Fans, and This Includes Parents, Defend Their Backstreet Boys

Last year, your writers referred to the Backstreet Boys’ concert as a “circus.” This year, you compared the show to the World Wrestling Federation (“Which Band Is This Again?” by Robert Hilburn, March 16). I suppose next year you’ll shoot for Siegfried and Roy.

While Mr. Hilburn was busy trying desperately to seek out a witty insult (for a group which he admitted to fearing even before attending their concert), he failed to notice a few things: The Backstreet Boys put on one of the best shows most of their fans (the people for whom they performed) have ever seen. They didn’t do it for your reviewers.

To deny the euphoric inebriation they worked so hard to share with each and every one of their fans through their absolutely surreal showmanship--regardless of the lights and pyrotechnics--is unacceptable.

KATY WRIGHT

Rancho Santa Margarita

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So, the Backstreet Boys are the objects of many young girls’ affection around the world and sing about love, but since when was that a crime? When the Beatles crossed the Atlantic and landed on the shore of America, thousands of young girls were screaming their names and singing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” Now, the Backstreet Boys are singing “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” and “I Want It That Way,” and young girls are eating it up.

Yes, I am a teenager, but I was not there out of hormonal drive or the dream that I could possibly meet them and they would fall madly in love with me. I buy the music that they make, not the product that everyone seems to identify them with.

My mother, 47, was with me the night of the concert and she enjoyed every minute of it, and it was not out of tolerance. She went because she is a fan herself. My whole family went to Las Vegas for the 1999 “Millennium” concert, and even my father enjoyed himself, despite his musical interests lying mainly in rock.

JAIME ANN BERNBERG

Simi Valley

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For your information, Mr. Hilburn, there are more than just young screaming kids that attend the BSB concerts. Their music has transcended generations and speaks volumes to the young and old. I, being one of the older fans at 42, not only took my son one night, I also attended three other nights without him, because I enjoy their music too.

If fans across the U.S. and beyond seem to get it, then why is Mr. Hilburn still in the dark?

CHRISTINE LEE

San Dimas

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Under Mr. Hilburn’s name, it reads “Times Pop Music Critic.” Maybe you should find someone to actually fit this title or change it to read “Times Ignorant Under-Qualified Journalist Who Gets Paid to Write Trash.” It appears that you hired a man without an ear for music. It seems to me that if the Beatles or Michael Jackson had performed, Mr. Hilburn would also bash those legends.

If the Backstreet Boys were, indeed, poor singers and performers, why do their albums sell tens of millions of records and tickets to their concerts sell out within minutes? Millions of people can’t be wrong.

JESSICA ANN HANSEN

Age 15

Canyon Country

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As a parent of two Backstreet Boys fans, and who has had the pleasure of attending the “Millennium” and “Black & Blue” tour concerts, I think it’s a shame to have someone like Mr. Hilburn write such a negative and biased article on a concert that was beyond great! Not only do my kids enjoy the concerts, so do I and all the rest of the parents. I sat next to Paula Abdul. I saw many other celebrities in the crowd. Everyone sure seemed to enjoy themselves. So what’s wrong with you, Mr. Hilburn?

JO ANN CHIKASAWA

Woodland Hills