Backstreet Boys: Their Most Personal Q&A
The Boys Are Back~And We (& You) Get 'Em!

Chatting with Kevin, Howie, Brian, A.J. and Nick is always the best way to spend the afternoon, so we were psyched to sit down with 'em for a toally personal and intimate Q&A session.  And of course, we couldn't wait to share every moment with you!

SS: Can you give your fans an idea of what they can expect from a Backstreet Boys' Concert?

Kevin: The show lasts about two hours, and of course we do all the hit singles that we have out right now.  And we do some cover songs from some of our favorite artists in a little medley.  It's high energy, lots of fun and entertainment.  We're dedicated to putting on the best tour we can, and we're excited to be seeing our fans all over the US.

SS: Nick's brother Aaron is one of your opening acts--Nick, how's it feel to be traveling with your little brother?

Nick: I think it's great because we'll be spending more time together.  Because recently, I've been traveling everywhere and so has he, so we really haven't been able to catch up with one another.  I definitely see him with that urge--he wants to be successful, just like I wanted to be.

SS: Are you still interested in playing your own instruments on stage?

Howie: We dabble around with them.  I'm playing guitar and A.J. is playing the bass.  Kevin and Nick are already proficient on keyboard and drums.  I mean, we're not trying to proclaim to be musicians, you know, professional musicians.  We're just trying to add some variety to the show!

SS: How do you stay fit on the road?

A.J.: I'm trying to change my eating habits, because when you eat the wrong things you get run down quickly.  I kind of want to be on a stricter diet, try to build up a bit and drink a lot of water--keep my stamina up, basically.

Kevin: We just normally try to hit a gym.  When we're on the road, and we can't make it to the gym--I mean, the performing keeps us in pretty good shape.

Howie: Push ups and crunches!

Kevin: Plus, one of our security guards is a certified masseuse.  So in case we get a pulled muscle or something's out of whatck, he takes care of it.

SS: Do you ever get lonely on the road?

Howie: Well, we always have the five of us.   I feel more alone when I'm away from these guys.  We have great communication, and just hanging out with each other, that to me breaks up a lot of the loneliness.   I mean, sometimes we bring our families out there and stuff like that--we'll bring along our brothers and sisters, and that helps with the homesickness.  But just having the five of us, looking out for each other and being friends, takes away the loneliness.

SS: Are you thinking about your next album?

Howie: During the downtime we had with Brian being in the hospital, we took some time to do our own writing.  So we're definitely gearing up towards writing lots of material for the next album.

Kevin: I just got a studio installed in my home and Nick got one installed to, so whenever we come home now, all the ideas we have can be put down on tape.   That's a lot of fun.  And I'm excited.  I mean, I can't believe I have a studio in my house.

SS: What's your favorite thing to do when you go home to Orlando?

Kevin: I like to check out the local music scene downtown.  I like to hear live bands.  Lately I've been checking out this swing band downtown...

A.J.: With Me!

Kevin: Yeah, with A.J. We've been checking that out, We like to go to clubs because that inspires us--watching people dance and respond to music.  I also like to hit the beach, relax--normal things.

Nick: I just chill with my family and do normal kid stuff.

SS: If a member of the group left, the way Ginger Spice left the Spice Girls, would you be able to continue the BSB?

AJ: I think since the group started out it's always been five and it will always be five--it's one for all and all for one.  I mean we could do it--we had to do a couple of performances without Brian when he was ill--but I don't think anyone's going anywhere fast.  I think this is going to be a long term thing.  The five of us are like brothers and family.

Nick: The thing is, in order to stay together you have to have communication.  You have to actually talk to each other.  And we established that a long time ago.  We make sure to always talk things out.

SS: So...has success changed your life?

A.J.: I think it's changed our time--it limits the time we can spend with our family and friends.  But you just find you can get things you never thought you could get, or do things you never thought you could do.  You can get better Christmas presents for your family.