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BACKSTREETBOYS COULD BE PLANNING A GETAWAY

Jive Records says, "no comment," when asked whether or not Backstreet Boys are trying to get out of their contract. A BMG (home to Jive Records) employee says, "They are trying to strike a deal -- where they can be signed by another BMG affiliate," he says. "BMG has first crack at [Backstreet] if they should leave or be dropped by Jive Records. This means they have the opportunity if presented to them to sign with RCA, J, or Arista. The problem here is that none of these labels are interested in Backstreet Boys because of all the legal baggage that could carry over." In addition to his allegations, Arista, J and RCA are re-organizing and have no plans to sign any high-profile artist at this time. So where does this leave Backstreet Boys, "They have recorded new music with several producers but that has been put on hold. The group members are not sticking together on the issue at hand and that is key in the contract negotiations." While the Boys' have issued a statement saying they will record when `the time is right," many wonder when that time will be. Nick Carter has finished his tour and is not planning a follow-up to his solo debut, Kevin Richardson has completed his run with 'Chicago' while the rest of the boys are enjoying their freedom. It's a never- ending story for Backstreet Boy's that could end up leaving Jive without a top-selling group and fans without a new album.

Fan Meets Brian & Leighanne Littrell At Airport

A fan, on the Backstreet Boys message board at Live Daily, recieved this letter from the "Littrell Fans" mailing list. There's no way of determining whether or not the person who wrote the letter is actually telling the truth so we're leaving it up to you to either believe what she had to say or not.

March 29th 2003:

Hi all , Joyce was nice enough to send me the whole story ... here it is - Hi Annie, I unfortunally did not take any pics..because..I was on a regular business trip to Atlanta it was by accident...and actually I am not a really BSB fan... My friend is crazy about them...so she recognized Brian...and we decided talk to him...Leighanne was on the airport waiting for him..she did not travel with him...I think he arrived from LA....I'm not sure! But when we went on his direction... he was talking to Leigh... and we were like " hi we're sorry...but OMG Brian Littrell " He smiled and said " Brian Littrell himself!!" Leigh laughed...we too... and we talked for like 15 minutes... and the first thing of course was like " Where is the little one??" Brian was like looking at Leigh and saying " Yeah where is he??!" She said " My sister is at home...she is taking care of him just for this moment while I came to airport get my other boy!" Brian laughed and kissed her....so sweet...Then I asked how was Baylee like...and he took his wallet at his pocket and showed us a little pic of Baylee on leighs lap and both of them smiling and said " My little family" and Leigh just couldnt stop laughing...Then I said that they looked great...and that Brian was thiner since the last time we saw him...on that game... and Leigh was so in shap, for somebody that just had a baby... Leigh said " The Littrell family got into a diet!!" and smiled...and then I asked about their projects and Brian was very straight " We just had a meeting and it did not come out the way we were waiting..there are still lots of stuff that we need to talk about...Like its been like one year that we didnt had a meeting...but I hope to get into the studio soon...I am missing that... But at the same time I think twice about leaving home...just let my son behind, I'm few days away from him it seems like forever, and like when I get on tour again... leave him for like...months...that will heart..and I just cant imagine lose the first time that he smile and the first time that he say dada...But those are things that I will might have to deal with...But me and Leigh we ve been talking a lot about it... and we made our schedule... we will defenily know how to deal with it!" and then I asked what he thought about people blaming him because the cd did not come out...and he said " I just cant imagine people blaming me for that...I'm just a regular guy tryin his best to give all of himself for his family...a regular guy that loves go to the park every sunday with his kid and dogs just to watch the other kids...hoping one day see my Kid play with the other ones...a guy that like to go to the market... a guy that even wash the dishes! and when people blame for the reason of BSB break time..thats unfair...because...we 5 are like a puzzle...we fix together... we match...we are brothers..and I just cant imagine the five of us apart.. we are defenily going to release the next album soon... I hope to get into studio til the and of May... I already packed Just knock on my door and give me a ride! I love doing what I do...but I love my family more than my own life... But they are my family and they support me no matter what... and that's what leigh has been showing me thats why I love her more and more..." Leigh kissed him...and said " I just cant stand him spending all night long with baylee on his lap, writing song... and Baylee seems to love it...but I cant sleep!! " and laghed...she was probably kiddin! and that was kinda like it.... well some people asked me what clothes were they wearin... leigh a jeans and a white top...and bri was with a jeans and a blue shirt... love Joyce

BRIAN AND LEIGHANNE AT THE AIRPORT NEWS

THANKS JOYCE FOR THE INFORMATION

You guys I'm here to say, that I met Brian and Leigh at the airport...Baylee was not with them...they were just arriving in Atlanta... Brian said " I'm missing my son so much few days away from him its like forever" Brian is in shape again...I think he had lost thousand pounds... since the last time we saw him...and Leigh...she is gprgeous and skiny! I mean...for somebody that just had a baby she is beautiful...as she said " motherhood is wonderful" the both of them just can't stop laughing...Brian said that he loves spending sunday morning with Baylee Tyke and Litty at the park...watching the other kids... that's his hobby now! and when I asked why they decided to wait a little bit more for the next album, he said... that Jive want them to wait until nsync start to work again in 2004...but he said that all the 5 boys were against that because they are so ansious and the are so exited to get into the studio again... and he said that this time...this year of 2003 is the year that the BSB will have the opportunite to be BACK... with all the madness like the were before...and is that what they want...so they will have another meeting soon...with the manager and the Jive... to decide but he said that he is crossing his finger to be at studio again until the begining of May! and Leigh said " I hope that Brian get into studio soon.... I just can't stand him anymore spending all the night long til the morning writing songs...with Baylee on his lap!"

Two new Nick songs?

DON'T TAKE IT OUT ON ME (Title Code: 340714356)
Writers:
CARTER NICK
HECTOR WAYNE ANTHONY
MCCUTCHEON STEVEN

YOU DON'T DESERVE TO LOVE ME (Title Code: 550293379)
Writers:
CARTER NICK
HECTOR WAYNE ANTHONY
MCCUTCHEON STEVEN

Source: Karah via boymostlikely

~~April. 02, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick, AJ & Howie Give A Fan An Update On New Album
Monday, March 24 @ 21:26:42 EST

elgato writes "According to NicksAngel.com a fan ran into Backstreet Boys singers Nick Carter, AJ McLean, and Howie Dorough at a restaurant in LA. The fan said, "Well, from what they told me, they are getting everything ready and should be in the studio recording sometime in April. They said this would be the best CD they have ever recorded and the fans should be very happy with this CD. I asked AJ about 'Happy' and he said he is 75% sure that the song will be on the CD. They also said they will all have at least one or two songs on the CD that each of them have wrote themselves. Nick did not look uncomfortable around them at all. The three of them were talking and laughing. Howie started throwing food at Nick and Nick, then, started throwing food at AJ. (It's good to know some things never change!) The waitress had to come and tell them to stop. It was funny. Nick hasn't cut his hair yet. I asked them where Brian and Kevin were and they said they had some stuff to do and they were meeting them later that day'.""

AJ McLean Speaks On His Favorite Oscar's Moment

AJ McLean recently submitted his most memorable Oscar's moment to USAtoday.com.

"There have been so many great speeches. I mean, Halle Berry's last year that one'll be in history forever, just because it was so emotional. It really was a great speech. And maybe someday when I start doing acting again, maybe I'll get an Oscar and I'll be up there talking for a half-hour, crying my eyes out."

Brian Ads For Atlanta Braves

As many of you know by now, Brian Littrell recently took part in the ads that have recently been created by Atlanta's Major League Baseball team, the Braves.

The official website of the Braves recently announced that they would be posting the new "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" ads soon. After some time passed, a fan emailed the staff of the site asking about them and she was told that the ads would not be put on the site afterall.

"Unfortunately, since the last time you wrote, we have run into some legal problems regarding the ads."

The Atlanta Braves were unable to get permission from the owner of the rights to the well-known song, "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," so putting the ads on their website would be illegal and would likely result in fines.

Many fans expect to find the ad featuring Brian Littrell singing 'Take Me Out...' online soon, but as of right now, it appears as though the Braves organization might be completely prohibited from using the ads online and offline, making it impossible for anyone to ever hear the track

~~March. 25, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Backstreet's Back In The Studio

As announced, the Backstreet Boys started recording today for their new album which will come out during the middle of this year. According to 1Melinda5 at the Mature Fan Club, an Atlanta TV station aired clips of BSB from their studio session this morning. It's unclear at the moment as to whether the guys are currently recording in Los Angeles or Atlanta.

BACKSTREET'S BACK

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/14...?headlines=true

HOLLYWOOD — Now that Nick Carter has wrapped his solo tour and Kevin Richardson has finished his run on Broadway, the Backstreet Boys are finally ready to be Backstreet Boys again.

"We have a huge meeting tomorrow, all five of us sitting down, figuring out what the next move is as a group," Richardson said at Monday's premiere of the movie "Spun" (see "Brittany Murphy, Christina Aguilera Turn Out For 'Spun' Premiere"). "We're just going to get in the studio, start creating and see what happens."

While the group has previously expressed interest in working with producers ranging from Glen Ballard to Babyface (see "Backstreet Boys Seek Jermaine Dupri, Glen Ballard For Next LP"), Richardson suggested otherwise.

"We talked about a lot of different producers, but we don't want to do something or work with someone that everyone else is using," the singer said. "We want to find something new and fresh and explore."

Richardson said the group is anxious to record the follow-up to 2000's Black & Blue, but he insisted the Boys will be careful not to rush the project. Meanwhile, the musical star is hoping to take his stage success to the big screen.

"I had a blast [doing 'Chicago']," Richardson said. "It had been 11 years since I had acted and played a character, so I'm definitely reading scripts and looking for the right opportunity."

Richardson said he was taking in "Spun" because he's a fan of director Jonas Akerlund, known for his racy videos for Madonna, the Prodigy and Metallica. Plus, his wife is a colleague and friend of the Swedish native.

Strolling down the red carpet in between Jason Schwartzman and Christina Aguilera, Richardson took time with reporters to address the pending invasion of Iraq.

"Personally, I'm opposed to it," he said. "I don't think we should be going to war right now. We should explore other things a little further. It's a little frightening that the other countries in the United Nations aren't supporting us. I think they bring up valid points. I wish our troops safety."

—Corey Moss

~~March. 20, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick Carter Falls In Love With Mexico

Ciudad de México (16 marzo 2003) - So 'in love' with Mexico was Nick carter because of the reception of his fans that he'd like the next tour with BSB to start or finish here.

The blond singer of Help Me didn't mind to be thrown to the floor in both shows he did at the Metropolitan, nor that he was followed since he arrived on Wednesday until he left to the USA. He was fascinate how they gave themselves to him.

"BSB aren't finished like many believe," he said before taking a plane to LA yesterday morning.

"We start recording the new album in two weeks and I'm sure we'll be back, I'm amazed by the love people give here... it would be great to start or finish the tour here, although that depends on the agendas".

The new material of the group that is completed by howie D, Kevin, Brian and AJ will be produced by Glen Ballerd who has worked previously with Alanis Morrisette, Barbra Streisand, No Doubt, Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson and The Corrs.

"He has a sixth sense in music that has made us work twice as hard. We're very happy because his knowledge will lead us to offer much profound lyrics and more diverse rythms", added Carter.

The NY artists came to Mexico to present Now or Never, his first solo album, and it was here that he closed his tour, in which he's visited many American cities and Japan.

Along with his agent, a huge bodyguard, an assistant and three friends, Nick took the flight 494 of Aeromexico this saturday at 10.05 with LA as destination, where he'll go to where he lives, a suburb near santa Monica, California.

About the two times he was forced him to fall during his concerts, Carter commented that his experience in the matter makes it that he knows how to react, so instead of resisting, he lets himself go so they'll let him go.

"If you resists, the fans will pull harder and that can be dangerous. If you just go with it, we're even trained to let ourselves falls - although it's always scary - and when that happens, the fans let go immediately because they see you in an unknown situation, it's better that way", he said.

usually, with his group who created hits such as ALAYLM and IWITW, they travel in a private flight and the security is much tighter but, as a solo artists, he flights commercial flights, but always in first class.

"When I'm on holidays I go in commercial flights like anyone else, but with the group it's different, it's always private flights... I think these trips (in commercial flights) have allowed me to come closer to the fans, that are there no matter what, nobles, they love us in exchange of a kiss and utograph.... i loved to tour as solo..." indicated Carter.

When he visited Mexico City in 2001, carter to the chance to visit, along with his friends, the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and this friday he took his three friends to show them.

"I was amazed the last time, it's a unique experience. I returned because I wanted my friends to see how beautiful they are... I loved the pyramid of Sun, it's spectacular." said Carter.

Before entering the studio to record again with his friends, nick will take a week off in california and will spend time with his family.

Jackie Littrell's comment to the fans

I went to the convention on Saturday just for the day and I was there when Jackie gave the HHC presentation and showed the pictures of Baylee. During her presentation she shared stories of Brian's childhood and recent times, as well as things about Baylee. She cried a lot and definitely gets very emotional when talking about her family and the fans. However one thing that she said sticks out in my mind and I think everyone should hear this as well. She said (while crying)...

'Thank you to all of you who still support the Backstreet Boys. You gave them a year off to live their lives and be with their families and we really appreciate that. Even though they haven't given you anything this year, you continue to give back and help with their charities. Kevin also got to live his dream on Broadway this year, and he thanks you for that as well.'

Jackie THANKED US for giving them a year off and still supporting them through it ALL!

Aj in "In Touch" magazine

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean may seen tough, but his dogs know otherwise

To those who don't know the Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean personally, the sight of the cigarette-smoking, scruffy, heavily tattooed, "baddest" of the boy banders as a presenter at the wholesome Genesis Awards (honoring animals and the people who work with them), seemed like a mismatch. But last year, AJ, a devout animal lover, jumped at the chance to introduce the touching film tribute to 9/11 search and rescue dogs.

Not too long ago, Alexander James (aka AJ) McLean, 25, needed a little rescuing. After becoming the focus of an intervention by his bandmates, he checked himself into rehab to conquer alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety. Today he is clean and sober and living in West Palm Beach, Fla., enjoying a break from touring, and like his bandmates, busy at work on solo material. He is also loving being a father to, as he says, his three "children" - bulldogs Tank, Daisy and Serenity, who is named "after the prayer I would say every day [in recovery]," he says.

Later this year AJ will lend his angelic singing voice to "The Big Fixx's Rock 'n Hole" concert and golf tournament to help raise money for animal rescue efforts. He's already helped Harle, a Chihuahua-pug mix from a shelter that didn't have the funding to house the dog for an extended perios.

"People think I'm a bad ass, but I'm not," AJ confesses. "I play with my puppies, and I"m a huge animal lover - just a bug sap."

Then there's a huge, half page picture of him kissing Tank with the caption "AJ's bulldog, Tank, loves the water so much the singer recently bought him his own kiddie pool."

~~March. 18, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOWIE D "WE GET BACK ON MARCH 18TH"

JoJo: Special dude on the telephone, long time friend, you guys totally know him...

Howie D: Yo, yo, its Howie D. from the Bacskstreet Boys

JoJo: I know you guys are in the process of creating your next album, give me a little news

Howie D: Yeah, actually this whole last year, even though we had a couple of guys doing some independent stuff, which we're very proud of - Kevin is representing the group very well doing "Chicago" in New York

JoJo: Did you actually see Kevin do it?

Howie D: I did...I saw him a week and a half ago, he was unbelievable. I was so proud of him, he's really having fun in it and its great. You know we're really very happy for each other to spread their wings out a little bit. Brian is having some time with his child, AJ is out here in L.A. as well as myself, I'm doing some foundation work and acting, and Nicky, of course, doing his solo album.

JoJo: What's the plans for the album - I guess the release date may be summer, give or take?

Howie D: We're hoping by the end of the summer, fall, somewhere around there I think would be great. I think, realistically, we've got I think about 6 songs in the can that we have demoed already that we think are pretty good, definitely album contenders. But we just really want to experiment. We're looking out there for more music, we're writing with some great, great writers and producers. We just want to let the sky be the limits. We just want this definitely to be a slam, coming back album that people will be like 'wow, we're glad to hear them back on the map again.'

JoJo: I was hanging with AJ and he put in his stereo a track called "Back In The Day"...really knocked my socks off. Have you heard that track?

Howie D: We get back together on March 18th. We're going to get back and listen to everybody's songs. We've all been demoing stuff on our own in the meantime. Actually, last time we talked you told me about that track so I've actually asked AJ to bum that track off, but I think he wants to make it a big surprise for us all to hear

JoJo: I hope I'm not picking a song you guys are really going to hate, but I really like that song for whatever its worth.

Howie D: I'm excited about it

JoJo: Dude, I forgot to mention, you guys did the whole Christmas show for me - you guys did a killer job on that

Howie D: Thank you man, I was really trying to represent, I know I probably couldn't have done it as well as you

JoJo: Christmas Day, we plugged up microphones in Jennifer Love Hewitt's house, AJ's house, Nick Carter's house, and Howie D's house. Howie D. did the last hour. We put you on the 10 o'clock dedication hour since you're kinda the smooth stud boy

Howie D: I was trying to work it.

http://www.jojoontheradio.com/world_of_jojo/HowieD.Interview.htm

~~March. 15, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick Carter Disses Britney Spears
Tuesday, March 11 @ 23:38:29 EST

"On February 21st, Nick Carter did an interview with Philadelphia radio station Q102 at the start of his tour. He talked about how the Backstreet Boys are looking to make a new sound with their new album. He says that the media misinterpreted the reasons why the Backstreet Boys filed a lawsuit, saying it was definitely not about Jive promoting Nick over the group. He says it's being settled. He mentioned the other guys, confirming that Brian Littrell is still married, AJ McLean is still single, and that Kevin Richardson still loves trees. Logan asked him which artists he would do. When asked about Britney Spears, Nick said, "Nah, not after what I've been hearing about her in the papers." He also says he wouldn't want to do Britney nor Anna Kournikova, saying he doesn't go for that fake type.

AJ McLean Attends Howie's Lupus Fundraiser In LA
Saturday, March 08 @ 22:54:13 EST

"This weekend Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys held a fundraising event titled 'Take A Strike With Howie D.' for the Dorough Lupus Foundation. The event provided guests with a top-notch breakfast followed by an auction and a game of celebrity bowling. Celebrities included AJ McLean, Melissa Joan Hart, Stephen Baldwin, members of Dream, Ryan Starr, Alfonso Ribiera from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Soluna, Mike Mizanin from The Real World: New York, and more. Read on for a fan review.

"I am back but I dont have time to get into much detail since we are off to the Nick Carter concert. Howie is so wonderful he greated each and everyone of us at the door and we all sat and ate breakfast. Then it was time for the bowling to begin. Lots of celebs there bowling with us. Scott Grimes is just the greatest person. He was on our team with us and was just a hoot. AJ droped a bowling ball on his foot! That was really painful! After the bowling the auction started. Plenty of great prizes to bid on encluding the shoes Howie bowled in! LOL I ended up bidding againts Howie for a bowling pin autographed by all the celebs who were there. I let him win and bid on the second one the offered. He personalized it for me and say "do you realize there are only 2 of these pins in the world that will exist and I own one and you own the other!" LOL He even sang "What makes you different" to one of my best friends Evlyn. He greated everyone at the door as they left signed autographs and took pictures. We had a blast. There is more detail but this is all I have time to write for now. Anyone else who attended may be able to elaborate more."

by ChristieChandler at MFC"

Backstreet Boys Eyeing Fall For New Album

Look for the Backstreet Boys to soon regroup in the studio to begin work on their next Jive album. "I've done a lot of writing in the past year," group member Howie Dorough tells Billboard. "I've written about 12 songs individually and about 15 songs group-wise. I think we'll get together again in March, after [group member] Kevin [Richardson] gets done with 'Chicago' and [group member] Nick [Carter] gets done with his solo tour. I'm hoping to have the new album out at least by September, [but] I'd like it to be by the summer."

As previously reported, the group in November filed a massive lawsuit against Jive parent Zomba, seeking to dissolve its contract. However, Dorough now says he expects the suit to be settled amicably. "I think eventually it's all going to work out," he said.

The upcoming set will be the follow-up to 2000's "Black and Blue," which debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 5.37 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In the meantime, the artist says he is looking to join Richardson by breaking into acting. "Little by little, I'm auditioning for stuff," he reveals. "I'm mainly doing the acting classes, trying to get my chops really brushed up to do it properly. Believe it or not, I'm trying to go for a bit more of the darker stuff. 'Kingpin' is the kind of type of role I'd go for, or something on 'The Sopranos' [or] 'NYPD Blue.'"

-- Melinda Newman, L.A.

Source: http://www.billboard.com/billboard/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1833625

Nick on the Hitlist
Credits: Ashley Carrots

D=Danielle N=Nick

D - Hey there it's Danielle and look who I've got with me, I've got you!

N - It's little Nicky

D - Well it's good to see you, I haven't seen you in a little bit. You're on your first solo tour. How's your first solo tour going?

N - It's good, it's really good, um, the only really problem, well it wasn't really a problem, well I guess it was (ahah). We um, at the very beginning of the tour, um, because we've been doing North America, a little bit of Canada and down in the States. There was this big storm that came through, a blizzard through the north east. It caused me to have to postpone 2 or 3 of my shows. My tour manager came to me and was like either we can put the shows on the back end or we can try to do something that really never has been done before, not many people like to do it, and that's 10 shows in a row. So I've got 10 shows in a row and this is my 6th.

D - Wow, well you're on the end of it now.

N- Yeah, it's kinda, I've never down it before. I never really had to assume the role of singing a whole show by myself, cause I've been with the boys. But, now I do an hour and a half show. Ya know, I have to really take care of my voice. It's kinda tough.

