Comparing the Boys, Graham
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader
Published Thursday, June 21, 2001, in the Herald-Leader
By Rich Copley and Heather Svokos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS
Evangelist Billy Graham and teen-pop heartthrobs the Backstreet Boys might seem at first blush to have as much in common as The Last Supper and lunch at McDonald's.
Both titans of their specific spheres will be in Kentucky today. Backstreet will be here at Rupp Arena for a stop on their Black and Blue World Tour; Graham at Louisville's Papa John's Cardinal Stadium for the first night of a four-day crusade.
But the more we kept thinking about it, the more it seemed the world-renowned evangelist and the reigning kings of pop (Shhh! Don't tell Michael Jackson!) might have some things in common. Or maybe not.
Both are the biggest-ticket items in Kentucky tonight, and both have very devoted followings it's not a stretch to say that some Backstreet Boys fans follow the group with an almost religious fervor.
So, let's take a glance at how they match up.
Age:
Billy Graham: 82
BSB: 82 is the collective age of Kevin Richardson (29), Brian Littrell (26) and Howie Dorough (27)
Years in the business
Billy Graham: Held his breakthrough crusade in 1949
BSB: Signed with Jive Records in 1994
Holy matrimony
Billy Graham: Married Ruth McCue Bell in 1943, and they've been together since
BSB: Left a trail of broken hearts when Kevin and Brian married, respectively, Kristin Willits and Leighanne Wallace in 2000
Followers' accessory of choice
Billy Graham's followers: WWJD bracelet
BSB fans: New $30 Backstreet Boys T-shirt they changed into in the restroom
Life-changing experience
Billy Graham attendees: Altar call
BSB attendees: Being in the front row and having Brian sling his sweat on you
Tear-inducing song
Billy Graham: Just As I Am Without One Plea
BSB: Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely
Opening acts:
Billy Graham: Christian music superstar Michael W. Smith and new teen sensation Rachael Lampa
BSB: Pop-superstar wannabe Shaggy and new teen sensation Krystal
Expected attendance
Billy Graham: 150,000 to 175,000 over four days
13,000 for a one-night show
Admission
Billy Graham: Free
BSB: $50-$96.50 (the pricier ticket is for the sweat-slinging seats)
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