Soldier of the Month: Meet Kimberly
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For so many, 2020 has been a year of change, heartache, confusion, fear, and longing for things that we once took for granted – such as being with our Backstreet Army and the Backstreet Boys.
For Kimberly Thompson, 36 of New York, she takes things such as her feet killing her from standing in the pit or waiting in the heat on a Backstreet Boys cruise for granted. It’s the little things that she misses, but there’s one thing that she has been able to do in the past that she may not get to do after 2020.
Taking her grandmother to a Backstreet Boys concert.
“The July 18, 2020 show was to be extremely special,” Kimberly said. “One week before [was my] Grandma’s 100th birthday [and the concert] was part of her celebration. And quite possibly her final BSB show.”
Kimberly’s story may sound a little familiar – she’s been spotlighted on Entertainment Tonight when she took her grandmother and mother to Las Vegas to meet the Backstreet Boys.
“She’s been going with my Mom and I to shows since 2001,” Kimberly said. “I fear that she won’t be strong enough next summer at 101, but I will not take one second of it for granted if I can get her there!”
According to Kimberly, who will not pick a favorite Backstreet Boy, the fangirl life is no stranger to her grandmother.
“She was a professional fangirl back in her day, too,” she said. “[She was] chasing Englebert Humperdink, following him across the country with her best friend. To this day we have to take her to his shows. She’s met him many times and even sat and had drinks at the bar with him.”
Kimberly said that being a fangirl is hereditary – her mother was a John Lennon fangirl.
“Another funny story, back in 2001, [my] Mom and Gram, who was 80 at the time, both played Blackjack with Howie in a Vegas casino for hours in the middle of the night,” she said.
Fan Club Username: Frenchyfry
Twitter: Yellowmmxx
Where are you from? New York
What do you do for a living? I work as an Administrative Supervisor for Atlantic Aviation, we are a private terminal based at an international airport.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I love music and singing. I actually sing Opera, though it's been many years since I actively practiced. I absolutely love my job, I have gotten to travel a bit, and meet a few VERY famous people (no boy banders yet). I started in aviation 5 years ago simply because I needed a job and it was the first thing I could get. Little did I know it would become a career or that I would love it so much. Seeing all the private aircraft is thrilling, we never have a dull moment. I love to travel and go on adventures, a fun fact is I have been to Las Vegas 28 times! I have family there so it's a good excuse!
How long have you been a BSB fan? 22 years
How did you become a fan? Waking up on July 18th 1998, I had no idea who the Backstreet Boys were! My best friend, Kara, called and said she had tickets to see them that night in New Haven, CT. I had never been to a concert before and I wanted to spend time with her, so I said I'd go. I had no idea that decision, at 13 years old, would change the rest of my life in an instant.
What is your favorite BSB memory? I have countless memories, it's impossible to choose just one. In 1999, Kara and I went to Boston with both of our moms for the Millennium tour. The day after the show we spent the morning searching for hotels for them. When we realized it wasn’t happening, we headed home. Then Kara's Mom missed the highway entrance. Not knowing Boston roads, we ended up driving 45 minutes through the city to get back to it. We finally get back to the highway and she missed it again! This time, not wanting to drive all around, she pulled into the first parking lot she saw. We immediately see tour buses and a group of girls. All of us exploded with excitement!! We parked and joined the group, and 10 minutes later Brian & Nick came out to greet us all. If that wasn’t fate, idk what is!
Another favorite memory, My mom and I got tickets to the Vegas show, it happened to be the 16th anniversary of my Gram seeing the boys for the first time. A journalist (now friend) saw my request for ideas on how to celebrate the milestone at the M&G and asked to do a story on us. I had NO idea it would be for Entertainment Tonight! She did an amazing job on the piece, that entire night was so special.
What is your favorite BSB song and why? “Drowning.” For their 20th anniversary, I decided to celebrate by getting a tattoo. I searched every song for the perfect lyric to represent the bond I have with my mom and grandma. I chose "I can't imagine life without your love". It was perfect for not only my family but also the boys.
What is your favorite BSB video and why? “Don't Go Breaking My Heart.” It's modern, the dancing is incredible, they look amazing!
Who is your favorite Backstreet Boy and why? Another best friend, Araina, has been trying to get me to choose a favorite for 20 years ... it is just not possible!
How has BSB impacted your life? In so many ways. I have met the most amazing, lifelong friends! I can count on them to be a calming escape when things aren't going well. But most importantly, they have given my mom, my gram, and myself something to share for the past 22 years.
What is your favorite thing about being a BSB fan? Knowing that no matter how old I get, I will always feel like a giddy teenager as soon as something new is announced, or the lights go down right before they come on stage! That feeling is unique. And I love that we all feel the same way!
Did you get to go to Vegas to see the boys? How about the DNA Tour? I was lucky enough to travel to Vegas 3 times, saw the show 7 times. DNA, unfortunately, I was only able to see once. Looking forward to next summer for another!
What has been your favorite BSB moment over the past 27 years? Another impossible choice. But I will go with Millennium Night on the 2018 cruise. Everything about that night was magical. From the concert to the musical journey they took us on at the deck party, to singing in the rain, and jumping in the pool with Nick and AJ. Hearing Millennium live again now that Kevin was back, it made it that much more special. I have trouble putting that night into words.
What do you think about how popular the boys have gotten again? And a whole new generation of BSB fans? I think it's incredible, they deserve every bit of it and more! I can't wait to see what the future holds (Hopefully a Grammy!)
What's one thing you are most looking forward to with the future of the Backstreet Boys? New adventures, wherever in the world they may take me.
If you had to go in a bunker and take ONE Backstreet Boys item with you, what would you pick and why? Probably my photo book, with selfies and VIP pics. The music is already ingrained in my mind, I would want to be surrounded by those pictures.