D - How is it touring on you're own, without the guys?

N - Well, it's a whole different environment, ya know. Rock style type of music, smaller venues. I personally wanted to do that because I wanted to give back to the fans. Ya know, a little bit more of a closeness. I mean, I'm playing smaller places, smaller crowds. But I like that personality (?) better.

D - Do you think performing solo has made you a better performer yourself?

N - I think so. I really think so. I mean, being in the Backstreet Boys, the one thing is it's always been a group effort, not one person really stood out. And that's the way we wanted it, kinda like a group effort thing. And what I wanted to do was satisfy that little fire inside of me, take some time off and do some solo touring. And it really has turned me into, I think, a better performer, entertainer and um, I've really been able to work on my voice. Ya know, your voice is like a muscle, and I've been working that muscle every single night. It's been a lot of fun.

D - You've been doing really well on our chart "Help Me" went to #1. "DIHTCFY" DEBUTED at #1

N - Wowww..

D - And we just got "I Got You" and it's doing really really well. And that video, which I thought was so cool, I know you're sorta like this water enthusiast. How was that, shooting that video?

N - That video, in a way kind of, one of my dreams came true. I've always wanted to sail around the world in a really big, big sailboat. And that one was like 120 feet long. It was just amazing, like being on one of those pirate ships back in the day. The wind was really strong that day. I actually shot in in my home town in the Florida Keys, Key West. It was really sunny that day. That same day I actually had to get on a plane to Detroit. Going from hot weather to cold weather. It was freezing that day. That video, it really did satisfy my um, dreams.

D - Aw, I bet.

Next week is part 2.

~~March. 14, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Howie Dorough with Rick dees

Howie Dorough was on the Rick Dees show this morning on Los Angeles radio station 102.7 KIIS-FM. He said that the Backstreet Boys will start recording at the end of March and that they already finished the pre-production for many songs. He said they thought about humorously calling the album 'Road Kill.' Howie also hinted at BSB possibly performing at this summer's Wango Tango. They are looking at doing a summer tour as well. He attended Kevin's 'Chicago' show last week and will most likely attend Nick's concert one of Nick's California concerts this week. Howie told Rick that he's proud of both Kevin and Nick's solo projects. He confirmed that AJ McLean & Sarah's wedding is off and also said that AJ is now single. George Lopez called into the show and asked Howie if he'd like to make a guest appearance on ABC's 'The George Lopez' show. Howie accepted. Read more.

Thanxs to @silkyblondgirl

Just Nick

By Spencer Patterson
spencer@lasvegassun.com
LAS VEGAS SUN
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/s.../514730897.html

Nick Carter was just 13 years old when he became the youngest member of teen pop group the Backstreet Boys.

From 1994 through 2000 the five-member ensemble released three albums and a string of hit singles, garnering a devoted international following.

Now 23, the sandy-blond Carter is hoping to become known more for his music than for the throngs of teenage girls downloading his image from the Internet.

In October, Carter released his solo debut, "Now or Never," on the Backstreet Boys' Jive Records label.

Last month he kicked off his first U.S. tour sans Backstreet mates Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean and Kevin Richardson. Backed by a new band of musicians, Carter stops off at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Friday night at 7.

In a phone interview outside Boston's Avalon Ballroom last week, Carter talked about his solo plans, his first stabs at songwriting and the status of the Backstreet Boys.

Las Vegas Sun: You've played four solo shows so far on this tour. What has it been like to be onstage without the other Backstreet Boys for the first time?

Nick Carter: It's definitely a new experience, but it's something that I welcome. I love a challenge.

The thing that I didn't realize was how difficult it is performing on your own for an hour and a half. I'm the kind of singer who tries to give it my all during a performance, so my voice is gone after the show and I'm just mentally and physically exhausted. But it's good because at least I know that I did the best I could, that I put all my energy into it.

Sun: Have the audiences been similar to Backstreet Boys' crowds, with lots of young fans coming to your shows?

NC: It's probably like 18 and up, with maybe a couple of younger fans each night. There are more older people this time around, which is cool. But I feel like music is for everybody wants to listen to it. And I'm not the kind of person that goes up onstage and curses or anything like that, so anyone can come to my show.

Sun: You co-wrote five songs on the album. How did your first foray into the world of songwriting go?

NC: It was really cool because I got an opportunity to let all my influences come out. It was a lot of fun. I didn't write the entire album, but I didn't want to. I've always felt like some of the best albums are the ones that you get other people involved in. I mean, Celine Dion doesn't even write half of her songs.

I don't proclaim to be the most incredible writer in the world. I'm an entertainer first, but I do want to learn how to be a better writer someday too, and that's what I'm kind of in the middle of doing. What everybody saw me write on the album is very premature of what could happen.

Sun: Do the Backstreet Boys still exist?

NC: We're talking about possibly doing another record together, maybe this year sometime. March, April, something like that.

Sun: So despite your solo endeavor, you guys remain close?

NC: Oh yeah, I'm still in touch with them. I grew up with them from a young age, but this is something I had to do. I had to do this in order to become the artist that I want to become in the future.

It is scary. It's a whole new thing. I started when I was 12 years old with them, so I didn't know anything but the Backstreet Boys. But I'm very adventurous. I love to spread my wings and fly.

Sun: 'NSync performed a tribute to the Bee Gees at the Grammys on Sunday night. Do you have any regrets about missing out on those types of opportunities like that by putting the Backstreet Boys on hold?

NC: That whole scene -- and I'm not just talking about the Grammys -- is great to do. But there's so much politics involved in that stuff and to me, it's all about the music and entertaining and performing.

Personally, I'm not the kind of guy who strives to be like, "Look at me, look at me. I need to be everywhere." I'm not a male diva. I'm just Nick.

Sun: Are you disappointed that your album hasn't sold as well as ('NSync member) Justin Timberlake's solo debut?

NC: No. I'm so worried about what I'm doing, and that's the way I feel I have to be. If I start worrying about other people's careers and things like that, then how am I going to dedicate 150 percent to what I'm doing?

Sun: Despite their popularity, the Backstreet Boys never got much respect from critics. Do you think that will change for you now that you're out on your own?

NC: What I'm trying to do is be myself and do what I want to do. And if I get respected in the future for it, great. If not, well then I still was happy doing what I felt was true, whether it was the Backstreet Boys or my own stuff.' I'm not a male diva. I'm just Nick."

Howie Talks about the Backstreet Album

Howie Dorough says the Backstreet Boys will get back together at the end of March. The singer-actor tells us the group will convene to discuss its future, which he thinks looks rosy. "[We're planning on] discussing what's the plan-you know, possibly trying to work on a new album, doing some writing and everything. There are some options of possibly doing some touring, so we're just going to just discuss it and see what are the best options right now."

Howie says the Backstreet Boys are celebrating 10 years together and notes that the time apart-during which Brian Littrell became the band's first father-allowed them to become closer. "It's great to see each of us grow individually as well as group-wise. It's good for us to spread our wings a little bit. We grow tighter when we've had that chance."

Source: the 104KRBE

~~March. 07, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick Carter Gets Props From Sev
Wednesday, March 05 @ 20:24:08 EST

"Rap-rock group Sev, who blew up after the release of their hit 'Same Old Song,' is currently on tour with Nick Carter. The members of Sev were quick to tell some of their fans where they could go if they had a problem with the group opening for the Backstreet Boys singer. This message is posted on Sev’s website, "For those of you who have a problem with us touring with Nick Carter... GET OVER IT! Nick Carter has been awesome to us over these past 2 shows. The tour started off with a bang in Toronto and continued tonight in Detroit! Our expectations of fans and crew and even Nick Carter himself has blow our minds at how at much fun and good people they all have been to SEV. Much love and thanks to everyone for making us feel welcome." When Nick’s tour ends later this month, Sev will join the Summer Sanitarium tour, opening for Limp Bizkit, Metallica, and Linkin Park. Check out the rest of the message on Sev’s site is "http://www.24sev.com/index2.htm

Nick Carter Rocks Hub
By Andria Goodrow
Eagle-Tribune Teen Writer
http://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20030301/LI_002.htm

Fans of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter came to the Avalon in flocks on Monday to see him perform solo in support of his debut CD, "Now or Never."

Dedicated followers of Carter lined up on the street in the early hours of the morning with chairs and blankets in tow to grab a spot in line for the general admission show. The concert had been scheduled for Feb. 19, but was postponed due to the blizzard. It was worth the wait.

Opening act Vi3 got the audience's attention when Massachusetts native and group member Jackie Salvucci belted out the words to the group's current single, "Eyes Closed So Tight."

The short set included only three songs, but the dance break featured the familiar pelvic thrusts of a Backstreet Boys show to get the crowd into a frenzy. The other opening act, Justincase, featured family members Nick, Hannah, and Justin Tosco who set the mood for the night with their refreshing rock sound and baby-faced lead singer. Gaining fame from MTV with their single, "Don't Cry For Us" which was co-written with Michelle Branch, the group performed what seemed to be an endless number of catchy songs while the audience grew impatient.

Finally walking onto the stage in a faded-red T-shirt, jeans and a black hat, 23-year-old Nick Carter introduced himself to Boston by singing a song he co-wrote, titled "Girls In The USA."

During the song Carter earned points from the ladies of Beantown when he sang the line, "Boston's got the ones I love, with the college girls at the Aria."

Even more amusing was his attempt to master the Massachusetts accent by calling the city "Bowwstan" between songs. The screams grew louder, and the pushing became apparent as he continued through the night with upbeat favorites like "I Stand For You" and "Blow Your Mind."

Giving in to the rock lifestyle, Carter romped around onstage like a tornado heaving everything in his path. Proving he's more of a rocker than critics will give him credit for, Carter showed off his guitar skills by playing for the majority of the show.

The only choreography he put effort towards was his worn-out robot impression which was almost as tacky as his appearance on the TV show "8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter."

His connection with the audience grew stronger when he sang a medley of Backstreet Boys hits including, "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," "I Want It That Way," and "Shape of My Heart." Those weren't the only familiar songs of the night; Carter also did covers of "Shout" by Michael Jackson, "Just What I Need" by the Cars, and "Paradise City" by Guns 'N Roses. The front row became drenched as he spit out water and threw the bottles in every direction in between pelvic thrusts and bon-bon shaking.

With all the excitement in the air, several teenagers had to be taken out by security due to fainting, overheating and asthma attacks -- he seems to have that effect on young girls.

At one point during the song "Help Me," security grew concerned for the blond-haired singer as they watched him jump onto the large black speakers, which lined the sides of the stage. After climbing up three sets of speakers that looked like they were about to tumble to the ground, Carter jumped to safety and finished his show with his current single, "I Got You."

Fans reached out one last time for Carter as tears flowed and he waved good-bye to Boston.

Spotlight on... HEALTHY HEART CLUB FOR KIDS

As an infant, Brian Littrell was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect, which is a small hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart.

Although the condition was not life threatening, physicians monitored Brian throughout his childhood. In 1980, as a 5 year old, Brian faced uncertainty when he was hospitalized at St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of a life-threatening infection of the heart, bacterial endocarditis.

Although physicians gave Brian a zero percent chance of living, Brian beat the odds and left St. Joseph Hospital serveral weeks later.

Brian went on to become a member of the internationally recognized musical group, Backstreet Boys. However, because of his hectic schedule and the rigors of touring, Brian experienced problems with his heart for a third time. Eighteen years after his battle with bacterial endocarditis, Brian faced openheart surgery to repair the hole in his heart.

Before his surgery, Brian and his family approached St. Joseph Hospital with a desire to establish a fund that would educate children regarding congenital heart problems and the effects of heart disease. In 1999, following successful open-heart surgery, Brian, St. Joseph Hospital, and the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation created the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids.

The Club consists of an eight week session held on Saturday mornings for children ages 8-12. The session is free, and club membership requires a physician's referral.

During Club sessions, members experience a variety of fun programs: learning and participating in various types of exercises ranging from basketball drills to dance routines, learning about nutrition, programs that promote increased awareness of self-esteem and body image, and activities that focus on an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Heart Club programs have been developed by a team of health care professionals that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, school psychologists, nutritionists, and others.

Funding for the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids comes from several sources, including Brian and Leighanne Littrell, a portion of ticket sales from Backstreet Boys concerts, the sale of official club merchandise through the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids web site (www.healthyheartclub.org), and direct contributions from the public.

Info: 859-313-2055 or by email at edgingbr@sjhlex.org.

~~March. 06, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick Carter Only Does It If It's Real

G. Brown of the Denver Post spoke with Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter who is in town on Monday for a show at the Paramount Theatre. While Carter's excursion into rock has thrilled some fans and estranged others, he challenges the skeptics to check his show out first before making judgment. "If anybody disagrees with what I'm doing, come check out the show and then make your judgment. At the end of the day, I've been doing this long enough to have come to a decision. If I'm not happy doing what I'm doing, and if I'm not doing something that's real, then I'm not going to do it at all," he said. "Of course, it's scary. As a solo artist, I take on a lot of responsibility that I didn't realize until I actually got into it. But it's cool. I'm an adventurous person, and I love challenges."

Backstreet Boys working toward harmony

By Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith
Will the Backstreet Boys rise again?

Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith report that the Backstreet Boys will have a new album out despite numerous stories of fighting between band members and their handlers, and despite the $75 million lawsuit filed in November by Backstreet Boys Inc. and Backstreet Productions against Zomba Recording Corp. "They haven't broken up. All five are in touch," insists the band's management. And, "They plan to resume writing and recording in March with the goal of a summer release for the CD. They also are talking about touring. Right now Nick is finishing up some solo tour dates."

~~March. 01, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian Kentucky Interview

Thanks Leisha for typing this up and listening to it! (It was on a local Kentucky news station)

Sam Dick (reporter): Well, when you do a google internet search and type in the name Brian Littrell, you will find over 39 thousand matches! That's how big Lexington's own Backstreet Boy has become. But, as Dave Baker found in this exculsive visit Littrell's fame has not changed this hometown hero

Brian Littrell: My mom gave me a quote when I was 18 and left home, she said, "You can get your feet wet, just don't drown." And I've carried that with me for ten years now :laughs:

Dave Baker: Long before Backstreet Boys sold millions of CDs and became international heart throbs Brian Littrell developed a love of singing just like the imcomperable Elvis. And like so many of us Littrell's first performing memories come from a Sunday morning in church.

Brian Littrell: As a child I went to Rosemont Baptist Church. I started going to Porter Memorial uh, in my teenage years singing in the chior and chorus.

Dave Baker: That kinda grounding was crusial to survive the ride the Boys were about to take. Thier sucess began in Europe in the mid 90's and came across the pond to the states. 1999 gives you an idea in what these Boys were swept up in. "I Want It That Way" was #1 in the charts and the album Millennium sold 2 million copies in just over 3 weeks.

Brian Littrell: Later on in life with, with my chances of traveling and the things I've gotten to see and do in this world uh, has been amazing. It's been such an experience.

Dave Baker: That year the Backstreet Boys also had thier most successful tour. The Hollywood reporter, reported that all 39 dates sold out in just hours that's 765,000, for a total of 30 million dollars. Among the stops on the tour, Rupp Arena in Lexington.

Brian Littrell: The most outstanding moments for me was standing in Rupp Arena in Lexington and performing on stage to a sold out crowd and doing that two nights in a row was (Dave: oh yeah) was ya know that was the Millenium tour and, and it was just uh, an amazing feeling I always told my mom, "I'm going to play in Rupp Arena" .. :short pause: I ment on the hard wood! I wanted to be a Kentucky Wildcat. :laughs: I ended up playing in Rupp Arena so just a different kind of floor. :laughs:

Dave Baker: It's been more than a year since the Backstreet Boys has been on stage and Brian's life has changed plenty. He and his wife, Leighanne, are the proud parents of a 12 week old son, Baylee. Thier living the life of quiet and everyday parents far away from the bright lights and big cities.

Brian Littrell: My wife grew up in Marietta, Georgia and um so that's why she brought me home to um to Atlanta. We saw this place in the dead of winter. There wasn't a leaf on a tree and it was the ugliest it could've ever looked and it was beautiful then.

Dave Baker: Even though so much has happened Brian still keeps up on the place he calls home. Helping out on community projects, cheering for the Wildcats, and believe it or not getting ready for his high school runion.

Brian Littrell: Getting ready to go back uh, for my 10 year runion. So, I'm uh :starts craking up: I'll see how everybody did :laughs harder:

Dave Baker: Are you going to have to wear one of those name tags?

Brian Littrell: :laughs: Hi :laughs: I'm :hehehe: Brian :hahahha: I don't know :haha: I would hope I wouldn't have to. But, ya know I'll try to remember everybody elses name. It's funny how everybody knows mine.

Sam Dick: And that they do. Tonight at 11 on News First, news about the future of the Backstreet Boys and how Littrell is giving his time and energy to help his Kentucky fans. We hope you'll tune in for that coming up at 11.

Sam Dick: .. The world didn't find out about it 'til the Backstreet Boys became international super stars. Tonight Dave Baker tells us much has changed for Brian Littrell. But, not his desire to give back to the place he calls home.

Dave Baker: It's been a year and a half since the Backstreet Boys were last on stage and now Brian Littrell and his family are trying to lead a normal life.

Brian Littrell: When you come into my home in Atlanta ya know, you don't find Backstreet Boys paraphernalia and records and things like that. Because ya know, that's my work and I try not to bring that home so.

Dave Baker: So, you're not one of those people who have a home studio? 'Cause you certainly could here.

Brian Littrell: Well, well, we're working on it. We're working on it (Dave: Cool) There's plans for that in the future. Um because I have so many ideas that I'm constantly ya know, trying to work on for um the future success of the group and the success for me as an individual as well.

Dave Baker: As a person Littrell hasn't changed but lots around him has. First, from a musical stand point no longer these guys a "boyband."

Brian Littrell: Well, I think from the beginning we understand, we understood as a group what we wanted , what we wanted to accomplish. I think everyone had the same goal. Later on in life ya know, everybody has their own opinions and you go through phases, where not everybody gets along and everything wasn't perfect all the time. But that's real life, ya know, kids realize that once they grow up and they deal with their friends as adults. Ya know, life changes and now we're, we're just now, I think, getting back to understanding each other as grown men. Because we understood each other as kids, we were teenagers when we did this. And um life has changed a lot for all of us so. But, it's good to be on the same wave length now, 'cause I think it makes our music better.

Dave Baker: And away from the bright lights Littrell and his wife, Leighanne, are adjusting to being new parents.

Brian Littrell: Looking at my son is completely different. Ya know, my life has changed a lot in the past three months. Um I'm, I'm fortunate ya know there's things that happen in my life in particular that always keep my feet on the ground and having a son is defiantly one of those.

Dave Baker: Just last week Littrell, was involved in meetings with producers out in Los Angeles possibly about getting back in the studio with the rest of the Boys. Wither or not that works out or not Littrell has had some very definite ideas about what he would like to do if he ever ventured out on his own,

Brian Littrell: Ya know, every chance I get I mention gospel music, what I grew up singing ya know? That's something I would like to do a gospel kinda record (Dave: Really?) so go back my roots.

Dave Baker: Our conversation with Brian took place because his willingness to be the spokesperson for this years project prom/project graduation program sponsored by The Malt Beverage Education Corporation. Brian will be getting the message out all across the Commonwealth (I.e., Kentucky) that underage drinking is not cool.

Brian Littrell: (Public Service Announcement commercial) You've got your whole life ahead of you so stay cool and stay away from drinking until you're 21.

Dave Baker: No matter what he does in his public life, this hometown hero just has one goal in mind, making those he loves his #1 fans.

Brian Littrell: I love being home, I'm a homebody, come in lay my head down, hang my hat at the door. I'm just a dad, that's all I am :laughs:

Encounter with Brian in Phoenix

Brian at the Phoenix Suns Celebrity Basketball Game WAIT! WAIT! The MFC was represented!! ME! ME! I got to HUG Brian!!!! [Hug] And it was soooo nice!!

It was a fluke, really! I was there with 12 other fans, we filled a whole row for Brian. But I was the one sitting in the aisle seat with my B&B tour T shirt on, and, well, lol, I had made a sign.... At the time, I was feeling a little adolescent about it, I must admit, but it was sure worth it in the end! (The only thing adolescent about me is my heart, lol)

Well, this Snake guy, the DJ dude, had come up at the bottom of our section, and asked who everyone was cheering for, blue team (Brian's) or white. The whole section was yelling out Blue! There were alot of other cool players on the Blue team in addition to Brian: Lil Bow Wow, Usher, Donald Faison (Scrubs), the 3 OTown guys: Trevor, Dan and Erik, Gregory Smith (Everwood). Anyway, he asks why is everyone wanting blue, and people were shouting out all their favorite players' names, and of course,we all screamed "Brian!" and then I waved my sign which caught his attention. So, he looks up, and sees me and my T shirt and says "You're here for Brian?" And I answered, "This whole ROW is here for Brian!" And with that, he grabs my hand and practically drags me down the stairs and onto to the court! I was like, OMG OMG OMG! the whole way down, lol!

Brian was just standing there having a sip of water and just reached out and gave me a hug! A real nice one too! What a sweetie! I was totally flustered because it was so unexpected, but I did manage to wish him a happy early birthday. He said thanks, and asked me my name (lucky I could even remember that!) and told me he liked my T shirt. I did ask him if he's gotten much sleep over the last 3 months with the baby, and he was so cute, he just chuckled and said, "Uh,no! Not really!" And then that was it, he had to go back to playing in the game. I said "good luck" and don't even remember leaving the court, lol! 30 quick seconds, but ones I will treasure for sure!

