Vocal group performs Saturday at Wild Adventures

In reality, the vocal group was never really gone, and they will prove that Saturday night when they take the stage at Wild Adventures.

The group has sold over 130 million albums worldwide and is one of the best-selling vocal groups of all time. Their sophomore U.S. release, “Millennium,” which featured the singles “I Want It That Way” and “Larger Than Life,” is one of the top 10 best-selling albums of all time.

While they may not be the boy band that they were in the late 1990’s, the group has matured — not only in age but in sound.

The group’s “This Is Us” tour, named after their latest album, which takes the guys back to their original rhythm and blues-influenced pop music style, has already hit many places around the world — Europe, Russia, Japan, India, Korea, Australia, China and even a show in the United Arab Emirates.

The United States/Canadian leg of the tour, according to Backstreet’s Howie Dorough, will be the same.

“We put together a great tour that we’re really proud of and we’re (taking)

it all around the world with us,” Howie told The Valdosta Daily Times. “It’s a very entertaining show for our fans, to come out and hear some of our greatest hits, as well as the new album, and hopefully take them on a trip down memory lane. Hopefully, (we can) give them a chance to get them away from whatever is happening at home for a good experience.”

The tour, while simple, features the four members of the group — Howie Dorough, along with Nick Carter, Brian Littrell and A.J. McLean — a DJ and four back-up dancers. There is a lot of dancing and theatrics. The show is a mix of new songs and old songs, including their very first single, “We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” which they haven’t performed live in years.

The first single off the album, “Straight Through My Heart (Soldier Down),” while catchy with a dark, vampire-themed video, didn’t top the radio charts, but the group has no doubts when it comes to their new music.

“I think we would have liked to have our song played a little more on Top 40 radio,” Howie said. “As an artist, you put your heart and soul in creating a body of work. You want people to hear it. Thank God we have our fans out there who will find our music wherever it is. It would be nice to once again have the masses out there hear our music. We believe in our music and we believe in our product and we have loyal fans that are there for us, and whether it’s radio played or not radio played, we’re fortunate to provide music that way.”

Howie, the oldest member of the group, also has a connection to South Georgia.

His father, the late Hoke Dorough, who passed away two years ago this month, is originally from Cordele. Howie also owns the new Country Inn & Suites in Cordele as a part of his expanding real estate ventures.

“I have family not far from you guys up in Cordele. We drive up from Florida, all the way up to Valdosta. We always get off at that exit every so often and eat at the Japanese steakhouse,” he said.

He expects his family to come down to the concert since it’s the first time the group has performed in South Georgia.

“They would always have to drive to Atlanta to see me. I don’t know what they’re going to do. All the woodwork is going to open up and it’ll be all Doroughs,” he laughed.
For Howie, family has become much more important to him since the arrival of his son, James Hoke Dorough, last May.

Touring has also been a drastic change for him.

“My wife (Leigh) and son come out with me every so often,” he said. “They were on the tour with me over in Europe. We shared a bus together with Brian and his family. It was during the time when ... (my son) was a little bit younger and he would wake up during the night. My sleep has definitely lessened a little since he’s been around ... but it’s great. I’m enjoying the tour in a different light now. It’s almost like we have an extra body with us. Now, it’s not just about me and my wife, enjoying our days off. Now, we have a child and we think about things that we can do with him.”

In April and May, the Backstreet Boys performed two live and up-close acoustic shows in California and New York while in the area doing promotion for the new tour.

“This was just a little thing for the fans to see us more than just on TV,” Howie said. “We all had so much fun with them ... We love doing the private, intimate concerts that give the chance for the fans to get close to us.”

Since “This Is Us” was released last fall, the group has already started talking about their next album.

While their main focus right now is the tour, they have discussed writing songs and coming up with concepts and directions for the new albums.

“We haven’t gotten into the studio yet, so it’s all prep work right now,” Howie said. “We haven’t really reached out to any producers in particular right now. Everybody’s enjoying the break right now, but when we get back out on tour, the ideas will start flowing.”

Unfortunately, that album will not be with their longtime label, Jive.
In an announcement that was posted on their official site, www.backstreetboys.com, on May 27, the band announced that the split was “amicable” and the group was very excited for what the future holds for the Backstreet Boys.

Source: Valdosta Daily Times

THIS IS US TOUR: Backstreet Boys Host After Party In Ultra 88 At Mohegan Sun

Official after party hosted by some of the members of the Backstreet Boys following their performance on June 15th at Mohegan Sun

The Backstreet Boys keep the party going with their official after party in Ultra 88 Night Club following their performance on Tuesday, June 15th in Mohegan Sun Arena. The party starts at 9:00pm, and appearances by some members of the Backstreet Boys will take place after their show in Mohegan Sun Arena.

Tickets are $25.00 and go on sale Tuesday, June 8th at noon at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Tickets can be purchased over the phone through the Mohegan Sun Box Office at 860.862.8499 or in-person at a ticket window. Tickets purchased after Monday, June 14th at 8:00pm must be purchased through Ultra 88 directly. To purchase tickets after June 14th at 8:00pm or for VIP Table reservations with bottle service, please call 860.862.7042. Ticket purchasers and attendees of the event must be 21 or older.

Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States. Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com.

Source: Mohegan Sun.Com

THE BACKSTREETBOYS: Forming The Backstreet Band

The Backstreet Boys started out as an idea from Orlando businessman and entrepreneur, Lou Pearlman who had an interest in the music business. After seeing the huge success of New Kids, a group of five boys taken from the streets of Boston to form a band, Pearlman knew he could achieve the same feat here in Orlando. Advertisements for 'male teen singers that move well between 16-19' were soon appearing at local high schools, drama schools in the Sentinel and the Florida Blue Sheet.

With hundreds of applications, auditions for the band were soon underway. The Backstreet Boys, as we know them today, were not the first group that was selected. Originally the first five were AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Charles Edwards and Sam Licata. Artistic differences lead to a breakup with Charles and Sam in 1993, leaving The Backstreet Boys 2 short. This short-lived group's first job was performing at the Fashion Square Mall.

