BACKSTREET BOYS Keep It Real - BB March 00
Nick, Kevin, Brian, A.J. and Howie reflect on what makes them who they are. Growing up can seem like an endless mess of rumors, broken hearts, confusing rules and useless homework. Sometimes life seems chaotic and we forget what we're learning now helps us head into the world of fab form in the future. The Backstreet Boys--who have learned that it takes a lot not to lose yourself to the hustle and hype of fame--believe the "Larger Than Life" lessons they learned in the crazed-days of childhood help them handle the ups and downs of their way-successful career. Looking back, these music-makers of the Millennium admit that childhood taught them some seriously inspiring things. Check it out!
the easy-goin' guy
Nick Carter, who recently turned 20, sounds like a totally together gentleman when talking about what makes him such a gorgeous good guy.
Although known for being the Backstreet Boys' perfect prankster, Nick takes problem-solving seriously. "I'm really not a confrontational person. I do not like to fight--there's other ways to resolve things," this mellow fellow explains to BB. Growing up in a busy family with four younger siblings, two dogs and a crazy career taught New York-born Nick that it's way worthless to worry. "The way I live is day to day. I live like everyday is my last. I'm a worry-free person," smiles the scuba-lovin' songster.
tough enough
While Nick has managed to peacefully roll with life's punches, Kevin Richardson received many blows from his two older bros, Tim and Jerald, when he was younger. "I had stitches all the time. We used to play all the time, and my brothers were rough with me," the green-eyed guy from Kentucky remembers. Growing up, the tall, dark and totally tormented youngest member of the Richardson clan, now 28, put his tolerance for the rough stuff to the test by playing football (and a little basketball) for his high school. Since he joined the Backstreet Boys in 1993, Kevin has realized that his playful, yet rugged childhood has given him the confidence he needs to succeed.
the grateful go-getter
After a childhood of traumatic heart troubles, basketball-lovin' Brian Littrell has learned that health and happiness are the most important things in life. "It's easy to get caught up in the way our lives run sometimes. Our schedules are constantly changing. We try to please everybody all of the time. To me, all of this is nothing, unless you are healthy and happy," Brian has confidently coached. Celebrating his 25th birthday on February 20, Kevin's Kentucky cousin knows his history of heartache has given him the strength to keep pushing toward his goals. "I'm just really big-headed. Anything that I do, I try to focus in and try to excel," explains the ever-unstoppable B-Rok.
the dancing daredevil
A crowd-pleaser with a passion for purple, A.J. McLean reports a childhood much different from that of his groupmates. Growing up as an only child may have been quiet for 22-year-old A.J., but even the calm current of a lazy Florida life couldn't keep him from lovin' a little craziness. The Backstreet Boys bad-boy admits there have been a few challenges he's ever backed away from, including a performing career that started at the age of 6. "I have no real inhibitions," confesses the long-time dancer. "I'm as daring as they come, I'll do just about anything." (We'll hold him to that, won't we girls?)
step-by-step success
The only Orlando, Florida native of the group, Howie Dorough, prefers to sip small servings of his success with each new day. Being the youngest kid in the family, like his groupmate Kev, Howie's family always encouraged him to embrace his dreams. "My family indulged the baby," Howie reveals to BB. Just before heavenly Howie, 26, embraced an acting career, he was luckily lured into forming BSB instead, so he knows how quickly takes turns--and how important it is to appreciate what you're doing every day of your life. "I take it one day at a time. I live life to the fullest," exclaims high-energy Howie. "I try to complete every day knowing I have done everything that I could and I am ready for the next day."
So, gushing girlies, if any of you thought the Backstreet Boys' perfectly positive vibe was sort of act--sorry, sisters, but these guys are the real deal! It just goes to show that the hidden gifts of growin' up give even the superstars the strength they need to be their very best. Now that's inspiration!