Thanks Jan

~~Feb. 23, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BMG Music Club Top 100 Best Selling Albums Of All Time

1. SHANIA TWAIN - COME ON OVER (MERCURY NASHVILLE) (1.99 million units)
2. BACKSTREET BOYS - BACKSTREET BOYS (JIVE) (1.72 million units)
3. BRITNEY SPEARS - ...BABY ONE MORE TIME (JIVE) (1.60 million units)
4. BACKSTREET BOYS - MILLENNIUM (JIVE) (1.59 million units)
5. EMINEM - THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP (INTERSCOPE) (1.54 million units)
6. 'N SYNC - NO STRINGS ATTACHED (JIVE) (1.52 million units) v 7. EAGLES - THEIR GREATEST HITS 1971 - 1975 (ELEKTRA) (1.52 million units)
8. 'N SYNC - 'N SYNC (JIVE) (1.50 million units)
9. JANET JACKSON - DESIGN OF A DECADE - 1986/1996 (A&M) (1.48 million units)
10. MADONNA - THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION (WARNER BROS) (1.46 million units)

FANatic MTVLA with Nick today- transcript

Thanks to Giovanna

Nick: Fans I've had with the Backstreet Boys have always been dedicated. They've been there through thick and thin, through problems, through good time and bad times. I think that what makes our fans truly special.

She kinda trips when she enters the room and Nick laughs before getting up.
Nick: Hi Patty!
Girl: Hi... (muffled) I'm gonna cry.
Nick: Oh don't cry! (hugs her) Are you OK ?
Girl: Fine thanks, I think so.
Nick: You sure ? (he giggles)
Girl: Yeah, yeah.
Nick: I'm as excited as you are !
Then he sees her necklace, grabs it and says it's nice.
Nick: So you have some questions you wanna ask ?
Girl: Yeah (her mostly basic answer !)
They sit and even before she can say anything he asks how old is she.
Girl: 19
Nick: Oh, cool. (nodding his head)
Girl: Yeah, I'm young and pretty.
Both laughs. Nick put his tongue out to the camera.
Girl: Here are the questions for you, I was a little nervous (indeed she was, the paper is all twisted and crumpled!) I'm sorry.
He Laughs.

Girl: Is it hard just being "Nick Carter, solo" after being "Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys" for 10 years ?
Nick: Well, I think the one thing about being "Nick Carter from the group" is that, I mean, people really didn't get to see who I am as an individual, so me stepping out and doing what I've done is really like, you know, showing people who I am. And lot of people don't know who I am, only like, the true fans who've been there through everything and know how I am. I can't really put on a front too much you know, I'm normal and the thing is I love music.

Girl: Why do you say it's "now or never" ?
Nick: Why ? Well it was just time you know, I felt like... When I... I got to this point you know, I was like... I just got off of the Black& Blue Tour, and was like, nine years I've been with the Boys and stuff. I really wanted to just learn new things and experience new things as an individual. You know, I wanted to, you know, really expends my horizon where it comes to music. You know, learn new things, being influenced by new things, let some of those things that have been inside of me OUT. You know, and let everybody else see who I am music, musically. I felt like it was now. Now was the time to do it or I was never gonna get, you know, get the opportunity to do it.

Girl: Your fans know almost everything about you. There are "Nick Facts" all around the Internet, magazines, everywhere. We know almost everything, but what is the one thing you want us to know?
Nick: Well, uhm, I want, I want everybody to know, and that's just gonna be in time, you know, that I, I, you know, I wanna a long career when it comes to music, you know, I wanna be around for a while, I wanna grow into, you know, a, you know, a manager of some sort, you know, very successful, you know, sorta in music ways too. This is just the beginning of that. So I really want them to hang out for the long drive cuz it's gonna be a lot of fun. You see, just to see what I'm gonna show the world you know, and my fans, I'm gonna show them a whole new side of Nick Carter.

Girl: Are you planning to go to Mexico ?
Nick: Yeah, I got to, I gotta go there.

Girl: Yeah, please go...
Nick: I love Mexico and I have to go there. Is one of my favorite places, and... I think manly because the fans are so cool.

Girl: Yeah we are!
Nick: Honestly, you're the bomb, one of the best I have, some of the best fans I have, it's exciting. They are kinda like me in a way, you know, when I get up on stage when I perform I lose my mind, so there the audience, they are losing their minds so we get this huge mind blowing event !

Girl: You should go to Guadalajara, is great out there.
Nick: (to the production) She should do like interviews, you should hire her. She’s really good at this. Both laughs.

Girl: What was the last CD you bought?
Nick: last CD... Uhm, oh my goodness... Oh yeah, I bought a CD called Audioslave

Girl: was it good?
Nick: Yeah, it's Chris Cornell, he's singer from Soundegarden, joined uhm, Rage Against The Machine, the existent members of Rage Against The Machine and formed a band called Audioslave which I think is really good.

Girl: What was the last movie you saw ?
Nick: Last movie I saw was "The Ring".
Girl: Ah, me too !
Nick: FREAKED ME OUT! (laughing)
Girl: I couldn't sleep that night !
Nick: Oh My God. And I don't get scared too much man, but I'm like, I mean, I think I beat all my nails off. And.. I remember sitting in the theatre and... This movie is terrific... And I'm sitting there and two people get up and walk out (laughs), right in front of me, they just walk out. And I'm like oh my god, this is really scary. But it was a cool movie.

Girl: In the thanks in your album you start saying "Sometimes I wonder what it looks like through someone else's eyes". Whose eyes would you like to see through ?
Nick: I wonder because, you know, you live in your own world, you have your own world, you really sometimes don't realize the benefits that, you know, we have over some people out there. And I think that's why I'd like to see through someone else's eyes, because then I could really understand you know, how hard some people out there in the world have. Even if I have no experience I do know and I have seen things, traveling around the world, you know, how difficult it is. But there's why I don't take it for granted and realize I'm very blessed

Girl: Oh you're great, you're my dream come true !
Nick: Really ?

Girl: Yeah !!
Nick: Oh thank you !
Both laughs

Nick: Thank you so much ! (he hugs her and kisses her forehead)
Girl: Ahh, I'm gonna cry! (he makes a face to the camera and shows his tongue) And... I brought you a present, a little present.
Nick: YEAH, PRESENTS ! I love presents !

Girl: I know you collect, or used to collect Beannie Babies
Nick: I still do !
Girl: Yeah ?
Nick: They are in a big box, I just haven't been able to continue it.
Girl: I saw this one and just knew you have to had it. Cuz my name is Patty and in Mexico they called Paty, Patitos, like, ducks.
Nick: Patitos !

Girl: Uh-hu, I saw it and... (she gives him a duck beanny baby)
Nick: Is that a Beannie Baby ? Oh gosh !
Girl: I thought it was great.
Nick: So, every time I look at it, I'll think of you !

Girl: No wait, it gets better. I'll remember me cuz you gonna keep my picture. You gonna sign one for me and I'm gonna sign one for you !
Nick: I'm down !

Girl: I'm your biggest fan !
Nick: And I'm your biggest fan ! See, we have an understandment !

Girl: I've been waiting for this moment for the last five years.
Nick: Really ?
Girl: Yeah.
Nick: I'm glad, I'm so happy to meet you. I meant it.
Girl: Thanks.
Nick: And I'll try to definitely go to Mexico. (looks at the camera) I'll be there soon ! So hold on ! Thank you!

Before he leaves the room he says he's gonna perform just for her that night. He was very friendly towards her, very open.

~~Feb. 21, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AJ Says Backstreet Boys Will Be Together Forever
Thursday, February 20 @ 01:00:19 EST

MuchMusic caught up with AJ McLean at the premiere of 'Daredevil' in Los Angeles where he revealed the Backstreet Boys will be back in the recording studio soon. "We're going back into the studio either next month or the month after," said McLean. "We're a family. We've made a conscious promise that we're going to be together forever." As for the status of his relationship with Sarah Martin, AJ says, "We actually postponed the wedding because there's so much crazy stuff going on. But it's going to be great. She's a wonderful woman and I'm really looking forward to it." And AJ adds that he's still sticking to staying sober. He says, "I'm still going to meetings and plugging in. Sober living is much better than partying."

***
source: popdirt.com

Razzle Dazzler

(Source: The New York Post)

By CLIVE BARNES

Kevin Richardson is the slickest, shiftiest Billy Flynn "Chicago" has ever had.

At the Ambassador Theater, 219 W. 49th St. Call TeleCharge (212) 239- 6200.

'CHICAGO" has played more than 2,500 performances, but it's as fresh as a show that opened last week.

Clearly, its box office has also gotten a massive jolt of adrenaline from the acclaimed movie version.

With its leggy, trashy nightclub glamour, the stage show is far harsher and more wickedly cynical than the movie.

As the new Roxie Hart, Belle Calaway is outrageously confident, tough but also pixie-cute, resembing that wondrous and very first Roxie, Gwen Verdon.

Australian star Caroline O'Connor ("Moulin Rouge"), making her Broadway debut, is quite the funniest Velma I have seen, and she and Calaway make one of the most formidable pairings since Reinking and Bebe Neuwirth.

Yet the big surprise is another Broadway newcomer, Kevin Richardson, replacing the all-too-bland and colorless Billy Zane as the sleazy Chicago lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Richardson, a member of the pop group Backstreet Boys (five albums, 71 million sold worldwide), might seem a classic case of shamelessly opportunistic casting. Wrong!

Wonder of wonders, Richardson, as slick as his oiled-down hair, as shifty as a tiny earthquake, and singing with justifiable zest, is in like Flynn. He's the best of them all - from Jerry Orbach in the original 1975 version to James Naughton in the encore revival.

Rob Bartlett proves seedy, decrepit and delightful as Roxie's cuckolded and all but invisible husband Amos, while a raunchy and bluesy Roz Ryan is simply marvelous as Mama Morton, the intimidatingly accommodating matron of Chicago's most corrupt prison.

Now that you've seen the movie, see what started it - plus the naughty bits the film left out. You'll agree the show has more drop- dead brilliance than its lauded Hollywood (watch me win the Oscar!) spin-off.

Brian in the Phoenix Basketball Game

CREDIT BSBsweetpea21

Brian Littrell is THE most adorable man alive. I'm so glad he came to Phoenix for the celebrity basketball game today.

Before the game, they played 'Larger Than Life' and he was bobbing his head for the first 30 seconds or so. Then he proceeded to strip practically naked (Ok. Down to a wifebeater.), put his jersey on, and got on the floor to stretch. This is when I decided that I needed to go down there to get a better picture. Standing between me and cuteness was this scary, crotchety, old arena-worker guy. *Nobody* was getting past him and into the VIP seating behind the stars. So I got as close as I could and took a picture. I hope hope HOPE that one comes out good.

What else...

He noticed some girls on the other side of the arena giggling over him, so he did the Roadrunner/Willy E. Coyote pre-ZOOM pose before go on down the court. When he committed his second foul, this BOOMING announcer voice comes over the PA saying: "Foul on #7, Brian Littrell". To this he did THE cutest little go-me-its-my-birthday-I-fouled-someone dance.

He did a lot of kidding around with the refs and conversing with the coach of his team, Tom Chambers. Tom Chambers played for the Phoenix Suns for many, many years. 6'10". Twice Brian's size. David and Goliath. I'm not kidding. There was 10-point line in this game. Brian attempted 3 or 4 of these.

The scariest moment was when the Gorilla and the Zoo Crew brought out the trampolines and mats in order to do the Gorilla's signature fancy-schmancy dunks. The Zoo Crew did a few. Then Donald Fazon(sp?) was the first star to muster the guts to try one, which he successfully completed. I bet you all know who was the second star...yup, Mr. Brian Littrell himself. He got a running start. He was looking good on the approach. And he took a header into the mats. The crowd aww'ed. It was a good try, hehe.

Other highlights:
Trevor from O-town missed the basket. A LOT. His only saving grace was making the only 10-pointer of the game. Which turned out to be what won it for the blue team (Brian's team).

One time when Brian was waiting to enter the game, Super Snake (one of the DJs with the radio station that co-sponsored the event and the event MC) quickly interviewed him. Super Snake asked what's new, and Brian mentioned Baylee. Then Super Snake asked when the Boys were coming back with a new album, and he said this year. Not as specific as the other Boys have been recently, but it works for me!

As Brian was walking back to the locker room after the game, a girl got the guts to lunge at him and try to give him a hug. This started a bit of a stampede toward him. Needless to say, I've never seen that man haul his cute little booty that fast, lol. Speaking of his cute little booty...he was shaking what his mama gave him during the pre-game hudle, hehe.

Backstreet Album To Drop in May or June

Credit: Brian Littrell Street Team / Nikki Earlier this week, Nick Carter called into Grand Rapids, Michigan radio station WSNX for an interview. He talked about how fun it was doing sold out gigs in Japan. The song 'I Got You' will be the next single in the U.S. Nick said of the song, "That's like probably one of my favorite songs on the record." He is also was glad to be playing smaller venues than the Backstreet Boys because he can "can play with the crowds emotions... jump em' up... hold em' there you know. Then bring it back down. Let em' smooth sail for a little bit. Then come back up with some more songs.. It's really up and down. It's such a high energy show." Nick said he's not sure if the tour will come to Europe. If it doesn't, he said that he guarantees the Backstreet Boys as a group will hit Europe. He finished up saying, "You know in probably late March we are going to start recording a record. We are going to have it done probably around May or June and it might be a whole new ball game."

The tentative release date is still July 8th... the album can be done in May/June but will need time to be processed and shipped and get ready to be sold.

~~Feb. 20, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kids In Iraq Love The Backstreet Boys!

(DLS) - Today on the news portion of TRL they talked to 3 young boys from Iraq and discussed the issues between thier country and the United States and found out that in some ways, they're not so different from kids in the United States. When discussing thier musical preferences, they said that Backstreet Boys were their favorite group. One of the boys showed MTV a picture of the BSB on his wall and even went on to sing "The One" from the Backstreet Boys' 'Millenium' album!

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows...talking about BSB, NKOTB and Nsync...

from: http://adam.countingcrows.com/main.html

2/12/03 - New York City

I hear a lot of you freaking out because some guy compared CC and the Backstreet Boys. The funny thing is that for quite a few of us in the band, the New Kids were a huge early influence and in a lot of ways, the Boys are the descendants of that music so I still dig it. They're not as funky as N'Sync, but they always had more of a sensitive side. I wondered how long it would take someone to spot the connection between "Black and Blue" and "Miami". I even titled the other song "Black and Blue" on "Hard Candy" as a sort of a hint. Good call crowman69. Without a truly open mind, you can never really understand music. I know the rest of you are going to stick up your noses at this, but I bet a lot of you have never even heard a Backstreet Boys album in its' entirety. Give 'em a chance. The singles don't really tell the whole story. They've always been more of an album band. I'm constantly surprised by how narrow all your musical tastes are and that the music you like is so different from the music we like.

Source: Kita

Buzz: Music: Brilliantly Heavy
Source: Emedia.com.my)

NICK CARTER Now Or Never THE first song, Help Me, got me a bit dumbfounded. Had I erred by putting Bon Jovi on instead of the former Backstreet Boys stalwart? Or was it Bryan Adams? Nope. I had the right CD. I joke not. He does sound like Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams almost throughout the album, his `new' raspy and crispy voice obviously fooling me.

Maybe, just maybe, he has reached puberty. But whatever hormonal change he has gone true, Nick has jolted many with this album.

Why, you might ask. He has gone totally in the opposite direction of his labelmate Justin Timberlake (did I just mention his name again? Forgive me, for I have sinned!).

This is not as sotong-like as I had thought it would be. This is a happy pop-rock album that has proved sceptics wrong. Nobody thought MTV would give him a chance, but we all know that the songs from this album are riding high.

I can understand why, although admitting to liking his music comes as a bit of an embarrassment. Like admitting one likes Modern Talking.

He does a mean Bryan Adams in the superb ballads Do I Have To Cry For You and Heart Without A Home (I'll Be Yours).

Heck, he even puts on the mask of Def Leppard in the everybody-sing- along American pop rock fare, Girls In The USA, Duncan Sheik's I Got You and Blow Your Mind that has Roxette written all over it.

This is different. It's not vintage but it is fairly decent. Now, why didn't he sing like this when he was with the BB? Hmm...

~~Feb. 14, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

`Artist of The Years` Poll Rigged In Favor of Springsteen, Jackson

An error at the Rolling Stone website has revealed that Rolling Stone has actually rigged the poll by entering Bruce Springsteen's name 19 times, making one Springsteen vote count as 19 at a time. The same is also believed to have been done for Michael Jackson although there is no proof of this yet.

Speculation is that Rolling Stone rigged the poll after noticing the fast increase in votes for the Backstreet Boys who have been out of the spotlight since late 2001.

To summarize what was stated, RollingStone.com has rigged the poll.
This is now confirmed

~~Feb. 09, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A.J Wants to work with Craig David!!!
i got this off the C.D US Forum!! & LD Forum Thanxs to Millie858

Date: Feb 02, 2003
Source: The Desert Sun
Submitted By: Gina

Back to work: A.J. McLean and the Backstreet Boys will jump back into the studio in the spring to work on a new record, ending a down time that spanned a year-and-a-half.

During that time, McLean said he’s been relaxing and playing golf. He was also working in his own studio on some of his own music as well as new artists.

“I’m trying to branch out and be more creative,” McLean said. “I’m trying to spread my wings.”

As for the new album, McLean said the group is in very preliminary stages.

“It’s going to go in a lot of different directions,” McLean said. “We don’t even know what the concept is going to be. We really haven’t talked about it. But once we do, I’m sure we’ll come up with something that will top the last two albums. We really would like to work with some of our fellow artists such as Christina Aguilera and Craig David, that man has incredible style! We're in the process of hooking up some dates because he is interested."

Full transcript of Kevin on Caroline Rhea

(DLS)-Kevin was on the Caroline Rhea Show on Monday, February 3, 2003, wearing a black suit and a white shirt. If you haven't had the chance to see it, here is the complete script from his appearance on this talk show (Because of the technical problems of the newsboard, this is posted a little later than planned, but if you did miss it, you will still enjoy it!):

Keving came out, and gave Caroline a kiss on the cheek.

Kevin: "Good morning!"

Caroline: "Good morning! How are you?"

Kevin: "I'm good"

Caroline:"Girls, he kissed me, lol...they (your fans) are so sweet. You can't ever get tired of the girls screaming, right? Can you?"

Kevin: "I don't think so."

Caroline: "You are screamingly handsome though, I gotta give it to you."

Kevin: "Thank you very much."

Caroline: "Now, I'm sorry girls, but how does your beautiful wife feel about all that attention?"

Kevin: "She's cool. She's happy for me. We're both in the business. She's an actress and a dancer, so she's been very supportive...she's cool with it."

Caroline: "I love your story, so she was Belle in Beauty in the Beast."

Kevin: "She wasn't exactly Belle, she was a dancer. She was the jello molds, she was one of the maids. I don't know if you guys ever saw the show, the Disney Beauty and the Beast Show, I was working in character entertainment. I was a Ninja Turtle, I did Aladdin, I did a lot of different things. I'm not trying to give the magic of Disney away, but that was me in one of those turtle costumes, back in the days. I met her one day, and a friend of mine said, 'cause I was pretty shy and I wouldn't go and introduce myself to women and asked them out, I was pretty shy so...

Caroline: "Were you dressed as a turtle at the time?"

Kevin: "No, no, no, we were on a break, and a buddy of mine was like, you need to introduce yourself to her, she is interested, so I'm like, okay, I'm safe, I can do this, so I introduce myself, and the next day, I asked her out, and that was ten years ago.

Caroline: "It's so funny, thinking that, because having seen you perform, it's hard to believe that you're shy."

Kevin: "I mean, it's a different thing on stage, it's a different persona. People are there to see you act stupid, so you just go out there have a good time and act stupid."

Caroline: "I have an idea of how enormously famous you guys are because my fiance was doing this event that had Mel Gibson, Whoopie Goldberg, Winona Ryder, like everry movie stars were staying at this hotel, and there were tons of people staying ourtside, and they would walk out, and nobody would pay attention, but you were staying at this same hotel, and thousands of girls were waiting for you. Do you remember that?

Kevin: "Where was that?"

Caroline: "In Philadelphia."

Kevin: "Oh ya, they were reading the Declaration of Independence, and we had a show in town."

Caroline: "Ya, they were like Mel who? They were there for you guys."

Kevin: "I saw you not long ago at the Pediatrics Aids Baseball Tournament."

Caroline: "I know, I was not playing, I was too much of a wimp to play."

Kevin: "I was playing, and I almost blew my knee out. I had had surgery not long ago before that, and I thought I was all good to go, but apparently not."

Caroline: "I love how sweet this audience is. You say anything, and they just go: Awww!"

Kevin: "I need to bring them with me, wherever I go."

Caroline: "I know, you need to travel with them. How are you enjoying making your Broadway Debut?"

Kevin: "I'm having a blast. I'm having a great time. What a lucky guy I am!"

Caroline: "You can go see him on Broadway, that's the beauty of all this. You're playing a lawyer (showing a picture), what's your character's name?"

Kevin: "Billy Flynn."

Caroline: "The part that Richard Gere is playing in the movie. Have you seen the movie?"

Kevin: "Yes I have. I was in rehearsals when the movie just came out, and I was saying my lines along with Richard Gere, as I was rehearsing. I loved it."

Caroline: "I thought it was great too. I think it's the sexiest musical I ever seen."

Kevin: "It's very sexy. If you haven't seen the Broadway Musical, you should go see the musical, then go see the movie, so you know... but I had the best entrance in Broadway, I think. I don't know if you've seen it, but I come out with all these girls with feathers and fans, and it's just great."

Caroline: "Have any of the other Backstreet Boys come and see it yet?"

Kevin: "Not yet, but there planning to come during February. I think Howie will be the first to come and check it out."

Caroline: "Don't say what date 'cause that's gonna create, you know...problematic. How was opening night? Any jitters?"