In desperation to re-form the The Backstreet Boys, auditions were immediately restarted. Through mutual friends, Kentucky native, Kevin Richardson, who was working for Disney at the time, was recruited into the band. Pearlman tried to stay with his original plan of having a group of Orlando teens, but after several unsuccessful weeks of scouring Orlando for a fifth member, Kevin called Brian Littrell, his cousin in Kentucky, to come to Orlando for an audition. He was immediately taken into the group, that contrived it's name from the Backstreet Market, a teen hangout off of International Drive.

The current members of the Backstreet Boys had their first big concert at SeaWorld Grad Night, just 2 weeks after Brian joined the group. For exposure the group continued working at local malls, Pleasure Island, area nightclubs and restaurants. Within 6 months of forming, they were considered to be one of Florida's hottest acts.

The 1995, release of their single "We've Got It going On" was an instant hit in England and throughout Europe. By the end of 1996, the group had won multiple awards in Europe and Canada, achieved fame throughout Asia and Australia and sold nearly 10 million CDs worldwide. They returned to Orlando to work on new tracks for their U.S. album, BACKSTREET BOYS, which took the US by storm, and brought along a string of live TV appearances. But this fame was nothing compared to what their Millennium album brought, a record breaking 1,133,505 in sales, setting a record for the most albums sold in one week, ever!

AJ
Alexander James McLean
Born January 9, 1978
West Palm Beach, Florida

Local Schools - Denn John Middle, Osceola High School

First job as a model at the age of 7 at a local Boca Raton shopping mall, after that he began acting at local civic theaters. Moved to Kissimmee at the age of 12 - receiving several breaks with parts on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel.

Howie
Howard Dwaine Dorough
Born August 22, 1973
Orlando, Florida

Local schools - Fern Creek Elementary, Winter Park Junior High, Edgewater High School
Attended UCF & Valencia Community College
First time on the stage was at the age of 6, when his older sister brought him to a community theatre where she was rehearsing for a production of The Wizard of Oz with the hopes of him getting a part as on of the munchkins. Ended up with a singing part, and four years later appeared in a different production of The Wizard of Oz, this time playing the tin man.

Nick
Nickolas Gene Carter
Born January 28, 1980
Jamestown, NY
Local Schools - Miles Elementary, Orange Grove & Young Junior Highs, Private tutors for high school

His family moved to Tampa when Nick was 4 years old. He was offered a job with the Mickey Mouse Club at the same as the Backstreet Boys. (He made the right choice, since the Mickey Mouse Club disbanded a couple of months later.) Nick is the youngest member of the group, having auditioned when he was only 12 years old. His first stage performance was in a small production of Phantom of the Opera at the age of 7. By 10 he was singing in front of 55,000 at pre-match and half-time shows for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kevin
Kevin Scott Richardson
Born October 3, 1972
Lexington, KY

At the age of 18, Kevin moved to Florida in 1990 working first as a tour guide at Walt Disney, then moving into the entertainment section working as one of the Ninja Turtles as well as Aladdin in the street parades. Kevin also worked at local dinner theaters and as a model before joining the Backstreet Boys.

Brian
Brian Thomas Littrell
Born February 20, 1975
Lexington, KY
Living in Kentucky when he received word from his cousin Kevin that he needed to fly to Orlando as soon as possible to audition for the fifth member of The Backstreet Boys.

Source: Article at orlando.com

THIS IS US TOUR: Backstreet Boys Turn Back The Clock For Faithful @ Hard Rock Live

For anyone around for the boy-band hysteria in Orlando in the 1990s, there’s something a little sad about a Backstreet Boys homecoming that fits into the relatively cozy confines of Hard Rock Live.

It’s hard to shake that mental image that the aging “boys” are only a couple tweaks away from becoming Elvis in Vegas or launching a dinner show in Branson, Mo.

Maybe it’s just the circle of life in pop music.

But if being downsized is a bummer for the remaining group members – Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean and Brian Littrell – it wasn’t apparent in a visually splashy sold-out show on Tuesday at Hard Rock. If anything, the guys delivered an arena-sized spectacle at point-blank range, a 95-minute production that was consistently fun to watch even if you don’t want to admit it later.

Hakuna Matata!

Yeah, a fair amount of the choreography is still laughable, especially all those semaphore-style hand signals. And most of the two dozen makeup artists listed in the closing credits on the big video screens must have been assigned solely to slathering on AJ’s mascara.

And songs such as the monotonous “PDA” are mind-numbing reminders that not all of the Backstreet Boys catalog comes equipped with big, lovable choruses. Inexplicably, the group decided to extend that clunker on Tuesday, inciting one of those tired competitions to see which side of the room was louder.

They really needn’t have bothered. Although it was a smaller crowd than in the old days, the screaming was formidable from a mostly female audience that looked to be twentysomething and beyond.

Some of the songs were worth the excitement: The medley of “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “As Long As You Love Me” was a blend of voices, dance moves and infectious hooks descendant from the Motown tradition.

And the elaborately produced video spoofs that put the Backstreet Boys into films such as Fight Club and The Matrix turned a costume-change time-killer into a nice showcase for the group’s sense of comedy.

A little more of that personality in the actual performance would have been nice, especially in place of a few of the sappy ballads that made the singers (especially Nick) go all goofy with melodrama.

Maybe he was just caught up in the moment.

“This is where it all began,” Brian said, waxing nostalgic. “It’s been 17 long years, but it’s gone by so fast.”

If the glory days are gone, the Backstreet Boys can still turn back the clock at least for a night.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

THE BACKSTREETBOYS: Warn Lady Gaga To Watch Her Finances On 'The Bonnie Hunt Show'

It seems like these days everyone is worried about Lady Gaga. Janet Jackson and Ryan Tedder have both warned Gaga that she may need to slow down a little before she burns herself out. And, when the MTV Newsroom's favorite boy band Backstreet Boys stopped by "The Bonnie Hunt Show" on TWednesday (April 14) to hang out and have a little fun (which they did), they wanted to share some of their music industry wisdom with the superstar.

