Back to Interviews Page
Back to Main Page
"Nick's the kid brother I never had," says Brian.
It couldn't be better having Nick and Brian sharing vocals in BSB's new single Quit Playing Games, cause, as we found out, they're the best of mates...
"The main thing I remember about Nick when I very first met him," says Brian, "is how small he was. He was so energetic and full of life - I was like, "WOW!" I was totally bowled over, and then I heard his voice. Man, it was just so big for this little guy." Nick was pretty impressed, too. "It was weird considering I was so young. I just knew we'd get on - we had so much in common, and Brian was exactly the same as he is now. We related so well!
But why are they such good friends? "I think it's because we're always together," sayd Brian. "We melded from the start and it's gone on from there. People laugh because where there's one, there's always the other! The guys call us Frick and Frack - I'm Frick and he's Frack. We're always hanging out together, playing video games or passing football, and if Nick's parents aren't on the road with him, then we'll room together."
"We really are so close," continues Nick. "It's hard to say exactly why we get on so well...our personalities just seem to have clicked."
Even though Nick is very mature for a 16 year old, Brian is still 5 years older then him, so you'd think there would be a bit of an age difference problem wouldn't you? Brian doesn't agree. "We get on so unbelievably well, age doesn't come into it. Maybe if we weren't in the band, we wouldn't have got to know each other because I wouldn't have been in the situation where I'd be spending that much time with a guy five years younger then me. And I don't expect him to give me any respect just because I'm older - I don't have those sort of power trips! It's a totally equal thing."
The guys have been together practically everyday for the past couple years, so surely they must want to kill each other? Not so, according to Nick. "We truthfully don't have any major arguments over anything except maybe videos and sports! We're both real competitive and if one wins the other rubs it in..."
"...Well you do!" hollers Brian.
"OK, we've got this competition going with the game Mario Cart where whoever wins 10 games in a row is the champion - and I hold the title right now!" boasts Nick.
Brian admits defeat. "It's true, he's just too good for me - so there are times when we get real mad at each other!"
"Then a couple minutes later it's like 'Hey, Frick,' then, 'Wassup, Frack?' and it's cool."
Being with these two is like being including in a secret club. They know each other so well and obviously love each other to pieces. "Nick is such a great guy," raves Brian. "I've had the chance to watch him grow up over the years, and become what he is today, an I plan on knowing him 50 years from now. I know we'll always be close. We've spent some of the best years of our lives together, we've shared so many experiences...he's the kid brother I never had."
So does Nick feel the same way? "Oh yeah, Brian is sooo cool, I can't think of one bad thing about him, he's so much fun to be around. I think in a way, I've always looked up to him."
"One thing's for sure," adds Brian, "If Nick wasn't in the group, it just wouldn't be the same for me."
What's Nick afraid of?
B: The dark. If we've been to se a scary movie or something, and we're sharing a room, if the lights are off when we walk in he's like (whispering) "It's dark in here, isn't it?" And he's not being funny or anything, he means it!
N: But check this out. Sometimes, if I don't think about the room being dark and martians in the closet, I can go to sleep real easy. But I'll never hang my feet off the end of the bed - I'm afraid little gremlins will it off my toes! Really!
does he think he's good looking?
B: Yeah, I guess he does.
N: (indignantly)No I don't!
B: Sure you do! Not in a big headed way or anything but I think we all look at ourselves in the mirror and say, "Yeah I look OK today." It's a part of the job, being aware of how you look. It'd be different if you were like (in his best Jim Carrey voice), "Damn, I'm hot!"
If Nick had to join another band, which would he pick?
N: But I don't wanna leave...!
B: Hey don't worry, Frack, I won't make ya! No seriously, if he had to be, I'd say he'd be the new Kurt Cobain.
N: Yeah I guess I could be a Nirvana dude.
Has he ever embarrassed himself in front of a girl?
B: Oh yeah, all the time!
N: Actually, no, they embarass me in front of girls!
B: Once, we threw him out of the dressing room in his underwear in front of a whole bunch of girls. He got real mad, but it was really funny!
N: Fortunatly for you I had my good Backstreet Boys drawers on!
What do you think he'll buy with his first million?
B: A whole heap of video games, that's for sure! First he'd pay off his parents' house for them. It's a really nice home and he's told me he wants to stay there intil he's at least 20, when he'll het his own place. Then he'd go out and buy a lot of video games and a really cool entertainment system.
Is he good with the fans?
B:He tries to be, but I think he probably has a more difficult time dealing with it than the rest of us because he's the one that gets tugged on the most. If me and him are getting out of the bus at the same time, they'd probably go for him. That's why we all try to get off the bus with him - we push him off first so we can walk right on past!
Who's had the biggest influence on his life?
N: You have, Frick.
B: Thanks, Frack. Actually that's probably not far from the truth. I've maybe not had the BIGGEST influence on him, but perhaps a major influence over the last three and a half years, when he's done most of his growing up. So it's probably me or his parents.
Is he a good role model for the younger fans?
B: Occasionally! No, to be honest, I think he's done really well. Being in this position as young as he is, he's handled everything that's come his way like a grown man.
Are you proud of him?
B: Yeah, I'm proud of him, he's my little Frack! I'm proud of the way he handles everything that comes along and how he's matured. We all have problems outside the band at home or with different things, like Howie's recently experiences his grandmother passing away, but it doesn't matter what goes on outside, Nick's always real straightfaced and gets the job done the best he can.
How's Brian coping with fame?
N: Really well. He's totally stayed the same. I think we're all coping well, to be honest. I don't think it's affected him at all, but you'll have to come back and check with me in a few years - then I'll be able to tell you if he's changed or not!
Would he make a good boyfriend?
N: Ooh, that's a tricky one. I guess so, particularly if the girl was like me, ha ha! She's have to be full of energy and enjoy doing active things like playing Nintendo and stuff. But he's a caring kinda guy - I reckon if he found the right girl, he'd do anything for her.
What's he passionate about?
N: Well he loves to play basketball, but he's also really passionate about his new chain. He really likes jewellery. (Brian shows off his fab new necklace. It's a huge hink of gold which spells out B-Rok. Cool!)
B: I had it made when we were in Sydney and he's right. I love it.
N: He won't let ot out of his sight. The other day, some girls tried to rip it off him and he came away with all these scratches down his neck. It was really bad.
What sort of girls does he like?
N: He likes Pamela Anderson and Sandra Bullock...
B: ...while Nick likes the real dark haired girls - the total opposite of him.
Which song is Brian most proud of?
N: He loves I'll Never Break Your Heart, but hmmm...what else?
B: I don't know if I could say just one, but I'm really proud of Quit Playing Games.
N: Yeah, of course. You do pretty well in that one - then again, I do too! Don't I?
Which Spice Girl does he like best?
N: I'd say the red-headed one. She looks his type.
B: Either her or Mel B, she's really cool.
N: He likes her because she wears pants like these. (Don't panic, he's actually talking about the rather fine pair of army camouflage trousers he's sporting!)
Would Brian ever have a one-night stand with someone?
N: No, he wouldn't. If he wanted to see a girl, it would be a serious thing, and he'd want to get to know them really well first.
What's most important to him - love, fame or money?
N: That's a tricky one. They've all got their place I suppose. (Brian's desperately clutching at his heart and looking smooching)
B: Come on, Frack! It's an easy one!
N: Oh yeah, that's right, it'd be love. (Quietly) Did I do OK Frick? --end--