Kevin: "Oh ya! It had been 11 years since I had done any acting, any dialogue. I did some regional theater and community theater and stuff growing up, and in high school, but it had been 11 years since I had said any dialogues, scripted, on stage, so I was worried about flopping lines, but I stayed up until three in the morning every night, 'cause I only had 2 1/2 weeks to rehearse, so I did my homework, so I just trusted that everything would be okay, it was in God's hands so."

Caroline: "And it worked." We're gonna play a game with Kevin when we come back, but I just have to ask a question: Are you and the Backstreet Boys gonna do another album?"

Kevin: "As soon as I'm done with this run on Broadway, we're suppose to go in the studio and work on another record."

After the commercial, they played "Guess that BSB song" in which audience members were humming to a song that they were hearing in headphones, and Kevin had to try to guess the song. Among the songs was "Shape of my heart". Kevin did guess some. At the end of the show, Caroline said buy to the viewers, and Kevin mouthed: "I love you mom."

Howie and Leigh no longer dating

The following comes from Pollyanna.net:

After talking with Angie she told me that although she and some others do go on the Internet sometimes and they do read some feedback from fans, she told me that Howie does NOT go online. He is so busy and intimidated with the computer system that, although he can do a very few things on it, he does not know enough about it as to go online. She said that he doesn't chat with anyone online and he doesn't email with anyone online. If you are one of the people who think you are chatting with him or emailing with him, let me tell you .. IT'S A POSER, IT IS NOT HIM.

She also expressed concerns with some of the rumors that are going around online about Howie and Leigh. And I'm going to clear those up now. First I want you to know that the rumors .. all of them, not just the ones about Howie and Leigh, does not make any of them mad, it really hurts their feelings. They give a lot to their fans; more than allot bands do, and to read some of the rumors that are out there, is really hurtful.

Now, on to Howie and Leigh; They are no longer dating. Yes, he did take her to Marc Anthony's wedding. But, they went as friends only. He isn't dating anyone, so since she had expressed to him that she would love to go, he took her. Although the loving relationship has ended, they are still very close friends and do hang out sometimes. But, there is no romance involved. One of the rumors that Angie had read online was something to the affect that Leigh is so hung up on Howie that she just won't let go. This isn't true. Angie said that Leigh is a friend to Howie. From my experience, Howie's a very nice guy and I can see why Leigh would want to cherish their friendship.

credits for Chris

~~Feb. 07, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back To Work

A.J. McLean and the Backstreet Boys will jump back into the studio in the spring to work on a new record, ending a down time that spanned a year-and-a-half.

During that time, McLean said he’s been relaxing and playing golf. He was also working in his own studio on some of his own music as well as new artists.

“I’m trying to branch out and be more creative,” McLean said. “I’m trying to spread my wings.”

As for the new album, McLean said the group is in very preliminary stages.

“It’s going to go in a lot of different directions,” McLean said. “We don’t even know what the concept is going to be. We really haven’t talked about it. But once we do, I’m sure we’ll come up with something that will top the last two albums."

His body is a canvas: McLean said he has 30 tattoos, but insists they all have a special meaning.

“I don't want to go and just get them,” McLean said. “When someone asks what do they mean, I don’t want to say ‘I don't know. I got it because it looks cool.’ Everyone has meaning.”

On his arms, he has Japanese symbols that mean crazy bear. He has another tattoo to cover up the nickname of an ex-girlfriend. He also has a dragon on his back.

He is also considering a tattoo to symbolize his love of golf.

“I’m thinking about getting a big ball in the back of my neck,” McLean said. “It’s got meaning, you know? I don’t know what the meaning would be? I love golf balls?”

Baylee News

Thanks to Nikki from BLST

This was found in a review of Kevin in Chicago, they met him and Kristin after the show...

Another question that was brought up was actually Baylee! After I told Kevin about my father I had asked him if he has talked or seen Brian, Leighanne and Baylee. He has gotten a picture of Baylee and he has talked to Brian. He didn't show the pic becuz the pic will be coming out soon but Kevin did tell me that Baylee looks EXACTLY like Brian! That boy is gonna get ALL the girls on the block! LOL. Then Kristin made a comment (a funny one at that) she was like, "He even has Brian's nose! The BIG nostrils!"

~~Feb. 02, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First Night of Now Or Never Tour - Nagoya

The first concert of Japan tour (Nagoya) Now Or Never

Nick wore a Sex Pistols black sleeveless T-shirts, a black vest, and khaki pants and a pair of leather Convers sneakers.

It was 70 minutes concert. Isn't it short!? He played so hot and wild.

Set List
Girls In The USA (Nick sang Nagoya instead of The USA)
Blow Your Mind
I Stand For You
My Confession
Heart Without A Home (I'll Be Yours)
Not Like You
Unplugged
Who Needs The World
Quit Playing Games
I Want It That Way
Shape Of My Heart
Just What I Needed
The cars
Forever Rebel
Help Me
I Just Wanna Take You Home
End Of Forever
Encore
I Got You

Tour goods
3 kinds of T-shirts(2 white, 1 black)
Now Or Never album jacket poster

That's all. Thanks to hitommyval2000

Kevin Won't Sidestep on the Environment

STEPHEN M. SILVERMAN

Stepping into what is now the Richard Gere role -- that of shyster lawyer Billy Flynn -- in the ongoing Broadway revival of the musical "Chicago," Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson doesn't have tap shoes on his mind. In an interview with the Associated Press, the thoughts of Richardson turned to politics and the environment -- specifically, mining in the Appalachian Mountains.

"Dude, I'm telling you, if the public could see what was going on, there would be an uprising," he says. "It looks like a war zone. I mean, the entire tops of mountains -- gone. Generations and generations of families that have lived there forced out."

Growing emotional, Richardson went on to say: "People think I'm some kid. But we (Backstreet Boys) have been touring for eight years, all over the world, and I've been soaking everything in. I'm a 31-year- old man who's seen a lot -- a lot of things that have disturbed me. And instead of ... not doing anything about it, I thought I'd use my voice to express my concerns and try to help."

Richardson, the grandson of a miner, also says he should be aware about Appalachia, having come from Lexington, Ky., practically next door to the Daniel Boone National Forest.

"I grew up in the heart of coal-mine country," he says. "I was a hike leader, a camp counselor -- I did all that. I love nature."

To say nothing of showbiz. There is a new Backstreet album planned for this fall, and his stint in "Chicago" is due to last until March 9.

~~Feb. 01, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richardson Rocks Chicago

For Kevin Richardson, getting a chance to star on Broadway was a lifelong goal. That other pop star thing? Just a sidetrack! Backstreet Boy Richardson got to see his dreams come to life when he celebrated his opening night as Billy Flynn in Chicago on January 29. The show, which is enjoying some bonus buzz from the celebrated film version, is now going strong at a new home: the Ambassador Theatre on 49th Street. Broadway.com stopped by the Times Square Grill to toast Richardson (and birthday boy/Chicago publicist Pete Sanders!) on his big night.

Unlikely pairs share stage at Hope tourney

By Nancy Yang

Shock rocker Alice Cooper sharing the same stage as Darius Rucker of Hootie & The Blowfish?

Believe it, because it actually happened.

The stage was Indian Wells Country Club, where the two singers played in the same foursome Wednesday.

Of course, the two of them probably wouldn't be here together if it wasn't for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Celebrities in town for the tournament -- A.J. McLean from the Backstreet Boys or Aaron Brown from CNN, among others -- could pop up anywhere.

But, of course, they're just as star struck as their fans are because they're getting to golf with some of the sport's best players.

A.J. McLean, singer Backstreet Boys

A new feud has started within the intense boy band rivalries -- all thanks to McLean. He was the first in a pop group to fully embrace golf (as well as play in the tournament). Now look at what he's done: Justin Timberlake plays, along with O-Town's Penick. What trend will he start next?

Question: Do you come to Palm Springs often?

Answer: I do. I've been here for the Bob Hope Classic in the past, and I also come here often to golf. I've been here like a thousand times because my new addiction is golf.

Question: What do you do here besides golf?

Answer: Sleep. I really don't do much. But the area has a good nightlife. I sometimes go to a few area clubs.

Question: What's the appeal of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic?

Answer: It brings in a wide range of fans to the world of golf. It draws new fans -- fans who may not know anything about golf -- and new fans who are young and old alike.

Question: What do you think of Palm Springs in general?

Answer: It's a lot like living on a beach, but without the beach. And it is hot! My stupid-ass self wore all black (Wednesday), but I can promise you I will not be wearing black tomorrow!

Question: And the people?

Answer: I really think everyone here is very sweet.

Kevin on The Caroline Rhea Show
Date: Monday - February 03, 2003

Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson (Broadway's "Chicago")

It's syndicated, so check www.tvguide.com for times and channel in your area

Source: MissBoneLovesAJ

AJ Talks About New Group Album At Golf Tournament

Today, at the Bob Hope Golf Tournament, AJ was interviewed and asked if the Backstreet Boys had anything new coming up in the future. AJ's response was: "Well, we're all looking to go into the studio again I think in March or April and start working on a brand new record and hopefully have something out by the end of the summer time. That's our goal. And we've had a good year off. I've been playing golf, one of the guys had a baby and Kevin's doing Broadway. You know, all that good stuff."

thanx to dlsonline

~~Jan. 30, 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin on Regis and Kelly

Thanks to Serena From DLS

-This morning Kevin was co-hosting the tv program Regis & Kelly, wearing a black stripe suit with a pale blue shirt, while Regis is on vacation. It was a weird coincidence because about 12 years ago, Kevin was working as Aladdin for Disney, and Regis came to host the Xmas Parade, and they got to shake hands, and now Kevin is replacing him. Who would have guess that 12 years ago?

At the beginning of the show, Kelly asked him a few questions:

-Now, you're doing Chicago on Broadway, how long did you rehearse for it?
Kevin: "I rehearsed for only 2 1/2 weeks, so I learned the words at home before. I also went to watch the show a couple of times, and watch the movie which was really great, especially the tango. That was my favorite part. It's very sexy."

-Are the other BSB members jealous of your individual success?
Kevin: "They are very happy for me. I couldn't pass this up, it's a great opportunity. We left each other some room for that kind of stuff."

-We're having Vince Neil from Motley Crue on the show today because is on the new program "Surreal Life". Do you watch that show?
Kevin: "Yes I did watch it."

-Did you watch the other reality shows so far?
Kevin: "I watched American Idol 2 yesterday night, and it looks interesting this year. It looks like they didn't have pre-selection at all before. They had very colorful people on there.

-You know how hard the music industry is, right?
Kevin: "You have to be talented, have good work ethics, and some luck."

-How did you get to meet the other BSB boys?
Kevin: "My wife's roomate had a boyfriend who was also the limo driver for the boys who first were in the group and their manager, so that's how I got to meet them.

-How did you meet your wife?
Kevin: "I was working as Aladdin for Disney, and I went to see the show Beauty & the Beast. Kristin was playing "Belle" in that show, and when I saw her dancing, I asked her out. That was 11 years ago!

-Is this one of the first tv program you did as BSB?
Kevin: "As a matter of a fact, the Regis & Kelly show (Regis & Kathy Lee back then) was the 1st show giving us a break in the US."

-What was your first music gig ever?
Kevin: "I played the piano and sang in a restaurant called: Ceader Village. My whole family is very musical, playing instruments or singing."

-We have a baby contest on the show, are you thinking of having kids, one day?
Kevin: "I am definitely thinking about having kids!"

Then, it was time for the trivia part of the show, and Kevin was having fun saying the spanish name of the trip over and over. The contestant was Canadian, and when she talked about the weather being -20 degrees Celsius, Kevin and Kelly had no idea what it equaled in Farenheits.

One of the guest on this morning's show was Barney.
Kevin: "He's my nephew's favorite."
When Barney started to sing "If you're happy and you know it", Kevin went to reach out to the kids to bring them closer to Barney, and he participated by clapping his hands along with the song.

There was also a Superbowl cooking segment, and Kevin was wearing a football jersey. The chef was cooking shrimps, and Kevin asked: "What can I do?"
Kelly answered: "Just stand there, and be sexy", so Kevin stood in a sexy pose, laughing.

The chef asked them if they were football fans, and Kevin answered: "My buddy from BSB, Nick, comes from Tampa Bay, so he's trilled that a team from Tampa made it to the Superbowl.

At the end of the show, Kelly reminded the viewers to go see Kevin in Chicago, and then Kevin didn't hesitate one second to dig in to taste the food. Yes, he does like shellfish.

Hanging with Nick on Star Search!

Thanx to Serena & (DLS)
If you didn't have the chance the watch Nick as a judge on Star Search, you'll be sure to get every detail with this complete summary:

Nick was wearing a grey t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and sharing his judging spot with his brother Aaron.

Here are all the comments he made throughout the program, as well as his judging of the canditates:
1)Junior singers:
CJ Johnson = Nick and Aaron gave him 4 stars. Only Aaron commented on his performance.

Lisa Tucker = The famous bros gave her 4 stars, and Nick said: "We're singers, and we love singers, and you can sing."

When they got back from commercial, Nick was asked the story of BSB and Star Search. Nick said: "When we started BSB, we auditioned for Star Search, and we never got a call back, so now you guys must regret not calling us back, right?"

2)Models:
Candace Campfield = They gave her 3 stars, and Aaron is the only one who commented.

Janet "Chy" Huang = They gave her 4 stars, and Nick said: "What can I say? You're beautiful!"

3)Comedians:
Jon Reep = They gave him 4 stars, and Aaron talked, as Nick was taking a sip of water.

Ben Bailey = They showed Nick cracking up during his performance. They gave him 5 stars. Nick said: "You were extremely comfortable, the crowd loves you, and don't take this the wrong way, but you just look funny."

4) Adult Singers:
Jake Simpson = They gave him 4 stars. Aaron is the one who did the talking, but Nick gave him two thumbs up.

Allison Paige = They gave her 3 stars. Nick said: "You were obviously nervous, and I could tell. The song was also too low for you at the beginning, but I still gave you three stars."

8 Simple Rules

Episode 17 - Title: "Drummer Boy Part I" Synopsis: Bridget defies the rules of the house after Paul forbids her from going out on a date with Ben (Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter) -- her college-age drum instructor. Meanwhile, Kerry is mad at Cate when her ex-boyfriend confesses that he thinks her mother is pretty. Airdate: 2/4/2003. Tape Date: 1/17/2003. Writers: Bill Daly. Director: James Widdoes. Guest Stars: Nick Carter as Ben Hatcher and Brian Sites as Jason. Nielsen Rating: TBA.

Also from someone who went to the taping: *on the other board*

Nick and the oldest daughter Bridget share a kiss. In the end he gets a schlorship from Ohio State. Quote from Nick with a bottle of coke "Hey, I won a hat! No wait I didn't!"

~~Jan. 10 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

b>Backstreet Boy Has No Issues With Gay Fans
Friday, January 17 @ 19:03:28 EST

Gay New York guide Next magazine caught up with Backstreet Boys star Kevin Richardson, where he addressed the band's popularity in the gay community. "I've always been totally aware of our gay fans," he explains. "They're in every audience all the time. I'm totally comfortable with it. We meet all kinds of fans all the time-in our hotels, coming in and out from shows, shaking hands and taking pictures..." Kevin added, "I've been performing for a long time and I have lots of gay friends. It's never been an issue."

Wedding Update

Hey guys!! I know how confused you all must be, and I'm sorry for not communicating more with you, but I haven't had a second to be on-line. I will keep this brief and to the point,k? Alex and I have not CANCELLED the Wedding. We are POSTPONING our Wedding because we need more time!!! And to the moderators : please change the homepage that states that it is cancelled. That word really is incorrect. We are taking a little extra time to grow together. We want to make this right, thats all. We are very much in love and we feel that there is no need to rush through this. Its the best thing ever, actually. We are both very proud of each other for taking marriage so seiously. Its not like having a barbecue, its a lifelong committment that we feel needs to be nurtured. So please don't worry. We are happy and healthy and sober. And thats is whats important to us. I will keep you all abreast when the new date is set. I love you all, and cannot thank you enough for being so much in our corner.

Love,love,love,love,love...........Sarah Jo

Nick Being Pulled From Shows

Thanks to NCOST

As the Backstreet Boys' lawsuit against Zomba/Jive starts to take shape, Jive is getting quite stingy, as expected, with Nick. He is apart of the lawsuit, so Jive is apparently now trying its best to force Nick to cancel shows and appearances to make him appear cruel to his fans. www.MTVAsia.com says Nick Carter has canceled his trip to Singapore citing "scheduling conflicts" as the main reason, Nick has decided to cancel his appearances at the 2003 MTV Asia Awards and the regional press junket and showcase at Hard Rock Cafe. Jive has also limited Nick to doing only a 17-date tour. Fans in hundreds of cities throughout the world are very upset by this. Jive is even preventing Nick from touring his home state of Florida.

Popdirt.com held a poll for the best album released in 2002 and Nick Carter's album 'Now or Never' came in first place with 28.8% of the votes. Not too far behind Nick Carter's album was Mariah Carey with her latest album titled 'Charmbracelet', which had 27.5% of the votes. The complete rundown of the poll is listed below:

'Justified', Justin Timberlake 12.40% (2382)
'Stripped', Christina Aguilera 19.19% (3686)
'Let Go', Avril Lavigne 3.36% (646)
'Gotta Get Thru This', Daniel Bedingfield 0.45% (86)
'This Is Me... Then', Jennifer Lopez 1.48% (284)
'Fever', Kylie Minogue 1.84% (354)
'Charm Bracelet', Mariah Carey 27.50% (5282)
'O2', O-Town 3.43% (659)
'Now Or Never', Nick Carter 28.78% (5528)
'Be Not Nobody', Vanessa Carlton 0.97% (187)
'Just Whitney', Whitney Houston 0.59% (113)
'Border Girl', Paulina Rubio 1.91% (367)

Massachusetts men accused of posing as pop music stars (Kevin)

Two boy band wannabes could become the new kids on the cellblock.

Two Massachusetts men who visited Las Vegas last year passed themselves off as members of New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys to obtain Nevada driver's licenses and credit cards in the pop stars' names, according to a federal indictment unsealed this week.

Patrick P. Ward, 23, and Michael Viskovic, 20, are accused of spending at least $1,000 each with those credit cards in November.

"The indictment doesn't say anything about the Backstreet Boys or New Kids, but it's their names they used," said Natalie Collins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Las Vegas.

Ward and Viskovic face felony charges of identity theft, credit card fraud and Social Security fraud. Ward was arrested by postal inspectors and local police Thursday in Athol, Mass. Authorities were still searching for Viskovic.

The pair used false Social Security numbers to obtain licenses from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, an indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas states.

The indictment alleges that Ward obtained a driver's licence and Fleet Bank credit card in the name of Jonathan Rashleigh Knight, a singer for the immensely popular New Kids on the Block.

Viskovic is accused of obtaining a driver's license in the name of Daniel William Wood, another member of the group, as well as a driver's license and American Express credit card in the name of Kevin Scott Richardson, a singer for the Backstreet Boys.

Ward made his initial court appearance Thursday in Springfield, Mass., and is expected to be returned to Las Vegas following an identity hearing Monday, Collins said.

Attempts Friday to reach representatives for Knight, Wood and Richardson were unsuccessful.

Richardson, 31, is scheduled to make his Broadway debut Jan. 20 when he takes over the male lead in the musical "Chicago."

According to Internet site MTV.com, the Backstreet Boys are hoping to begin work on a new album after Richardson's run ends in March.

Knight, 34, and Wood, 32, virtually have disappeared from the cultural radar since their group's heyday about 15 years ago.

Fueled by the adoration of millions of adolescent girls, New Kids on the Block's 1988 sophomore album sold 8 million copies. The group broke up in 1994.

~~Jan. 10 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick Carter Hitting The Road For First Solo Tour
01.08.2003 5:59 PM EST

Nick Carter will launch his first solo tour on February 17, and from the looks of it, he's going to have to get used to playing much smaller stages than he did with the Backstreet Boys.

Carter will kick things off with a date at the Staircase in Pittston, Pennsylvania. The 17-date theater tour in support of his solo debut, Now or Never, is currently scheduled to run through a March 9 date at the Fillmore in San Francisco, according to his spokesperson.

The solo stint comes on the heels of a $75 million lawsuit Backstreet Boys filed in November against their label, Zomba Recording Corporation (see "Backstreet Boys Sue For $75 Million, Release From Contract"), in which the group sought release from its 1994 contract. BSB claimed they received little support from their label, Jive, in choosing songs for the album and that Jive was more focused on Carter's album.

Nick Carter tour dates, according to his spokesperson:
2/17 - Pittston, PA @ The Staircase
2/18 - Plainview, NY @ The Vanderbilt
2/19 - Boston, MA @ Avalon
2/20 - Sayreville, NJ @ Hunka Bunka Ballroom
2/22 - San Juan, PR @ Tito Puente Amphitheatre
2/23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
2/25 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Rock Jungle
2/26 - Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
2/27 - Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo
2/28 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
3/1 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
3/3 - Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
3/5 - Phoenix, AZ @ Alice Cooper'stown
3/6 - West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
3/7 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
3/8 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
3/9 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

--Gil Kaufman

UK embraces AJ and Sarah
Posted by Serena on 1/9/2003 (Views: 78)

(DLS)-A DJ in UK finally addressed the rumors of BSB breaking up by reassuring the fans that they are still together. Then, he talked about AJ's life looking brighter on this 25th birthday since he took control over his alcoholism. He also talked about how Sarah was a great support for AJ by quitting drinking too. At the end of this BSB talk, he added that Sarah is a fantastic singer, that he heard a sample of her songs on the internet, and he loved it. He said that he can't wait to be able to play one of her songs on the radio. Way to go UK! It's great to hear that you care about Aj's health, the BSB being together, and Sarah's talent!

