Not to brag or anything, but Tiger Beat goes back a way with Backstreet Boys. It's been four years of fun times, hopeful times and finally, wonderfully successuf times.. We've played together in Orlando, cleaned up in Cleveland, partied in New york, and even got caught up in a mob scene with them in Canada. No, we're not trying to boast, we're just trying to emphasize how much we genuinely like B-Rok, Howie, Aj, Kevin and Nick. They're the nicest, coolest guys!
So, here's the scene : it's fall in New Yord and Backstreet Boys have just played the final show of their U.S. tour at the Hammerstein Ballroom right after "Quit playing games (with my heart)" has propelled them up the record charts. It was a great show. The guys sang like angels and their dancing was nothing short of divine. The audience went crazy and had a wonderful time. So did we!
The next day, Backstreet Boys were scheduled to come up to Tiger Beat's offices for some lunch and chatter. This is where we start to get nervous. Would Howie, Aj, Nick, Kevin and Brian be the same sweet guys we've always loved hanging with or had success turned them into jerks? Well, the minute they walked into our conference room bearing big smiles, we knew they hadn't changed one bit.
"It still takes me by surprise," relates Brian with an adorable grin. "I was in my Jeep at home and I turn on an easy listening station and hear a mis of "Quit playing games" that I never heard before. It had more piano and more guitar. it was a really cool mix and I got cold chills. It's like, how many times have I heard it, but at the same time, it doesn't grow old."
Yes, Backstreet Boys are justifably proud of all they've accomplished, but they still get excited about the little things- like the reaction they get from their fans. "I think one thing that's really cool is the American fans, besides (sharing) the same language, they pay study it, It's cool because you know they're paying attention to what you're sounding like. Over (in Europe), it's a little more crazy."
Playing venues on their home turf gave the guys an opportunity to invite their family and friends to see the performances they've been honing during their travels in Europe, Canada and Asia. "I don't know if we sold out in Orlando or if we just gave all the tickets away," jokes Brian.
Now that they're stars in the U.S., Kevin admits he has a hard time going to the mall without being recognized. Fans have also found out where Brian and Aj's appartement is. "There's a knock and I said, don't go" recalls Aj. "Brian says, why? I said there are some fans right across from the door." Brian interjects, "And I said, nuh uh! I opened it to Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!"
Truthfully, Backstreet Boys are enjoying the attention. "It's nice to be back home and call your mom and say, watch the Keenen Show tonight we're going to be on. Or watch Regis & Kathie Lee," says Kevin. "We're done shows all over the world but it's like you don't realize- you might do a show that has ten times the viewing size of Keenin or Regis, but you wouldn't know that because you don't live there. When we're here, we realize it. You can call home and your family and friends get to see it. It means a lot to us."
The guys also admit that they enjoyed the opportunity their Amercian success presented to prove wrong all the people in their lives who doubted Backstreet Boys would ever be a hit. "We've got a lot of things to prove-that's why American's so important to us." admits the ever-adorable Howie. "We've got our family, our friends, plus a lot of people who didn't believe in us." One really cool event was a record store CD signing the guys did in their hometown. "We had a big autograph signing and I had so many friends from high school, and even an ex-girlfriend, show up," says Howie.
Although Backstreet Boys haven't become multi-millionaires overnight or anything, they've really enjoyed treating their families to some thoughfull gestures. Nick bought his dad a new boat. Howie added central heat and air conditioning to his family's home. Brian bought his brother a car and Kevin even refinanced his mom's home in Kentucky. "This year is going to be a cool Christmas because we actually have time to shop," says Kevin. "Last year, we had threee days before Christmas. This time, we have two weeks, so I'd like to plan something with my family."
Backstreet Boys have also all treated themselves to new cars. Howie splurged on a sporty Corvette while Aj is driving an extremely nice BMW. They're definitely enjoying the little luxuries that success has brought them. For example, instead of doubling up in hotel rooms on tour, each of the guys has a little bit more privacy and space these days. "We finally got our own rooms!" enthuses Howie. "That's definitely one of the positive things,"adds Aj. Flying from country to country and city to city has also business class!" says Howie with a laugh. "Finally! Before we were flying with the chickens."
Despite all the nice little perks - like owning cell phones and being admitted to VIP rooms in night clubs - Backstreet Boys have essentially remained the same. They're still working as hard as ever - maybe even harder. "We just put out the second album in Europe and we're going to record some more songs for the next album here," explains nick. "We're always thinking ahead to the next album or the next video," adds Kevin. "What e can do better, how to be more creative and go to another level."
In December, Backstreet Boys have plans to do some TV appearances overseas, followed by two weeks of vacation with their families over the holidays. "The day after Christmas we go to Canada - we have a show up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Then we're going to do five whos in Montreal and the Sky Dome in Toronto..."
Here at Tiger Beat, we're extremely proud of all that Backstreet Boys have accomplished without changing one bit. We're also happy to predict that 1998 is going to be a Backstreet Boys kind of year. Watch out!
