Though the song "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" first hit U.S. airwaves in 1998, it's become symbolic of the Backtreet Boys' career. After 15 years as a group, the men who will always be "Boys" are on tour again and looking forward to their next decade of pop hits.
Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough, who talked to Indy.com about his music and his new married life, said the group was playing in Europe in April when it celebrated its anniversary.
"The fans had all these signs congratulating us on 15 years," Dorough said. "We had a toast together after the show."
The Boys -- without Kevin Richardson, who left the group in 2006 -- will bring their anniversary party to the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 10.
It's been 11 years since you released your first U.S. album. What's different about the Backstreet Boys?
Besides the obvious, with Kevin taking a break, the music has definitely evolved. We've evolved as entertainers -- being a little more seasoned, knowing what works on stage, what doesn't.
Nick's (Carter) really gotten great at playing drums and guitar, AJ (McLean) learned to play piano, Brian (Littrell) picked up a little bit of guitar and piano, and I've picked up guitar and base.
We've matured... just the camaraderie of us. We're like brothers, we've always said that.
How have you made up for Kevin's absence?
It was definitely an interesting journey putting this record and tour together. It was kinda like the first son leaving home and going to college and seeing how the rest of the family does.
The door will always be open if he decides he ever wants to come back. The hardcore fans see there's one less person, but after the first couple of songs, I think they adapt to it. It's still a great, great show.
Do you guys see yourselves together in another 10 years?
Definitely. Now more so than ever because we've gone through ups and downs, with the industry and music business changing and us changing with it. We know that we have strong staying power. We have a loyal fan base all over the world. Even as we're working on group stuff, we're working on solo records.
You just got married in December. How's the married life?
It's been really, really great. I've known my partner (Leigh Boniello, the group's former Web master) seven years now. She's one of my biggest supporters. She gets excited when girls come up and want to take a picture with me. I'm blessed to have a strong woman.
Have fans ever scared you? What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done?
There have been a couple here and there. The tattooing of our faces and names on their bodies, that's been a little crazy to me. I've had some fans with a puppy dog and leave it on my doorstep. Unfortunately, I can't accept those. They come over with cakes they've made, and I'm wondering how they got them through security.
But I'm flattered and honored that they get tickled and excited to see us.
Have you seen all the Backstreet Boys-inspired YouTube videos? What do you think of the two Asian guys who lip-sync to "I Want It That Way" or Snowball, the parakeet who dances to "Backstreet's Back?"
All of my friends, they e-mail me as soon as they come out. They are funny. Yahoo wanted us to do a thing with the parody of the Asian guys. It didn't work out time wise. It's funny how they spin off so many spoofs... That parakeet jamming to us was just hilarious.
If you could meet up after the show with another act that's playing at the Indiana State Fair, who would you choose and why?
It would just depend on the kind of night. We've hung out with Jessica before. Jessica Simpson is a fun party person. We've never hung out with Daughtry before, but it seems like he'd be fun to party with.
What's your favorite fair food?
Elephant ears, funnel cakes, those big turkey legs. Bring it on. I'm all over them. I just have to time it so I don't get sick on the rides and at the time we're performing.
You're recording another album that's due out in 2010. What can fans expect from that?
Possibly even 2009. Once again, Backstreet Boys -- great four-part harmonies, great pop melodies. ..... We want it to be a record you can play from start to finish and want to listen to every song.
- By Carrie Ritchie
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