Storm‑Borne Shock: Oklahoma’s Pop‑Fever Gets Rained Out
Picture this: a sold‑out outdoor Bash at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, 130 miles south of Oklahoma City, and the air fills with the familiar echo of Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees humming. Everything’s set for a blast of 90s nostalgia — until the heavens decide to throw a tantrum and drop a thunder‑clap smack in the middle of the party.
What Went Down
- Enthusiasts lined up around 5:00 p.m. for the show.
- Lightning flashed just four miles away from the venue.
- At least 14 people got hurt in the chaos.
- About 150 fans ignored the siren call for shelter and stayed in the line.
- The concert, featuring the Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees, was canceled on the spot.
The Band’s Quick Take
Through a tweet, the Backstreet Boys said: “We never want to put our fans in harm’s way and with tonight’s weather and the injuries from earlier, we have decided to cancel the show and will attempt to reschedule.”
Aftermath and Reschedule Hopes
Venue officials urged attendees to head to a safe spot, but the fervor for the iconic pop duo kept most 150 fans waiting for the show. With the storm front pushing through, they decided it was better to call off the gig rather than risk more injuries.
Good news? They’re planning to roll this once again when the skies clear. Nothing’s more disappointing than a rain‑hit concert, but the promise of a rescheduled performance keeps the fans’ hearts back up, ready to relive the classic 90s hits.
Stormy Night at the Concert: A Quick Take
At about 5:30 p.m., the thunderclouds rolled in with a wicked 70‑80 mph wind that knocked over the concert entrance trusses and poured heavy rain. Resort officials spouted the numbers: 14 people got first‑aid on site, and two were cleared from the hospital. Safety first, folks!
- Weather: 70‑80 mph winds + rain – not ideal for a show.
- Stage damage: Truss collapse before the big act.
- Wildcard: No shows for the night; tickets still honored.
Backstreet Boys & 98 Degrees: The Big Plan That Failed
The headliners, the Backstreet Boys (famous for “I Want It That Way” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”) and 98 Degrees (known for the “I Do (Cherish You)” ballad), had promised a night for more than 12,000 fans. But the storm had other ideas.
Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys took to Twitter to let fans know that stage safety checks had uncovered damage. He laughed it off: “Sadly, we can’t perform tonight. Safety is #1. Keep those tickets – the Boys WILL BE BACK.”
Instagram Updates
Both bands posted on Instagram to keep the crowd informed:
- Backstreet Boys’ post: “Storm damage means no show tonight, but check out the rescue! Stay tuned.”
- 98 Degrees’ post: “Bummer! Weather shut us down. We appreciate everyone’s travel plans. Love and see you soon!”
What’s Next?
The organizers vowed to reschedule the concert, and tickets for Saturday’s show would still be valid on the new date. Fans can look forward to a new setlist, a re‑ready stage, and a lot of music.
Embedded look at the storm (YouTube) and behind‑the‑scenes (Instagram) follow below.
