The Backstreet Boys are heading back out on tour in 2023 for their DNA World Tour. This highly anticipated tour promises to be a nostalgic trip back to the 90s and early 2000s when the Backstreet Boys were one of the biggest boy bands in the world. Fans are eager to see the group perform their classic hits as well as songs from their latest album, DNA.
When is the Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour?
The Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour kicks off on April 8, 2023 in Las Vegas. The tour will visit over 70 cities across North America and Europe before wrapping up on July 25, 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Some of the major cities on the tour include Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London, Berlin, and Paris.
Who are the opening acts?
While the Backstreet Boys are the main attraction, they have enlisted some popular faces to get the crowd excited before they take the stage each night. Here is a look at who the opening acts are for the DNA World Tour:
AJ Mitchell
Kicking off most of the North American leg of the tour is rising pop singer AJ Mitchell. The 22-year-old singer first gained attention competing on the ABC reality singing competition “The One” in 2018. His breakthrough single “Used to Be” has over 50 million streams globally. Mitchell is signed to Epic Records and released his debut EP in 2021. His opening set promises to get the crowd warmed up with his energetic pop songs.
Jesse McCartney
Early 2000s teen pop icon Jesse McCartney will be opening the European leg of the DNA tour. McCartney rose to fame with his 2004 debut album Beautiful Soul which spawned the hit single of the same name. McCartney has sold over 1.5 million albums worldwide and continues to release new music, including his 2020 album New Stage. The tour is sure to be a nostalgic thrill for fans who grew up listening to songs like “Leavin’” and “She’s No You.”
Natasha Bedingfield
Joining the Backstreet Boys for select North American shows is British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield. The Grammy-nominated artist is best known for her empowering hits “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine.” Bedingfield has not released a full album since 2008 so her inclusion on the tour has fans hoping she may debut some new material on stage.
How were the opening acts chosen?
According to the Backstreet Boys, they had a few criteria in mind when selecting who would join them on tour:
- Up-and-coming artists they want to support
- Nostalgic acts fans will be excited to see
- Entertainers that complement the Backstreet Boys’ sound and style
AJ Mitchell fits the first category. With his young career on the rise, the Backstreet Boys wanted to provide a huge platform for him to gain exposure. Jesse McCartney and Natasha Bedingfield bring that nostalgic factor, taking fans back to the 2000s with their recognizable hit songs. All three opening acts also have a similar pop sound and energy that pairs well with the Backstreet Boys.
How long are the opening sets?
Here is a breakdown of approximately how long each opening act will perform for:
Opening Act | Set Length |
---|---|
AJ Mitchell | 25-30 minutes |
Jesse McCartney | 30-35 minutes |
Natasha Bedingfield | 35-40 minutes |
These set lengths allow each performer enough time to play their biggest hits but still leave plenty of room for the Backstreet Boys headlining set. Jesse McCartney and Natasha Bedingfield’s slightly longer sets reflect their more extensive musical catalogs and experience as performers.
Will there be collaboration between the openers and headliners?
Collaborations between opening acts and headliners can really excite fans and make for special on-stage moments. However, there has been no official indication there will be any collaborations on the DNA World Tour. Of course, surprises are always a possibility! Duets seem unlikely given the contrasting styles of the openers compared to the Backstreet Boys’ signature sound and choreography. But fans can hope for maybe a quick duet or the openers joining the headliner for an encore.
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices vary by city and venue but here is a general range for what to expect:
Seating Section | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Lower Level Seats | $150 – $300+ |
Floor Seats | $250 – $500+ |
Upper Level Seats | $80 – $200 |
Additional factors that affect pricing are the specific arena, day of the week, city, and demand. Prices typically are higher in major markets like New York and Los Angeles.
There are also VIP packages available that include perks like premium seating, exclusive merchandise, pre-show receptions with the band, and more. These packages run $500 per ticket and up.
How quickly are shows selling out?
The enormous popularity of the Backstreet Boys paired with the limited nature of the tour has shown in how rapidly shows are selling out. Tickets went on presale in late 2022 and the vast majority of dates sold out within minutes. Fans who didn’t act fast enough were shut out.
Ticket resale sites have since been flooded with marked up prices, sometimes into the thousands for floor seats. The incredibly high demand has made this one of the buzziest and toughest tickets to get in recent years.
What’s the setlist?
The Backstreet Boys have not formally announced a setlist yet. However, based on previous tours and the songs played at their 2022 shows, fans can expect to hear the following hits:
- “I Want It That Way”
- “Larger Than Life”
- “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”
- “As Long As You Love Me”
- “Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely”
- “Incomplete”
- “Drowning”
- “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)”
They will also likely play a selection of newer songs from DNA like “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Chances,” and “No Place.”
How long is the Backstreet Boys set?
As the headliner, the Backstreet Boys will have the longest set of the night. Fans can expect to watch them perform for approximately 90 minutes.
This allows them to fit in 20-25 songs spanning their decades-long career. The setlist will likely include some of their biggest 90s/early 2000 hits mixed with newer material and a few deeper cuts for the super fans.
What’s the impact on the Backstreet Boys’ legacy?
The DNA World Tour has cemented the Backstreet Boys as one of the most enduring and influential boy bands. Even after nearly 30 years, they still have the ability to sell out arenas around the globe.
With touring revenues in the tens of millions, the Backstreet Boys have certainly secured their status as legends. Their music continues to resonate with longtime fans who have grown up with them, as well as younger generations discovering their catalog.
Critics have praised how the group still manages to put on an impressive production with tight choreography, flashy visuals, and live vocals. The DNA Tour shows the Backstreet Boys still have that special something that made them stars in the first place.
This tour has demonstrated that the love for Backstreet Boys is still very much “Larger Than Life” all these years later.
Conclusion
The Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour is gearing up to be an unforgettable show for fans in 2023. The band has selected exciting rising pop stars AJ Mitchell, Jesse McCartney, and Natasha Bedingfield to open for them across North America and Europe. Ticket demand has been sky-high, proving the Backstreet Boys’ enduring star power.
Once the lights go down and the quintet takes the stage, nostalgia will wash over the arena. Teens who grew up with posters on their walls are now adults who get to re-live those youthful emotions. The next generation of fans are making their own memories at a Backstreet Boys concert for the first time.
After the challenges the pandemic brought to live music, the DNA Tour represents a celebratory return to the stage. The Backstreet Boys themselves are visibly emotional about reuniting with fans. This tour will certainly go down as one of the biggest highlights in their storied career.