2001 was a simpler time.

Bandanas, camo pants and denim stretched as far as the eye can see. Even the biggest stars in the country donned their denim vests as they took the stage in front of thousands of adoring fans.

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A few of those stars, namely Nelly, Jessica Simpson and even Beyonce, arrived in the Capital Region on July 18, 2001 for the opening show of the 2001 MTV: Total Request Live Tour. The tour would span 39 total shows in North America, and would have gone longer, had it not been for the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center.

Before the horrific events of 9/11, however, Capital Region pop music fans were treated to one of the more unique tours to ever hit the stage in the 21st century. Getty Images was on hand to capture some of the opening show's best moments, and here are some of the best shots from the TRL Tour at the Pepsi Arena.

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