Nick: Pig's eyes in jelly? (Thinks) Well, if he was to offer monkey's brains and snakes, that might be OK, hahaha! But pig's eyes in jelly? How upset would they be? (Very!) Well, if the pig's eyes were served up with bread or something and they weren't staring up at me as I was eating them, it would be cool. I'd eat them, yeah

Another group disses you in a mag, then acts all matey when you bump into them. Do you say anything?

Brian: (Pauses) I've been in many interviews before where people have portrayed what you said in a different way to what was meant. If I read something like that but the star was nice to my face, I'd just ask them. But everybody's gonna critcise you in some way or another. You're never gonna please everybody. There are millions of people who hate the Backstreet Boys... well, not necessarily hate us, but they don't like the songs. But there are many more millions of people who do. So take that!

A journalist asks you if any of the other Backstreets have girlfriends. You know they have. Do you spill?

Nick: I don't think it's... it's not my decision to tell their business. If someone was to ask me, I'd just say, 'Ask them. That's their personal stuff, and if they wanted to tell you, they would.'

Someone offers you drugs at a party. Do you get the bouncers to chuck them out?

Brian: No, I'd get the Backstreet Boys to do it! (Laughs a lot) I've never got into a nightclub brawl, but you get looks from guys who recognise you and wanna start trouble, like with Leonardo DiCaprio and AJ (when Leo tweaked AJ's goggles)
Kevin (in a posh English accent): Can you believe the audacity of the man? He must have been drunk!

You're asked to appear naked in a magazine to raise loadsa money for your fave charity. OK or no way?

AJ: I'd go down to my boxer shorts. (They really want ya naked!) Lots of money for a really good charity? (Becomes deep in thoguht for a moment) I'd do it
The others: What?!?!
AJ: I'd do it. I would do it. I wouldn't go there and be, like, butt naked if all the guys said, 'Keep your boxer shorts on.' But if the guys were like, 'Do what you want,' then...
Howie: I couldn't go all the way, I'm a little selective about who I want to show everything. I mean, these are pictures that the whole world is gonna see!

Nick, you always keep your clothes on in photos, but would you pose topless if it guaranteed your next single number one success in UK and America?

(Thinks for ages, before shouting)
Guys, help me here! I don't know, that's a weird question. (Trying to squirm out of it) The thing is, you can't guarantee anything... I'd have to have proof on pape. (OK!) Erm, no, I porbably wouldn't do it. I'm very secluded to myself. It's not that I'm not proud of myself or the way I look, it's just that if people are gonna like me I'd rather they liked me for my voice and the music. I guess appearance has a lot to do with it, and every time I look at the magazines in the UK there are pictures of boy bands with their tops off. I just feel I have more to give than that

One of you has gone out clubbing when you shouldn't have. The next day, "Backstreet Boys In Bar Brawl Shocker" is splashed all over the papers. Do you chuck the offending Backstreet out the group?

Howie: No, we'd definitely stick together int hat instance. As you become more successful, there are more people wo want to bring you down, so there's always these situations developing. The first thing would be to confront the situation, talk about it and find out the truth. Communication is the biggest thing.

You're at a party when you spot close friend's girlfriend kissing another bloke. What do you do?

Kevin: I'd walk up to her and say, 'Hey, how ya doing?' just to let her know I'm there, then hopefully she'd 'fess up to the friend in the next day or two. If she didn't, I'd definitely tell him. Have I ever been in that situation? (Exchanges meaningful looks with Bri') Not I!
Brian: Not recently, anyway!

During a trip to London, you're introduced to the Queen. While you're talking to her, she farts really loudly. What do you do?

AJ: Oh man! Hahaha! That would be as funny as hell! Here's the Queen of England and she's just passed wind and you know it's her! I'd be like, 'Damn, Queenie, whaddyou have for breakfast?'
Howie: Beans, probably...
AJ: 'You got some beanie, Queenie, didn't you!'
Howie: I don't think I'd say anything - I'd be too embarrassed for her! I'd probably just be chuckling inside!
AJ: I'd be rolling!
Howie: Hopefully, there wouldn't be any media around (At this point, AJ does an impression of the Queen farting, then collapses in a fit of giggles)

You're drawing out dosh from a cashpoint when it suddenly starts spewing out hundreds of pounds. What do you do?

Nick: They have video cameras on those things, so if a bunch of money starts coming out and I take off with it, they're gonna come after me... so I'd have to take it back. I'd like to be able to keep it, but you can't. The right thing to do would be to take it back.

One of the band decides to announce to the world that he's gay. What advice would you give him?

AJ: I woudln't intervene. I'd say, 'You! If you feel it's beneficial to you to let the world know, freedom of speech, baby. Say what you gotta say and we'll take it from there.' And if people like us for what the right reasons - the music - it shouldn't really matter
Howie: Each to his own. Everyone has the right to be what they want to be. There's so much stuff that goes on in this business, so many ups and downs, you've got to find happiness within yourself before you can make other people happy

You're offered a part in a massive new film, but the band need you in the studio. What do you do?

Kevin: Um, I guess I wouldn't sleeping much. I'd talk to the others before deciding. If it was a straight choice, I'd have to let the film pass, I guess, because my commitment right now is to our music

- Kirstin Watson/John Hindmarch/Alex Needham, Smash Hits

June 2, 1998