Airdates for Nick on "8 Simple Rules"

Following up his stint on "American Dreams" as the frontman of a band, Nick Carter has his next television acting role lined up. The Backstreet Boy is set to play a music teacher on two upcoming episodes of the ABC comedy "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter." Carter will tape his part next week, and the episodes will air February 4 and 11. ...

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459426/20030108/audioslave.jhtml? headlines=true

TEEN PEOPLE HALL OF FAME: BACKSTREET BOYS

WHO: The fab five responsible for the resurgence of teen pop (Nick Carter, 22, Brian Littrell, 27, Kevin Richardson, 31, A.J. McLean, 24, and Howie Dorough, 29).

WHY: It's not rocket science: tight harmonies plus pinup-worthy looks equals international stardom.

WHEN IT TOOK OFF: In 1999, when Millennium shattered all existing records by selling 1.13 million copies its first week. "Millennium," says Howie, "was our Thriller."

HOW: The group honed their craft in Europe during a 3-year period ("We used to call America 'No Fan Land,'" recalls Howie); but according to Nick, "we just made incredibly good music."

WHAT'S NEXT: Despite rumors of a breakup, Howie says BSB studio album number four is on tap for '03. "Five years from now," he says, "I'm hoping we'll be on our eighth album."

~~Jan. 10 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shania Twain, Alanis Morisette,BSB Top Soundscan Era Album List!

01/02/2003

Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Metallica, and the Backstreet Boys have the top albums of the Soundscan era, according to the service's parent company, Nielsen.

Soundscan has been tracking album sales since 1991 and Twain's 1997 release, Come On Over reigns on top, selling 14.4 million-plus copies, with Morissette's 1995 debut, Jagged Little Pill at Number Two with more than 14 million sold.

At Number Three is Metallica's self-titled album from 1991 at more than 13 million. Number Four belongs to the Backstreet Boys' 1999 Millennium, topping 13 million units; while Number Five is the 1992 soundtrack from Whitney Houston's film, The Bodyguard, with 11.7 million in sales.

The remaining top five on the list come in at around the 11 and 10 million sales mark. At Number Six is 1999's Supernatural by Santana and the Number Seven spot is held by Creed's 1999 second album, Human Clay. Number Eight belongs to *NSYNC's 2000 second album, No Strings Attached. Number Nine is claimed by Celine Dion's 1996 set Falling Into You. Rounding out the list at Number 10 is Britney Spears's 1999 album debut, ...Baby One More Time.

-- Darryl Morden, Los Angeles

Nick Carter Racing' Boat Up For Sale

The world championship winning Nick Carter Racing boat, owned by none other than Nick Carter, is now up for sale. The Backstreet Boys star told JoJo from 102.7 KIIS-FM that now that his team has won the world championship in its first year of racing, he wants to get a boat in a higher class. In other words, he wants to race a boat that is bigger, faster, and more dangerous. Nick is even considering driving the boat. On a VH1 special, Nick even went as far as to challenge other celebrities by telling them to "Get a boat. See what ya got." Nick's current boat, which is up for sale, is a SuperVee described as having V-bottom, mono-hull 38-40', 9,000 pounds, twin 510 cid engines, naturally aspirated, using Brodix spec heads, but any type of Demon carburetor, with a 7600 RPM limit.

Backstreet Boys In Teen People's February Issue

The Backstreet Boys will be featured in the February 2003 issue of Teen People magazine. The issue recaps some of the moments the magazine has had with Backstreet since when they first got started to present day. The photos in the issue include of the guys in bathrobes, AJ McLean in wardrobe near an Orlando lake, a group photo of the boys where the caption consists of Howie Dorough saying, "We've achieved stuff that you wuold imagine the Beatles doing," and a solo picture of Nick Carter. Check out the scans here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/59155115RkxVoV

~~Jan. 03~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KEVIN&NICK IN KANSAS CITY TODAY*DETAILS>

BSB In 2003 Guiness Book Of World Records

DLSOnline.net reports the Backstreet Boys have made a world record with their sophomore album 'Millennium'. The undeniably successful album is mentioned in the 2003 Guiness World Records book as the 'Biggest Selling Album By A Boy Band'. Millennium achieved record-breaking sales of 13 million by March 2001 after being released only in May of 1999

Howie D. Comments From Lupus Fundraiser

A Backstreet Boys fan named Kat journaled her experiences on the Lupus Cruise 2002, an annual fundraiser sponsored by Howie D. and the Dorough Lupus Foundation. She talks about meeting Howie, his sister Pollyanna, and their parents, as well as some info on BSB's upcoming schedule. She said, "Howie was DJing at the club so we got a lot of BSB dance mixes... and he sang along. Lots of fun." Howie also told her, "There were no Backstreet Boys calendars this year because they are in the midst of changing merchandise companies, but expect a LOT of things once the new album is done. Howie said they go back into the studio as soon as AJ gets back from his honeymoon, so around March 1. Howie is taking 10 days off to shoot a movie, but other than that he has been writing his fingers off, doing songs for the Boys and for other artists."

AJ McLean Comments On Angi Taylor

DLSonline.net reports Angi Taylor, who has been hosting a morning show on 101.3 KDWB in Minneapolis, has been rumored to be dating Nick Carter. The fans have seen her hanging out on his boat at the Key West Race. She was holding his hand, grabbing his behind, touching his hair. She talked on her radio show about being invited in Marathon, Florida to hang out with him and his family, on her radio show, and so on. She talked about him so much that it became a daily thing on her show, but now she said that what they had was so precious that she will not talk about it anymore, so that their relationship would not be in the spotlight.

Nick's Backstreet Boys bandmate AJ McLean was asked about their relationship. He said: "Don't hold your breath for wedding bells. She dated Howie too for a while, and she's still flirting with Christian from BBMak, and she is using Nick to promote her morning show, which doesn't make Nick happy at all, since he likes to keep the details of his private life away from the media. The other problem with this relationship is that Sue Bird also said she had been invited to go down to Florida to hang out with Nick. That's what I have to say about it.""

~~Dec. 28~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KEVIN&NICK IN KANSAS CITY TODAY*DETAILS>

Nick was in Kansas City tonight for 'Night with Jolly ole' Saint Nick' (pun intended) for Z95.7's food drive. He did his set, which was totally wonderful by the way... Anywho, as we were standing over by the 'exit' waiting for Nick, guess who strolls by us! None other than bandmate Kevin Richardson! Kristin was raised in Missouri and she still has family here, that is why they were here, but since they were in town, they wanted to come and suprise Nick. Kristin had a friend with her from high school who was just as sweet as she was.

It was funny how for a long time Kevin and Kristin both walked around the floor unnoticed by the fans. Kevin looked SHARP!! His hair is longer now and he had it slicked back..*Smelled good too*... It was a nice little suprise.... especially with all the rumors that fly around!"

THANX TO KIM

~~Dec. 21~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~Now Or Never is now certified Gold (meaning that 500,000 copies were shipped). It has sold roughly over 150,000 in 7 weeks.

Source:
http://www.billboard.com/billboard/charts/bb200.jsp

The Billboard 200TM Top 100 Positions /Issue Date December 28, 2002

[158] 142 121 7 Now Or Never, Nick Carter * Jive | 41828 | Zomba | (12.98/18.98)

* Recording Industry Assn. of America (RIAA) certification for net shipment of 500,000 album units (Gold)

~~(12/13/02, 10 a.m. ET) -- Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough's third annual Lupus Cruise to benefit his Dorough Lupus Foundation sets sail from Miami on Sunday (December 15) for a seven-day adventure aboard the Carnival Victory. Dorough, his sister Pollyanna, and the rest of his family will be on board as the Victory visits ports in the Eastern Caribbean, including San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

The Dorough Lupus Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization founded by Dorough and his family shortly after his sister Caroline Cochran died from the disease in 1998.

Dorough explained to LAUNCH, "I unfortunately lost one of my sisters, Caroline Cochran, to the disease Lupus four years ago on December 12. Actually, right after it happened, her doctor said, 'You know what I know the Backstreet Boys, and you guys do a lot of charity work and are very supportive to other foundations, but have you ever thought of creating your own Lupus foundation, and using your 'celebrity status' to try to promote awareness?' I felt it was going to be hard for me to do it all on my own, but then with talking with my family we decided to create the Dorough Lupus Foundation."

The Foundation aids in research and education, and in providing financial assistance to organizations that help people living with Lupus who cannot afford treatment. "That's one thing that we really pride ourselves in," said Dorough. "We keep the administrative costs down low and really give a bulk of the money towards research, and towards education, and towards assisting families that can't afford to pay for treatment."

Dorough added that he's preparing to head back to the studio with the Backstreet Boys next year, and he's also planning future events to raise money for his Foundation: "Probably we'll be back in the studio after the beginning of the year, so between now and then I'm gonna try and do as much as I can, as well as take a little bit of time off for the holidays, so we're gonna see. We're actually in the process of planning for the next three months. We were talking about maybe doing a Hard Rock tour--a lot of unofficial stuff."

Meanwhile, the annual cruise has raised more than $85,000 for the Dorough Lupus Foundation thus far. For more information on the Foundation, please visit doroughlupusfoundation.org.

~~Courtesy of:
Boy Most Likely
WDM Forum
XY Magazine

Can They Make It On Their Own?

Justin's single gets the airplay. But Nick Carter is the really original one, and he deserves success.

New York City -- The other day, I found myself staring at larger-than-life posters of Justin Timberlake and Nick Carter in a mega-music store window.

Staring lustfully at those shiny bodies, I asked myself a deep and meaningful question: "Which will be crowned the king of solo debut efforts?"

It's clear that in order to make it as solo artists, both will need to be propelled by the right promotional machine, just as they were in their boy-band days.

With their debut solo albums now on store shelves, I can see how the print media are going to promote these guys: together in adjacent windows, and on magazine covers.

The treatment has been evenhanded so far, as magazines have been equally gaga over Justin and Nick. And why shouldn't they be? Nick, with that baby-face innocence and blonde messy hair, is still, even at 22, a dream come true. And then there's Justin, who, when not wearing his hair in an Afro, is worthy of being named the Godiva of eye candy.

Television is on the same path, giving both young artists ample airtime. The music channels are rotating their guest spots between Nick and Justin on all primetime shows. A "news update" of Nick is followed by a "news update" of Justin. With TV, the promotion of the entire body hasn't been lost to both our protagonists, who have altered their images accordingly.

The "Nicky" days have been retired for Carter as he grows into a man of much desire. The sports jerseys, a staple of his younger image, have been replaced with a James Dean leather jacket complemented by dirty jeans and fresh-from-the-floor T-shirts.

Nick is the boy-next-door turned badass, with the Blackfoot Indian chain tattooed on his right arm, providing us some new and wild bedroom fantasies (personally, I'd love to be his Lone Ranger).

He speaks softly and shyly and refuses to indulge interviewers about his personal life (is he gay, bi, confused?), giving him a wholesome quality that we love.

Justin has changed his image less drastically. He still has that trendy pop/hip-hop look and has added the Michael Jackson glove effect, in the form of X-game half gloves. He tries to add street cred to his image by wearing some "bling-bling" and sporting cornrows from time to time.

You can see his P-Diddy influences. There's the slick talking style, the street lingo, the endless self-promotion.

In the end, the TV battle clearly goes to Nick.

His single "Help Me" is currently dominating TRL, because his image change is real and refreshing -- unlike Justin's imitations of others' past successes.

Radio airplay is a different story. Station managers continue to think familiarity is all listeners care about. No one in charge of radio has any balls. (Does one have to check the "I'm a pussy" box on their application to get hired in radio these days?)

Justin's single is getting three times more air than Nick's. Why? Because Justin's song is the same sound as N'Sync's, minus the other four. He hasn't changed his musical style. Radio stations love the status quo.

Nick has changed his sound -- it's rock n roll reminiscent of early '80s power ballads with drum solos and screaming guitar riffs. Since radio stations are the last to love a different sound by an established act, the radio battle clearly goes to Justin.

Looking at these three media outlets, it would seem like a tie. But radio airplay determines, in part, the Billboards, and chart longevity is the biggest factor in an artist's staying power. So, sadly, Justin will probably make it bigger as a solo artist.

Nick really deserves to be on top. He has reinvented himself without Justin's cheesy imitation of other stars. But to be honest, um: we wouldn't mind him on the, uh, bottom either.

--Earnie M. Gardner

~~Carter & Timberlake Fan Battle Expected
SOURCE:POPDIRT

"DLSOnline.net reports that on December 19th, a war is expected to take place between Nick Carter / Backstreet Boys fans and Justin Timberlake / *NSYNC fans as both Carter and Timberlake will be performing at KIIS FM's Jingle Jam concert in Los Angeles, CA. It is a well known fact that most Backstreet Boys fans hate *NSYNC fans and vice versa. At a recent event where Nick performed, several *NSYNC fans decided to show up just to 'boo' Carter but ended up paying the price. Carter's fans quickly came to his defense by pouring drinks that they had purchased all over the girls."

~~Dec. 20~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.broadway.com/template_1.asp?CT=38&CI=22433
Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson Set for Chicago

Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson is set to make his Broadway debut in Chicago. The pop star will begin performances as sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn on January 20, a production spokesperson confirmed to Broadway.com.

Richardson and cousin Brian Littrell, two of the five Backstreet Boys, began singing together when they were just children. Richardson met Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean and Nick Carter while working at Disney World, and the rest is history. The Backstreet Boys began their rise to international stardom in 1996 when their self-titled album was released in Europe. (An American version of the album would follow a year later.) Hits from the recording included "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)," "As Long as You Love Me," "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," "I'll Never Break Your Heart" and "All I Have to Give." Their American follow-up album Millennium was released in 1999 and debuted at number one on the Billboard sales charts. The albums spawned the hits "I Want It That Way," "Larger Than Life," "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely," and "The One." The band has also released the less-succesful Christmas Album (YEAH RIGHT THIS PART IS NOT TRUE AS WE AL KNOW BSB DO NOT HAVE A CHRISTMAS ALBUM OUT) and Black & Blue. In total the group's record sales have topped 71 million.

Billy Zane, currently appearing as Flynn, will play his last performance on January 19. Richardson, who is scheduled to star in Chicago through March 9, will begin performances at the Shubert Theatre and then transfer with the Tony Award-winning revival to the Ambassador Theatre on January 29.

--Cara Joy David, Broadway.com

From the Toronto Star:

Thanks to NYCBSBFAN

Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys a hit in Baghdad Shopkeeper sells counterfeit cache of Western tunes

MITCH POTTER

BAGHDAD—In a land fully fraught with questions about what fresh hell the future will bring, there is at least one hideaway in the Iraqi capital offering surprising sounds of solace.

Tucked inconspicuously among a row of tiny stalls along Baghdad's popular Arasat concourse is Ghost Music Shop. Here, the soundtrack of the once and future enemy is stacked three metres high, compact discs of everyone from Elton John to Britney Spears to Backstreet Boys.

Considering the Iraqi regime's reputation for unrelenting cultural control, Ghost is among a small but growing number of retailers presenting a remarkably broad range of Western pop culture. Even rappers Tupac, Dr. Dre and Eminem are front-racked on these shelves.

Owner Saad Yousef, 40, is unabashedly thrilled with his inventory, a mix of pop, disco, rap, techno and alternative rock. Though he has never set foot in the English world, he speaks the language well "just from listening to the music."

For Yousef, the distinction between Western culture and Western aggression is easily made. "I love the American people. I love the music, the movies, everything. If just once I could visit Hollywood, my life would be complete," he says.

"It is the American leadership that terrifies me. I think George Bush is a scary man."

A parade of teenage Iraqi girls crowds the shop to buy the latest from Backstreet Boys, the current top seller. Shakira, says Yousef, is Number Two.

Yousef says that when he launched the store in 1997, the Ministry of Information furnished him with a black list of product forbidden for sale.

Topping the hit list of the Iraqi thought police is Boney M. The 1970s pop group may be a faded memory for most, but in Iraq they are Number 1 with a bullet among forbidden sounds. The knock against Boney M is twofold; not only have they performed in Israel, a long-time enemy of Iraq, the group is best-known for its hit "Rivers of Babylon," the timeless tale of Jewish exile which saw tribes of Israel land between the Tigris and the Euphrates — the heart of modern-day Iraq.

Yousef turns slightly pale when a visiting reporter points out the discs of several other artists whose concert history includes visits to Israel, Madonna and Radiohead among them.

But then he shrugs. "With this rule, eventually you would have to eliminate all music. I don't think that is possible."

Another English-speaker hanging around the shop — "I'm the biggest rap fan in Baghdad," he proclaims — suggests Iraqi security police have bigger things to do right now than monitor youth culture.

The continuing economic sanctions against Iraq have affected its cultural life in myriad ways. For the Iraqi National Orchestra, even the task of replacing violin strings is a sometimes insurmountable challenge. The Iraqi film industry has all but imploded, unable to develop what it shoots; by default, however, live theatre is flourishing.

For the music lovers of Ghost, the sanctions are a double-edged sword. On one hand, nobody in the store can name a single foreign pop star who has performed here in living memory.

On the other hand, CDs cost 2,250 Iraqi dinars — about $1.75.

Asked how he can sell for so little, Yousef pulls back a curtain behind the counter to reveal a five-bay digital duplicator. He counterfeits.

"This is what everyone does in Iraq. Because of the sanctions, we can't import legally," he explains. "So I get one copy of a disc either from Syria or Jordan — or if it's a really special artist, I will have it sent to me by friends in America. And then we just make copies. We also photograph the covers and reprint them beautifully."

Indeed, a disc of Céline Dion, the only Canadian artist to be found on these shelves, could easily pass for an original.

Yousef looks perplexed when queried on whether it matters that the artists earn no royalties on his method of business.

"I'm sure the record companies are angry, but we live under an embargo so what are we supposed to do?

"All I really care about is that people can enjoy the music. We need this to survive, to stay connected to the outside world."

Alicia Crawford leaves Nick's band

Here's a statement from Alicia:

For those people wanting to know why I wasn't present at the Kansas show yesterday here is the reason why. On Monday Nick and I mutually decided to part ways. Both of us have always wanted nothing than for the other to be happy. For me that meant coming home and getting my wedding planned. Getting married is a huge thing for me and Duane and we want to concentrate all of our efforts on that. I had a blast being able to have the oppertunity to play with Nick over the past 6 months. I learned so much about myself and was able to do so many things that I had only dreamed of. He will never know just how grateful I am he called me back in June. And on top of that I got to meet some of the greatest people, his fans, who have supported him not just through Backstreet, but now also with his solo career. You guys are great and I've enjoyed getting to know all of you. With this being said, I wish Nick nothing but the best with his solo career. He's wanted this for so long and he deserves it. For me I don't know what God holds in the future, but I know this will not be the end of music for me. Thanks so much for all your support I will miss you guys.

God Bless,
Alicia Crawford

BSB is at #55 in the Billboard 200 year-end chart with the "Chapter One" album! Not bad, not bad...

http://www.billboard.com/billboard/yearend/2002/bb200_2.jsp

~~Dec. 12~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

12/06/02, 1 p.m. ET) - The Backstreet Boys are eyeballing a new album and tour for 2003, despite recent legal problems with its Jive Records label.
The group's Nick Carter-whose new solo album, Now Or Never, is said to be responsible for the turmoil--tells LAUNCH that he expects the quintet to break some new ground when it reconvenes in the studio: "I'll be honest with you, you know, we're gonna have to definitely change some things around," he says. "I want to do another album, but we're gonna have to evaluate that situation, and that's what we're gonna do. Of course, the times have changed from that, that whole pop era. Hopefully this is what I can do, is bring a new vibe to the band, you know? And when I do go back and do another album, I can put my input in and be, like, 'Yo, let's try something like this now,' you know what I'm saying?"

On November 25, the Backstreet Boys filed a $75 million suit against Zomba Recording Corporation, the parent company of Jive Records, in U.S. District Court. The suit claims that the label opted not to release a new group album last spring in order to concentrate on Carter's solo album. Carter is named along with his groupmates as a plaintiff in the suit.

--Gary Graff, Detroit

~~Dec. 8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BSB ON MTV..Yes, All Five Of Them Sit Down

On December 18th, 4:30 PM, there will be a sitdown interview on MTV with all 5 members of the Backstreet Boys. All five members of the group have a sitdown with MTV News reporter John Norris as they talk about their lawsuit against their record label, their next album -- and if it's their last, their Summer tour, and they will personally address the rumors of a breakup. Thanks to NickzBeach @ LD

AJ & Sarah Outakes From VH1 Rock n Roll Weddings

1) Aj and Sarah had to taste different foods for their wedding. While they were looking at the different dishes, Aj came upon some spicy oysters. He challenged Sarah to taste them, but she said "no way". So he insisted: "For me! Cmon', do it for me!" So Aj puts some of the spicy oysters on a piece of bread, and she takes a little bite of it. She said it tasted really bad, so Aj tells her that it's because it's better with some tabasco sauce on it, so he adds some, and shoves the whole thing into his mouth. His face turned red, and he screamed "Good God, this is hot!" He then drank some water, and since that made it even worse, he went over to the pastries, and shoved some in his mouth. Everyone was crying of laughter.

2) At another time, they were entering a lingerie store, so that Sarah can pick out some outfits, and see how Aj reacts to them.Aj was walking behing Sarah while they were going into the store, and he put some ice down her pants, so when she would walk in, the camera would get a shot of her wet butt. That shot became an outtake, of course, and they had to reshoot that scene again, but everyone had a big laugh once again.

Source: BackstreetSweeties

Dixie Chick likes BSB!

