So, I went to Vegas with my wife and some friends to see the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere.
It’s probably the third or fourth time I’ve seen them. Don’t judge. Not-so-guilty pleasure. They’ve still got it — and the Sphere? It exceeded every expectation I had. And I had a lot of them.
The video was all-consuming. Immersive doesn’t even begin to cover it. The Boys were basically just a cog in the machine — but in the best way. It was impossible not to lose yourself in the visuals. Thoughtful. Purposeful. Stunning. And listen — I worked in animation and VFX for 30 years. My eye is trained. Whether this was created by AI, humans or some terrifying hybrid of the two, whoever pulled it off? You were the real stars of the show. Kudos.
As for the music — spot on. Yeah, I’m sure there were backing tracks. Maybe? But who gives a shit? This isn’t the opera. It’s a 90s boyband circus spectacle. Brian’s voice has been struggling for years now. It’s raspy — he sounds a little like Walter Matthau at this point. But he’s still there. Still singing. Still part of the group. And honestly? That’s what makes it beautiful. It takes guts to show up when your instrument betrays you. And the fans? They showed up with him — singing every word. Probably the only backing tracks he needed.
Sobriety and the Strip Don’t Mix — Or Do They?
So what does any of this have to do with sobriety?
Everything.
I’m sober. In fucking Vegas. And I’m leaving Vegas sober. That would have been impossible if I were still drinking.
Being sober at a show like this is a gift. The sound. The light. The emotion. The company of my wife and my friends — felt in real time, unfiltered and unblurred. Not dulled by the slow descent into blackout. Not followed by that lovely game of “how did I spend $400 on merch I’ll never wear?”
My friend asked me if being in Vegas would tempt me. The drinking. The smoking. The gambling. My answer was quick: No. And the reason is simple — I don’t miss it.
I was never much of a gambler. It made me nervous. I’ve always been more into saving and investing than puking my money away. My wife and I usually take $20 each, blow it on the slots in seven minutes, then find dessert and go to bed — life in the fast lane.
As for the drinking? I just play the tape forward. I know where it leads. One is too many and a thousand is never enough. But honestly, my brain doesn’t even go there anymore. I came for the music. The experience. The time away with the people I love. If I’m drunk, it all goes to shit. Why bother?
The Venetian Iced Coffee Crawl
While my wife went hotel-hopping with friends, I decided to drink — but not alcohol. I took myself on a tour of the Venetian, armed with iced coffee. Three of them, to be exact.
I love iced coffee. Do I drink it like I used to drink booze? Maybe a little. But here’s the difference: I’m doing something that makes me happy without winding up passed out in a fountain with tourists trying to land pennies in my mouth.
Vegas, baby.
For sober me, what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas. And that’s pretty fucking cool.
SOBER POP CULTURE: Nostalgia, Sobriety and the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere: A Full-Circle Concert Experience
SOBRIETY IN THE CITY – LAS VEGAS: 12 Ways To Have Fun in Sin City Without Any Booze or Drugs
SOBRIETY IN THE CITY – LAS VEGAS: There is Only One Rule in Vegas: Rule 62
SOBER TRAVEL – WHAT A TRIP! is The Sober Curator’s guide to exploring the world alcohol-free. From insider travel tips and honest destination reviews to our curated Sober Retreats Calendar, we help you plan trips that are fun, fulfilling, and booze-free. Whether your jet-setting overseas or planning a weekend getaway, our stories and resources prove that sober travel is anything but boring. Looking for a sober getaway? We’ve got your back with our Sober Retreat Calendar. Need a night out on the town? Check out our Sober Events Calendar.
We also recommend soberscribing to The Sober Sip for weekly and monthly travel + events updates. Have a life-changing sober trip to share? Send your tips and photos to thesobercurator@gmail.com—we’d love to feature your journey.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
