Featured Image Credit: AFF/Alamy Stock Photo/@charliesue27/Twitter
Topics: Celebrity
Jess Hardiman
Heartbreaking footage shows Nick Carter breaking down in tears while performing with the Backstreet Boys, following the tragic news of brother Aaron Carter’s death.
Aaron, 34 was found dead by officers from Los Angeles Police Department at his home in Lancaster, California, with the tragic news confirmed by a representative of his team on Saturday (5 November).
In the wake of the sad news, his older brother Nick took to social media to say he was heartbroken by the loss, also sharing an important message about mental illness and addiction.
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He wrote: “My heart is broken. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed.”
In another post, he added: “Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness are the real villains here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you baby brother.”
Nick later had to join fellow Backstreet Boys bandmates to perform at London’s O2 arena on Sunday evening – a gig that became an unsurprisingly emotional one, with the bereaved brother seen tearing up on stage.
The band took a moment in their show to dedicate a song to ‘family’, saying they had ‘heavy hearts’ after losing Aaron the day before.
Just after performing 'No Place', Kevin Richardson told the crowd: "Tonight we got a little bit of heavy hearts because we lost one of our family members yesterday.
"We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognise him. Nick’s little brother, Aaron Carter, passed away yesterday.
"He was a part of our family and we thank you guys for all the love and all your well wishes and all your support."
Howie Dorough added: "We’d like to dedicate this next song to our little brother Aaron Carter. You'll definitely be missed brother. May you rest in peace."
As they spoke, photos of Aaron were displayed on the big screen, as Nick broke down in tears on the stage.
Many concertgoers praised Nick for bravely facing the crowd in the face of his grief, with one posting footage, saying: “I honestly don’t know how @nickcarter got through tonight.
"The love for him tonight was unreal! London showed the love! The emotion in @theo2 was real, the tribute to #AaronCarter was so touching. What a night @backstreetboys.”
Another said: “@nickcarter @backstreetboys there was not a dry eye at the o2 tonight, so emotional, thank you BSB you were amazing!
"Nick my heart goes out to you. RIP Aaron.”
Another said: "Amazed by Nick Carter’s strength to get up there and perform this evening. And a lovely moment here in tribute to Aaron."