Watch: Tribute Paid to Aaron Carter by Backstreet Boys
Even though the Backstreet Boys’ performance at London’s O2 arena went on as scheduled on Sunday (Nov. 6), it was an emotional set for Nick Carter following the death of his younger brother, Aaron Carter.
In honour of Aaron, a picture of him appeared on the screen beside the words “Aaron Carter 1987-2022.” Nick’s bandmates consoled him with embraces and pats on the back as they gushed about Aaron.
The three of us have been friends since we were kids. There have been ups and downs in our relationship. We’ve been through it with you, and you’ve been through it with us,” Kevin Richardson told the crowd.
He went on, “Tonight, we’ve got a little bit of heavy hearts because we lost one of our family members yesterday. We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognise him. Nick’s little brother Aaron Carter passed away yesterday.”
“He’s a part of our family, We thank you guys for all your love, all your well wishes and all your support.” Richardson stated.
Howie Dorough then announced, “We’d like to dedicate this next song to our little brother Aaron Carter.”
In tribute to Aaron, the band sang “Breathe” a cappella.
Aaron Carter, 34, passed away on Saturday. In the 1990s, when he was just nine years old, the singer began his career by serving as an opening act for the Backstreet Boys. His next album, 2000’s Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It), reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and featured the Top 10 hits “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.” He has appeared on Broadway, worked in television, and recorded five studio albums throughout the years.
Nick posted a memorial to his brother on Instagram on Sunday morning.
“My heart is broken. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded,” he captioned. “I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed. Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you can finally have the peace you could never find here on earth…. I love you baby brother.”
The clips below are from the London concert performed by the Backstreet Boys, and they show an especially touching moment.