Continuing the toughest stretch of the Backstreet Boys Tour, we take to the air flying from Helsinki to Stavanger. No time for rest as we basically drop our bags in the room and head to the DNB arena. Arriving at the venue we are reminded that we serve as the support group, complete with broom closet dressing room. The triangle-shaped wardrobe holds our bags stacked in the corner and the rest of us cycling power-chargers for our computers. Fortunately we found a soccer ball and Greg and I kicked it around in the hallway to pass some time.
It was a nice venue, all things concerned: a newer ice arena with room for about 6000. But despite the clean halls and nice people, the Norwegian language began to feel very foreign. In the face of culture shock it has always helped to go about business as normal. I took a walk through the place and scoped the merch spot in a big lobby. It would later be the scene for nothing short of chaos.
As it turns out Stavanger is a college town and the fans tonight were somehow able to afford the expensive Norwegian beer. We walked off stage elated with the crowd and the performance, as the set was hitting hard. After the rowdy show, the noise only got louder. We even heard of a fight and an injury during the show. To the lobby…
Our crew had geared up for a night of higher than normal album sales with a one-exit lobby, a great performance, and a young demographic. But as we stood out in the lobby we saw most people yelling their way out, spilling drinks, and being carried out by security. The booze hit and I reckon if I were them, I’d have trouble recognizing my friends (much less the opening band). But we diligently stood our ground and took a couple pictures. In moments the party had departed the arena, leaving behind spilled beer cups and nearly all of our merch we hoped to sell. Oh well! Back to business, the hotel, and pack for our trip to Oslo.
