When the Backstreet Boys announced what they were doing to celebrate 30 years together, I was stoked. I live for a countdown. Then as soon as it wrapped up I was like, yeah…nah. You can listen to my thoughts and concerns on this week’s episode as I go through the entire top 30, but right now is all about what I think should’ve been in their top 10.
Now, I didn’t want to put a bunch of videos because while I do think they’re iconic moments from the ‘90s and early ‘00s pop culture, I wanted my top 10 to represent the actual moments I think showcased why they are the best boy band of all time, but I did include one video because when I think of BSB videos, I think this was their first sort of hit that people outside of their fandom recognized. So let’s get to it!
Arthur Appearance
PBS is an American institution that has helped educate and entertain young minds for years. From ‘Mister Rogers’ to ‘Sesame Street’ and everything in between, including one of their most beloved and longest-running shows ever had a guest appearance from the Backstreet Boys. They helped educate the children and if that’s not a moment, then what is?
All Access VHS
If I had to pick five VHS tapes that ultimately shaped the essence of who I am, I’d have to go with ‘Dirty Dancing,’ ‘Pound Puppies,’ ‘The Goonies,’ ‘Gremlins,’ and that ‘All Access’ one the Backstreet Boys put out. It featured behind-the-scenes of not one but two videos, a sneak peek of my favorite video, “All I Have to Give,” and so much more. I feel like, other than their albums and posters, this was one of the most commonly beloved items a majority of fans cherished. So much so, when I found it on DVD in Virgin Megastore (RIP), I didn’t even hesitate to buy it.
Show Em What You’re Made Of
Backstreet Boys were no strangers to letting fans into their world, well as much as one could as a celebrity in the 2000s. They had the aforementioned VHS, as well as the MTV special that followed them around the world, but “Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of” was a whole ass documentary that wasn’t just some TV special or YouTube drop. It was a full-on theatrical release that came out a decade ago when they were celebrating a mere 20 years together.
TRL Shut Down
Backstreet Boys were pretty much the end all be all in 1999, an insanely great year for music. I think only Britney Spears could be considered on their level. However, back to Backstreet because in May 1999 they became the first artist to sell a million copies in a week but before that number came in – they had to release the album – which they did on MTV’s ‘Total Request Live.’ You can imagine the absolute chaos that went down when the biggest group in the world came to Times Square. If you can’t…well, it got so bad below the studio that the NYPD ordered the network to lower their blinds. Like that was going to cause a massive crowd in the streets to suddenly not freak out but alas, that’s what went down that day. That moment though? Not even in their original top 30.
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”
While “I Want It That Way” will likely go down as their signature song no matter how many more years they stay together, the video I think that made them a household name was “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).” I mean, a song that boasts the question, “Am I sexual?” How is that not something that piques one’s interest? On top of that, like I said in this week’s episode, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” has their most iconic choreography to date.
NKOTBSB Tour
The biggest boy band of the ‘80s teaming up with the biggest boy band of the ‘90s and early ‘00s? Yeah, this tour was a no-brainer. Now if only BSB could finally convince Spice Girls to join forces or in the most chaotic world; N’SYNC.
Around the World in 100 Hours
When ‘Black & Blue’ was coming out, BSB decided to promote the album around the world in a matter of days. Which meant hoping on a custom jet and setting off on a whirlwind of an adventure. Like I mentioned before, it was documented, and the footage – insane. The Brazilian fans were next-level, and while the album is a great one for them – I think embarking on a promotional tour like this has to be one of the wildest moments of the past 30 years.
Larger Than Life Residency
Up until Britney Spears, I think a lot of people assumed setting up shop in Las Vegas for a residency was well, for older artists who couldn’t handle life out on the road anymore and wanted to be more settled. Today, a great deal of huge pop stars have made Sin City their home away from home like Garth Brooks, Usher, and Katy Perry. Oh yeah, and Backstreet Boys. A great accomplishment for them and a hell of a deal for fans.
Millennium
Again, a million copies in a week, but on top of that – I think this is the album that took them from a boy band of the time to a permanent fixture in pop culture.
Star on the Walk of Fame
A lot went down when Backstreet Boys celebrated their 20th anniversary; a special event in Los Angeles, a documentary release, and they got their star on the Walk of Fame. They even had a fan make a speech. It’s not every day a silly little pop group that sings love songs and started in teen magazines gets immortalized like that.
Crushgasm 
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