"I think we were actually in New Zealand where Lady Gaga was," Brian Littrell recalled. "The reason I mention Lady Gaga because our production manager was talking to her production manager. I wanted to tell her when you over budget yourself [for a tour], you come home broke."

Nick and the guys joked that the man in the group who is the money honey is Howie "Trump Jr." Dorough. Nick added that the guys had to learn all on their own how to handle their finances. "We had to learn ourselves. Who needs a two million dollar video anymore?" he joked about the band's high-tech "Larger Than Life" clip. "We learned along the way and the only people we could trust was ourselves. We can't tell people out there what to do."

With that more serious topic out of the way, the guys shared photos of their kids (Howie and Brian have babies — adorable ones!) and even shared what they do when they hit the road, joking that most of the time all that they can do is hang out with each other, even on days when that doesn't seem like the best idea. Brian laughed, "We don’t always wake up on the right side of the bed."

Lucky for us BSB fans that guys did perform their track, "Bigger," off their album This Is Us. Was it amazing? Why yes. Yes it was.

Source: MTV News Room

Nick Interview: April 2010 In Rock Japan

April 2010 - In Rock Issue - Japan
Translated by Tony of LD

Nick was doing some exercises, when I called him. While using earphone to chat with me, Nick still continue his exercises. From the other side of the phone, every now or then I can hear the gasps of breath causing by exercises like “ha…ha….”.What kind of exercises this guy is doing? With this kind of doubt, I started my interview with him.

–How’s going recently?
Nick: Awesome!

–You’re indeed very energetic. What are you doing recently?
Nick: I am keep doing some physical exercises. For the upcoming tour, itfs very important to store for the future..

–Yeah. You are coming to Japan again, aren’t you? Before that I want to ask you something about the set of show this time.
Nick: No problem.
–You have used many clips of movies. AJ said he played “Fight Club” like Brad Pitt. What about you?
Nick: This…We actually…Did AJ really talk about the movies with you?

–Yes.
Nick: I played “the Matrix “

–Wow, Matrix! What’s in it?
Nick: It contains many differences compare to the original one. It satisfied my craving for action movies.

–Why you chose this movie?
Nick: Because this kind of movie is very exciting. I love action movies very much. This time I played the role “Neo” that once played by Keanu Reeves. And this gave me a chance to show what I have learned. This makes me really exciting.

–Oh, that’s it. Keanu Reeves once said that this movie is a “body” movie. So before you start filming it you have to work out very good body. Had you done any special training?
Nick: No, no need. I just acted for about one and a half minute, it’s not that hard. So it didn’t give many burdens towards my body.

–Oh so that’s the way it is. Why you found out so many movies to perform it, this time? What’s the connection between those movies with your music and performance?
Nick: We are just doing our best to make our fans happy. After all, this is just a entertainment. This is a very special idea, isn’t it? We just wanna do something that nobody has done before. To put some short movies into the show isn’t it exciting? Nobody has done this before. We just wanna make fans feels like they are watching a movie.

–Did this idea come from you?
Nick: eh, this idea did come from me. But it also owe to every Backstreet Boys. As a group, we need to do one thing together so it will go on smoothly. Only in this way, the inspirations will keep coming.

–Last time you came to Japan, I went to see your shows in Kawasaki, it’s really a great show. Really energetic show. Especially when you were in the center of the show, you poured more energy into the show. Is that what you did on purpose? Is that your responsibility of the group to bring more energy into the show?
Nick: Energy is very important. Indeed, recently I paid most of my attention to how to control my work rate and my energy. Eh, it’s really important to control it.

–Everyone has their part of work on the stage, isn’t it?
Nick: In fact, we are keeping thinking about this question. Each one of us has different characters, not everyone can have all those ability. Just like someone can sing the highest pitch, not everyone can do that.

–Last year, Brian got the Swine Flu; you have to cancel some shows. And there’s a time that AJ lost his voice. Have you face this kind of problems?
Nick: I always try to keep fit by doing exercises, and I drink some vitamin drinks. But sometimes it happens even you are very careful, because we need to move from one place to another, it really drain us out, sometime we will break down. Even though, some shows still need to go on.

–Do you do exercises everyday?
Nick: After every show, I’ll let myself rest for some times. It will do no good to keep working without resting. But, right now I’m going back to work out everyday, I do it for our tour.

–Is it fun to do exercises? Or you just have to do it?
Nick: I love exercises very much. But if you ask do I just have to do it? My answer is yes. Yes, it’s something you just have to do. For keep youth, for a clear mind, for concentrating more, for not to get sick frequently, this is something we have to do. This is also a challenge towards me. I used to be bothered with the problems of figure.

–eh, eh, I know that. Ha-ha, By the way, you birthday is next week (Jan.1th 2010)?
Nick: Yeah, right.

–How will you celebrate it?
Nick: I haven’t decided it. Now I am thinking about it, too. Actually, I’m personally not that that kind of person that wants huge party. But this is my 30th birthday; I may invite many friends to come. Although I’m 30 right now, but I still feels like I’m still 20.

–Ah? You’re 30, too? It’s so unbelievable. The first time I interviewed you, you were like 15 or 16, that time you are just a boy band. Counting time, you’ve been on this stage for 17 years.
Nick: Yeah!

–Keep been successful for more than 15 years it’s not an easy thing.
Nick: It is. Thanks.

–Though you say you don’t feel like 30 years old, you still can’t deny it that with years are getting old, you fans are growing with you. Would your fans ask for you to change?
Nick: Our fans are just waiting for us to do things I like. They can’t foresee what will come from us next. But you do need to do something new to feed fans’ needs, and that’s what we do now.

–You definitely will continue to do good music, that’s also what fans want.–Yeah!

–Your new album last year “This Is Us”, it become the best foreign seller in Japan.
Nick: Cool.

–You have said you will be nervous before the show. Do you still have this problem?
Nick: No, not nervous at all. It’s kind like exciting; those hearts striking moments feel very good. Sometime I will get a little bit nervous, but it’s not the kind of nervous that make you forget what you should do. It just brings you excitement.

