Backstreet Boys have grown up

Apr 25 2008 Rock With Alan Poole

TEN years and 90 million albums on, onetime teen idols Backstreet Boys have become men.

The band have a short UK tour, which includes a date at Birmingham's NIA on Thursday, May 8, and admit that they are pleasantly surprised to be still very much in business.

"To still be around feels amazing," admits Howie Dorough; "so many artists, boy bands and rappers that started when we did have disbanded.

"We look at artists like the Eagles, the Rolling Stones or Aerosmith, where everyone has done individual things, but they are still able to come back together. I admire that kind of staying power."

Brian Littrell agrees: "The pop bands of yesteryear that don't exist anymore were centred around one or two central vocalists. What has allowed us to keep going is that we were always a team of well-rounded singers, with a similar vision.

"We've been through so much together, on equal terms, and that either tears you apart or brings you closer.

"When we took a break from 2002 to 2005, it was such a blessing to step outside of our own spotlight and focus on the value of something other than being a pop star. We needed to go through that character building in order to maintain respect for what we all have as a group."

Now a quartet following the amicable departure of Kevin Richardson in 2006, the Boys went back to the future for last year's Unbreakable album after experimenting with a more guitar-based approach on Never Gone.

"The rock sound limited us from doing as much choreography," explains Howie. "When we were in the studio, we recorded more than 30 songs, but made the conscious decision that this album should return to that middle ground, so our fans realise we haven't lost touch with who we have always been. Performance is such an important element of the Backstreet Boys."

"We can't wait to get back onstage and put a big extravagant show together using this material as the base," agrees Nick Carter. "Half of what we do is vocals and harmonies on our albums, but our other role is entertainers, which we take pride in."

A J McLean jokes: "We don't want to be a bunch of geriatric boys sitting on stools when we perform. I think when you hear the record, you can see how much fun these songs are going to be to perform live."

"We've been part of this group for half our lives - it's crazy to think about. If you asked me in 1992 if I'd still be a Backstreet Boy in 2008, I'd have thought we'll make some records together and have a good little run. But we continue because we love what we do.

"We thrive being onstage and seeing the faces of little girls and boys and couples and grandmothers, all cutting a jig in the front row. If we were to write a book based on our experiences, I think it would be longer than War and Peace. When I'm a grandpa, I'm going to have a lot of stories to tell."

"We love the fact that we can still lift people's spirits and make them smile with songs they can sing along to. I do think we've found a magical sound," adds Brian. "We've grown up together with our fans for this long. Hopefully, we can stay together for another 15 years."

"Our music has evolved with our fans. We were young pups when we started," says Howie. "With each album we've had the opportunity to grow more mature, lyrically and vocally. We've also had the chance to educate ourselves about the business and becoming real musicians. I hope that shows with each step we've taken."

SOURCE

Backstreet Boys are back, alright?

Apr 25 2008 Nia Gibbons Liverpool Echo

THEY’VE sold millions of records, their signature song I Want it That Way made it to No. 1 in 25 countries, and now Backstreet Boys are back.

Though with kids and spouses in tow and a combined age of 125, these days they are arguably more Backstreet Men.

In fact, as the band make their way towards their Liverpool date next month, it takes five buses with all the mod-cons to transport everybody.

Howie Dorough, 34, has his wife on board; 33-year-old Brian Littrell’s wife and son will be jumping the bus at some points, and 30-year-old AJ McLean’s got a friend joining the bus he shares with Nick Carter, who at 28 is the baby of the band.

However, there will be few rock and roll antics on the road.

Instead, the slimmed down four-piece expect to split their time between chilling, sleeping, watching movies, writing music and making the occasional panini.

AJ, the reformed party animal of the group, says: "You got to have a little bit of home out here. "Sometimes the travelling can be tedious and being away from your family is hard, but as long as you keep in contact with your family on a regular basis, eat right and try to make time for the right things, it’s a pretty smooth ride.

"For me, I just love being on the bus, I love travelling, it’s good to be back on stage and on the road again.

