Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Escher Walcott

Backstreet Boys give emotional tribute to the late Aaron Carter at London concert

Backstreet Boys gave an emotional tribute to band member Nick Carter’s brother Aaron Carter at their London concert on Sunday.

Aaron was found dead at the age of 34 on Saturday, November 5, at his home in Lancaster, California. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

The band paused their show, held as part of their DNA World Tour, at the O2 Arena to honour Nick’s little brother, Aaron, less than 24 hours after learning the tragic news.

In a video filmed by an audience member, band member Kevin Richardson is seen speaking to the crowd at the concert, as a photo appeared on the big screen of Aaron, with the words ‘1987-2022’.

Nick Carter (left) was seen visibly upset in concert as Backstreet Boys paid tribute to brother Aaron (PA)

Richardson said: "We all grew up together. We’ve been through highs and lows, up and downs.

“You guys have been through it with us, we’ve been through it with you. Tonight, we’ve got a little bit of heavy hearts because we lost one of our family members yesterday.”

At that point, Nick is seen breaking down in tears as he is consoled by bandmates AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Howie Dorough.

Richardson continued: “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.”

Aaron Carter died aged 34 at his home in California on Saturday (Alison Buck/Getty Images)

Dorough, 49, then informed the audience that their next song, Breathe, was dedicated to Aaron.

Backstreet Boy’s concert tribute to Aaron comes after Nick gave his own personal tribute to his brother hours earlier.

The singer said his “heart is broken” as he spoke of losing brother Aaron on social media.

Posting several throwback photos of himself with Aaron, Nick wrote: “Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded.

“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.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.