Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child for SumFest?
Source: Jamaica Observer
MILTON WRAY, Observer writer
Thursday, April 12, 2001
Two of pop music's biggest acts, the Backstreet Boys and Destiny's Child, could be making a concert appearance in Jamaica. The organisers of the yearly music festival Reggae Sumfest are busy negotiating for the two American groups to perform at the event in July.
Although the contracts have not yet been signed, it is understood that there is a strong likelihood that the mega-star pop sensations will be gracing the local stage.
"There is a good chance of it happening. We are working on it, but nothing has [yet] been confirmed," Walter Enmore, one of the directors of the Montego Bay-based Summerfest Productions, told the Observer.
Summerfest is attempting to procure a leg of the Backstreet Boys' Black & Blue Tour, which kicks off at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida, on June 8, and features the multi-platinum-selling Destiny's Child and high-riding dancehall pop star, Shaggy.
However, there are rumours that Destiny's Child may not be making the tour, as a decision has been taken by the management of the trio to withdraw, following the girl group's win at the Grammies. Destiny's Child's management is allegedly concerned about the group's billing as an opening act.
The reports could not be confirmed, but Summerfest says if the kinks are ironed out the tour should be making a stop in Montego Bay.
"Once the tour is still on, then it should happen," Enmore said.
There is a likelihood that the Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child and Shaggy will be performing on the Sunday night of the Catherine Hall event, which is being pruned this year from a four-day happening to three days. Reggae Sumfest commences on July 30 with a beach party, before moving to Catherine Hall.
"It will mean a lot if we get the tour. It will send a powerful statement for Sumfest," Enmore noted. "The whole idea is to sell airline seats to the festival."
It would be the first time that Jamaica would be treated to an international-class cutting-edge stage production. The Backstreet Boys have been eliciting rave reviews for their concerts. The upcoming tour, which will be packing in 50 arena stops around the US and Canada, will feature a hi-tech spectacular display from the boy group.
State-of-the-art pyrotechnics, simulated asteroids and comets, a special multi-level stage and a multimedia display with interactive video footage comprise the Backstreet Boys' presentations. Their one hour-and-forty-minute show is presented on a special platform extending ten rows into the arena, with side runways and multiple video screens.
The show is punctuated with tricks enhanced by hydraulic apparatus and a massive moving bridge, as well as innovative light and sound.
The Backstreet Boys are known for their long list of monster hits including Quit Playing Games With My Heart, As Long As You Love Me, Show Me the Meaning, All I Have to Give, I Want It That Way, Larger Than Life, Everybody, I'll Never Break Your Heart and The Shape of my Heart.
The quintet, which was the opening act for Shaggy in 1996, after the deejay scored with his hit remake of the Folkes Brothers' Oh Carolina, have sold more than 15 million copies of each of their albums in the US alone.
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