"It’s just fun to be in all these countries and cities, seeing the familiar faces."

Inspired by the success of forerunners New Kids on the Block and Take That, BSB were conceived 15 years ago by now disgraced music manager Lou Pearlman.

Bein referred to as a boy band used to bother them, but these days they are glad of the compliment.

"People are going to call us that no matter what," says AJ, "It’s just what we’ve been called for years, it really doesn’t bother us much any more.

AJ adds: "In the beginning we were with the other boy bands, but we always considered ourselves a vocal harmony group.

"But if they want to call us a boy band now it’s cool, it actually makes us feel young again, so that’s flattering."

Prompted largely by Nick Carter’s desire to go solo, and also a wrangle with their record label, Backstreet Boys took a break in 2002, but began performing together again in 2004. Their album Never Gone was released in 2005 debuting at number three in the US.

Sixth album Unbreakable is currently in stores and is the first release from the band since eldest member, 35-year-old Kevin Richardson made the decision to quit in 2006.

AJ says the album sums up the place they were in when the songs were written: "It just came to us as we were having dinner one night as a group.

"It made sense and fitted our whole career.

"Losing a member and still moving forward, we’ve been through a lot together and we are truly unbreakable."

AJ should know. After all, the musician, who grew up in Florida’s West Palm Beach, has undoubtedly been through some tough times.

He admitted himself to rehab for drugs and alcohol addiction in 2003, and later went on the Oprah Winfrey Show to tell the talkshow host told how his secret addiction to cocaine and alcohol almost cost him his life and his career.

The rest of the band made a surprise appearance in support.

The experience provided plenty of material for both Backstreet songs and tracks for AJ’s upcoming solo album, a process he says he found it therapeutic.

"It’s my first record to introduce people to me outside of being a BSB," says AJ of the self-titled LP.

"It’s definitely more real, they’re not your typical pop songs with a happy ending all the time."

During BSB’s time off, AJ’s been busy promoting his solo career.

He did his first gig in Los Angeles recently, where he’s been living for the past eight years with a "crazy" Australian shepherd named Ozzy and Bernie the Bernese mountain dog.

If he wasn’t in Backstreet Boys, AJ believes he would still be in the music business: "Only I think I would be doing theatre, maybe teaching musical theatre in NYU, which is something I have always wanted to do.

"I was offered Broadway before but it wasn’t possible in our schedule then. I definitely plan on going down that road, and the West End, too."

All the boys have their own lives outside he group and solo projects are encouraged.

"You just have to make it happen," AJ insists. "You could co-exist with yourself and the group, so as long as your not killing yourself over it, you’ll be all right."

After touring Europe, the guys are looking forward to their appearance in Liverpool and expect to see all sorts of people in the audience both fans that who have grown up with them along with the new younger ones.

"We’ve got everybody coming to our gigs: guys, girls, couples, families . . . everyone! We love it!

"We live for the stage and performing for all of our fans. As long as our fans want us to keep doing it, we’re going to keep doing it."

SOURCE

They’re older, but Backstreet Boys are back in town

Nia Gibbons talks to the band’s reformed party animal about life back on the road

THEY’VE sold millions of records, their signature song I Want it That Way made it to number one in 25 countries, and now Backstreet Boys are back.

Though with kids and spouses in tow and a combined age of 125, these days they are arguably more Backstreet Men.

In fact, as the band make their way towards their Liverpool date next month, it takes five buses fixed up with all the mod-cons to transport everybody.

Howie Dorough, 34, has his wife on board; 33-year-old Brian Littrell’s wife and son will be jumping the bus at some points, and 30-year-old AJ McLean’s got a friend joining the bus he shares with Nick Carter, who at 28 is the baby of the band.

However, there will be few rock and roll antics as they roll through the territories.

Instead, the slimmed down four-piece expect to split their time between “chilling”, sleeping, watching movies, writing music and making the occasional panini.

“You got to have a little bit of home out here,” says AJ, the reformed party animal of the group.