–In order to let everyone have a light heart onstage, you all have your own dress room.
Nick: No, we are share the same room.

–You love towards music is well know. You say you often go to studio to make music. Right now what kind of music will make you feel excited?
Nick: Right now, I’ve been listening to some old music. Especially blues music. I’m listening to some very old music right now, in order to seek the source of music. Knowing the basic of music can help you to master the core and style of your music. So I’m listening to that old music.

–I’ve heard that you were preparing for your second solo album. But you gave up half way? Why? Do you still wanna do a second solo album?
Nick: Actually I’m working on it right now.

–Who are you working with?
Nick: Right now I’m still doing it all by myself. In a word, I’m still writing songs right now.

–Alone?
Nick: Yeah, for now. I’m still searching. Searching for the style of the music. But, the basic style Pop and Rock will not change.

–when will you got time to record when will we hear this new album?
Nick: I’m still writing songs, i haven’t gone into the studio. During the time in Japan, I will continue writing some music. I may go to the studio after this.

–You’ll have a break in April and May, won’t you? AJ says he will have his solo tour during that time. Will you do something for your own solo album?
Nick: Yes, that’s how I plan it.

–Okay, can you spare me sometime to take some pictures for you then?
Nick: You can tell that I always put InRock in the first place.(Laugh)

–Thanks, I have saved many pages for you. I love your first album “Now or Never” very much. It’s a very outstanding pop and rock album. I especially love that song called “Miss America”. I’m waiting for the next album.
Nick: I will definitely release a second album. I’m quite confident.

–Besides music, you are into many different areas, aren’t you? Many people have invited you, right?
Nick: Yes, the cooperation with Jennifer Page turns out to be really successful.

–Jennifer Page? The one who sing duet with you?
Nick: Yeah, that’s her.

–Can you introduce her to me?
Nick: She’s a singer who has some hits in the late 90s. So, when she sent me invitation for cooperation, I thought there’s no reason to refuse her. So, I worked with her and we wrote song together.

–You wrote it?
Nick: I wrote it with her.

–What’s the name of that song?
Nick: It’s called “Beautiful Lies”.

–Is it the first duet that you have made?
Nick: Well, yeah.

–How can we hear this song? Will it be in your new album?
Nick: No, it’s just released as single. It’s her single. But you can buy it at iTunes. All you have to do is searching “Beautiful Lies” on iTunes.

–Then I’ll go to searching for it. I have told you that you new album have sold very well in Japan. How about the other country? Brian said you last album had been received by radio station in US. How about this time?
Nick: it’s a pity. But compare to US, we have done a not so bad job in other countries. But it’s not a bad things, on the contrary, it give us more opportunities to perform in other countries.

–Then next time when you come to Japan, do you have some personal activities?
Nick: Hee-hee, you may come across at some place in the mall. And maybe on the street of Harajuku. Maybe on the top of some building, shouting: Backstreet’s back!

THIS IS TOUR: The Beijing News Interview with Howie

The Beijing News reported March 10as the youngest member of Nick on January 28 this year, enter the 30-year-oldthreshold, once accompanied by a number of "80 after" Backstreet Boysspent during adolescence has now become the "Backstreet man. "

This month17, the Backstreet Boys in the Capital Gymnasium Kai Chang, Howie D team onbehalf of the whole regiment accepted the newspaper interview，Howie DFace of the "breathing" in question, Howie D is still enoughconfidence in themselves.

Nick has always been envious impression about China Chinese Snacks

The Beijing News: Last come to China toperform how they feel? Chinese fans on-site response to what kind of impression?
>Howie D: We come to Chinamany times, and also very looking forward to this performance. Prior to a concert when the audience feels theperformance of China'sslow heat, but as the show progresses, slowly rising up the atmosphere.

The Beijing News: Last time there did not go to Beijing's attractions orenjoy snacks?
>Howie D:Having successfully hosted the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing has been more and more people arewell known.

Beijingis its most attractive of our building, it is both a very modern high-risebuildings, there are a traditional Chinese residential areas, such as thecourtyard, which is very impact of a feeling. Nick has always been veryenvious of China'ssnacks, but that she has no chance to taste this we must find the opportunityto taste.

The Beijing News: Do youthink the new album is said that inside the "Bigger" and
"TheAnalects of Confucius" inside "Sanshierli" very fit?
>Howie D:there are now countries in the world "Chinese fever", this phenomenonhas affected us. Theconcert will be one we will be singing two songs in Chinese, but it really ishard to learn Chinese.

"Bigger"This song is written, people reached a certain age, stage of life began tothink more in-depth, relying on their own ability to bear the responsibilityalone, but can not always ignorant, and capricious. For us, this age group phaseshould be is 30 years old.

Totalk about players feeling there is love there is hate to spend the every day
The Beijing News: Kevinimpact of the withdrawal of the band of his life?

Howie D:Kevin's exit first of all, we can no longer get along with day and night, butwe are well aware of his thoughts at that time. His age and physical conditionis difficult to bear such a high-intensity tour, and he would also like to makegood management of his family, which is human. We never thought to dissolvethe combination.

The Beijing News: You havebeen together for seventeen years, and as time goes by, the feelings betweenyou, whether it has been conserved?

Howie D:We are a few people together every day is different, most of the time very easyto get along. However,several of our people, after all, their lifestyle is still not the same, surethere will be friction. I think several of our people is more like a family,there is love there is hate, but after all, spend the every day.

The Beijing News: Lookingback at your popular young years, there is no particular emotion or regret thatplace?

Howie D:Orchestra gone through a lot of ups and downs. But I think every moment onstage when the main line is the life of the other time is at rest. After a break we can do anoutright Backstreet Boys. Over the years there are many moments worth treasuring.After the planning isvery simple: we will continue to sing, to always love our fans.

