Backstreet Boys: Where Are They Now? On Tour in Asia

After the late 1990s, the Backstreet Boys seemed to fade into the boy band graveyard, with the bubble gum beats occasionally popping up on a VH1 special or adult contemptorary radio station.  

Despite their recent relatively low profile, the boys, now men, are back in Asia.  The best selling boy band of all time, which grossed a staggering $2.2 billion between 1997 and 2005, is now playing to older fans at more modest venues.

It's a classic tale for the superstars who have tasted levels of fame and success that few of us will ever know.  Ten years ago, millions of screaming fans had their CDs permanently on repeat, but at their recent Hong Kong show, only 30 showed up to greet them at the airport.  You can judge from the video clip above to see whether or not they still have the agility of their teenage years.

Although Asia continues to embrace Western artists, its local artists and musical styles are flourishing.  On MTV's websites for mainland China artists like and He Jie from the popular Super Girl TV contest, and rocker Xie Tianxiao receive top billing.  MTV's site for Taiwan and Hong Kongalso features Asian musicians, like Japanese star Kokiaor the Taiwanese-American singer Wang Lee-Hom.  

South Korean phenomenon, Rain, has been a huge success, with his 2006 concert grossing over $100 million worldwide.  His two Las Vegas shows sold out within a week, but in Japan, his concert sold out in about 30 seconds.   

While he still doesn't have the name recognition in Canada. that Celine Dion has throughout South Korea, perhaps within the next decade or so the music balance could shift. With North American and European music sales faltering, and many major record labels restructuring, it's possible that within time, music from Asian countries could dominate the global charts.   

But even in the midst of this growing industry, there's still room for familiar favorites like the Backstreet Boys.