“Sometimes the travelling can be tedious and being away from your family is hard, but as long as you keep in contact with your family on a regular basis, eat right and try to make time for the right things, it’s a pretty smooth ride.

“For me, I just love being on the bus, I love travelling, it’s good to be back on stage and on the road again.

“It’s just fun to be in all these countries and cities, seeing the familiar faces.”

INSPIRED by the success of forerunners New Kids on the Block and Take That, BSB were conceived 15 years ago by now disgraced music manager Lou Pearlman.

Being constantly referred to as a boy band used to bother them, but these days the guys are glad of the compliment.

“People are going to call us that no matter what,” says AJ, “It’s just what we’ve been called for years, it really doesn’t bother us much any more.

“In the beginning we were with the other boy bands, but we always considered ourselves a vocal harmony group.

“But if they want to call us a boy band now it’s cool, it actually makes us feel young again, so that’s flattering.”

Prompted largely by Nick Carter’s desire to go solo and also a wrangle with their record label, Backstreet Boys took a break in 2002, but began performing together again in 2004. Their album, Never Gone, was released in 2005 debuting at number three in the US.

Sixth album Unbreakable is currently in stores and is the first release from the band since eldest member, 35-year-old Kevin Richardson made the decision to quit in 2006.

AJ says the album sums up the place they were in when the songs were written: “It just came to us as we were having dinner one night as a group.

“It made sense and fitted our whole career.

“Losing a member and still moving forward, we’ve been through a lot together and we are truly unbreakable.”

AJ should know; after all, the musician, who grew up in Florida’s West Palm Beach, has undoubtedly been through some tough times.

He admitted himself to rehab for drugs and alcohol addiction in 2003 and later went on the Oprah Winfrey Show to tell the talkshow host how his secret addiction to cocaine and alcohol almost cost him his life and his career.

The rest of the band made a surprise appearance in support.

The experience provided plenty of material for both Backstreet songs and tracks for AJ’s upcoming solo album, a process he says he found it therapeutic.

“It’s my first record to introduce people to me outside of being a BSB,” says AJ of the self-titled LP.

“It’s definitely more real, they’re not your typical pop songs with a happy ending all the time.”

During BSB’s “time off”, AJ’s been busy promoting his solo career.

He did his first gig in Los Angeles recently, where he’s been living for the past eight years with a “crazy” Australian shepherd named Ozzy and Bernie the Bernese mountain dog.

If he wasn’t in Backstreet Boys, AJ believes he would still be in the music business: “Only I think I would be doing theatre, maybe teaching musical theatre in NYU, which is something I have always wanted to do.

“I was offered Broadway before but it wasn’t possible in our schedule then. I definitely plan on going down that road, and the West End, too.”

All the boys have their own lives outside he group and solo projects are encouraged.

“You just have to make it happen,” AJ insists. “You could co-exist with yourself and the group, so as long as your not killing yourself over it, you’ll be all right.”

After touring Europe, the guys are looking forward to their appearance in Liverpool and expect to see all sorts of people in the audience both fans that have grown up with them along with the new younger ones.

“We’ve got everybody coming to our gigs: guys, girls, couples, families . . . everyone! We love it!

“We live for the stage and performing for all of our fans, as long as our fans want us to keep doing it, we’re going to keep doing it.”

* BACKSTREET Boys play Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Wednesday, May 7, tickets from £25, plus booking fees.

SOURCE

Backstreet Boy: 'New Kids need confidence'

Friday, April 11 2008, 06:36 BST

By Nick Levine, Music Editor

After selling more than 120 million records with the Backstreet Boys, a group he joined when he was just 15, A.J. McLean has decided to take the plunge. Next month he embarks upon his first European tour as a solo artist, offering us a sneak preview of his debut album, due later this year. Is A.J. feeling nervous? How do his bandmates feel about him going it alone? We gave him a call to find out.

What's made you want to go solo now?
"It's about time. I've been patiently waiting for a long time for the right music and the right sound to show people who I am outside the group."