Talkabout style of music
We focus on the Asian fans feeling

The Beijing News: Some people say you are the United States Teenpop (Teen pop)music of the most important promoter of how your own perception of the statusof the Backstreet Boys?
>Howie D:indeed, after our debut, there has been a lot of Teenpop singers and orchestra,only those who say that we are beginning. Of course, Teenpop as a typeof music, has also been too much criticism. Music itself is a variety offorms, and it is this multi-form giving the fans a lot of choices. Music is no good or bad, onlythe listener the feeling --- feeling nicely or not.

The Beijing News: how do you treat the "breathing"was, now the U.S.music scene, after all, is Beyonce, JAY-Z, and Lady Gaga the world.
>Howie D:those people in the hip-hop or R & B field, and our popular music iscompletely different disciplines. Yes, hip-hop in the United States is very fire, and popmusic by its extrusion particularly drastic. However, in Japan and China, we are still very popular.

The Beijing News: Do you focus on the future performances willmove it to Asia?
>Howie D:Our influence is the longest in Asia, whileAsian markets, we have always been valued. Just formed a delegation, we regardthe arranger and concert fans feel very focused in Asia, each of the tour isbasically also have Asian station, so far from center of gravity shift.

OnConcert
Willincrease the co-ordination of electronic and rock

The Beijing News: Do you goto this concert will be mature line, and many fans are holding nostalgic lookat the mentality, and are not afraid they will not meet?
>Howie D:This concert program arrangements for both "This Is Us" this album'ssongs, but also we are very familiar with some of the songs, so neither willlet the fans down to listen to songs, will not let holding of nostalgia to seethe mentality of fans disappointed. Of course, and fans can grow along with that we reallyhonor.

The Beijing News: previoushits such as "I'll Never Break Your Heart" "As Long As You loveMe" and "Get Down" if they would perform at the concert? Will change over the pastconcerts way?
>Howie D:of course, singing many of the previous tracks. The way the concert willincrease the number of electronic music and rock combination.

The Beijing News: You are nowthe album and the concert's primary audience is still the old fans. But you have songs in lateryears will take care of the new young people?
>Howie D:We know of many loyal fans of old will now bring their children to ourconcerts, they adopted such a way that the next generation of its own into theBackstreet Boys of the family. In fact, our music attracts all ages and differenttastes of the fans, as long as you are a people who love rhythm.

Source: Ent.Oeeee.Com

THIS IS US TOUR: Backstreetboys in Auckland

When:Thursday 11th March, 7:00pm
Where:Vector Arena, Auckland CBD
Ticket Information: For tickets contact Ticketmaster – 0800 111 999
Website:www.ampresents.com

With worldwide record sales in excess of 100 million and 14 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, the Backstreet Boys are among the most successful pop groups in music history.

According to US Billboard 200 the group is the first artist since Sade to have their first seven albums reach top 10 on the chart.

In 2009 their latest album titled This Is Us was released and they are currently on the European leg of a successful World tour of the same name.

Today the quartet - Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and AJ McLean - have announced they will be extending the tour to include Australia and New Zealand.

"We are so excited to bring the This Is Us tour to New Zealand and we can't wait to see you in March 2010 dancing in the audience” said the band.

The tour showcases the latest album and of course all their greatest hits, including I Want It That Way, Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), I’ll Never Break Your Heart, As Long As You Love Me, The Shape of My Heart and Incomplete.

The Backstreet Boys are back – alright!

Source: Events@MSN.Com

Backstreet Boys - better, if not bigger, than ever

The Backstreet Boys arrived in the country this afternoon ahead of their concert at Auckland's Vector Arena on Thursday.

Nightline's Ali Ikram - who is a very, very big fan of the Backstreet Boys, it has to be said - is still wondering why he was the only journalist there.

In the late '90s, when boy bands were king, the Backstreet Boys sold over 100 million albums. No one could walk in slow motion like them, and no other boy band understood fully that being in love looks frightfully similar to constipation.

But their arrival at Auckland Airport could not have been more low key, the boys confronted by just two fans seeking photos.

The Backstreet Boys have been to New Zealand before, but only to do promotion - this will be their first concert.

The hardcore posse of local fans saw all four of the group's Australian concerts.

"Last night in Brisbane one of the members, Brian, acknowledged me on stage," says Jenny Zindell. "He was like, 'Is this four or five shows you're going to?' So he was adorable."

But having Backstreet in New Zealand is the culmination of a decade's lobbying by fans and a petition with thousands of signatures.

While the ladies at the airport have seen as many as 14 concerts, Thursday night at Vector will special.

"It's extremely overwhelming," says Kirsten Mander. "We got pretty emotional on the plane coming over, it's great to have them here finally."

They've survived the departure of Kevin Richardson, rehab and legal wrangles, but their fans believe after 17 years the boys are better than ever.

Source: 3news.Co.Nz

Backstreet Boys are back

Seventeen years after the chart-topping Backstreet Boys formed, they're about to play their first New Zealand show.

When the Backstreet Boys formed in 1993, no one anticipated the group would have the success or longevity they would achieve - least of all whomever named the group.

After newspaper advertisements and auditions in 1992 and 1993 and the departure of three early members, the five who would go on to stardom - with pop ballads such as I'll Never Break Your Heart, As Long As You Love Me and I Want It That Way - were found.

Now aged in their 30s, the Backstreet Boys have been through one rumoured stint in rehab for drug addiction, an open-heart surgery and a lawsuit against former manager - and the group's creator - Lou Pearlman, who the group sued for cheating them out of earnings.

Their lineup has also changed again (their fifth member, Kevin Richardson, left in 2006) but despite all the changes that came with growing older, their name will stay the same, member Brian Littrell says.

"One of the very first questions we ever got when we first started the group was 'when you guys get older are you going to change your name to the Backstreet Men or the Backstreet Guys or whatever' and the answer was no then, and today, 17 years later, it's still no. We'll always be the brand known as the Backstreet Boys."

With bandmates Nick Carter, AJ McLean and Howie Dorough, the group is about to perform in New Zealand for the first time, as part of their worldwide This Is Us tour.

"I think we stopped in there - this sounds really bad - I think we came there one time like 11 years ago and we popped in so fast, we were probably there for 20 minutes," Littrell says.