Marnie answered some questions on the Entertainment Weekly site.

http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,396109~4~0~adixiechickanswers,00.html

Do you ever listen to pop music? --Laurie Privitera, Wethersfield, Conn. My closet CD that I don't admit that I really listen to is Celine Dion. My husband's sister passed away in a car accident, and she was a huge Celine Dion fan. ''It's All Coming Back to Me Now'' was her favorite song, so that's kind of my guilty pleasure. We just drove down to San Antonio to see Emily give birth, and we listened to the Backstreet Boys the whole way down there. (Kevychick83: BSB CDs are great for road trips, trust me.) And I am an 'N Sync fan.

Source: Kevychick83

Jane Carter is tired of boybands

This from the Nov 23 billboard magazine , credit to dopeyd2000:

Even if several acts or packages show huge potential, there is no assurance they will tour at the same furious level of the genre's predecesors. Not everyone agrees completely with the idea of non-stop touring. "I don't want to do that with Aaron," says Jane Carter, mother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and his younger brother, Aaron Carter, and manager of the latter via her Spectra Management. "I think we need to give (Aaron) time to grow as an artist and (give) his audience a chance to miss him." Here's where she starts peeving me Carter says that if it had been her decision, Backstreet Boys would not have toured as often as they did. "I think that's part if the problem with this burnout situation," she says. "I think everyone's had enough boy bands-I know I have. (talk about biting the hand that feeds you!) There's only so much you can see." While Nick Carter has initiated a solo career, his mother says the artist considers his tenure with the Backstreet Boys to be ongoing. This is the part that really burns me! "But my recommendation to him right now has been I don't think the world is ready for another Backstreet Boys album"

~~Dec. 6~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No chance of a split: Backstreet's back!

http://tennessean.com/celebrities/

I know you're incredibly frightened that boy band The Backstreet Boys might be splitting up.

After all, they haven't put out an album of new music since 2000's Black & Blue. And now the Boys are suing their record label, Jive Records, to get out of their deal.

The Boys are particularly peeved because they feel they were blocked from putting out new music because the label was so busy launching Nick Carter's solo album.

Is this the beginning of the end for Boys? Will they be tearing up our hearts?

''Definitely not,'' says Nashville entertainment lawyer Jordan Keller, who represents Backstreet Boys (and Kentucky natives) Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson. ''They're writing and ready to go.''

Jordan says the label drove a wedge between Nick and the rest of the Boys, but, Jordan adds, ''The boys have since shaken hands and said, 'Hey, let's move on and do this.' ''

They just hope to do it on another label. Stay tuned.

Nick Carter is a sucker for tears.

Recently during a stop for his promo tour in New York. A female fan begged for an autographed but security guards screamed, "no." Tears began to fall like a faucet and Nick the Great jumped out -- gave her a hug, kissed her forehead, and autographed her CD.

Meet the newest Backstreet Boy: Baylee Thomas Wylee Littrell.

Baby Baylee, the spawn of Backstreeter Brian Littrell and wife Leighanne, made his grand entrance Tuesday at 7:41 p.m. in Atlanta, tipping the scales at 6 pounds, 7 ounces.

According to band spokeswoman Sonia Muckle, "both Mom and baby are doing well."

In a brief statement, the newbie parents said, "God has blessed our family in so many ways, and we are proud and very excited to welcome our new healthy baby boy into the world."

Littrell, 27, becomes the first Backstreeter with his very own brood.

He and Wallace, 33, have been married for two years. They met while shooting the band's 1997 video "As Long As You Love Me," in which she was an extra.

She has also appeared in such TV series as Silk Stalkings and One Life to Live. They became engaged in 1999 and reside in suburban Atlanta.

His bandmate (and cousin) Kevin Richardson is the only other married Backstreeter, tying the knot with dancer Kristin Willits just three months before Littrell.

A third member, A.J. McLean (news), will tip the Backstreet balance from bachelor- to hitched-heavy in January, when he's scheduled to walk the aisle with his steady, singer Sarah Jo Martin. The two became engaged last December.

Nick Carter (news) and Howie Dorough are the remaining unbetrothed Boys.

Aside from making babies, Littrell has been plotting two big projects with his bandmates: the follow-up to 2000's Black & Blue and a just- filed $100 million lawsuit against their record company seeking to void their contract.

Nick Carter Surprises Wish Kids

The Mid-South chapter of Make-A-Wish assisted the Kentucky chapter to help 18-year-old Chris meet singer Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. Thinking he was going to meet Nick later in the day, Make-A- Wish got Chris into the FM100 studio on the premise that he was going to talk about his wish. At 7:30 a.m., Chris got the shock of his life when the one and only Nick Carter walked into the studio live on the air. Later, Nick also visited with winners from our Kids for Wish Kids contest.

Backstreet Boys Sue Zomba For $75 Million

The Backstreet Boys have filed a $75 million suit against Zomba Recording Corporation, the parent company of Jive Records. The suit, filed yesterday (Nov. 25) in New York District Court, alleges breach of contract, intentional interference with contract, trademark infringement, and unfair competition and seeks to void all stipulations remaining from the group's 1994 contract with Zomba.

According to the suit, the Backstreet Boys in November 1999 revised their 1994 contract and committed to releasing two further albums for Zomba. In exchange for delivering them on time as part of a pre-determined schedule, the group would receive multiple non-returnable payments that would serve as advances against future royalties. Included among these was a $5 million payment if the second album (the group's fourth overall) was delivered by April 30, 2002, and featured the participation of all five group members.

The suit says things went awry following the November 2000 release and subsequent tour in support of "Black and Blue," the first album under the revised contract. Once the Backstreet Boys were ready to begin work on their next release, Zomba "refused to actively participate in the selection of songs or producers and rejected, in bad faith, artistic suggestions made by [the group]."

Instead, Zomba turned its attentions to releasing a solo album by group member Nick Carter, making it "impossible for [the group] to deliver a fourth album to Zomba by April 30, 2002, or otherwise. Because of Zomba, Carter was unable and unwilling to participate in any of [the group's] production or recording efforts. Because of these insurmountable roadblocks, [the group] has yet to deliver to Zomba its fourth album."

The suit claims that Zomba forced Carter to "produce, release, and promote a solo album at the expense of his involvement with the band," making lucrative touring impossible and denying the Backstreet Boys' attempt to collect the $5 million payment. Further, the group claims Zomba is unlawfully using the Backstreet Boys' trademark to promote Carter's record. The set in question, "Now or Never," debuted earlier this month at No. 17 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 106,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"We are committed to the Backstreet Boys, and we will protect our group from anybody or anything that tries to break us apart," the group said in a statement. "We are disappointed that our long time label Jive Records has attempted to irresponsibly exploit our group. The five of us are writing for our new CD and setting concert dates for our upcoming worldwide summer tour." Billboard.com understands the group may play some shows in conjunction with U.S. fairs.

A Zomba spokesperson said the company does not comment on pending litigation.

To date, the Backstreet Boys' three Jive studio albums have sold 27.4 million units in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Nick Carter Racing won Saturday's American Power Boat Association final in the Key West Offshore World Championship. The Backstreet Boys star celebrated by spraying the dockside crowd at the Truman Annex Race Village with beer, then diving into the water with younger brother Aaron Carter

Thanks to Popdirt

It's taken a while, but Nick Carter has finally answered your questions. Well we did have to send them all the way to Miami. Over 700 fans seized the opportunity to find out what they've always wanted to know. Nick answered as many as he could - after all he's a bit busy being an international superstar - and here they are.

Leanne McCue
Would you like to pursue a future career as a director and if so which films would you like to direct?

I have never thought of being a director. I think that the next move I make will probably be acting in films. That is really what I'd like to do if I ever took a break from my singing career.

Sherly Lin
What did your mum say about your single when she listened to it for the very first time?

She absolutely loved it as I think most mothers would love their sons songs. She was in the Florida Keys when she first heard it on the radio and she called me on my mobile phone to tell me how excited she was. It was a great feeling.

Nicolette Blacker
nick would you ever do a duet with your younger brother and sister aaron and angel?

I have done a duet with Aaron. It's on his "Oh Aaron" album. You should check it out. I have never done a duet with my sister – we fight too much – Just kidding!

Kim Marazzi
If you were interviewing a fan what would be the first question you'd ask them?

I would ask them why they like my music so much?

Rozz Hepburn
when will the rumoured "Carter Album" be recorded coz i am a massive nick and Aaron fan?

I think that is still a rumor at this stage. I think it would be a crazy record because within my family we have so many different influences. So for the moment, I would say that there are no immediate plans for this "Carter Album" to happen.

Emma Gately
If you could duet with anyone in the world who would it be and why?

It would probably be Steve Perry from Journey. He is one of my favorite writers and singers in the world and I just think it would sound so cool to do a duet with him.

Nuala H
Dear sexy Nick is it true that the Backstreet Boy's are splitting up?

No, that's not true. We are actually going into the studio early in 2003 to begin laying down vocals for the next record so be on the lookout for a new album very soon.

Bibi
Nick, have u got any girlfriend now? And which song do u like the most on your new album?

No, I don't have a girlfriend right now. I'm pretty much dating my new album, "Now or Never".

Lisa May
when you have children, what do you want to name them?

I don't know since I haven't really thought about that yet. I don't even have a girlfriend!!!

x kathryn x
How has being a part of one of the most successful music groups changed your life?

Well I've been in this since I was 14 so I really haven't known any other type of life…

Tineke Melkenbeek
Are you (or/and the Backstreet Boys) gonna give a concert in Belgium (or anywhere else in Europe) anytime soon?

Wow – I was just recently in Brussels for promotion on a big TV show called Star Academy. I love it there and I hope to return early in 2003 for concerts. So yes I will be back and I hope to see all my Belgian fans.

Nouf Bouresley
Do you feel lonely now that you're touring on your own without the rest of the Backstreet Boys?

No, I really enjoy performing as a solo artist.

Becki / Storm
Will you be making a Nick Carter doll just like you brother Aaron?

No there are no plans for any more Nick dolls, I think I'm moving on from that now that I'm 22 years old.

Lucy
I heard bits of your new album and the songs My Confession, Do I Have To Cry For You and Who Needs The World sound like they are really good songs, I just wanted to know what song you enjoyed recording the most?

I really enjoyed recording the song "I Got You" because it was the last song that I recorded for the album and it has a very special meaning to me. Max Martin and I wrote the song in Stockholm.

Beccy
I love your solo single and what I've heard of the new album, I'm a big fan of yours and if I could meet one person in the world it would definitely be you, and my question is who would you really like to meet who you haven't met already?

Probably Steve Perry from Journey or Bryan Adams.

Chezz
I'd like to know if Nick's younger brother Aaron, has a girlfriend?

I hope not! He's only 14 so I don't think so but if he does have one he has been hiding her from me.

anna ly
My question is, I've heard that the Backstreet Boys are no long with 'The Firm' and that you still are so what's gonna happen when you guys regroup?

Neither the Backstreet Boys nor myself are with our old management company.

anna ly
I was just wondering what is the most personal song on 'Now or ever' to you? Also I love the song Payback -is that song about Mandy?

I Got You. No that song is not specifically about Mandy.

Christine
My question is, i am one of many adult fans, so how in relation do you think older fans relate to you or react towards yourself and the rest of the backstreet boys? do you think we are more laid back, or do you think we are crazier than your younger teenage fans?

We have a very dedicated legion of adult fans and they are as crazy as the younger ones. They come to every concert and sing all the songs.

Michelle Taylor
I would like to know who are your musical influences?

Bryan Adams, Led Zeppelin, Journey, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys…

Sheetal
Is it true that your house hunting in North London?

No, I love London dearly and it is absolutely my favorite city outside of the United States but I don't have any plans on moving there right now.

Kav
When are you coming to the UK again?

I'm definitely coming over for concerts in early 2003, so get ready to see a new side of Nick Carter live!

Kelly Hems
I know you love ALL your fans, BUT which country has the best fans?. How do they differ from country to country?

I think that in general my fans are a lot more crazy in Europe than in the United States. They have been supportive of my career since I started with the Backstreet Boys over 7 years ago and I hope that they remain as loyal to me in my solo career!

baby gracie
what's the best thing you could do to make a fan happy?

I would dedicate a song to my fans at my concert.

Nikita Carter
When are you planing to come to my country (Jordan)?

No plans at the moment but I hear it's very beautiful there.

Veronica Mondragon
If you fall in love with a fan do you continue with the relationship or do you forget it?

I continue no doubt!

Rebekah Rowland
What is your favorite thing about being a singer?

Probably getting to meet so many cool people and visit different places around the world.

~~Nov. 30~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Date: Nov 22, 2002
Source: Evening Magazine
Submitted By: Panda Bear

By JOAN KINSEY / Evening Magazine

What would you do if you were about to spend an entire day with somebody who’s idolized across the country? It was a dream-come-true for a girl from Mukilteo.

Eight-year-old Sasha Gonzalez was singing to calm her nerves. She was about to meet the guy of her dreams – a guy who makes girls go crazy across the country.

The guy is Kevin Richardson, an idolized member of the Backstreet Boys.

Millions of fans love him. But it was Sasha who got to meet him.

She could hardly believe it – neither could her friends.

The story Sasha had told millions of times goes like this:

Last year at a fundraiser for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Kevin Richardson doanted a day hike for a family of four.

With a bid of $9,000, Laurie Stewart won the prize and then gave it to her 16-year-old nephew Brady and her niece Sasha.

At the base of Mount Rainier, away from the screaming crowds that usually surround the Backstreet Boys, Sasha met her pop idol to go hiking with him for the next three hours.

“We're just chatting and having fun, and I hope what they get out of it is to see how much I love being outdoors,” said Kevin.

Kevin’s love of nature motivated him to create a foundation called “Just Within Reach” that educates young people about the great outdoors. Another goal of his organization is to find a link between the environment and cancer.

That’s why he came to the Northwest to help the Fred Hutchinson Research Center.

“I lost my father in '91 to cancer and its close to my heart,” said Kevin. “And so I think we need to explore the causes, the effects of effects of toxins in our environment with the connection of cancer.”

But that day, supporting cancer research meant a hike with an adoring fan who is now the envy of girls everywhere.

Kevin created a foundation to educates young people about the great outdoors.

This year, the “Hutch Holiday Gala” will be held Saturday, December 7, at the Sheraton Hotel. For more information on the auction, check out their Web site. As usual, there will be a silent auction. Items include a GM Hummer, a five-course dinner party to share with friends, valuable art, and all sorts of travel packages, including a trip to China. It all benefits cancer research at the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~November 23~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Howie D. Is 'Very Proud' Of Nick Carter
Posted by MusicMan on Thursday, November 21 @ 05:03:49 EST (105 reads)

Backstreet Boys star Howie Dorough tells Launch.com that he's "very proud" of his bandmate Nick Carter on his solo debut effort 'Now or Never'. "I'm very proud of him," Dorough said. "He's done a great job. It's something that he's always wanted to do. He's always had, like, a rock kind of influence, and this is a chance for him to spread his wings out there and just experiment. It's something that we always want to allow each other within the group to go out there and journey and grow as entertainers individually, because as we grow as entertainers individually it will only help the group grow." Read more.

thanks to popdirt.com

Carter Wants to Develop As Artist
Tue Nov 19, 6:08 AM ET

"I'm learning to play the guitar. I've been playing for a year now, and now I'm getting to a point where I can play with my band," the Backstreet Boy member told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

"I play drums, and I want to develop into a really respectable artist, as a writer, as a producer."

Carter's debut album, "Now or Never," was released late last month. The 22-year-old says the other members of the group are supporting his solo career.

"They realize that this is making me a better person, a better individual," he said. "I'm learning how to be a musician, how to be a better artist, and it makes me feel like I can contribute more to the group when I come back, that I can hold more weight."

What Things Nick Carter Would Do Now Or Never
Posted by MusicMan on Saturday, November 16 @ 17:43:23 EST

WHAT NICK WOULD DO NOW:

Make peace with Eminem... Go on tour with Linkin Park... Go skateboarding with Avril Lavigne... Star in a creepy horror movie (as the villain!)... Go crowd surfing during a concert... Go on a solo tour... Start a musical group with his family... Go on Celebrity Fear Factor (bugs, snakes and slimy stuff, oh my!)... Start his own clothing line, a la J.Lo... Pierce his tongue... Dye his hair blue... Party with Nelly... Go on Dawson's Creek...Audition for American Idol... Do a cover of the '70s song, "Brick House!"... Go skinny dipping in the Bahamas... Play a game of one-on-one with Kobe Bryant... Belly dance with Shakira... Star in a re-make of Grease... Open up for Ozzy Osbourne in concert... Fly a hot air balloon around the world...

WHAT NICK WOULD NEVER DO:

Go bungee jumping with friends... Join O-Town... Get his nose pierced... Wear a big fat gold (bling bling) necklace that says "Nick"... Kiss a jellyfish... Take fashion tips from Christina Aguilera... Let Aaron beat him up (just once!)... Star in his own reality TV series... Get a gold tooth just like Nelly... Start his own music magazine... Eat a pizza with worms on it for $10... Sing a cover of "Macarena"... Give Britney Spears a kiss on the cheek... Break up BSB...

FOR THE RECORD: NICK ON THE BSB RUMOR:

"We aren't breaking up!" Nick says. "I've been dying to do some kind of rock music since I was a little kid. Growing up in the group, even though I love what I do with them, I just wanted to try something different. That's all!""

Thanks to www.popdirt.com

Backstreet Boys star Howie Dorough is the owner of a popular and quite exotic nightclub called Tabu in Orlando, Florida. The music scene zones in on 'Dance, Hip Hop, Booty, and Top 40' as well as 'R&B, Funk, Reggae, Spinning, House, and Breaks.' The main attendees appear to be a bunch of half-naked people who still think it's the 70's. Many celebrities have attended the Studio 54-like club already including Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Nick Carter, Isaac Hayes, Shaquille O'Neal, *NSYNC stars Joey Fatone and Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, and Steven Segal.

thanks to popdirt.com

Not only does *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake admit to smokin' blunts with Nelly in the December issue of FHM magazine, but he takes offense to interviewer Rory Buckeridge's assertion that the Backstreet Boys are a better looking band than *NSYNC. "You think they're better-looking band than us?," Timberlake asked, before breaking down and admitting, "Yeah, you're right, I guess they are. Kevin [Richardson] is a pretty little motherfu**er. We're just not as manicured as the Backstreet Boys." On the elaborate beard's sported off and on by the members, most notably AJ McLean, Timberlake said, "That thing looks like it takes hours to do. That bitch has it's own agent. You gotta love it though."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~November 21~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Single / Video News" Do i Have to Cry for You

So, the new news is that "Do I Have To Cry For You" will only be a single in North America / USA. "I Got You" will be the new single in Europe.

The video for "Do I Have To Cry For You" which takes place in a desert, in a hotel room, and in a little cafe thingy which should be really good, but sadly enough, no wetness really, will debut on VIVA in Germany Monday.

~

Nick Carter Celebrating Thanksgiving In Detroit

"Backstreet.net reports Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter will be in the Detroit, Michigan area Nov. 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving Day Parade (riding the 'Club DRQ Float') on the 28th (admission is free) and you can see him at the Hob Nobble Gobble the 27th (starts at 6:00pm EST) at the new GM Wintergarten at the Renaissance Center (tickets and ticket info at 313-923-7400). If you live in the Detroit area listen to 93.1 WDRQ and you could win the chance to ride on the Club DRQ float with Nick Carter. The event will be picked up live by CBS."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~November 9~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tks to FunkyChicken

He wears briefs, is afraid of Gremlins and… has never been in love!!

IS THAT REALLY TRUE, NICK??

Imagine: you’re as popular as Nick Carter. It’s a dead giveaway there are many rumors curculating about you. We asked him about some of them…

Nick always wears briefs instead of boxers
That’s not true. I wear whatever I find in my closet. I don’t care what’s on my butt as long as it fits and is clean.

Nick collects beanie babies
That WAS true, but I quit a while ago. There are certain hobbies that you can’t maintain after a certain age. I’m not collecting anything now, except maybe for CDs and clothes.

Nick is afraid of the dark
Uhm…a little. I would lie if I said it isn’t true. But I hate the night. Other people may get romantic ideas about the nighttime, but I don’t. I used to check under my bed at least 3 times a night because I was scared Gremlins would attack me at night. That’s another thing I’ve grown too old for haha

No matter how scared he is of aliens…Nick would love to have a part in a science fiction movie
Yes, that’s true. In fact, I would WANT to play an alien. I love science fiction en action movies. So if I’d ever get the chance to play in one I would say yes immediately. If I can act? Sure, why not?

Nick is crazy about Nintendo games
Yep! Always has been, always will be. I swear, Nintendo is the best! The new FIFA game is awesome. Wow, it rocks. Unfortunately I don’t have enough time to play Nintendo.

Nick has never really been in love
That’s true as well. No, never. Is that so hard to believe? I don’t think so myself. I just never really let myself go, that’s my explanation. I’m only 22 so lots could happen still.

Nick got his first kiss at age 7
I can’t remember hahah. But yeah that could be true. I think I must have been about 7 or 8, yeah. It probably wasn’t like a deep kiss, just a little kiss.

Nick is a shy guy when talking to a girl he likes
Yes. I’m not one of those slick womanizers that always know how to start a conversation. I always feel uncomfortable and think the girl has all kinds of prejudices against me and it makes me nervous so I let her do the talking. I prefer it when girls come up to me and say hi or whatever.

Nick once dated 2 girls at the same time
No, that’s not true. Not guilty your honor!

In Junior High, Nick got picked on for looking like a girl
Yeah, that’s true. Yet another fact. Although I didn’t look like a girl, but my hair was longer than that of the other boys and I was blonde. I guess they didn’t think that was cool.

Nick is a great cartoonist
That’s true as well. I’m not THAT good. I need to take my time, but if I do, I can draw really well.

Nick has been playing the drums since he was 14-years-old
Yep! Altough I’ll always be a better singer than a drummer

Nick doesn’t smoke
True again. I tried it before, but I don’t like it much

Nick thinks beer is disgusting
Uhhmmm…………yes!