You've decided to tour before you've released any material. Why is that?
"I think just to cause a buzz and to get everybody on board. It's also to test the music, to find out what people like and don't like. The fans are the people who are buying the record, so it's important to find out what they're into and not into. I want some feedback from them!"

What is the A.J. McLean solo sound? Will it shock Backstreet Boys fans?
"We're calling it a rock, funk and soul vibe. The vocals are pop/R&Bish and there's even a kinda country twang going on. It's eclectic. I think people will be a little shocked by some songs, which is absolutely fine by me. They'll be thinking, 'That's what I hoped he was gonna do'."

Do you show a more personal side on the album?
"It's a very personal record and it was very therapeutic for me to write it. The song 'Sincerely Yours' is about my father and the relationship we don't really have, and there are break-up songs on there that are quite realistic and don't really have a happy ending."

Are you nervous about doing this without the support network of the Backstreet Boys?
"I think I'll be fine. I think the initial reaction is to be a little bit timid, because I've always had the other members of the group to back me up, but I'm definitely ready for it and I'm looking for it."

Have the other guys been supportive?
"Absolutely. We're all really supportive of each other's projects outside of the group, whether it be singing, acting, producing, whatever. The one thing we've always told each other is that we'll never hold each other back. If anyone's got any dreams or aspirations to go do something on their own, that's cool as long as they can co-exist with the group."

Have they heard your music?
"Everybody except for Howie has heard pretty much everything and they love the record. They're very excited for me which makes me feel much more confident."

Have they offered any "constructive criticism"?
"I think we all do. We all listen to each other's music and try to give an opinion and make suggestions and critique it. We're all artists and songwriters so it kinda happens naturally whether you want it to or not. We just spit it out: 'If I were you, I might do this, but hey it's your song'."

Finally, what do you think of the New Kids reunion?
"If they pull it off, it's gonna open up doors again for so many groups like us and them. As long as the music's good, it'll be awesome. They've been gone for quite a while now, but who knows? Maybe it's their time."

Do you have any advice for them?
"They're all older than us and they've been doing this for while, so I don't know that I have much advice for them, but I'd say they should definitely have that confidence among themselves. They're probably gonna catch a bit of flack here and there, but they shouldn't let it bother them. They should just push forward."

A.J. McLean plays London's IndigO2 on May 15.

SOURCE: digitalspy

The 5-minute Interview: A J McLean, singer

'Rehab? The best 30 days of my life'

A J McLean, 30, achieved fame as a member of the American boy band Backstreet Boys. He is currently writing and recording on his own and will be playing in London at the Indig02 Arena on 15 May.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be ...

Sleeping. I'm a bit of an insomniac. I go to bed at 5am because I get caught up in watching TV or listening to music at night.

A phrase I use too often ...

"Douche bag".

I wish people would take more notice of ...

My eyes. I don't like it when people don't look me dead in the eye. I move my head around trying to catch their eye.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was ...

Once I went to bed in Orlando and I woke up in Atlanta. I have no idea how that happened.

A common misperception of me is ...

That I'm a bad boy. If you really know me I'm the polar opposite of that.

I am not a politician but ...

I'd fire Bush. Then I'd make it mandatory to send everybody to rehab. The way people handle things there is the way we should in the outside world. Communication is so much better when people are vulnerable. It was the best 30 days of my life.

The ideal night out is...

A poker night.

In moments of weakness I ...

Turn to my mother.

You know me as a pop star but in a truer life I'd have been ...

A thespian. I grew up in musical theatre and love to perform on stage.

My philosophy is this ...

Life is what you make it.

Kaya Burgess

SOURCE

McLean Blasts Cameraphones

BACKSTREET BOYS singer A.J. MCLEAN has blasted advances in technology - because cameraphones mean no celebrity can ever really 'let go'.

The singer insists stars are easy prey for members of the public who film their exploits - and insists cameraphones make everyone a moving target for ridicule.

He says, "You think you are having a good time with somebody and the next thing you know you're on YouTube.

"Technology has spoiled it for everybody."

