Bandmate Brian Littrell has revealed how fans reactions impact their setlist

THEIR pop classics and slick dance moves were a feature of the Nineties and Noughties, and now Backstreet Boys are back – in Las Vegas at least.

Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson will play a 15-show residency at the city’s futuristic 17,600-seat Sphere venue, starting in July, when the Everybody hitmakers will become its first pop residency, following in the footsteps of rockers U2 and the Eagles.

The Backstreet Boys are back with a new residency in Las Vegas, set to open in July
And sitting down with Bizarre’s Jack, band members Brian and Kevin told how they realised they’ve still got it — as women are still chucking their lingerie at them during gigs.

Brian said: “We still get hit with bras or panties sometimes on stage, which is kind of crazy.”

Kev added: “It’s good to have some knickers thrown at you, no doubt about it.

“We have some really cool stuff from fans too, like artwork and hand-made pieces of art as well.

“Sometimes you put a gift to the side but then you open it and see how they put so much time into it.”

But not all gifts are welcome. Brian recalled with a laugh: “I got hit with a box of macaroni cheese. It is my favourite food.

“This girl threw a box of it at me and hit me right on my side. It hurt like hell but it was kind of funny.”

Steamy shower
The new residency, opening on July 11, is called Into The Millennium, after their 1999 album Millennium.

The band are now thinking of how to use the sci-fi-esque venue to transport fans into other worlds, and Brian said: “Of course you have to analyse it and rethink what we do on stage.

“I think a lot of our fans know we put on an energy-packed show with our dancing routines — that’s what we are known for.

“But when you are dealing with a giant screen that’s over 300ft tall and 450ft wide, you have to take that into consideration.

“How does it complement the show? How can we change our staging and do something that nobody has ever seen?

“The visuals are going to be breathtaking but we have to match that energy on stage, so that is what we are focused on.”

While gambling capital Vegas lives up to its Sin City nickname for many visitors, for performers it is often a different story, with most stars who play there shunning hedonism for a more clean-living approach.

The popular Nineties band say the energy they receive from the fans inspire them to continueCredit: Getty – Contributor
Fellow Vegas regular Shania Twain previously told Bizarre she swears by not eating solids on show days, while Sir Rod Stewart has a treadmill in his dressing room.

Kylie Minogue had a good old British cuppa on her backstage rider during her residency at the city’s Voltaire venue.

Kevin also keeps things simple. He summed up his requirements: “A hot steamy shower an hour to an hour and a half before the show is needed.

“Then when I get out, I stretch. We have foam rollers and those hand- held massage guns as well as a chiropractor to do adjustments.”

After Bizarre’s Jack told the lads it sounded like a very healthy lifestyle for Vegas, Brian replied with a laugh: “Kevin stopped before we got the sip of Reposado (tequila) or a Grey Goose (vodka) before we hit the stage, but we don’t have to mention that.”

He continued: “You have to be aware of your health though. We have been doing it for 32 years — that’s a long time.

“Our bodies don’t react to things as they did in their twenties. Now it’s constantly trying to eat right and be up mentally.

“This business is an emotional rollercoaster. There are highs and lows but being ready physically and mentally for a show is what it’s about.

“It is easier to maintain your health versus getting in and out of health all the time. That is harder on your body at this stage.”

As well as celebrating 25 years since Millennium, the residency will be a celebration of the band’s greatest hits.

The boys admit that singing some of their most famous songs can get repetitive at times, but then the fans make it all worthwhile.

Kevin said: “Sometimes you can maybe get a little tired of some of the hits but it’s when you feel the energy and you see the reaction it reignites it in you.

“Look, if I didn’t get to hear Prince’s When Doves Cry I would be really upset. Fans want to hear the favourites.

“We will keep that in mind for the setlist and the shows.”

Brian added: “I used to hate singing Quit Playing Games but when you see the reaction and people singing back to you, you feel you’re 25 years old again.

“Like, is it still 1998? You find new joy and it makes you happy.”

Backstreet’s Back — and with the Sphere as their new home, you can bet it will be larger than life.