The band, which has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, will play the Odyssey Arena in Belfast on Monday, May 12.

Their first two US releases both received the Diamond Award for sales of over 10 million - Backstreet Boys in 1997 and quintessential Millennium in 1999, which reached number one in 25 countries.

Now a four-piece after the departure in 2006 of Kevin Richardson, the band has scored a dozen top 40 hits, including Quit Playing Games With My Heart, As Long As You Love Me, Everybody (Backstreet's Back) and All I Have To Give.

Backstreet began performing in 1993 and despite changes in the music scene, a three-year hiatus and Richardson's decision to leave, the band never split up.

Last October they released their sixth album Unbreakable - their first effort since the departure of Richardson.

The album has been exceptionally well received compared to their comeback album after their three-year break, Never Gone. However, while it has received positive reviews, it has not performed as well as its predecessor.

The four remaining members of the Grammy-nominated band are Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, A J McLean and Nick Carter and the quartet has not ruled out the possibility of Richardson returning in the future.

Tickets, priced £33 and £30, to see the Backstreet Boys' debut Belfast show go on sale on Friday, February 1 from the Odyssey Arena box office and usual Ticketmaster outlets.