SOURCE: ContactMusic.Com

Regarding Nick's position in YOD

This is coming from rexy_Bc from LD

1. I received special permission from the mods to post this.

2. ANY offensive posts in this thread WILL be deleted.

3. I was hesitant to post this because my intentions are not to put Nick in a bad light in any way, shape, or form. I was hoping to try and get the message to Nick through the FC, but I don't think that will be happening any time soon. My reasons for posting are because I wanted to convey a message from the teacher who got Nick involved in the project.

I wrote the teacher, Jamie Aquino, an email, and finally got a response back the other day.

In summary, she told me that Nick was nominated for the position of special ambassador for the year 2007. When she first met him, he committed himself to writing and recording a dedicated song and launching of a website. To the best of her knowledge, he has not followed through on any of that. That being said, she and members of the UN themselves have tried to contact Nick through his publicist, but have not been able to obtain anything but vague answers. She has not been able to speak to him directly since they first met in Washington, DC. Thomas White is the new ambassador, and she believes he was appointed because they were looking for a more active participant.

I wanted to post this part of her email, though:

Quote:

I would like to see a larger group of his “fans” get together and find a way to get a message to him. He needs to be reminded of the commitments he made to help dolphins. I realize he is very busy with the Backstreet Boys, but I would think he could find a little time during the year to devote to helping dolphins. He really seemed genuine in his interest in helping the dolphins. [...]As the campaign extends through the end of this year, there is still time for Nick to climb aboard. I would like to see that happen as he was one of the reasons our project developed in the first place.

So, again, she and I both believe that he had the best intentions in mind, but at this point, he has not shown continuing interest. I am asking, on behalf of her, that should any fans see him in the next couple of months, to casually mention the YOD campaign and perhaps remind him that he is definitely still welcome to climb back on board with the project. There is no need to be vindictive about it with him - but everyone could use a little nudge every now and then.

Thank you for reading.

Backstreet Boys to Appear at Fraze

Backstreet’s Back - and the 90s pop “boy band” is coming to the Fraze.

The Backstreet Boys will be appearing at Kettering’s Fraze Pavilion on August 9.

It’s hard to believe that 15 years have passed since the Backstreet Boys redefined the modern musical landscape, ushering in a chapter of pop culture that commandeered the world’s radio airwaves, broke music and concert sales records, and launched a new generation of teen idols for millions of youth.

In all, the group has sold more than 75 millions albums worldwide. Their first two U.S. releases both received the Diamond Award for sales of more than 10 million: Backstreet Boys in 1997 and quintessential Millenium in 1999, which reached No. 1 in 25 countries. They have scored a dozen top 40 hits, including top five smashes “Quit Playing Games (with My Heart),” “As Long As You Love Me,” “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and “All I Have to Give.” A lot has changed since 1997, when the fans first got to know the original five singers.

After returning to the music scene in 2005, their sound changed dramatically, incorporating only live instruments (some of which they play themselves) and a more guitar and piano driven pop rock sound. The four-member group consists of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, and A. J. McLean.

The Backstreet Boys’ sixth album, Unbreakable, incorporates various music styles, combining their earlier mid-90s R&B sound with their newer guitar driven pop/rock sound. Hits include “Inconsolable,” “Helpless When She Smiles,” “Any Other Way” and “Unmistakable.”

Tickets go on sale April 19. The cost of tickets is $50 for pavilion and orchestra, and $30 for lawn and terrace tickets. There is a limit of four tickets per person on the first dale of sale.

Source: TC News Net

Sarah Geronimo records duet with Backstreet Boy Howie D

Fresh from a hugely-successful concert tour of Canada and the US, Sarah Geronimo stayed behind in LA to do the vocals for a duet with Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough in LA. The song, titled I’ll Be There and produced by Christian de Walden, will be included in Sarah’s latest CD which will be released in July. De Walden is the same guy who acted as go-between for Claire dela Fuente and Richard Carpenter for Claire to record the song Something in Your Eyes.

Howie D. reached worldwide fame as a member of the BSB along with AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Nick Carter. He is best known for his falsetto singing which is easily recognizable in hits like I Want It That Way, Drowning, The Perfect Fan and Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.

