The name on the marquee says Alexander James, not AJ, and that’s not just a rebranding call. For more than three decades, McLean was a Backstreet Boy, part of a group with multiple Grammy nominations and one of the most durable commercial runs in pop history. The solo tour he’s carrying into House of Blues Houston on Sunday, November 29 is something different: 28 dates, his first-ever headline run of any kind, built around a debut album as personal as the new name implies.
About the Show
The Better Man Tour runs October 20 through early December 2026, supporting My Name Is Alexander James — McLean’s debut full-length, released January 9, 2026, on his 48th birthday. An EP, hi my name is Alex, preceded it in November 2025. The record was produced by Rob Grimaldi, whose credits include Teddy Swims, Blackpink, and BTS; the project took roughly four years to complete alongside McLean’s ongoing Backstreet Boys obligations. The material lands in soul-pop territory and draws on themes of reflection, gratitude, and personal experience.
Much of it comes directly from McLean’s recovery. He spent 10 weeks at a mental health retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has been sober for four years. He’s connected those dots himself: “Once I did that, the music opened up — it became bigger, deeper, and way more honest.” The persona shift is central to how McLean talks about the project: “This album is about removing the armor. AJ was the performer. Alexander James McLean is the truth.” The current single, “Flowers,” features Ty Dolla $ign. McLean has framed these shows as a chance for audiences to experience his “artistic evolution in a more intimate setting.” No support act is listed for the Houston date.
Venue & Logistics
House of Blues Houston on Caroline Street holds 1,800. For an artist who tours much larger rooms with the Backstreet Boys, this is a deliberate step down in scale, and one that fits what McLean is asking audiences to do with this tour: meet him as a solo artist rather than as part of a famous group. The Houston date is the middle night of a three-night Texas run: Fort Worth on Saturday the 28th, Houston Sunday the 29th, San Antonio Monday the 30th. Show time is 7 p.m.
Tickets
The Ticketmaster listing shows tickets from approximately $120. VIP packages are also available through AJMcLean.com. Buy tickets