"We've never performed live there with the band and the show so we're really, really excited to come and see what the fans' response is gonna be."

The group is "doing just fine" and "moving fullsteam ahead" as a four-piece, Littrell says.

"The door is always open for Kevin if he wants to come back but at the end of the day the Backstreet Boys, from now till whenever he does decide to come back, we're a four-member group now and we're just continuing on."

A naive 18-year-old when he joined the Backstreet Boys, Littrell is now 35, with a wife and son, and calls the southern state of Georgia home.

Back then, he'd planned to go to Bible School on a vocal scholarship, make Christian music, and maybe become a teacher.

"I thought I had my life planned out. I was going to go off to college and live a normal life and not really pursue entertainment, but still be involved somehow with music because music was going to pay my way through school. That would have been my path."

He says the industry has changed greatly since the group first rose to fame, largely because of the internet and music downloading, and the creation of shows such as American Idol.

"With the internet, with downloading, I don't think that the Backstreet Boys will ever sell a million records the first day. It's probably impossible for anybody other than, say, a Michael Jackson or somebody like it.

"Things change all the time, it's inevitable that we're gonna get older, our fans get older, the industry changes, it gets faster and faster...

"Our rise to fame wasn't easy and we've really worked hard for the things that we have."

Littrell laughs when told of a plan by gossip blogger Perez Hilton and music manager extraordinaire Simon Fuller, who created the Idol franchise, to find "the next generation Boy Band".

"Are you kidding me? Really? Wow. My advice is good luck. It's a lot tougher than people think it is.

"It doesn't matter if you have Perez Hilton or Simon Fuller [although] I'm sure that in a way having someone like that behind you, they will be very very successful. But my advice to them is good luck and be prepared to work, and work hard, because it takes a lot, it takes a whole lot."

As for the Backstreet Boys - they plan to continue on as long as there are still fans buying their records and coming to their shows.

"It's fun doing what we do, travelling the world, putting on shows, singing a lot of the old hits but also introducing a lot of new music, and that's important to us.

"If it ever got to the point where I hated it, then I wouldn't do it anymore but right now I don't see why we couldn't have a consistent balance of homelife and pop stardom for the next 10, 15 more years."

The Backstreet Boys perform at Vector Arena in Auckland on March 11.

SOURCE: Stuff.Co.Nz

Backstreet Boys arrive in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Popular American vocal group “Backstreet Boys " arrived here Friday (February 26) for a one-night concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday.

The band consists of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Nick Carter.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the band expressed their happiness in performing again for their Filipino fans.

"Thanks for welcoming us back. Hoping to have a great show tomorrow and hope you guys come out," Dorough said upon the group's arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay at around 12:30 p.m..

Formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993, Backstreet Boys is considered one of the biggest selling groups of all time. The band has released a total of seven albums and has sold over 130 million records worldwide.

Backstreet Boys is expected to entertain their Filipino fans and supporters with their hits -- "Get Down (You're the One for Me)," "I'll Never Break Your Heart," "Quit Playing Games With My Heart," and "If You Stay."

Source: ABS-CBN News

Boys no more: Backstreet's a grownup-man band

I'll admit two things: I was one of the millennium teenage generation for whom oxygen came in the form and sounds of bubblegum pop cohorts. And secondly, I was frankly awestruck when I met two members of one of the most successful and enduring groups Brian Littrell and Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys (BSB) yesterday.

Yes, I was there when BSB's tunes like 'I'll Never Break Your Heart' and 'I Want It That Way' were my sentimental anthems. I was also there when the group went through its trials and tribulations. How Nick and A.J. McLean battled their alcoholism and drug abuse; when Nick tried to set off a solo career and dated Paris Hilton; when eldest member Kevin Richardson quit the group; and whenever closest rival boyband N'Sync scored a one-up over BSB

Looking back, I hope I didn't sound too much like a gushing groupie in front of them.

The band put up a 100-minute concert at the Suntec Convention Centre last night as part of their This Is Us world tour. Two of the boys, Brian and Nick, met reporters right after flying in from the Philippines, their previous destination.

As expected, questions thrown at one of the world's most successful pop acts of the 1990s and 2000s, who just released their seventh studio album This Is Us last September, revolved around their evolution. Most evidently, the use of the 'boyband' title on a bunch of men whose youngest member, Nick, is now 30.

Brian explained, "The term 'boyband' really depends on the fans, if that's what they want to see us as. We're never a boyband, we're a singing-harmony group."

Nick shot, "I never liked bubblegum! We're singers first. And we're special because such harmony groups don't exist."

"At a time when everything needed a label, 'boyband' was assigned to us. There were a gazillion such groups out there. But we proved we can sing," Brian added. The devout Christian, whose latest tweet was a call for a prayer for earthquake-hit Chile, also joked that it's probably more appropriate to call them a "grownup-man band" now.

The 35-year-old is happily married, so is bandmate Howie Dorough, while A.J. is recently engaged. Is girls' favourite Nick feeling the itch, then?

"Me and my girlfriend are happy now but no," when asked if we can expect wedding bells anytime soon. "I'm not a marriage kind of guy."

Backstreet Boys started out 17 years ago in Florida and helped pave the way for a generation of boybands and girl groups, known for their young age, good looks, spiffy dance moves, and sex appeal, like N'Sync, Spice Girls and Westlife. Boasting global sales in excess of 100 million, many critics and watchers have been waiting for the day the bunch of Orlando natives split like their peers have, but the worst we've seen so far were a three-year hiatus and the consensual departure of Kevin, Brian's cousin, which reduced BSB to a four-piece.

The bestselling group still refuses to rule out a return for ex-member Kevin, "You never know. The doors are always open for him. He knows where to find us."

Brian, now assuming more responsibility in leading the group, reassured fans, "If we wake up one day and find it no longer fun, we won't do it anymore. But we're enjoying it and we also do it for our fans, who have a sense of loyalty to us. You can safely say we'll still be together."

