Nick + Knight Tour

In 1999, there were really only two questions on the forefront of young, American girls' minds:

1. Is Y2K really about to happen? and the corollary to that question: How will it affect my Giga Pet?

2. Backstreet Boys or N' Sync?

Not unlike the way the Twilight franchise sparked the heated Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate for girls of the next generation, the great boy band battle of the late '90s thrust prepubescent preteens into an absolute frenzy. Like every other sane fifth grader, my best friend and I were staunch, intensely loyal Backstreet supporters. Evidence of our obsession could easily be found in our CD players, hanging in our closets, and plastered on every square inch of our walls.

While I knew every last detail about Brian Littrell (including the time of his birth), Jenn's affections landed squarely on the shoulders of the BSB's youngest member, Nick Carter. And there they stayed until, well, they're still there. As I moved on to Tom DeLonge from Blink 182, Josh Hartnett, and eventually Vince Vaughn, Jenn continued to refer to Nick Carter as "her husband" and even saw the Backstreet Boys by herself a few years ago. Loyalty, folks. That's why I love her.

When I learned that Nick Carter was joining forces with Jordan Knight (of New Kids on the Block) for a North American tour this fall, I knew we must attend. It seemed like fate when I saw they would be performing at the Murat in Indianapolis for the fourth stop on the tour.

So, like the eternal teenyboppers we are, we ventured downtown on Saturday to watch "her husband" perform without his bandmates. When we first arrived, we noticed a small group of girls waiting outside by the stage entrance. Despite the mugginess and slight embarrassment, we were intrigued enough to hang out by the gate in hopes that Nick was still hanging out in his nearby tour bus.

Sure enough, about ten minutes later (and five minutes before the show was supposed to start), Nick came strolling out of the bus in his street clothes. He signed autographs for a couple girls, got a picture with one, and patiently listened to one lady spill her life story to him. Ultimately, we decided not to bother him (as he seemed pretty annoyed and rushed), but I did snap some paparazzi shots with my phone. Maybe this is another viable career option.

After Jenn composed herself, we found our seats in the center of the balcony, made friends with some nearby NKOTB fans, and waited for the show, which started about 30 minutes late.

The show itself was incredibly entertaining. As I'm sure you know (or could guess), neither of these guys has the voice of an angel, but over the course of almost two hours, they transported me back to a time when the biggest issue in my life was whether or not my parents would take me to buy the new BSB CD at midnight.

Most of the show consisted of new '80s-inspired songs and choreographed dance moves. It was clear that this was the early part of the tour - both of them messed up the dances at some point. There were several wardrobe changes, a brief bit where they played instruments, and the best mashup of '90s music I've ever heard (which is what I call every mashup that includes Ginuwine's "Pony"). They also performed "I Want it That Way," "Larger Than Life," and "The Right Stuff."

Bonus perk: Jordan Knight is still smokin' hot. I saw NKOTB last year with Wheat and I was shocked at how well that man has aged. He also performed his solo song "Give It to You," so I was thrilled.

The best part of the night, however, was sitting there with my best friend, laughing and watching a concert we would have loved even more 15 years ago. We've obviously grown up a lot since then, but it's nice to know that some things, some friendships never change.