Millennial favourite pop act, the Backstreet Boys, have chosen Düsseldorf to stage a 10-day residency this autumn. Here’s a look at the boy band’s strong connection to Germany – and what fans should know about visiting.
If you grew up in the 90s and 2000s, you are probably familiar with Backstreet Boys, the world-famous boy band. And even if you didn’t have posters of Nick Carter plastered all over your bedroom walls, you will recognise the songs, maybe even the dances.
The opening seconds of the songs “I Want It That Way” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” are instantly recognisable when they inevitably come through the speakers at virtually every pop music party or karaoke event.
So we have good news for you: the Backstreet Boys are coming to Germany.
The American pop legends are performing 10 back to back concerts in the western German city of Düsseldorf this September, fresh off their critically-acclaimed residency in Las Vegas at the Sphere.
The concert series, titled “Into the Millennium – Homecoming: Live in Germany” takes place at the Merkur Spiel Arena from September 25th to October 7th.
Why Germany?
The concerts in Germany are the band’s only European shows set for their coming tour. Fans elsewhere in Europe may be wondering, ‘Why only Germany?’
Well, Germany’s Backstreet Boy (‘BSB’) fanbase is credited with propelling Nick Carter, 46, AJ McLean, 48, Kevin Richardson, 54, Howie Dorough, 52, and Brian Littrell, 51, to success.
The group achieved cult status in the early 90s across the country.
“Long before they became a global phenomenon, the Backstreet Boys first discovered the dimensions of their future superstar status in Germany when they came into contact with an audience that instantly internalised their sound,” said Düsseldorf’s tourist board.
“In the early years, the band played in German clubs, at festivals and radio events. Before the rest of the world took notice, German fans were among the first to fill their concerts, request the singles on the radio and queue up for autographs.”
It’s no wonder then that in the promotion video for the concerts, the boys are seen boarding a plane to Düsseldorf with the German flag colours emblazoned across it.
“Germany is where our dream stopped being hypothetical and became something real,” said Brian in a statement ahead of the band’s upcoming tour.
Pop fans in Germany even gave the band their first-ever platinum record with “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” around 1996.
In a post on Facebook, Howie D wrote, “The first place that ever embraced the Backstreet Boys was Germany.
“You saw who we were before the rest of the world even knew we existed. For this, we are forever grateful, and after 30 years, we are finally coming home.”
What to know about the Düsseldorf concerts
Organisers expect tens of thousands of music fans from across Europe, and even the world, to flock to Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia for the Backstreet Boys’ shows.
The venue for the concerts is the stadium of the local football team Fortuna Düsseldorf, which has space for 40,000 people.
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Düsseldorf, which has a population of around 650,000 is well-connected, with train links to other European cities like Berlin, Brussels and Paris.
Meanwhile, Düsseldorf Airport is easy to access by public transport and offers flights to major European cities.
For those visiting, it’s worth booking accommodation early. That way you’ll have more choice and get a better price.
Home to around 500 hotels, as well as hostels and apartment rentals, Düsseldorf has plenty options across the city to suit every budget.
Those travelling to the shows could also stay in nearby Cologne, which is around 30 minutes from Düsseldorf by train.
Fans can purchase individual tickets for a BSB concert. Vibee, a company offering curated destination experiences, is also selling packages, bundling tickets, accommodation and VIP fan access together.
What about public transport?
Getting around Düsseldorf is straightforward thanks to the U-Bahn, tram and bus network. Visitors can buy a travel ticket at ticket machines in stations or by downloading the Rheinbahn app.
People within Germany who have the Deutschlandticket can use local public transport free-of-charge.
Concert-goers are also being offered a discounted DüsseldorfCard for travel that lasts 48 hours.
It costs €15.90 for an adult and or €26.30 for a family or group, and gives access to cultural events and tours at reduced prices.
The Merkur Spiel Arena will be full of nostalgic fans, young and old, when the BSB take to the stage on the following dates:
September 25th
September 26th
September 27th
September 29th
September 30th
October 2nd
October 3rd
October 4th
October 6th
October 7th
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
