The Backstreet Boys

W/ Girlicious

Vancouver, BC: GM Place
September 4, 2008
By:Debbie Gebert

I cannot understand why Girlicious opened for the Backstreet Boys. Musically, it did not fit. One concert goer suggested that it could be that the “torch” is being passed on to the next generation of a girl and boy band era. Most BSB fans in attendance were those who have grown up listening to them. With that said, Girlicious seem to cater to the pre-teen crowd, which did not fit in properly with the matured Backstreet Boys fans.

Girlicious, who were created on the reality show “The Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious” definitely come off as a younger, tamer version of the Pussycat Dolls. However, instead of one girl having vocal ability, here all girls are able to sing, and all are given a great opportunity to show off their vocals in each track.

Girlicious started with one of their hit singles “Stupid S*it,” wearing barely covering shirts, and skin tight pants. Chrystina’s shirt seemed to have difficulty staying up during part of the performance, and she dealt with it the best she could. For a short period Chrystina gave up fiddling with it, and danced in her bra with her shirt around her waist. It could not have happened at a more “appropriate” time, as the girls were singing about taking clothes off. Audience participation was limited to the girls getting the crowd to say the second part of “Girl-licious,” followed by a similar chant for the Backstreet Boys. The short 30 minute set seemed to be over before it felt it really began, with their hit “Like Me.”

The Backstreet Boys began their show with the introduction done by a cute little boy. The Backstreet Boys followed, coming out in silk boxing robes, entering a boxing ring with their boxing stats appearing on the big screen (minus their birth years), and then performing “Larger than Life.” A Poker skit nicely set up “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.”

Each member did their own solo tracks. Brian’s track “Welcome Home” was most enjoyable, and featured the actual music video on the big screen. Howie’s song had a sexy latin vibe. Showing fan appreciation, all members jumped off the stage at one point and gave extremely excited fans kisses.

Songs were played from their latest album, but what fans were really there for was to go for a trip down memory lane, and that trip was well fueled by several old fan favorites such as “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart),” “As Long As Your Love Me,” “All I Have To Give,” and “I’ll Never Break Your Heart.” They were backed only by two large video screens, some lights and a quartet.

The night ended with “Shape Of My Heart,” and confetti shooting out over the concert goers with floor seats. The Backstreet Boys have shown that it does not matter how long of a hiatus they have ever taken; they are “Never Gone.” Even returning with one less member (Kevin) has failed to show any signs of lost love for the boys. The show may not have sold out, or have been as glamorous as what you would have seen in previous tours, but judging by the response of fans singing along to every song, and a constant sea of arms in the air, the Backstreet Boys, and the 10,000 fans in attendance definitely did not seem to mind. According to Brian, the BSB have been together for fifteen years, and counting, and will be heading back into the studio once this tour commences.