A lot has happened to Backstreet Boys since we
last interviewed them in February. Back then, Nick Carter,18; Howie Dorough, 25; Brian
Littrell, 23; A.J. McLean, 20; and Kevin Richardson, 26, were just catching on in America
after scoring enormous success around the globe. Now thier U.S. fan base has gone bananas
- their current Stateside tour is the hottest ticket in town. Amid all the excitement, the
guys had to deal with Brian's open-heart surgery (fortunately, he's feeling better than
ever!). We gabbed with the guys just before they kicked off their road trip. Talk about
psyched!
By the time this issue is in Teen reader's hands, you guys will be right in
the middle of your tour. Can you guys give us a hint of what we're in for?
Kevin: It's going to be high energy and lots of fun. We'll do all the
current singles and some covers from our favourite artists.
AJ: You'll hear all the hits and some new tracks.
What makes this tour so special?
Howie: This is our first big tour in America. Touring in our own country
is a big proving point. Plus, there's no place like home!
Nick: A lot of people are still skeptical about us - we want to show our
country what we're really like.
How are European fans different from American fans?
Howie: They're more aggressive in Europe! We used to talk to fans in the
hotel lobby, but we can't be as personable with our European fans because the hype is so
big over there.
Nick: American girls are still hesitant in lettin' everything out.
Being so popular must make it tough to go around.
Kevin: Yeah. When we go out alone we throw on a hat and sunglasses. But
when we're together we cause a commotion. Everybody recognizes us! It's kinda cool.
How do you deal with the current crop of Backstreet Wanna-Boys?
Howie: Groups are sounding alike because they found a sound that's doing
really well and everybody kinda capitlaized on that. So we'll be coming up with something
fresh, new ideas and stuff, but at the same time being true to ourselves and our
strengths.
When Ginger left the Spice Girls, the rest of the group went on without her. Could that
ever happen to you?
Nick: Several groups have let fans down by breaking up. We've been
together for five years. We're gonna stick around.
AJ: Since the group started, it's always been five, and I don't think
anyone's going anywhere fast. It'll always be the five of us - [we're] like brothers.
Yeah, but brothers fight!
Nick: We just make sure that anything that pops up, we nail it right in
the butt! To stay together you have to have communication. We make sure we always talk
things out.
When do you plan to start working on your next album?
Howie: We've all been doing a lot of writing. We're gonna get together
with our producers this fall and choose which songs to record on the album.
Should we expect a new sound?
Kevin: On the first album, most of the stuff was done by writers and
producers our record company hooked us up with. Now we're adding a little more of our own
music into the mix. But we don't want to rush it; we want it to be a growth process. As
for the sound, we constantly upgrade. We're gonna stay on the cutting edge and evolve,
just like Madonna has done [and] Janet has done. It's all about making good music.
Brian, how are you feeling since the surgery? Are you getting lots of TLC?
I'm recovering very well, actually, due to the great doctors and a lot of support and love
from my family and friends, not to mention all the fans and people sending me get-well
cards. I'm taking a lot of walks and getting a lot of extra care.
Were the rest of you nervous about Brian's surgery, or did you keep your cool?
Nick: Of course I was worried - there's always that doubt in your mind.
But deep down in my heart, I knew he's a strong person and I knew he'd come out of it. |
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