98 Degrees - 2018 Christmas Tour
Concert Date: December 8, 2018
Location: Chevalier Theater, Somerville, MA
The 98 Degrees 2018 Christmas Tour was my third 98 Degrees concert. The past concerts were their 2017 Christmas Tour and the Package Tour with NKOTB and Boyz II Men.
The concert was held at Chevalier Theater in Medford, a suburb outside Boston, approximately a 20 minute drive from my apartment. I didn’t have to travel far. The concert also took place on a Saturday! So I didn’t have to take a day off and could just rest up before the concert.
Ticket Upgrade
The 2018 98 Degrees Christmas was my first Meet and Greet VIP.
Initially, I had bought a lower tier VIP ticket where it was just a photo opp with the band. Thinking that would be enough for me. But after hearing fan stories about their great experience of the higher tier VIP with Soundcheck and Q&A, I knew I had to upgrade my ticket.
I will admit upgrading tickets is not an easy task. You have to be patient!
To get my seat upgraded,I had to call Ticketmaster customer service which always has a long hold time. When a representative finally answered, they instructed me to buy the upgraded ticket. Then email the receipt to customer service. So I went ahead and purchased the higher ticket and emailed the receipt. Ticketmaster then refunded me the previous ticket. It was quite a process, but let me tell you 98 Degrees VIP was worth the extra expenditure and effort!
Not only do you get to meet the guys and do a photo opp, you also get to watch the band rehearse and engage in a Q and A conversation with the fans.
VIP Soundcheck and Q&A
On the day of the concert, VIP Ticket Holders were instructed to come to the venue about 2 hours early before the actual show. We first meet Nick, Jeff, Justin and Drew at rehearsal.
During soundcheck, 98 Degrees tested songs including the “Christmas Song” and “Because of You”. The soundcheck provided a cozy private concert before the main show. It was cool to closely watch them test the sound of their microphones, making sure their voices and beats were on the point and finalizing the volume.
After soundcheck, the guys took questions from the fans. A few fans dropped a few hints that 98 Degrees should do a cruise like NKOTB and BSB. Drew suggested an Alaskan Cruise and there was immediate silence. Let’s be honest everyone including me was thinking we want a cruise to a tropical island where the guys took their shirts off.
I asked whether there will be a new album (with no references to a specific holiday). Drew jokingly asked if I hated the Christmas album since it was technically their new album. The boys did emphasize though it’s harder for them to produce new music.
Meet and Greet
After the Q&A, we lined up for the photo opportunity.
In anticipation of meeting the guys, I thought I would be fine and act normal. I had met Jeff before at a previous fundraising event in Boston so I was not at all nervous. But I was wrong!
Once I finally met the guys up close, I froze. I got so starstruck making the meeting quite awkward. Drew and Nick tried to make the conversation by saying Merry Christmas. And I couldn’t even utter a word as I greeted each guy. The moment became all a blur considering VIP meet and greets are so quick because there are so many fans to get through. All I remember was telling Justin to switch places with Jeff so I could stand next to my favorite member. I do remember giving them hugs.
Granted it was my first VIP. For the future, I did learn I need to calm myself down and breathe. And greet the artists like friends! And remember to say your name! Despite the awkward greeting, 98 Degrees was definitely not going to be my last VIP!
Moving Closer
Originally I had a seat in the 4th row on the aisle on the left. But I did notice that the front center seat was noticeably empty as people were filing in and sitting down. I decided to take my chance and went up to the stage manager. I asked them in a very convincing and friendly manner if I could move to the front. I made sure I acted very sweetly in my negotiations. Fortunately, the stage manager agreed to allow me to move to the front row if no one shows up by the start of the show.
And sure enough, still no one showed up by the time 98 Degrees appeared onstage. I immediately power walked my way to the front center seat. And the move was the best decision I ever made! I was able to be up close and literally within hands reach of the guys.
The Show
The stage was decked out in Holiday decorations with lighted trees and snowflakes, amplifying the Christmas ambience.
The concert started right on time with no opening act. The setlist composed a mixture of 98 Degrees songs and Christmas songs, combining their well-known ballads with some uptempo songs. The band started the show with their latest single, Season of Love, which definitely energized and excited the crowd. They also sang songs from their first Christmas Album, “This Christmas”, “Christmas Wish” and “This Gift”. They also made the show fun and hilarious by singing the Chipmunk song and the Grinch song! Plus, Justin really brings out his base voice when singing the Grinch song. It was kind of cute.
During the concert, 98 Degrees had one costume change switching from a red blazer suit to a plaid outfit, pertaining to the Holiday theme. They still looked very handsome and didn’t need to fuss over multiple outfit changes.
My favorite performances were when they sang the classic ballads they are known for: “The Hardest Thing” , “I Do (Cherish You)” and “My Everything”. Honestly, it’s where you really see 98 Degrees put their heart and soul into. You feel the emotions translated in the ballad performances.I really loved their performance of “Because of You”. Mostly because Nick reached and held my hand while he sang his second solo verse. The gesture totally made up for the awkward meet and greet. My heart was definitely racing. Him looking directly into my eyes made me swoon.
Admittedly I was trying to get Jeff to hold my hand and serenade me. But Nick was a pleasant surprise.
I did finally get my Jeff serenade during my other favorite 98 Degrees’ performance of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. Their vocals clearly shine throughout the song especially Drew and Jeff’s. They also really played up the Christmas magic by adding foam snow falling. It was actually funny when Nick choked on one of the foam snow. And Drew immediately gave him the heimlich.
Overall, the concert was incredible. The Chevalier Theater being a smaller venue provided a more intimate setting with wonderful acoustics. You can clearly hear the guys’ voices extremely well. I also appreciated that 98 Degrees included a live band as opposed to playing background music on a laptop. The live band enhanced the performances and made the show more authentic and genuine.
I had such a fun time at the concert. Definitely one of my favorites. The show was definitely not going to be my last 98 Degrees concert. If you ever find 98 Degrees touring a city near you, I highly recommend you check them out!
