An Open Letter Backstreet Boys Fan Band Announces 2026 Farewell Tour: ‘One Last Ride’ Marks the End of a Pop Legend’s Era – Dates and Cities Revealed
In a heartfelt announcement that has sent waves of emotion through fans worldwide, An Open Letter, the beloved Backstreet Boys tribute band, has officially revealed plans for their 2026 Farewell Tour, titled “One Last Ride.” After more than two decades of bringing the magic, charm, and harmonies of one of the world’s most iconic pop groups to life, the band has decided to take their final bow — ending an unforgettable era filled with nostalgia, brotherhood, and music that defined a generation.
Formed in 2003 in Orlando, Florida, An Open Letter began as a small-scale tribute act performing at local festivals and theme parks. What started as five lifelong fans recreating the boy band dream quickly evolved into a full-scale touring phenomenon. With their uncanny vocal synchronization, slick choreography, and infectious charisma, the group gained a devoted fanbase of their own, earning the reputation as “the next best thing to seeing the real Backstreet Boys live.”
Now, after years of sold-out shows, emotional reunions, and countless renditions of “I Want It That Way,” An Open Letter says it’s time to close the curtain — but not without one final celebration worthy of the legacy they’ve carried.
The Final Chapter Begins
In an emotional video message shared across social media, lead vocalist Ryan Carter, often affectionately called the “tribute Nick Carter,” reflected on the band’s journey and the meaning behind the farewell.
> “We started this band because we loved the Backstreet Boys — their music, their energy, their connection with fans. We never imagined it would take us around the world. But now, after twenty amazing years, it feels right to take one last ride together, to thank the fans who’ve danced, cried, and sung with us every step of the way.”
The One Last Ride Tour will serve as a grand finale — a musical thank-you to fans who have supported the band’s mission of keeping the Backstreet Boys’ spirit alive long after their peak years.
Tour Dates and Cities Revealed
The farewell tour kicks off on April 11, 2026, in Orlando, Florida — the birthplace of both the original Backstreet Boys and An Open Letter. The band will perform more than 35 shows across North America, followed by a handful of international dates in Europe and Asia.
First Leg of the Tour (North America):
April 11, 2026 – Orlando, FL (Amway Center)
April 16, 2026 – Atlanta, GA (State Farm Arena)
April 20, 2026 – Washington, DC (Capital One Arena)
April 25, 2026 – New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)
May 1, 2026 – Boston, MA (TD Garden)
May 6, 2026 – Toronto, ON (Scotiabank Arena)
May 12, 2026 – Chicago, IL (United Center)
May 18, 2026 – Dallas, TX (American Airlines Center)
May 24, 2026 – Denver, CO (Ball Arena)
June 1, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA (Kia Forum)
The tour will conclude with a two-night grand finale in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 9–10, 2026, at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena — a fitting venue for a group whose performances were always about glitz, emotion, and spectacle.
A Tribute with Heart and Harmony
Throughout their career, An Open Letter has earned respect not only for their flawless harmonies and choreography but also for their heartfelt authenticity. Unlike many tribute acts, they didn’t just mimic — they celebrated. Their shows were filled with gratitude, humor, and nostalgia, reminding fans of the era when pop ruled the airwaves and five voices could make an arena sing.
The group became known for their stunning renditions of Backstreet Boys hits like “As Long As You Love Me,” “Shape of My Heart,” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” complete with perfectly synchronized dance moves, sleek stage visuals, and live harmonies that rivaled the original band’s recordings.
For many fans, An Open Letter wasn’t just a tribute — it was a time machine. Their concerts transported audiences back to the golden age of 90s pop, reigniting memories of CDs, posters, and MTV countdowns.
Special Features of the Final Tour
The One Last Ride Tour promises to be more than just another round of performances — it will be an emotional celebration of the fans, music, and legacy that brought everyone together. Each show will feature:
Fan-Selected Setlists: Audiences will vote online for one classic Backstreet Boys song and one An Open Letter original track to be performed live.
Video Tributes: The band will showcase behind-the-scenes footage from their two-decade journey, featuring moments with fans, interviews, and unseen rehearsal clips.
Special Guests: Several pop tribute acts and surprise collaborators are rumored to appear during select tour stops, celebrating the spirit of late-90s and early-2000s pop culture.
An Emotional Goodbye
The announcement of the farewell tour has sparked emotional reactions across social media, with thousands of fans sharing memories and gratitude. Longtime supporter Megan Torres, who has followed the band since 2005, wrote:
> “I saw An Open Letter for the first time when I was 15. Now I’m 34, and their shows still make me feel like a teenager again. It’s sad to see them go, but I’m so grateful for the joy they’ve given us.”
For the members of An Open Letter, this farewell is not about endings, but about closure and celebration. In an interview, Ryan Carter summed it up beautifully:
> “We started this journey singing songs about love, youth, and dreams. Those songs grew with us, and so did our fans. This tour is our thank-you — one final moment to share the music that made us who we are.”
Tickets and Availability
Tickets for the One Last Ride Farewell Tour go on sale November 22, 2025, through Ticketmaster and the band’s official website. VIP packages will include meet-and-greet sessions, early entry, and exclusive memorabilia such as signed posters and commemorative tour books.
The End of an Era
As An Open Letter prepares to take the stage for one final run, their message to fans is simple yet powerful: “We’ll never say goodbye — just see you later.
For those who grew up with the Backstreet Boys’ music and found that same spirit in An Open Letter, this farewell tour is not just an ending — it’s a tribute to the timeless bond between pop music and the people who believe in it.
The “One Last Ride” Farewell Tour begins April 11, 2026 — a fil celebration of music, memories, and the everlasting power of the Backstreet sound.
