Instagram/@aj_mclean
It looks like the moment that the solo star of the Backstreet Boys AJ McLean has his first celebration, he is already thinking about the West Coast. Following the first event being an utter success, the singer has already planned for January 13 a private listening party in Los Angeles. The night of the fans will be nothing less than amazing as it will comprise an intimate meet and greet, new music, and special merchandise.
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AJ McLean is not only enjoying the solo era but also revealing his plans for a second private album listening party which will take place on January 13th at the Sun Rose on the Sunset Strip. The artist mentioned: “Just because we sold out the first event” to justify this decision. Hence, LA receives an encore! It will be a night to remember: a ticket to listen to the new music live, a one-on-one picture opportunity with AJ, an exclusive t-shirt, and a commemorative laminate. It’s the ultimate fan package: a tangible gesture of gratitude for the support that made the first event a sell-out.
This announcement inevitably drove his most loyal fans into a state of frantic excitement—and also a request choir. While those who will be attending the event in Los Angeles are excitedly counting down the days, the comment section transformed rapidly into an international petition. Followers from cities and countries all over the world saw the Los Angeles announcement and felt it was their time to push for a stop on their home ground.
From the start, one of the major themes was the desire for a worldwide tour. “We would like to see you in Germany, please,” said one commenter, which was very much the same as other people who named Düsseldorf as their choice. The demand for a European tour was very loud, the comments asking for London, Barcelona, Paris, and the Netherlands. “You should come to London across the ocean!!!” was one fan’s words, while another said, “Do one in the Netherlands as well.”
The demand wasn’t limited to Europe. South American fans stood out with their powerful presence. “Do it in Brazil. Brazilian fans will be the best,” was one comment, followed by lots of Brazilian flags. “Venha pro Brasil também,” a comment requested, translating into “Come to Brazil too.” The intensity of the fans’ desire was unquestionable.
North America, except for LA, also made its voice heard. Quite a few comments pointedly inquired about the East Coast. “Let’s have it in Nashville!!!! Let’s sell it out in Music City!!!” was one fan’s cry. Others were tagging friends, recalling a previous Montreal gig, and hoping to have a repeat of it. “NY would have loved another night,” one user said, and another added that they would like to have the venue to be “preferably in a place that’s not in Times Square.” Even Canada got a mention; a fan nostalgically said, “Canada would have loved a show too.”
Among the geographical requests, there were also quite a few comments that were especially personal. One comment caught everyone’s attention from a user calling herself Shannon Lopez, the “favorite dancer of AJ from the Black & Blue Tour”. She shared her memories of their hangouts in Amsterdam, congratulated him on the new album, and announced her intention to attend the LA party to “create a new memory”. It was a powerful moment of sharing that highlighted the long-lasting bond created over the years through music.
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The record response is a strong proof of a simple truth: AJ McLean’s fan base is large, devoted, and incredibly diversely distributed. The fact that the show was sold out can be regarded as proof of his ever-growing popularity while the stream of “come here next” messages is indicating possible next sold-out rooms. For the moment, the focus is on Los Angeles where there are going to be new beginnings and old hits for one night. The album that is going to be released has clearly already become a point of uniting for a community that is spread all over the planet. McLean’s decision to add a second date is a clear indication that he is very much aware of the demand before him. The only question left is: which city will he turn his ear to next? In related news, fellow Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter recently wrapped a successful tour. Fans also enjoy seeing AJ’s family moments, like when he unboxed Peanuts merchandise with his daughters. His fashion sense remains sharp, as seen when he stunned in a custom two-tone jacket. On a somber note, the singer mourned the loss of his movie mom Diane Keaton. In lighter times, he faced off with Lance Bass in an Ultimate Boy Band Bake Off.
