Backstreet Boys Are Backstreet Boys
Source: worldmediaservice.com
July 12, 2001
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Backstreet fans are in a turmoil. Band member AJ Mc Lean has announced that he will have to undergo a treatment for alcohol abuse and that he suffers from severe depressions. That's the reason why the last concerts of their world tour have to be cancelled.
Ever since the news did the round, the guest book of the BSB website is flowing over. Teenager from everywhere express their sympathy, convey their best wishes, state their loyalty and also share their fears. For many fans, a possible disbanding of the Backstreet Boys would be a tragedy!
Fortunately, the thought has apparently not yet occured and everyone hopes that the famous five will also stick together in times to come. "I think we've always thought of us as a whole, as a group, all five of us," says Kevin. "I think if one of us wanted to leave the group, we'd all sit down and discuss it and figure it out at that time."
The fans surely cherish the boys' honesty and stand by them - in good times as well as in bad times. However, the 'good' times of a clean image long since belong to the past.
AJ explains: "Our previous management thought this group has to be clean cut, no tattoos, no crazy hair, no girlfriends, no nothing."
But after only a short while Brian, Howie, Kevin, Nick and AJ came to realize that the truth is worth a try. Their relationships couldn't be denied forever and the facade was on the verge of crumbling.
Nowadays the Backstreet Boys prove that even boybands can be honest to their fans. They don't hide their girlfriends from the public any more and Brian and Kevin have even gotten married. The band's current album features songs like 'The Call' - songs which have nothing to do with their former Mr. Clean image. At a closer look, their 'Black & Blue' has already hinted at the fact that the sun doesn't always shine in Backstreet land as it already dealt with the black and blue sides to life.
Nick enjoys not having to sing about love and the good sides to life for a change: "I think the songs and the album, what's really cool about them is that they all relate to the good sides and the bad sides of a human being. I think that's cool because it's not like we hide behind a goody T-shirt."
The boys surely don't have to hide behind anything, certainly not behind a clean image facade. The fans actually prefer standing by their idols and giving them the support they need. Howie has also learned to be open about things. There's only one thing he still keeps as a secret. "It just depends on each individual and in how far they are cool with the public-doing. But I think we're pretty honest about everything that comes out. Except from my address."
Honesty stops here but that has to be interpreted as a good sign. And maybe that's the reason why the Backstreet Boys have been in the music business much longer than most of their competitors. And if AJ keeps his faith in himself and the band, there's nothing to fear. Then the Backstreet Boys will live through the hard times: "We are always Backstreet Boys. We are definitely never not a Backstreet Boy. Damn it."
[ Ariane Massier ]
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