The BACKSTREET BOYS Can't Stop Thinking About You - BOP Jan 01



Anyone who's ever tried to accomplish something knows that support from those that care about you can be the secret to success. Just ask the Backstreet Boys. Their heavenly harmonies on albums like 1999's Millennium rocketed them to the top of the pop world, but each of the fab fellas - Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough - admit that the devotion of their fans worldwide has inspired them to reach even greater heights. As Howie, 27, puts it, "We'll always strive to bigger and better for our fans."

But the pop life hasn't always been sold-out concerts and platinum records for the Backstreet Boys. In their seven years together, they've faced some seriously stressful situations, from their early struggles for success to Brian's heart surgery in 1998. And through all these hard times, the guys have drawn strength from their fans' support. "They've been with us through our ups and downs," Brian, 25, beams.

Grateful Globetrotters


Now that they're poised to make music history again with their new album, Black & Blue, featuring the single, "Shape of My Heart", the Boys have two words for die-hard supporters: thank you. And although the guys would love to thank their fans one-on-one, their superstrict schedules just don't permit it. "We can't give back to the fans as much we'd like to because of how crazy things are," A.J., 22, sighs.

But BSB do plan to return the love to you by putting on a top-notch tour for Black & Blue, which is scheduled to start in late January. And the ever-gracious groupmates remain grateful for the opportunity to perform live across the globe. "We have had the chance to travel around the world and do things that not many people get to do," 20-year-old Nick says. Kevin, 29, adds, "We get to touch people's lives and make them forget about their problems for a moment. That's what our music is all about." So if you get a chance to see the Backstreet Boys in concert, know that the love you're feeling for them comes right back to you five times ever!