Unless you have unsubscribed to the Toad’s email distribution list, you are fully aware of the fact that Aaron Carter will be gracing the stage of Toad’s Place on Wednesday the 27th. Everyone’s favorite teeny bopper will be taking New Haven by storm with what is sure to be a memorable performance to say the least.
I have such distinct memories of jamming out to “I Want Candy,” “That’s How I Beat Shack,” and, of course, “Aaron’s Party” with my grade school girls who were all equally obsessed with this pre-teen pretty boy. Even though I was already in a committed relationship with his older brother Nick- the best of all the Backstreet Boys- I still fell victim to the combination of Aaron’s pristine smile and unbeatable dance moves that rendered him a true heartthrob. When he dated Hilary Duff (aka, Lizzie McGuire), I took personal offense.
Although I was never as lucky as Hilary to date this superstar, I still spent hours listening to his hip-hop beats and pop-like melodies. I must admit, though, that I am a bit scared for his arrival at Toad’s. Quite frankly, I have no idea what to expect. The only way I remember Aaron Carter is as a 14 year old baby-faced pop star whose voice was not much deeper than my own. He seemed so sweet, innocent and relatable. Now, at the age of 25, Aaron has been off the radar for quite some time. He’s faced speeding tickets, marijuana citations, treatment facilities; the list goes on. Last spotted on Dancing With the Stars and Celebrity Cook-Off, I’m not entirely positive that Aaron will be ready with the microphone- though I’m sure he could cook up a great pasta dish. Furthermore, what will he sing? Has he been scribbling down song lyrics behind the scenes of the E! reality hit House of Carters?
Plainly put, I don’t want 25 year-old Aaron to spoil the wonderful memory I’ve cherished from childhood. The last album he released was Another Earthquake over 10 years ago in 2002. Call me crazy, but I think I have sufficient reason to believe that “I Want Candy” won’t be blasting into the streets of New Haven come Wednesday. I can only pray that after pushing through a packed and sweaty audience, I won’t be dreadfully disappointed by a stumbling has-been inaudibly mumbling into a microphone.
I’m enthusiastic for Aaron’s come back- don’t get me wrong. I’m just apprehensive of how he will take to the stage and impact my cherished memories of childhood. I would be simply over the moon if the 13 year-old version of Aaron could childishly command the stage on Wednesday night. But for now, I guess the 25 year-old version will have to do.