Old Trumps New For Backstreet
By Kristen Lauerman
August 14, 2005
The Patriot-News

Concertgoers arrived eager for a nostalgic trip to the late '90s, and the Backstreet Boys obligingly took them for a walk down memory lane Friday night.

The audience members, mostly in their 20s, reminisced about drooling over magazine pictures of band members during study hall. Teen fans recalled toting lunches to school in boxes bearing the band's faces.

As for Nick, Howie, A.J., Kevin and Brian, they probably remembered when they could have packed the 20,000-seat Hersheypark Stadium instead of the 7,000-seat Star Pavilion.

The band claims to have reinvented its sound and style after a four-year hiatus, but realizes fans really want to hear the old songs.

The crowd didn't react nearly as enthusiastically to songs from their new album "Never Gone," except for the radio-released singles such as "Incomplete."

When "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" or "I Want It That Way" blasted through the humid air, the audience went wild, singing along and screaming at a deafening volume.

The group delivered their classic hits, "The Call," "Larger than Life" and "The Shape of My Heart" with energy and a certain fondness.

The dancing wasn't as complicated, and there was a lot less of it than in the past. The clothes weren't as flashy either. There were four costume changes, but the band maintained a street-casual look throughout its two-hour set.

Previously, Backstreet Boys shows had been more of a three-ring circus than a concert, with over-the-top outfits and special effects. This performance was enjoyable because it was natural and relaxed.

Opening band The Click Five, featuring Palmyra native Ethan Mentzer, played a high energy, funky set. Judging by the audience's reaction to the material and single "Just a Girl," the band's debut CD, "Greetings from Imrie House," should do well. The CD is scheduled to hit shelves Tuesday.