Talkin' About The Backstreet Boys

L&K challenged our mates the Backstreet Boys to reveal just how well they really know each other. So how did the fellas do? Read on and find out…

Source: Live & Kicking (July 1999)

Let's Talk About Kevin

How can you tell if Kev's in a right ol' grump?

Brian: 'Cause I'm his cousin I can judge his moods more easily than the others, but Kevin doesn't always show his feelings. Usually, the first words he mumbles in the morning tell me whether it's going to be a good or bad day!

If you invited Kevin round for dinner, what nosh would you cook for him?

AJ: Lasagna, definitely! It's his absolute fave meal, something he always eats whenever he can!

What's the most irritating thing about Kev?

Nick: He's an absolute perfectionist, and sometimes he's too serious. Kevin thinks long and hard about everything that's happening to the band - while the rest of us just jump in with both feet!

Let's Talk About Nick

How would you describe Nick?

AJ: He's very sweet - as we all know! He may trust people a little too much, but Nick enjoys life and he can be so funny!

Does he have any regrets about his showbiz success?

Brian: I think being in the music business has made him grow up quickly and maybe he feels he lost his childhood a bit.

Would he be a good boyfriend?

AJ: I'd even go so far as saying he would make the perfect fiancée for any girl, but not now, later on when he's a bit older. He's too young to take things that seriously - especially a relationship.

Let's Talk About Howie

What are the bezzy-est things about Howie?

AJ: Well, apart from his talent, I'd say his sweetness and his positivity.

Kevin: He's very generous, he's very sensitive - we're lucky to have him in the band.

What's his most annoying habit?

Nick: He's always looking in the mirror! No, only joking, but he's very concerned about his appearance! He also takes people's comments to heart too much.

Kevin: Before he makes a decision he has to weigh up all the pros and cons - he takes forever! Sometimes I just feel like yelling, "Get on with it, bud!"

If Howie wasn't a top pop star, what would he be doing now?

Nick: I bet he'd be a stand-up comedian 'cause he's so funny. Or maybe he'd be an actor. I could easily imagine him going to stage school, or appearing in a TV show!

Let's Talk About Brian

Has Bri changed a lot since the band started out?

Howie: Year, he has, but we've all changed. We're so much more mature now. (Grins cheekily) But Brian knows what he wants from life - he fixed himself a goal to aim for and he's reached it!

What's the most horrid thing he does?

Kevin: He constantly makes snorting noises like a horse! (Demonstrates noise in a v. alarming manner!) What's worse is that he doesn't even realize he's doing it half the time. I'm always having to tell him to zip it up when he starts making his snorting noises.

What does he worry about the most?

Nick: He worries about his business, his money and all things connected with it! We have to think about managing our careers every day, but when you're constantly busy with performing, it’s hard to keep an eye on the business side of things.

Let's Talk About AJ

Who would AJ most like to have a tongue sarnie with?

Brian: Gwen Stefanie from No doubt - I'm in no doubt about that! He's completely mad about her, even though they've never actually met.

Can AJ keep a secret?

Kevin: 'Cause AJ's younger than me there are certain things I'd talk to him about and other things I wouldn't. I think I'd rather talk to one of my brothers or my bezzy friends about something really serious.

Does he like to think things through or act on impulse?

Nick: He's very impulsive! He tends to just go with the flow and follow his feelings. Say he wanted a tattoo, for instance, He'd go right ahead and do it straight away - whereas the rest of us would think about it all through carefully before rushing into anything.