He is the lead singer in the songs Spanish Eyes, What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful and How Did I Fall in Love with You. He is set to visit the Philippines in July to shoot a video with Sarah and promote the duet.

SOURCE

Philippine Star

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More awards for Sarah

Sarah Geronimo can already rest on her laurels, after all, at her age she has been collecting awards since the day she won the amateur singing contest that jumpstarted her career in show business.

Recently, she added several trophies to her collection of trophies and plaques.

The Viva singing star topped this year’s MYX Music Awards, bagging the Favorite Song Award for the Medwin Marfil’s “Ikaw,” from her all-original Filipino album, TakingFlight.

Sarah was also named Favorite Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist of the Year and MYX Celebrity VJ of the Year.

On top of that, Sarah was chosen Best Female Performer in the recently-concluded Guillermo Mendoza Awards. (Martin Nievera was Best Male Performer.)

Unfortunately, Sarah was not around to personally receive her harvest of awards. She is now in Canada on a concert tour with Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista and Christian Bautista.

She had just performed in Winnipeg where fans packed the music hall.

Thanks to new technology however, the enterprising guys in MYX USA were able to videotape Sarah’s delivering her “thank you” speech.

There is no question that Sarah deserves the awards. She is one of a few artists who can draw a big crowd and fill up the Araneta Coliseum. Her last concert, Sarah Geronimo in Motion rocked the Big Dome and has been recorded for posterity on DVD.

Her fourth album, Taking Flight, also topped the music charts. Almost 500,000 have viewed her music video, “How Could You Say You Love Me,” on YouTube.

Reports have it that Sarah will stay behind in Los Angeles after the Champions tour to record a duet with a cute member of one of the biggest boy bands in pop music history. The song will be included in her new album for release in July, her birth month.

SOURCE

AJ McLean announces debut European solo tour showcasing material from his forthcoming solo record

London, England: – 22^nd March 2008:

AJ McLean, the voice that captured the hearts of millions around the world as a member of the group the Backstreet Boys, today announces his debut solo European tour, that will showcase material from his forthcoming debut solo album, scheduled for release in late 2008.

For the last 12 months, AJ has been in the studio writing with One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, *NSYNC’s JC Chasez, as well as industry legends, Mark Hudson and Kristin Lundin to create his debut. The album, which he sees as ’pushing the envelope’, is a departure stylistically and musically from his Backstreet Boys material, and has seen him rediscover an inner sense of himself.

A personal record, the record draws inspiration from his own experiences, including exorcising the alcohol addiction he once suffered.

Says AJ of his new material ’This record for me has allowed me to rediscover a sense of who I really am. I’ve been writing with some amazing people like Ryan Tedder and Mark Hudson; to be able to finally create this body of work, I really do think I’m going to surprise people with the direction of this album.’

Talking further about the sounds of the album – ’We recorded partly in Nashville so we’ve got this whole Southern Rock vibe going, as well as in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The record really allows me to unwrap another side to me’.

On first hear of the material, you get a sense that AJ really is, in his words, ’a sponge in terms of musical influence’. You can sense some early Lenny Kravitz, a bit of Jamiroquai, dripping into Daft Punk and rounded off with some Lynyrd Skynyrd. If you had to use one verb to describe this record, it would be funky.

Having had massive success with the world’s biggest boy band, AJ is no stranger to global chart success. However, he understands that with this record, it is more about discovery as opposed to ’ticking the boxes to fit in with what gets played on radio’. The album, currently without name, but AJ admits ’he has a few ideas’, is his vision, and won’t be compromised.

Having already teased fans on the Backstreet Boys World tour, as each of the boys performed one solo track, the record will be released toward the end 2008. The intimate European tour will allow AJ to reconnect with new and all fans, on a level not experienced since his early tenure with the Backstreet Boys. AJ’s tour kicks off in London on May 15th, taking in multiple dates in Germany (Frankfurt, Hamburg, Koln), Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, finishing in Paris on 6th June.

SOURCE: AJ's MySpace