With the Backstreet Boys record sales topping the 30 million mark and four top-ten singles, how is the experience of touring in your home country?
Howie : «This is our first big tour in America. Touring in your own country is a big proving point. We’re psyched to have our families and friends see us perform. It means a lot to us to be accepted in our own country. Plus, there’s no place like home!
Nick : Many people are still skeptical about us, we want to show our country what we’re really like.
Aj : We just want to make people realize that we are real, there’s nothing fake…
Kevin : The tour itself is going great. We had a rough start, but everything’s starting to smooth our. We’re having the time of our lives.
Brian : More than anything, though, I’m glab to get back to work. Touring American has been wonderful so far. All our fans are very supportive…everyone’s always asking how I’m doing?…
Kevin : We’ve really devoted ourselves to touring and getting our music heard. I have a new found respect for big name astists who tour on a grand scale because now I realize how much work and devoltion it takes.
Brian, how does it feel to be back after heart surgery?
Brian : I’m recovering very well, actually, due to the great doctors and a lot of support from my family and friends, not to mention all the fans sending me get-well wishes. I’m taking a lot of walks and getting plenty of extra care.
How do you handle the abundance of fans that follow you around screaming?
Howie : It’s not annoying. What guy wouldn’t want to have a group of screaming around? It’s cool. It’s an adrenaline rush. I just can’t believe all the gummy bears I have thrown at me. It’s unbelievable; however, I would like to take a moment to thank all the fans out there. But please, no more gummy bears!
Brian : It’s nice when I do get the chance to meet girls while we’re on tour. It’s great to talk to people who aren’t in the band. Sometimes, though, I just want to get in my jeep and drive myself how, but in order for me to leave a show I need on escort, an escape route.
Nick : Personally, I like it when fans do crazy things…
Howie : Every once in a while when the situation is available or security says it’s okay, we’re allowed to let some fans backstage. Normally it’s too crowded, though.
Aj : The sound the audience makes when everyone is screaming makes you dizzy. It’s an amazing feeling for me to know that they’re screaming for us.
To date, what are some, more outrageous fanrelated stunts, that you can think of?
Brian : One time in Germany, there was a riot of over three thousand people. The girls busted through the barriers and we had to leave. We know it’s only because our fans want to get closer to us, and we really do love them..we just don’t want anyone to get hurt.
Aj : In Germany, someone threw a rock and it hit me in the face during a performance. At first, I thought it was a cuddly toy or something. It cut me just above the eye, quite a nasty cut; however, I managed to carry on throughout the rest of the show.
Kevin : When we go out alone we throw on a hat and sunglasses. But, when we’re together we cause a commotion and everyone recognizes us! It’s kind of cool, actually.
Howie : Our European fans are more aggressive. 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. I think that’s why we’re enjoying this tour so much. We’re all a little more relaxed.
Aj : I like funny moments when girls will find us and pop in just to say « Here I am! »
Howie : I remember a couple who stowed away on our bus one time when we were in Europe. We didn’t know it for a while and then we had to pull over to a rest stop and drop them off.
It’s been rumored that you are all going back to the studio ofter the tour ends in late September. What can you tell me about the forthcoming ablum?
Howie : We’ve all been doing a lot of writing, and yes, the rumors are true. We’re going to get together with our producers this fall and choose which songs to record on the album.
Kevin : We’re very excited to get back to the studio the whole thing is a growth process. I think fans will be really surprised and pleased with our plans for this recording Nick is going to have some solos, and we’re adding a lot more music into the mix.
Howie : We’ll be coming up with some fresh new ideas and stuff, but at the same time staying true to ourselves and recognizing our strengths.
Do you have any plans for some time off?
Kevin : We’re always working in one way or another but we will probably take a few weeks off after this tour. After all, in the spring we’re taking on Asia, Australia and Europe and possibly more US date.
Howie : We’ll take some time off here and there, to go to clubs and movies and just hang out visiting friends. I enjoy spending time with my family that never have the chance to see.
