoid the worst of the crowds! However, the show was amazing and I am so glad I booked a ticket to see them! It is fantastic to see them back as a five piece again, especially as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations!
HERE IS TO ANOTHER TWENTY AMAZING YEARS BOYS!
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