Nick considers himself to be rolemodel for others
No, definitely not. I couldn’t say that about myself. I’m just a normal guy that tries to be real and natural. And I make just as many mistakes as the next guy, so not much of a rolemodel huh?

Nick doesn’t like it when people tell him he looks like Leonardo DiCaprio
No, that’s not true. I honestly don’t care what people say as long as they don’t tell me I still look like a girl!

In clubs and on stage it’s clear…Nick is a horrible dancer
I won’t pretend to be a great dancer, but I CAN dance. I don’t hate it. I need to dance on stage, but it’s just entertainment

Nick once stole a bible from a hotel
Yeah, that’s true… well, I didn’t exactly steal it… I just borrowed it and forgot to took it back

Nick gets mad when things don’t work out the way he planned
I’m a perfectionist, but if something goes wrong I get over it. I never get like MAD-mad about it.

~

Nick Carter On a one-way street

With his new album, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter hopes he can escape the curse of the boy band member who goes solo

Lianne George
National Post

Monday, November 04, 2002

Chris Bolin, National Post
IT'S NOW OR NEVER: Nick Carter describes his new solo album as a "light pop mixture with rock flavour."

Nick Carter, the youngest, blondest member of the Backstreet Boys, is dressed like any sloppy university-aged male. Slumped over a table at the ritzy Studio Cafe in Toronto's Four Seasons Hotel, he's wearing a hooded sweatshirt, low-hanging overalls and a diamond stud in his left ear. Perhaps the only remarkable thing about him is the mind-boggling fact that Carter -- a singer and dancer of middling talent at best -- is probably worth more than every guest of the Four Seasons Hotel combined.

Despite the band's past success, it's no secret the Backstreet Boys have lost their momentum. Although their publicists insist that another album is in the works, the real problem is out of their hands. The problem is this: by boy band standards, the Backstreet Boys are old. Most of them are married or having children or on their way in or out of rehab. Except for Carter.

About a year ago, 22-year-old Carter -- the one whose bowl cut and imploring hand gestures used to drive the tween set wild -- experienced an identity crisis of the sort one would expect of a boy band member reaching maturity.

True, he's been all around the world and is richer than God. But, consider his life: he's been with the band since the age of 12, he's never been to a regular school and he's never stayed anywhere long enough to have a real girlfriend. Rarely has he even had the opportunity to venture out in public dressed in an outfit that hasn't been purposefully co-ordinated to match those of four other men. Even at this very moment, six or seven of his "people" are glaring protectively from the next table.

"I was going down a wrong path in a way," he says, describing that confusing time in his life. "I was doing the wrong things, hanging out with the wrong people." In January of 2002, perhaps the apex of his troubles, Carter was arrested after a fight broke out at a nightclub in his hometown of Tampa, Fla.

"The scenario was very odd," he says. "Some cops were arresting a bunch of people for fighting outside and I had walked out. I was just was there and they were just arresting people. "Carter apparently failed to leave the scene promptly when asked by a police officer and found himself in cuffs. He was reported to have been distraught at the time, and told the police "you just want to arrest a Backstreet Boy." The charges were later dropped.

After some soul-searching, he decided the time had come for him to try something new, to strike out on his own for a while.

As luck would have it, around the same time, his management approached him about recording a solo album. He immediately recognized it as an opportunity to define himself as separate from the rest of the Boys.

"Growing up with these guys, that's all I've known," he says. "A lot of people, when they grow up, they step out of a family and figure out who they are. That's basically what I've been doing. "

The resulting album, Now or Never, which he describes as "light pop mixture with rock flavour," is available in stores this week. Carter says he wrote 65% of the album -- but the songs he didn't write, he assures his fans, he hand-picked from a selection culled for him by his A&R people. He only chose songs, he says, if he felt a real personal connection to them.

The album's first single, the unfortunately-named Help Me, is a painfully earnest pop-rock ditty about struggling to "figure out right from wrong." (Carter belongs to that school of singing in which closed-eyed whispering is considered a reasonable substitution for genuine emoting.)

"I didn't write the song," he says, "but I think it's so cool. If you listen to the lyrics, it's like, 'Help me figure out the difference between right and wrong / weak and strong / day and night / where I belong.' It really just connected with me. It's like, 'This is where I'm at right now.'"

He's also coming to grips with romantic relationships, of which he's had very few. (He dated a girl once for a couple of years when he was 16, but that was before the band got big.) His self-penned song My Confession, (which features the line: "I wanna ask you why / but every time I try, you cry") is about being in love with someone who's committed to someone else.

Now or Never, he says, is just an experiment, something he felt he had to try. He is still first and foremost a Backstreet Boy.

"I ask that people not over-judge the situation," he says. "I want people to be open minded." Whether or not they will be is another question. Unfortunately, rarely has a member of an over-exposed pop group managed to launch a solo career unscathed by naysayers.

Alas, it's the curse of belonging to a boy band. Doesn't he hate always being described that way?

"I don't hate it," he says. "And after I'm done doing what I'm doing, they probably won't put me in with that no more."

http://www.nationalpost.com/artslife/story.html?id={0C6A2AB9-E061-4E4B-928C-886B12F795CC}

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~November 8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amazon.com
If anything will drive a nail into the Backstreet Boys coffin, it's this surprisingly impressive solo album from Nick Carter. The first of the Fab Five to break out on his own, Carter reveals a rocker's heart that's lurked under his high-gloss pop exterior. While he rasps and struts through his 12-song debut, we're not talking headbanging mayhem here. Carter excels in the brand of guitar rock that put Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams on the map. The elder Carter conjures the militaristic flamboyance of Queen on "Girls In The USA," or the teasing coyness of "Raspberry Beret"-era Prince on "My Confession." The anthemic "Is It Saturday Yet" is another highlight. Despite a seven-year tenure singing other people's songs as a member of America's favorite boy band, Carter proves himself an able tunesmith, penning five of the tracks on the disc, and plays some fine guitar. --Jaan Uhelszki

Barnes & Noble
With the popularity of boy bands waning once again (think New Kids on the Block) and his younger brother Aaron's career soaring, Nick Carter -- the youngest and arguably the most marketable member of the Backstreet Boys -- has taken flight and gone solo. In BSB, Carter's more timid vocals were often overshadowed by Brian Littrell's earnest, country-tinged crooning and A. J. McClean's flamboyant vocals. But on his urgently titled, rockin' debut, Now or Never, Carter sounds surprisingly convincing as a frontman. With a carefree pop-rock sound, Carter charms fans throughout the 12-track disc, most notably on the guitar-driven lead single "Help Me," the Bryan Adams-reminiscent ballad "Do I Have to Cry for You," and the Bon Jovi–esque "Miss America." On the latter track, Carter cleverly serenades his dream girl with smooth lyrics such as, "In the land of the free/Make a prisoner of me/Close my eyes and you're all that I see." Only time will tell, but like his 'N Sync counterpart, Justin Timberlake -- who also released his first solo disc, Justified, in late 2002 -- Carter's boy band–less future looks bright. After all, it's Now or Never. Tracy E. Hopkins

THE ROLLING STONE REVIEW

Duke2001ncaachamps Writes:

Rating: *****

Now or Never -have you heard it yet? If not, you’re missing out. It’s got a little bit of everything, and overall the album rocks. Nick co-wrote 5 tracks, and shows the range in his writing from “Do I Have to Cry for You”, a beautiful song with a Bryan Adams feel to the more rockin “Girls in the USA.” “Blow Your Mind” does just that, this track has an edgy feel that makes me want to dance, one of my favorite tracks. While I have my favorites, this is one cd where you don’t need to skip over tracks, they are all good. The limited edition DVD has informative interviews and a look at Nick in the studio, definitely a great bonus to the cd. I would highly recommend this album, especially to those who like a pop-rock sound. And to those who dismiss it as “boyband music” before they hear, I ask you to listen to it, and give it a chance, I think you will be surprised. So if you haven...

Edmund writes:

Rating: *****

Nick definitely delivers with his first solo album. In "Now Or Never" Nick shows off his vocal talents in a wide assortment of musical genres. From the pop sound of "Help Me" to the rock sound of "Girls In The USA" to the sultry sound of "Do I Have To Cry For You." I would have to say that my favourite song on this album is "Who Nees The World" because all it is Nick and an accoustic guitar and you can really hear and feel Nick's passion for his music. I would definitely recommend this album and if you are a true Nick Carter fan this is one you don't want to miss out on. The bonus limited edition dvd is also a great plus. One of the things conatained on the dvd is the full length video "Help Me." What else does the dvd contain? Well, you will just have to find out for yourself when you get "Now Or Never" by Nick Carter. I will tell you that if you love Nick, you will definitely love the ...

Billboard Comments On *NSYNC Vs. Backstreet
http://www.billboard.com/billboard/ask/index.jsp
BATTLE OF THE BOY BANDS

Dear Keith,

'N Sync's "No Strings Attached" (its second album) holds the record for the most copies sold in the initial week of release, at 2.4 million. Ever since the Backstreet Boys' "Black & Blue" (their third album) failed to break this record, the media (and radio airplay) has inferred that BSB is past their prime and 'N Sync are the bigger act.

If I understand the figures correctly, though, BSB has sold more albums than 'N Sync. I also believe that "Black & Blue" (by many considered to be a commercial disappointment) sold more copies total than 'N Sync's third studio album "Celebrity" (which had a larger first week of sales and is seen as a hit by most in the record industry).

Excluding BSB's "The Hits - Chapter One" and 'N Sync's "Home for Christmas" album, which band has sold more copies of their three studio albums of original material? How many copies have each of these albums sold individually? Also, any insight into the media backlash against BSB -- or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks!

Darren Lucas,
Wichita, Kan.

Hi Darren,

Ok, here we go. According to Nielsen SoundScan, 'N Sync's U.S. sales for its three studio albums are: "'N SYNC" - 8.7 million, "No Strings Attached" - 11 million, and "Celebrity" - 4.8 million. As for the Backstreet Boys, their titles shape up like this: "Backstreet Boys" - 10 million, "Millennium" - 12 million, and "Black & Blue" - 5.4 million.

So, just for each groups three studio sets, 'N Sync has moved 24.5 million copies of its albums, while Backstreet Boys have sold 27.4 million. Your point has been proven. (For what it's worth, 'N Sync's "Home for Christmas" has sold 2.6 million copies in the U.S., and the Boys' "Chapter One" moved 1.5 million.)

Why has the media and the general public perceived 'N Sync as the more successful of the two acts? Radio is a factor. 'N Sync's last two albums have each spawned three top-20 hits on Billboard's Hot 100. "Strings" saw "Bye Bye Bye" (No. 4), "It's Gonna Be Me" (No. 1), and "This I Promise You" (No. 5) all sail into the top-5. "Celebrity" started slower with "Pop" (No. 19) but then thanks to crossover R&B appeal, "Gone" (No. 11) and "Girlfriend" (No. 5) both climbed to higher ranks.

The Boys were on a roll on the Hot 100 for a while. Their self-titled album had four top-40 hits: "Quit Playing Games" (No. 2), "Everybody" (No. 4), "I'll Never Break Your Heart" (No. 35), and "All I Have To Give" (No. 5). "Millennium" started off strong with "I Want It That Way" (No. 6), but faltered with "Larger Than Life" (No. 25). "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" climbed into the top-10 (No. 6), but "The One" stalled out at No. 30.

Finally, "Black & Blue" started off promisingly with "Shape of My Heart" (No. 9) but the next two singles, "The Call" and "More Than That" didn't make the top-20 (they hit No. 52 and No. 27, respectively).

Certainly, the fact that radio wasn't interested in the Boys material hurts their general appeal. Evidently the singles simply didn't test well enough to convince programmers to play them more often. Regardless, selling over 27 million albums in the span of seven years is something to celebrate.

Thanks to Kattime66

Thank bgbyrd

Two of my dear friends are at the breakfast and just called with me an update. Here's the short form...

Brian and his Mom and Dad are there. Leighanne was advised by her Doctor not to travel because of her pregnancy.

The baby is due December 6, but Doctors project she may go as early as Thanksgiving. The baby is a boy and his name is going to be Bailey Thomas Littrell. (Brian commented that he knows it's normally a girls name but that it is going to be spelt differently - I don't know if the spelling is Bailey, Bayly or something else?)

Brian said that they have recorded 3 songs with ALL the boys and will be getting to work on the album next year....and that there will be a tour. He said that they all met in February to discuss the new album and that is when Nick told them he was pursuing solo stuff. Brian said it has actually worked out because not too long after he found out Leighanne was pregnant.

When my friend had her 'moment' with Brian she told him that the true fans would be there to support them when they are ready to come back. She said Brian was very genuine and said (paraphrasing) "you have no idea what that means to me."

Overall, she said the event is great - very organized, good gift bags and good interaction time with Brian and his family.

Funny things....when Brian entered the room he came along a catwalk and of course everyone was watching. He pretended to trip and fall - which was apparently very funny. Also, he commented on his first time ever on stage with the Boys back in 1993(?) and he raised his hand above his head and did the "Get Ready" dance. For those of you who have not seen this early video footage (before they had a record deal) *** it is so funny and hilarious and the choreography is....AWFUL!

Well, I think that's it. Overall it seems to be an amazing time!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~November 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

According to AllAccess.com...
"Do I Have to Cry for You" impacts radio on November 12. Just a few weeks, guys, until that awesome song officially hits the airwaves.

But I'd start requesting it now.

Nick at LatinVMA'sPre-show

Nick was just on the pre-show. he said that his next single Do I Have To Cry for you might be redone in spanish!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~October 25~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My mobile ring tone is...
"It just rings, you know, RING RING" (LMAO)

I get really embarrassed when...
"I tell a joke... and no-one gets it!"

I really wish I'd never...
"Fell up the stairs of my hotel this morning. Doesn't look very cool, does it?"

What really turns me on is...
"People who have a passion" v You'd have to pay me .... to pose naked
"10 gazillion $$$"

The headline I most dread reading about myself is...
"Nick Carter Naked Butt Exposed!!" (LOL)

My scummiest job ever was...
"Washing cars - my arms still hurt!"

You'd be shocked if you knew I...
"used to be a drummer in a rock band when I was 12"

If I was invisible for a day, I'd slap...
"All people who get on my nerves"

The celebrity I'd never take style tips from is...
"My Dad! I can't go around looking like my Dad, can I?"

My most disastrous date was when I...
"I was 12. It was at the Mall... and my mom came along"

I think about sex...
"Every six seconds!!"

I've never told anyone that I...
"Failed my driving test 3 times before passing"

My biggest fashion mistake was when...
"I wore a BIG fake fur coat to an awards ceremony"

I wish people wouldn't believe the rumor that...
"I'm a bad boy! I'm just a normal guy"

If I farted in front of a celebrity I'd...
"Laugh, and tell them it was the other guy"

My worst school memory is...
"Having to apologize to the whole school for setting off the fire alarms"

I nearly fainted when...
"Our first single went to Number One!"

TAMPA -- Alicia Crawford is constantly reminded that she's no longer a student at the University of South Florida and just another hard- working bass player on the Tampa Bay music scene.

"Hey, I'm watching TV right now and I'm on it," she blurts out with a laugh in the midst of a phone interview last week.

Crawford, 20, has caught a glimpse of the new video by Backstreet Boy- turned-solo-pop-idol Nick Carter on MTV's Total Request Live, better known as TRL. The reason for her exuberance is understandable: She's not only in Carter's hit Help Me video -- she's the bassist in his new band. In fact, she assembled it at his request only five months ago.

That was when, with a phone call out of the blue, Crawford's entire life took an improbable turn into the fast lane of the music biz, with the kind of twist that most local performers only get to dream about.

To fully appreciate Crawford's excitement and lingering disbelief, you should know she planned to be back studying music at USF this fall. Instead, she was with Carter on Monday on Regis and Kelly, and on the 1,000th episode of TRL Wednesday. Saturday -- three days before Carter's album Now or Never hits stores -- they'll perform at Guavaween, and they're set to play the Tonight show with Jay Leno Nov. 6.

You should also know that Crawford grew up surrounded by music, as the daughter of longtime local morning-drive personality Mason Dixon. As a surprise for her 12th birthday, Dixon arranged to have the Backstreet Boys -- then an unknown outfit of boy crooners -- sing her Happy Birthday. She became instant pals with Carter, a Tampa 14-year- old.

"I'd been playing bass a couple of months, and I was mostly into alternative music, which was still the big thing," Crawford says. "But I wound up hanging out with Nick and his mom at the radio station.

"He said, 'Call me, I'd love to come over sometime.' He played drums, and the whole summer, he could come over like every day in the garage of my parents' house. And we'd write music and play cover tunes. We ended up bonding, and fighting over who was better -- Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins."

Eventually, Carter and the Backstreet Boys left for Europe, where they launched their careers. He and Crawford fell out of touch, though he once showed up incognito to watch her rock band, Sister Sara, in Ybor City in 1998. "He called to say he was in town, and I said, 'Great, come to the show,' " she says. "Nobody knew he was there but us."

Then Carter dropped out of sight again, immersed in the Backstreet Boys' record-setting Millennium tour and riding the teen-pop tidal wave.

Crawford, meanwhile, kept plugging away locally. After Sister Sara broke up in her senior year at Tampa Prep, she entered USF, and met a singer-songwriter-guitarist named Daniel Marshall. They formed the Christian-rock Daniel B. Marshall Band, which would twice open for national act Jars of Clay.

Things were starting to look up for Crawford's band as summer approached -- it had just finished an album of originals and had signed on to perform four weeks at a youth church camp for thousands of middle schoolers. She, Marshall and drummer Jason Leiter talked about pursuing a record deal.

But then, in June, Crawford answered her cell phone while she was driving in Georgia en route to a family visit in Memphis. "It's Nick, and he goes, 'Hey Alicia, I'm calling from Sweden,' and then my phone conks out," she recalls.

Crawford hadn't heard from Carter in three years, so she had no idea why he was calling. She pulled off the road until she could get a good connection. He told her he was working on a solo album, with this kicker: "He said, 'I want you to play bass for me, and I want you to put together a band for me."

The rest happened in a blur. Carter flew to Tampa to hear the band, which had added lead guitarist Andy Pardue, and gave his thumbs-up. He told them that his management would arrange to fly them to Los Angeles for a formal audition.

Still, Crawford and Marshall struggled with the decision. They called Carter's handlers and proposed a compromise: They could do two weeks of the summer camp commitment, then fly to L.A. The answer was a firm no. "They said, we need to hear you in two days, and you need to tell us in an hour what you're going to do," she says.

Crawford says she and Marshall prayed for guidance. They felt at peace with their decision to leave their Christian band, and summer camp organizers supported them. Then came weeks of rehearsals, the video shoot in August, and an overseas tour in September ("It was like A Hard Day's Night -- 200 girls chased us down the street in Spain.")

"I like to give people opportunities, just like my friend Alicia," Carter says during MTV's Making of the Video, adding how much fun he's having with his all-Tampa group.

Crawford's parents are "really excited, but they miss me -- I've always been a homebody," she says.

In her garage apartment at her parent's house, there's still a schedule of USF classes on the wall. "I wrote, 'No Going Back' on it with a big black marker," she says. "It's just to remind myself that I have to give this my all."

GALA, October 24th 2002

He's still cute although he doesn't like to hear that for sure. Nick Carter, 22, the "baby" of the Backstreet Boys is going his own way now. At the age of 22 the singer wants to get away from the softy image. Physically with tattoos and wild outfits, musically with an album that sounds like something between Bruce Springsteen and Blink 182. His album has the promising title "Now or Never" and is going to be released on October 28th. At a photo shoot in Cologne, the heartthrob spoke to us.

Gala: The Backstreet Boys Baby is going rock, did we always misjudge you as a crooner? Nick: I always had a wild side in me but I couldn't let that out in the group. You could almost say that I have a split personality. I'm a quiet guy, but when I go on stage, I change. That was sometimes a problem with the Backstreet Boys. The guys had to stop me on stage to get me under control. But I don't like to be under control, I wanna be wild.

Gala: The new album shows your real personality then? Nick: If it would've been my decision, the album would've been even more rock. But since I come from a pop band, it didn't work. The change would've been too drastic, people wouldn't have accepted that.

Gala: But still people are going to put you in the Boyband genre ... Nick: I'm sure that's what's going to happen at the beginning, but later on that'll change. Even Michael Jackson was the Jackson- Five- Baby in the beginning and Robbie Williams an Ex- Take That member.

Gala: Is Robbie Williams something like a role model for you? Nick: I respect him very much. He didn't chose the easiest way to reach his goal. And yeah, I'm comparing myself to him. Honestly, it would've been easier for me to record songs that sound like the Backstreet Boys to be sure about the success. But that's something that I didn't want. Me and Robbie do what we feel is right, no matter what other people might be thinking. I think that this boldness is going to pay off.

Gala: Many Boygroup stars have drug problems, among them are Robbie Willams and your bandmate AJ McLean. Why didn't it catch you? Nick: That was the good thing to be the youngest, you could learn from other's mistakes. I knew that I don't want to end like this. But I'm 22 and I still want to have fun, I want to be young and crazy. This is going to be a hard test for me.

Gala: Can you tell us about your bad characteristics? Nick; I like to pick around in my face. That is driving the Make Up people crazy. I also like to pick on others. I can be a real pain in the neck.

Gala: Doesn't sound too exciting. Other Rockstars would mention their weakness for groupies and parties ... Nick: I don't have time for girls. I like to party, though. I like to go clubbing, especially when live bands are playing. Sometimes I'm jumping on the stage and sing old Grunge songs, but also oldies like Elvis, the Beatles or Elton John.

Gala: What would you sing to seduce a woman? Nick: Probably a Frank Sinatra Song.

