The Backstreet Boys at the Midland

​Backstreet’s back. They said it first. And then, the Backstreet Boys said it over and over through the whole debacle last night at the Midland.

A few minutes before the Backstreet Boys — henceforth referred to as BSB — graced Kansas City with their presence, the crowd of young girls and their moms (along with a few gay boys) chanted, “BACKSTREET BOYS! BACKSTREET BOYS!” I haven’t encountered a crowd that willing to show such anticipation for any artist in a really long time; maybe ever. Girls snapped photos of themselves against the backdrop of an empty stage. The lights dimmed just a hair, and the music got a little louder. Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” pumped, old and worn-out, through the speakers and everyone sang along. We were ready to party like it’s 2005. Awesome!