Nick had a different take on things. "Someone in the group won't allow us to split," he sniggered. "Only death will stop him," revealing Brian to be the man holding the team together.

Is there any particular artiste that the band, which has experimented with R&B, pop rock and Eurodance over the years and worked with RedOne, Max Martin, Ryan Tedder and T-Pain in This Is Us, hopes to collaborate with?

Noting the recent trend of collaborating with a new, rising star, Brian and Nick expressed a desire to "go back to the classics." They picked soul legend Lionel Richie and Grammy monster Stevie Wonder.

Including last night's showcase, BSB has visited Singapore four times, and the island still holds surprises for them.

"A floating soccer field, seriously?", exclaimed Brian. Their hotel suite here overlooks Marina Bay and the world's largest floating platform, currently displaying a lush, green football field.

BSB will leave today for Perth, Australia, before heading to China. After that, they will return home to tour the US, before immediately starting work on a confirmed eighth studio album.

Source: Yahoo! Singapore News

The boys are back – again

Remember the Backstreet Boys? The baggy trousers, the Kangol hats and those upbeat pop anthems that reverberated throughout the 1990s: I Want It That Way, As Long As You Love Me and Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), among myriad other lyrical gems.

Well, steady yourselves, people, because Backstreet’s back, part two. The quintet is down to a quartet (Kevin Richardson, the oldest member, left on friendly terms in 2006), but the boys are surging through the European leg of their new tour like a musical Hadrian’s army and before arriving for their first-ever Middle East gig in Dubai on December 17.

The tour is called This Is Us, appropriately named after their latest and seventh studio album, which was released last month. You will no doubt have heard the catchy first single, Straight Through My Heart, on radios across the land.
“We made it a point to go back to our roots,” explains AJ McLean (he’s the one with the goatee). “We were kind of adamant about making a lot of up-tempo tracks so we could bring it to our live shows. We’re dancing 85 per cent of it.”

Last week, the boys played two of these high-energy gigs in ­London and appeared on The X-Factor ­after-show, The Xtra Factor, where the controversial contestants John and Edward Grimes, or “Jedward”, said that the Backstreet Boys were their ­inspiration when they were growing up. “They may not be the best vocalists in the world,” McLean says, “but they’re having a lot of fun.”

McLean, 31, is familiar with ­matters of meteoric success. The Backstreet Boys formed 16 years ago and subsequently notched up sales of more than 100 million albums worldwide. They signed multimillion-dollar record deals, were besieged by hysterical teenage girls in cities across the world and littered their path with number-one hits.

But at the same time, the boys grew up. Brian Littrell (the blonde who isn’t Nick Carter) got married and had a baby, Howie ­Dorough followed suit, and Richardson left to pursue “the next chapter” of his life. The band’s next two albums, Never Gone (2005) and Unbreakable (2007), didn’t reach the dizzy levels of success that previous efforts did, and there were struggles with their record label, Jive. All that glittered was definitely not gold.

“We actually never stopped, though,” McLean says of the hiatus. “All that stuff about how we broke up, that was never the case.”

But 16 years on, is the name Backstreet Boys still appropriate? “It’s funny,” McLean says. “Look at ­other groups – The Beach Boys, the Pet Shop Boys, the Beastie Boys, they’re all still boys. It’s a brand. It will ­never change.”

So why the push now, with the worldwide tour and the new album? “We just love making music and it felt the right time to make a new record,” McLean says.

A good number of the fans, he adds, are grown up but still coming to gigs and bringing new faces with them. “Lots of them are married now and they’re bringing their sons and daughters with them. It’s starting a whole new fan base.”

The Backstreet Boys are in good company on this eternal boy-band merry-go-round. Take That’s summer tour this year was the fastest-selling tour ever in the UK. Westlife are toiling over a new album and there are whispers that ’N Sync (­Justin Timberlake’s old band) might pull it back together. Does that worry the Backstreet Boys?

“We’re all friends,” McLean says wearily. “Obviously the press always want to make out a fight, but it’s not even close to that. We’ve all been friends for years.”

The recent death of Boyzone’s Stephen Gately was “definitely a shock”, he adds. “Hearing things like this about peers of mine, it really changes things. I don’t want to wind up dead in my hotel room.” Having previously spent time in rehab for drugs and alcohol, McLean is back on good behaviour, but calls it “a daily struggle”.

There’s plenty for him to focus on, though. In addition to the ­current tour, McLean is working on his solo career and releasing a ­debut ­album next year. He has a girlfriend, though admits to harbouring a “huge” crush on Lady Gaga. “I’m dying to meet her and do a song together,” he laughs.

And 20 to 30 years from now, will the boys still be churning out music? “Absolutely,” he says. “We might not be dancing as much. We might need our walkers on stage, but we’re doing this as long as our fans want us to and as long as we’re having fun. That’s the biggest thing.”

Source: The National.AE

Backstreet Boys – This Is Us Tour

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a gaggle of women in their late 30’s sing I Want It That Way outside the 02, complete with M&S knicker flashing. In fact, the whole place was teeming with oestrogen, waiting impatiently for four grown men to grace the stage and make them swoon. After much anticipation (and a booing session when Jedward arrived and took their seats), the Backstreet Boys finally emerged, belting out Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) to thunderous cheers. So far, so good. Then, rather unfortunately, the cracks appear and the show ends up becoming a rather tedious affair.

Perhaps the ‘boys’ feel that if Take That can come back strong after their wilderness years, then why not them? Sadly, I couldn’t help but think I was watching the cast of Dad’s Army. They’re very much men now, and the leaping about and (much) younger female dancers only added to the fact that their glory days are long behind them. The music itself is great, holding up surprisingly well after nearly 10 years. But why on earth do they throw away a bunch of memorable hits and sing about a third of them? The One, Quit Playing Games, The Call, Shape Of My Heart, all granted a verse, chorus, and then tossed aside. There was no real chance to enjoy some of their past successes in such a swift fashion.
But, of course, the main point of the tour is to showcase their new material, which went down like a lead balloon. Frantic pleading for audience participation only served to make it all the more cringe-worthy, with AJ running to the sides of the stage asking us all to chant “PDA” (Public Display of Affection apparently, one of the weaker new tracks). Seriously, I’d rather just pop to the bar if it’s all the same with you.

