Backstreet Boys and The Strokes Announce Explosive 2026 Global Tour — “This Is the Concert of the Century! Dates and Cities Revealed…”
The world of music is about to experience a collision of sound and style like never before. In a surprise announcement that has stunned fans and critics alike, Backstreet Boys and The Strokes have officially revealed plans for a monumental 2026 Global Tour, boldly titled “This Is the Concert of the Century.” The unlikely yet thrilling pairing brings together two generations of musical icons — the kings of 90s pop perfection and the pioneers of 2000s indie rock — for what promises to be one of the most ambitious and electrifying live tours in modern history.
The news broke early Thursday morning through a joint post on both bands’ social media pages. The teaser clip, set to a mashup of Backstreet Boys’ “Larger Than Life” and The Strokes’ “Last Nite,” sent fans into a frenzy within minutes. The video ended with the words “Get Ready, 2026 — The World Is Our Stage.” By midday, hashtags like #ConcertOfTheCentury, #BBxStrokes, and #2026GlobalTour were trending across multiple platforms as fans speculated, celebrated, and tried to secure pre-sale access.
The 2026 Global Tour is set to kick off on April 25, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London, before heading to iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York, Stade de France in Paris, Tokyo Dome in Japan, Estadio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, and Accor Stadium in Sydney, among others. With over 40 dates confirmed across five continents, it’s one of the largest collaborative tours ever attempted between two world-renowned acts from completely different musical worlds.
When asked about the inspiration behind the collaboration, Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys said, “We’ve always been about connecting people through music and emotion. The Strokes bring that same passion — just in a completely different language of sound. Together, we’re creating something fans never knew they needed.”
Julian Casablancas, frontman of The Strokes, added, “We love doing the unexpected. Partnering with the Backstreet Boys breaks every rule in the book — and that’s what makes it beautiful. It’s about energy, nostalgia, and chaos — in the best way possible.”
Tour organizers describe the event as a “musical time machine,” blending eras, styles, and fanbases into one spectacular show. The production will feature a split-stage design, allowing both bands to perform separately before merging for collaborative encore sets. Rumors suggest the encore will feature live mashups of “I Want It That Way” and “Reptilia,” as well as a brand-new original track recorded exclusively for the tour.
Beyond the music, fans can expect a visual spectacle. Production insiders have revealed that the stage design will be inspired by “the evolution of sound” — a fusion of 90s neon nostalgia and gritty 2000s cityscapes, complete with advanced LED displays, laser arrays, and holographic effects. Every performance will aim to tell a story, showcasing how both groups transformed the sound of their respective generations while influencing countless artists to come.
Tickets are set to go on sale on Friday, November 22, 2025, with VIP and platinum packages offering exclusive meet-and-greets, behind-the-scenes experiences, and commemorative memorabilia. Early access presales for fan club members will open 48 hours earlier, and demand is already through the roof — industry insiders are predicting instant sellouts across all major markets.
Music critics have been quick to dub this collaboration “a cultural reset.” As one Rolling Stone editor put it, “This is more than nostalgia or novelty. It’s a fusion of two defining forces in pop and rock — a celebration of timeless sound, reinvention, and global unity.”
For fans, the excitement is personal. The Backstreet Boys evoke memories of pop’s golden age, of catchy harmonies and heartthrob energy, while The Strokes symbolize rebellion, cool detachment, and the indie revolution of the early 2000s. Together, they represent two sides of the same musical coin — melody and grit, polish and edge, heart and attitude.
As the countdown to April 2026 begins, one thing is clear: the Backstreet Boys x The Strokes 2026 Global Tour is shaping up to be more than just a concert — it’s a generational celebration. Whether you grew up belting “As Long As You Love Me” or headbanging to “Someday,” this tour will bridge decades of musical history into one unforgettable experience.
The world is watching. The century’s greatest concert is coming.
