Backstage with the Backstreet Boys

(USA Weekend, January 9-10, 1999)

THIS ISN'T the typical boys-make-good story. It's more a boys-are-ignored-in-the-States, boys-head-overseas-and-become-the-rage, boys-come-home story. Now, five years after they first got together, the Orlando, Fla.-based Backstreet Boys, ages 18-27, have conquered America. Singing such R&B-tinged pop songs as As Long as You Love Me, they were America's best-selling group of 1998, most popular among swooning teens and preteens.

Monday, the Boys will perform at the American Music Awards (8 pm ET, ABC). They're for two awards.

Here, a backstage look at Backstreet life in the words of the Boys themselves--Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough, and A.J. McLean.

"We hope to be old people onstage together, as old as the Rolling Stones," says Carter, 18. So, do the Stones look like grandparents to him? "Well, their drummer [Charlie Watts, 57] is looking up there."

  • The group hug: Before a show, the five-man hug "is like a sentimental moment," says McLean, 20. "It's like saying, 'Let's not take any of this for granted. We're blessed.'"

  • "David Cassidy said he had no control of merchandising," says Richardson. "We're trying to control our destiny. Enough with [Backstreet] pajamas, bedsheets, lunch boxes. It was out of hand, but we've no gained control legally."

  • What's the toughest part of being a Backstreet Boy? "When you're walking in the mall and they recognize you and scream," says McLean. "Then everyone comes and your whole shopping day" is ruined. Adds Carter: "Screaming is all right. But if you want to approach us, come say, 'Hi, we respect your music.' That's what we're all about: music."

  • Carter, an artist, hopes to publish a comic book soon. "It's a dark Batman-like story, a sci-fi type of thing, and all the Backstreet Boys are characters. I believe it'll open us up to male fans."

  • Frank Sinatra was a master at retaining his audience as they matured from bobby-soxers to senior citizens, says McLean. "He did everything right."

  • Being big in Europe first and nobodies in America "was humbling," says Richardson. Adds Carter: "Becase we had to work for it here, it made the success sweeter."

  • "Our shows are for the whole family--younger sisters, older sisters, the cats, the dogs..." says McLean. "We even had a dog chasing our bus. I said to Nick, 'Look now we have animal fans! That's when you know you've made it'"

    • USA Weekend
    Articles Main
    Main Page