(7/17/01, 1 p.m. ET) -- The presenting sponsor of the Backstreet Boys Black & Blue summer tour, Kellogg's Pop-Tarts, plans to stick by the group, a spokesperson for the Battle Creek, Michigan-based food company assured LAUNCH yesterday (July 16). The company will remain the tour's sponsor through the rescheduling of dates, and through bandmember A.J. McLean's stint in rehab for anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.

The Kellogg's spokesperson added that the company will also be the sponsor of the Black & Blue tour for the newly rescheduled dates. The Backstreet Boys (news - web sites) intend to return to the road on August 7 in Vancouver, British Columbia, following McLean's completion of a 30-day rehab program.

In addition to sponsoring the Black & Blue summer tour, Kellogg's is currently running an in-store promotional poster offer. Fans can receive a free poster featuring McLean and bandmates Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson with the purchase of any three Kellogg's brand products at more than 4,000 participating grocery stores nationwide. Kellogg's Pop-Tarts is also an associate sponsor of the summer tour, TEENick Presents Aaron's Party, featuring Aaron Carter, the A-Teens, and Leslie Carter.

-- Jason Gelman, New York