Date: November 8, 2001
Source: Smash Hits (UK)
The Backstreet Boys have just released their first greatest hits album in what has been their most difficult year together. Nick Carter opens his heart about life with the biggest boyband in the universe…(Words Donna Armstrong)
The Backstreet Boys have just released their first greatest hits album in what has been their most difficult year together. Nick carter opens his heart about life with the biggest boyband in the universe...BSB have lived out the seemingly flawless story that every pop star dreams of – a tale of world domination, screaming fans, sell-out tours (765000 tickets for their 1999-2000 Millennium Tour sold out in minutes) and record-breaking albums. But how flawless has it been on the inside? A tired and emotional Nick Carter opens up about AJ’s battle with his addictions, losing a crew member and the perils of falling in love.
All I Have To Give
It’s after midnight in London when Nick Carter calls the ‘Hits. His voice is high-pitched and for a moment we wonder if we’re talking to his younger pop star brother, Aaron. “Hi there,” he coos. He’s very softly spoken and it’s strange to think that he is currently entertaining thousands on the Backstreet Boys’ massive world tour. “Everything is fine,” he continues, “we’re really busy at the moment with the tour and I’m pretty tired today.” He yawns, almost on cue.
Being in a boyband requires some sacrifices – long nights in the studio, hectic touring schedules, rumours, lies and an abundance of insults from rock bands. “They can’t sing, can’t play, can’t dance,” was the last thing Noel Gallagher growled about the all-sing, all-dancing BSB. “To hell with ‘em,” says Nick. ‘No, I’m just messin’ with ya. That’s a real rock’n’roll answer. What I mean is…You know what? We do what we love and if people don’t like it, it’s just a question of taste.”
What is important to the boys is that their fans enjoy everything they do. “There are people out there who enjoy what we do and we enjoy making people happy,” says Nick. “I just wish people like Noel would realize what music is really about. Music has a healing power. It’s something a lot of people take for granted. It makes people happy and gets them through their problems. Music is a way of life and to be a part of that is the best thing in the world.”
Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely
Being in the music biz isn’t always glitz, glamour and satisfaction guaranteed. In July this year, Howie, Brian, Kevin and Nick appeared on an American TV show to announce the shocking news that they would be postponing some of their tour dates while fifth member AJ Mclean underwent a 30-day treatment for clinical depression and alcohol problems. At the time, Kevin said,”AJ is our friend and our brother and we whole heartedly support him during this difficult time. Fortunately, AJ has realized he can’t solve his problems by himself.”
On August 24 this year the boys finally resumed their tour, joined by AJ, but Nick admits it’s been one of the most trying times of their lives. AJ was even reported to have said that living in rehab is preferable to enduring the difficulties of real life, telling US radio station XL 106, “When you come back out, you come back to this would of destruction, violence and freakin’ stupidity. In rehab there’s no racism, no second-guessing anybody. I’m actually considering after the tour is done, just going back for like a week, to clear my head.”
“Situations like this obviously affect all of us very deeply, but we’ve become stronger because of it. We’ve been there to support him the same way he would support the rest of us,” says Nick, his voice quivering as he talks. “The thing is he’s back now and he’s fine – he’s doing fine. This is a hard business and it’s good to have him back on tour – he’s still the same old AJ.”
But as the boys tried to come to terms with AJ’s problems, another tragedy arose in the terrorist attack on New York on September 11. “We lost a crew member,” murmurs Nick. The band’s stage carpenter Daniel Lee was on American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston when it crashed into the World Trade Centre. “Life has a way of continuing,” says Nick, still sounding shaken by the events. “People have to try and get through their problems. That’s all I have to say.” He is much more comfortable talking about music than what’s really on his mind. He quickly adds, “If anything, we’ve been inspired to write songs – songs that are happy and touching.”
The Answer To Our Life
Music is everything to the Backstreet Boys. “I’m really into rock at the moment,” grins Nick, sounding a little more chipper. “There’s a couple of bands I’m into right now – System Of A Down and Linkin Park – and I’ve always liked Metallica.”
But it’s also the music that leaves little time for love. “I don’t have a girlfriend right now,” sighs Nick. “I’m hardly in one spot for long and I haven’t been on a date in a very long time.”
When they do get a minute out of the spotlight, each of the boys has their own interests.
“When I go home I like to relax. I love going out on the boat and fishing,” says Nick, dreaming of the Florida Keys where his family are currently sunning themselves. He loves the water and has his scuba diving license but other than that, he’s a typical lad. “When we get a break on tour I’m usually playing basketball, drawing and playing video games – that’s my favourite thing to do on a rainy day.”
As for the rest of the lads, AJ is into puppeteering (yes, really), cartooning and ventriloquism, while Kevin is a Latin and ballroom dance instructor. Brian likes golf and Howie spends his time weightlifting and playing racquetball.
But what do they plan when this, their toughest year, is finally over?
“We’ll still be with each other. I like everything we do but mostly I just love singing. We all have our individual ambitions, so as for the future, who knows?”
