Backstreet Boys Recreate Iconic 1999 Tour at Sphere Las Vegas

AJ McLean credits his wife for the idea that led to the group's successful residency show.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Backstreet Boys are wrapping up their super-successful Into the Millennium residency show at Sphere Las Vegas, and AJ McLean says the entire concept was inspired by a conversation with his wife. She suggested the group recreate their biggest tour from 1999, complete with all the original production elements. After some initial hesitation from the rest of the group, they decided to move forward with the idea, which has played to sold-out crowds.

Why it matters

The Backstreet Boys' decision to recreate their iconic 1999 tour is a unique move in the music industry, as most major acts typically focus on promoting their latest albums rather than revisiting their past. This residency show at Sphere Las Vegas demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Backstreet Boys and their ability to give fans an immersive experience by bringing back their most successful tour.

The details

AJ McLean says the idea for the residency show came from a dinner conversation with his wife, who suggested the group recreate their 1999 Into the Millennium tour, complete with all the original production elements. After some initial pushback from the rest of the group, they eventually agreed to move forward with the idea. The group then pitched the concept to their concert promoter, who revealed that Sphere Las Vegas was interested in hosting the show. Despite some initial concerns about pulling off such a massive production, the Backstreet Boys were able to make it happen after getting inspiration from the Eagles' show at the venue.

  • The Backstreet Boys are scheduled to wrap up their Into the Millennium residency show at Sphere Las Vegas on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • AJ McLean says his wife first suggested the idea for the residency show during a dinner conversation.

The players

AJ McLean

A member of the Backstreet Boys who says his wife came up with the idea for the group's residency show at Sphere Las Vegas.

Backstreet Boys

The popular 90s boy band who are performing their iconic 1999 Into the Millennium tour as part of a residency show at Sphere Las Vegas.

Sphere Las Vegas

The venue hosting the Backstreet Boys' residency show, which features state-of-the-art production capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“You know, she threw this out in a dinner conversation … about how none of the biggest acts in the world have ever recreated their biggest tour.”

— AJ McLean, Backstreet Boys member (ABC Audio)

“And she's like, 'What if you guys did that?'”

— AJ McLean, Backstreet Boys member (ABC Audio)

“So I kept bringing it up to the boys and they kept saying, no, no, no, because we're in a different mindset, different albums, da-da-da. And finally they were like, 'Y'know what? Let's do it.'”

— AJ McLean, Backstreet Boys member (ABC Audio)

What’s next

The Backstreet Boys are scheduled to wrap up their Into the Millennium residency show at Sphere Las Vegas on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The Backstreet Boys' decision to recreate their iconic 1999 Into the Millennium tour as a residency show at Sphere Las Vegas demonstrates the group's enduring popularity and ability to give fans a unique, immersive experience by revisiting their past. This move is a departure from the typical focus on promoting new music, and shows the power of fan nostalgia and the band's commitment to delivering a memorable performance for their loyal audience.