Aug. 8, 1999
By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
Never mind that ’N Sync’s
show Friday night at the Allstate Arena was full of cliches. It was also
ridiculously fun. In the first of two concerts that concluded Saturday
at the venue formerly known as the Rosemont Horizon, the five-piece boy
band played a set that was not unlike the ones they performed during their
sold-out two-night stand at the Horizon last March.
The fact that they can play
to capacity crowds four nights in five months is astounding considering
that the arena holds upwards of 13,000 fans.
But while the band could’ve
coasted on its popularity and just gone through the motions of singing
hits such as “Here We Go,” “I Want You Back” and “Tearin’ Up My Heart,”
the members actually seemed more enthusiastic this time around than during
their last trip to the Chicago area.
They updated a few bits
and pieces, including their entrance--and what a sight it was. Imitating
Tom Cruise’s signature move from “Mission Impossible,” the singers floated
down from the ceiling to the stage.
This move would be repeated
and improved upon later in the evening when they covered Christopher Cross’
“Sailing.”
Strapped to sturdy safety
harnesses, each member “sailed” over the crowd--just low enough to tease
the predominantly female fans into thinking that they might have a chance
in Hades of grabbing an ’N Sync leg.
Each of the band members
got their chance to take his turn at lead vocals. But the majority of songs
were split between JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake who, if the piercing
screams were any indication, is easily the most popular member.
Even decked out in a wig
and groovy ’70s era clothes for a medley of songs from the past, his smile
was unmistakable.
But at least one song was
marred by hammy theatrics. On the lush ballad “God Must Have Spent a Little
More Time On You”--which showcases the group’s intuitive harmonies--Timberlake
milked the finale a tad too long. By the time they pulled a delightful
little fan named Katie on stage to beg him to end the song already, it
was too late.
My dates for this concert
were my nieces, 10-year-old Tabitha, and 8-year-old Lisa. They gave the
show a big thumbs up, although both still stubbornly insist they like the
Backstreet Boys better.
Kids.
Jordan Knight opened the
show with a lukewarm set that nevertheless was well received by the adoring
crowd. Once the primary heartthrob in the ultimate ’80s boy band the New
Kids on the Block, Knight--now 28--concentrated on soulful pop songs that
lacked the punchy funk of the New Kids’ best hits.
Read more about 'N Sync
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