The many flaws aside however, any sort of credibility is completely unnecessary. Girls come to scream and wave banners and throw teddy bears at the boys, and gush excitedly on the train home about how ‘amazing’ it all was. For that purpose, it worked a treat. It certainly doesn’t mean that it’s the best concert you’re ever likely to see. If they claim that “This Is Us”, then maybe it’s best to pass.

Source: Pink Paper News.Com

Fans from a region arrive at the Belgrade Arena

American boys band “Backstreet Boys” perform tonight at the Belgrade Arena. Fans from Bulgaria have already arrived, while fans from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Romania arrive today.

According to the concert organizers, the concert of Nick Carter and the boys has attracted great attention. Apart from Serbian fans, numerous admirers from abroad will also attend the concert at the Belgrade Arena. About a hunderd of avid fans from Bulgaria arrived in Belgrade on Monday, while about fifty girls from Zagreb will arrive today. Although the band “Backstreet Boys” has recently performed in the capital of Croatia, fans were so delighted that they decided to see the concert in Belgrade as well, but with special equipment. They plan to throw bras with their phone numbers at the band members!
To remind the readers, “Backstreet Boys” concert in Belgrade is part of their tour on which they are promoting their new album “This is Us“. Ticekts cost 2,310 dinars (grandstands), 2,410 dinars (pit), 3,010 dinars (fan pit) and 4,510 dinars (box) and can be purchased in Eventim, Bilet servis, IPS stores, Delta City and Belgrade Arena.

Source: BLIC.RS

Indian music becoming a rage in US: Backstreet Boys

Bollywood and Indian music are often discussed in Hollywood and are slowly becoming a rage, say members of popular American band Backstreet Boys.

“Bollywood is constantly mentioned in Hollywood. Indian music is very influential and is slowing becoming a rage in the US. Even Indian movies are big there like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’,” Nick Carter, a band member, said.

The band is even open to an Indian association, if they like the music.

“We are always on the lookout for something new. If it makes an impact on our vision, we are open to any collaboration,” said Carter.

The artists were in India to participate in the Romanov Red Rock ‘n India music festival, which was held in the capital and Bangalore last weekend. They belted out their all-time hits at the shows.

When asked how they were feeling on Indian soil, Dorough replied: “This is our first trip here and we are so happy to be here. Hopefully, we will be back soon with our own show.”

Formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida, Backstreet Boys originally had five members — A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. However, in 2006 Richardson left the group to pursue other interests.
The band, which has released seven albums so far, created a place for themselves in the music industry with hit numbers like “Everybody”, “Quit playing games”, “As long as you love me” and “I want it that way”.

So how easy has it been to stay united, especially after 17 years of being together?

“We have a really good bond. We are a family. This is what we are supposed to be doing and we enjoy it. So splitting up never occurred even though we have been together for 17 years now,” said A.J.

Talking about their last album, “This Is Us”, Carter said it spelt quality.

“Our new album has some of our best works that we have done in a long time. Last few years we were in a discovery process and this album has captured all the hard work that we have been doing in the last five-six years.

“The material we have on that album is really quality material. The entire album is our sound, what we represent. It’s a kind of a get back on your feet album,” he said

Source: The Hindu.Com

Boy that was good!

If you think they should be called Backstreet Men, think again. The Backstreet Boys, who took the stage at the Rock In India Festival, certainly proved that they can sing and dance as well or even better than they used to in the 1990s, when they were in their teens and early 20s.

Indian bands like Swarathma and Five Little Indians entertained the audiences first. Post which, Jayce Lewis from the UK, and Prime Circle from South Africa rocked the crowd. While Jayce played his popular songs like Icon, Prime Circle played songs like She Always Gets What She Wants and Consider Me, Consider You.

Ballad king Richard Marx greeted the audiences with a sweet Namasteji and started with When You Are Gone, and went on to perform his hit song, Hazard. “This is a sad song about a little town in the state of Nebraska called Hazard,” he explained.
Richard dedicated Through The Veins to his father. “He was a wonderful, generous man and the best musician I’ve known,” he said.

He then played a song called Here And Now, for which he had collaborated with the band Lifehouse. Richard had obviously saved the best for last — Right Here Waiting For You.
The Backstreet Boys comprising Nick, Brian, AJ and Howie, took the stage soon after. Starting with Everybody, Backstreet’s Back, the guys performed PDA, Quit Playing Games and As Long As You Love Me. “We are honoured and privileged to be performing in India. If it wasn’t for beautiful and lovely people like you, the Backstreet Boys wouldn’t exist,” said Brian.
Be it their all-time hits like Shape Of My Heart, The Call, Show Me The Meaning, or songs from the latest album This Is Us — She’s A Dream, Bigger, You Need Love and Bye Bye Love, the band mesmerised everyone.
The robotic dance movements for Larger Than Life took everyone by storm and I’ll Never Break Your Heart, their classic love song was dedicated by AJ, to “all the sexy ladies present.”

The Boys even played spoofs of Hollywood hits like The Matrix, The Fast and The Furious, Enchanted and Fight Club, in which they had starred. The band ended the show with their biggest hit I Want It That Way and current hit Straight Through My Heart.
People of all age groups were spotted thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Said singer Jerusha Verghese, “I was so excited to see Backstreet Boys. We have grown up on their music, and I knew all the songs that they sang.” Amazed at the impeccable song and dance show presented by them, she said, “I have done musicals and I know how difficult it is to sing and dance at the same time. They must have practised a lot.”
Her mother Leila, a Richard Marx fan said, “Hazard and Right Here Waiting For You were my favourite performances,” she said. “Many of the Backstreet Boys’ performances were really nice too. The only thing that made me angry was the fact, that they weren’t allowing water or eatables inside. They should make an exception, at least for the elderly.”

Source: Deccan Herald.Com