Gala: Good Choice. Are you a ladies' man? Nick: Yeah, maybe. You'll have to decide for yourself (winks).

Gala: The glance is already perfect. Tell me about your tattoos, what do they mean? Nick: I have too many! On my legs, on my back, on my shoulder blades ... I have two black feet on my chest because I have blackfoot indian blood in me. And the shark on my arm stands for danger and the ocean. I love the danger, I surf, I scuba dive and I go fishing. I live on a small island on the Florida Keys and I'm on the water a lot.

Gala: It's been quiet in Backstreet Land, do you still see the other guys? Nick: Sure, but we're more colleagues than friends. Some of the guys have their own lives now. AJ is going to get married and Brian is about to have a baby.

Gala: Are you ever going to record together again? Nick: We thought about it. But I want to do my own thing first, it's just begun. I want to go on tour in January, only small venues with 2000 or 3000 people. I want to start from the beginning and also build up a new fan base without losing the old. And I want to be closer to the audience, which sometimes was hard in the huge arenas the Backstreet Boys were playing in.

Gala: If you think back to the time with the Backstreet Boys, is there something that embarasses you today? Nick: Oh yeah, whenever I look at pictures and see my old hair styles. But I think everybody knows something like this. Look at old pictures of Madonna. I'm sure she often thinks, "Oh my god, how could I?" now.

Thanx to We Got Corn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~October 24~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pop Psychology!

He asks for help in his latest single, so we got him some - a top shrink to unravel the mind of Nick Carter!

Little did Nick Carter know what was in store when we sat him down on our psychologist's couch and asked him a set of seemingly innocent questions. After much analysis, his answers revealed what's really going on in his mind. Cunning, hey?

You're stuck in a room with no windows or doors. Describe in three words how you feel.

Nick: Trapped, scared and nervous.

This answer tells us how Nick sees his future.

Nick is nervous about his future - the thought of his career going wrong really scares him. "Well, I guess with the solo stuff I'm really putting myself on the line," he admits, "so yeah, I am a bit nervous." Gosh, we're good...

Describe your favourite animal in three words.

Nick: Is a shark an animal? (Duh! - Ed.) Well I'd say it's sharp, graceful and dangerous.

This answer reveals how Nick sees himself!

Aha! Very showing. Everyone knows sharks glide effortlessly through life. They're calm and collected, but can turn and attack at any time. In a similar fashion, but with less teeth, Nick sees himself as a loner, but thinks himself capable of sudden action when required. He also perceives himself to be sharp, graceful and to have a dangerous, wild side.

Describe your favourite colour in three words.

Nick: Green. It's deep, big and soothing.

This answer tells us how others see Nick.

Nick's friends and family see him as a deep-minded, strong and comfronting person - he's the one they turn in times of trouble. It's interesting that Nick chose green because it's a soothing colour, and Nick does give off a laid-back vibe. Nick reckons he's got a calming influence on people around him, and is proud of his spiritual side. Although he admits sometimes people think he's "a bit crazy".

Tell us what you can't live without, and describe it in three words.

Nick: Music. I'd say it's soothing, healing and therapeutic.

This answer reveals what Nick is looking for in his friends.

Nick is so cool and relaxed that he looks for the same qualities in his friends. He also needs mates who can listen to him when he has a problem. "I've realised there's more to life than just partying," he adds. What did we tell you?

You're swimming naked in a lake - describe in three words how you feel.

Nick: Free! I definitely wouldn't be embarrassed. I'd just feel open and relaxed.

This answer reveals Nick's attitude to relationships.

What a good sign - Nick's totally cool in relationships and he doesn't get embarrassed about opening up. "I'm not looking for a girl," laughs Nick. "Well I am looking," he adds, "but I'm not ready for a big relationship. I've had experiences with relationships in the past that make it difficult for me to trust people."

What one thing makes you happy?

Nick: The ocean. It's always been a big part of my life, but it's something a lot of people don't understand. It can heal you and make you feel good if you're stressed out. It's very powerful but at the same time very calm. It has hidden depths, things people will never see.

This answer is the key to Nick's real personality.

Like the ocean, Nick can seem calm and peaceful on the surface but he's never more than a few moments away from blowing up into a storm. Nick grew up in Florida, near the ocean, and even how the sea reminds him of an innocent time, before the stresses of life as an international megastar took over. As for the hidden depths people will never see, the shy, private Nick would be talking about himself away from the spotlight.

Source: BackstreetNews ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Oct. 20~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks to boymostlikely.com

11.10 :: Music Saved Me from Rehab Hell (Sneak)

You thought only one of the Backstreet Boys had problems? Think again. The band's heart-throb, Nick Carter, was hiding his own troubles.

The last few years have been the hardest of Nick Carter's life. He's had problems with his weight, a battle with the booze and he was arrested last January. You'd think the last thing he'd want now is a risky new solo career -- but you'd be wrong. "I coulda ended up like AJ," Nick confides to Sneak. "But my music saved me."

We meet up with Nick in LA where he's promoting his new album and is as happy as we've ever seen him. It's been a long journey but he's now fit, healthy and positive about his future. But to find the root of his problems, we've got to go back to the beginning...

Ruthless people

Nick's been a Backstreet Boy for a whopping ten years and in the spotlight for the last seven. He was 15 when the band released their first record and growing up in the music biz was not a good experience.

"You see some awful things and meet some of the most ruthless people," reveals Nick. "I've seen people who'll hurt someone just for money or for fame. Your trust is just blown out the window."

He found the only way to survive was to retreat inside himself. "I put up a barrier to protect myself," Nick says. "I withdrew into my shell." That shell would take seven more years to break.

So bad

As Nick grew up, his problems grew worse. Everyone knows what happened to his bandmate AJ -- when AJ's gran (who had helped raise him) died, his drinking and depression got so bad he ended up in a clinic. What people don't know is how close Nick was to following him. "It could easily have been met in rehab," Nick says. "God knows how I pulled myself out.

"I'd go on stage, then come off, drink and go partying -- that's what my life consisted of. I'd turned 21 (the legal drinking age in the US) and I didn't know what was going on. I just wanted to hang out and be like all the college kids. You see other people with a life and you think, 'I want that' -- and you party twice as hard."

It was a vicious circle. The more Nick drank, the more depressed he'd get. Something had to give.

Arrest

"On the last tour there were low points," Nick admits. "The things that happened with my arrest (Nick was arrested for 'failing to move on' after an incident outside a club last January), what happened with AJ -- I was starting to go down that road."

And at the time when Nick needed the band's support more than ever, they were busy with other things. "It was difficult, 'cos some of the other guys had their wives [Brian and Kevin both got married last summer] and, naturally, they were trying to pay attention to their own lives. They had their own buses on tour, like a family thing, so I was pretty lonely. I was looking at myself and my health and I was worried. I didn't want to treat my body badly. I wanted to pull myself out of that."

Turning point

But Nick didn't end up in rehab. Which is why, toady, he's i a plush LA hotel by Santa Monica beach (think Baywatch) telling Sneak he's "happier than I've ever been."

So how did he do it? "I didn't stop the partying until I started recording my solo stuff," he says. "Suddenly, it hit me -- I'd found myself again. I'd found a way to release stuff I'd been holding in since I was a kid."

For Nick, putting his thoughts down in music was the turning point -- a way of breaking down the barriers he'd put up as a teenager. "It's been a therapy for me. It made me feel better and proud of myself again.

"I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't gone into the studio to write. It could've been bad. I could have ended up like AJ. Thank God I didn't."

Old Nick

Instead, Nick's on top of the world. "I got the old Nick back," he says, with a grin. "I'm happy, I'm energetic, I love what I'm doing and I'm ready to show the world what I've got. It's like I'm starting again." With that, he gives Sneak a beaming smile, like a man who knows he'd had a very lucky escape.

Source: Scan by Morning View, typos by me.

Dude! What a craaazy character 22-year old Backstreet boy Nick Carter is. If he's not UFO hunting in the middle of the night, he's going scuba diving or getting yet another tattoo. Perhaps he can answer the question...

That doesn't look like a self portrait you're holding there, Nick.
- I have been drawing since I was little, and it's usually more serious. But I wanted to do something silly and stupid, a little abnormal. That is how I think of myself: silly, stupid and abnormal

So why did you draw an alien?
- I believe aliens are real. I use to go hunting for them three or four years ago. I'd get back late from a tour and couldn't go to sleep. I'd go out in my car with friends late at night in the middle of Florida and look for UFO's

What's a strait of yours that people find annoying?
- Probably that I'm scattered. It's like I've got attention-deficit disorder. I get very flustered, and it's hard to get my attention. But when I'm doing music, everything falls into place. It's like only music can help me concentrate.

If you were to wake up dead tomorrow, who would be the leading suspect?
- I don't know. That's hardcore, bro!

You're thinking of someone. Who?
- Justin Timberlake (laughs) I'm just joking. I don't even know him.

If you were a woman, who would you want to be?
- Janis Joplin. I'm a big rock fan, and you can tell she had a lot of stuff that she held inside. She could release it only when she sang. That's how I feel. I hold a lot of things inside, and the only time I get to release them is when I open my mouth.

What do you have in your wallet right now?
- Some credit cards. Some chicks' numbers. A scuba diver's license. And receipts- I save all my receipts, because my dad told me to. If the IRS comes at me, I'm going to have a sh*tload of receipts.

How many tattoos do you have?
- I stopped counting after 15. Japanese symbols, a shark... I got CHAOS down my spine, because I was a chaotic kid. Reckless, annoying.

Imagine you're shopping at the grocery store. How much is a quart of milk?
I don't know. Sh!t. I failed science. How much is it? 8 ounces or something?

No. How much does a quart of milk cost?
I don't know. A guess would be $2. Or $5,99. You want me to guess again? Or did I miss?

You obviously haven't bought groceries in a while. What's your favorite swear word?
Damn. No, probably sh!t. Because sh!t happens. [laughs] That was pretty f***ing lame!

So maybe it's f***ing
Damn it! You caught me.

How would you describe your taste in sex?
Dude, I don't know. Picky?

You have never taken the advantage of who you are to have sex?
Mmm, can't say that.

So who does Nick Carter think he is?
A margarita. I'm sweet and sour at the same time. But when you drink me, I make you feel good.

This is the article straight from People Magazine that is now on stands (Faith Hill is on the cover)....there are some GREAT pics in it, and a cute one of Brian & Leighanne.

When you're a pop idol, a simple errand can turn into a Survivor episode. Last April, Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell and his wife, Leighanne, stopped by a drug store near their Atlanta home to buy a $16 pregnancy kit, and the last thing they wanted was to give the tabloids gossip fodder. "Brian ducked behind a shelf, and I got in line", says Leighanne, who panicked when she saw that the object of their quest was under lock and key. "I babbled to the pharmacist about my sister needing a pregnancy test", she says. "Then I bought two value packs to be sure--neither of us wanted to go back."
They won't have to. By September the rest of the world had learned what the couple had known since their furtive purchase: A Backstreet Boy is on the way, and fittingly, it's a boy. The news is yet another sign that the Boys--who sold more than 65 million records in the 90's--are all grown up. "Some people think of us as the kids we were back when we started", says Littrell, 27, of the dreamboat spell he helped cast with Kevin Richardson, 31, Nick Carter, 22, A.J. McLean, 24, and Howie Dorough, 29. "We're men now: Kevin's married, A.J.'s engaged, I'm going to be a daddy--and that's how it should be."
It hasn't all gone quite as planned. "The first time, when we thought we were pregnant but turned out not to be, we were surprised at how disappointed we felt," says Littrell. "So the second time we were both extremely nervous. I remember we both walked hand-in-hand into the bathroom to read the test. We saw that straight line that means you're pregnant and we didn't know whether to be happy or sad. We were in a state of shock."
The shock quickly gave way to elation. But when Littrell's son arrives sometime during the holiday season, it's unclear whether all the other Backstreeters will be there to pass around cigars. "There haven't been a lot of calls congratulating us", says Leighanne, 33. Richardson demures. In teh summer, 'when Brian told us about the new baby at a recording session we were all very happy for him", he says. Though the other Boys declined to be interviewed, "we are still together", says Richardson, "but we also have to give each other space." Littrell agrees: "We don't see a lot of each other except when we're working. We all have our own lives now."
Littrell's wife Leighanne Wallace began after he met the actress on the set of the Boys' 1997 video "As Long As You Love Me." They soon started dating, and a year later Leighanne was at Brian's bedside when he had surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. "Since then", she says, "I never had a doubt we'd be together." But his bandmates did, she says, after the couple wed in September of 2000: "Some of them had bets we wouldn't last a year."
These days some may wonder how much longer Backstreet itself will last. In recent years the boy band has suffered from public growing pains. McLean entered rehab for alcohol abouse and depression last summer. Then, in March, all but Carter elected to leave The Firm, the band's L.A. based managers. Jane Carter, Nick's mother, says his independence rankled the others. "They've pressured Nick to quit the band", she says. Not so, says Littrell, who contends that they all support Nick's solo effort--Now or Never, due out this month--and that Backstreet's youngest member has already rejoined the others in working on a new album.
Would Littrell ever consider going down his own road? "A solo album? I supopse I still have that as a goal someday', he says. A Baptist, he may pursue a Christian-music career. "Brian sings a lot of gospel music", says Leighanne.
But with a baby on the way, "our priorities have changed", says her spouse, spreading a blanket for the two of them on a friend's grassy lawn in L.A. "I've put on a good 20 lbs. sincve we got pregnant", he says, shaking his head at his burgeoning girth. "Ive definitely had the pregnant brain, forgetting everything like crazy."
And putting other things--like music--on hold. Right now, "I'm just going to be writing lullabies for my little boy", he says. Not to worry, fans. "He'll always be a Backstreet Boy", says Leighanne. "Even if he's somebody's daddy too."

--J.D. Heyman
--Pamela Warrick & Teena Hammond in Los Angels and Gary
McKechnie in Orlando

Thanx to Howie_Ds_Lady from LD

Thanks to Steggy

DJ: We're supposed to be hanging with Nick Carter at US Play today and were waiting for him to call in any second now.. oh that its.. Hello?
Nick: Dylan
DJ: Hey
Nick: It's Nick
DJ: Hey Nick. How are you man?
Nick: I'm ok.
DJ: I know things have been a little tough for you recently. There's been some crazy rumors out there about what's going on with you and your family. And you know it's really none of our business, but you have a lot of fans who really care about you and you know wanna make sure everything is ok. You know were sad you're not here with us tonight in ATL
Nick: Yeah, well just to set it straight I mean my pops is kind of sick right now and uh.. uh I'm down here taking care of him. He was in the hospital for two days.. uh he just had some colon problems and we don't know what it is yet. Ah we're… we're waiting' it out.. umm seeing what it's all about. But you know for the time being uh.. I'm making sure his stubborn butt you know gets taken care of cuz he is really stubborn.
DJ: You guys have a pretty tight family. And I couldn't expect you to be anywhere different. I mean we obviously had this big event planned with you tonight, but we wouldn't want you to be here if we knew that something was going wrong.
Nick: Yeah, you know I'm so sorry I couldn't be there but uh you know… cuz I've been dying to get back to you know get back to ATL forever.
DJ: It's been a long time since you've been to the ATL.
Nick: Yeah I know I know it's been awhile. We came with B&B right?
DJ: Right, right. Um…unless you've been coming and hiding in Brian's basement.
Nick: (laugh) Yeah
DJ: We wouldn't know. Sleeping in the guestroom or something we haven't heard about that though.
NIck: Nah, I havent' slept in the town yet
Dj: well, obviously we're all thinking about you man. Congratulations first and foremost for the new cd. I got to hear a couple of tracks and... blown away, totally blown away.
Nick: Are you for real?
DJ: Totally different.
Nick: Yeah man it's, I mean, I just wanted to, I mean that's just how I am, Ya know I'm different I like to experiment and try new things ya know. Do something, ya know, that's not really expected.. Um That's the kind of personality I have.
DJ: And obviously this whole thing personally is gonna shake out for you and I know that we're gonna get you back here in ATL real as soon as we can. That's cool but what kind of plans do you have for next year and the cd are there any touring plans?
Nick: Well right now I'm, ya know, I'm trying to see how it goes with everything.
DJ: Do you feel any competition with Justin Timberlake liek and his solo thing and cuz..
Nick: Nah man, not at all. I guess we're both kinda in our own little categories, ya know.
DJ: It just seems that everytime you're scheduled to be on TRL, like he calls in or something. I don't know... It's just, it's weird ya know?
Nick: I think, ya know. I think honestly, uh I hope he's very successful. That's my personal opinion. I mean really, um, I'm in a...I'm in a really good point in my life and in my head and ya know I just, um, I don't diss nobody. uh I don't dog nobody and I support anybody who's... this is a hard business to be in. So, we kinda talked together just sorta, I dunno even know when this was. It was a couple of months ago or something like that. But he was like "Yo Nick ya know" we were like backstage at the Latin Grammys and uh he like "Nick ya know, I just wanna let you know man that that's cool that you're doign what you're doing." Because uh ya know when I was.. cuz we knew each other when we were younger.. like we were on the same mangament and we'd tour the time together.. cuz that's all I'd listen to "and whatever you were listening to was rock music and really being into that and it's just that.. that I'm glad you did that". And I'm like, "Yeah I'm glad you did what you did to because.. because I remember that's all you woudl listen to is in somethign was R&B stuff ya know." So it's kinda like,ya know silently supporting each other in a way. And it's, it's a really cool situation.
DJ: I can imagine being on the road as much as you have recently you wouldn't have time for a girlfriend or anything like that.
Nick:Well, and I won't lie ya know... I wish I had a girlfriend. But, I am...
DJ: No, that okay. I know a lot of people who are listening right now are very happy to hear that.
Nick: Yeah I mean that, I wish I did. But I just can't, uh, I dunno. I'm just so busy, and it's hard to trust people and you wonder what people girls are out for and stuff ya know. But hey, somebody, there's somebody out there, there's the one, who ya know. Will give me the chance and stuff.
DJ: Like alot of the rag magazines like The Starr and National Enquirer and stuff ya know they seem to wanna link you with different people. Is that ever weird when you get linked with somebody and you're just like "I cant' believe they're sayign I'm dating Britney" like that.
Nick: I knew that question woudl come up, um, but
DJ: It's funny though isn't it or..
NIck: yeah. It's definatly.. i mean all i can say is that i guess they try to find something to talk about (laughs)I'm serious.. I don't even know her... like I've met her twice in my whole entire life.
DJ: really?
Nick: Yeah man, and I'm just like, i mean she's cool girl and all but I don't know her
DJ: So wait a minute, I've met Britney Spears more times than Nick Carter
Nick: Probably, yeah
DJ: That's amazing

In an interview System of a Down said "No one has the right to criticize the Backstreet Boys unless they know what they have been through, what their influences were. It really fucking bugs me when people slam other stuff, without knowing anything about it. If it's not what you like, that's fine, but if other people like that, so be it. Those people who don't like our music, that's their right. Their stuff might not be my thing, but other people like it."

Credit to ktkm.com

Mandy Moore & Jack Osbourne Play Joke On Nick Carter

Thanks to MusicMan

Mandy Moore on the Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter to Bliss magazine, "They're all fun. I went out to lunch with Jack Osbourne and Nick Carter was in the same restaurant, so Jack and I played a joke on him. We got the waitress to take our bill over and say that Mandy and Jack didn't have enough money, so could he pay. He thought the restaurant were messing him around until he spotted us and chased us out."

Source: Popdirt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Oct. 18~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Howie was on XL106.7 yesterday (Sept. 26th, 2002) with Kid Cruz. It was interesting and I wanted to post the transcript of it for y'all so here it goes:

Kid Cruz: Howie D. from the Backstreet Boys

Howie: Hey, he's back. How's it going

Kid: (Sings) Guess who's back, (Howie laughs and sings Howie's back). Back again. Dude I couldn't even tell you the month or year when we spoke on the radio last time

Howie: Oh my gosh, I know. It's been like a year or so ago

Kid: Oh at least. At least

Howie: At least right? I been missing, ya know, giving my Howie updates ya know, it's been..

Kid: It used to be monthly and then the tour got crazy and then it was like bi-monthly

Howie: It was like a physical check-up. It was ya know, it was OK> Ya know, I was getting comfortable with it.

Kid: Well it's good to have you back on and it's good to speak with you again and dude I,.. I.. and again and I do apologize for calling and waking you up this morning. (Howie laughs it's all good) I didn't know w you were in California. Are you in L.A?

Howie: Yes I'm actually out here in L.A-The group is out here doing some writing and ah trying to put this album together. The never ending album.

Kid: You've been out there allot then you're pretty much spending allot of time out there in California?

Howie: Yea! We've been out here since February.

Kid: Unbelievable- Dude what happened to this sweet house we see on Cribs is the place empty? Give me the key dude (Howie laughs) I'll clean if for ya. Whats the deal?

Howie: (laughing) My brother's using it. Using it very well. That and the car.

Kid: Alright. Well when I see him at Tabu, then I'm gonna set up and after party.

Howie: (laughing)+ There ya go

Kid: laughs

Howie: Tell him not to use my bedroom, though, ok? (laughs)

Kid: You gotta keep that locked man.

Howie: (laughs) yea I know.

Kid: As long as they stay out of your bedroom. How far along is the album? This is gonna be incredible- I mean do you even have a time line as far as when you guys wanna release a new Backstreet Boys album?

Howie: No, ya know whats really weird, actually we were originally talking. umm. hopefully something out in Aug., but as we all know thats gone already. uhhh. So now we're shooting for sometime the end of Dec. maybe the beginning of next year sometime. As far as the kinda things we are looking for, we're really hoping to put something out as quick as possible, but at the same time, this album to us, we want it to be like out Millineum album again. We want it to one of our best albums and we know that we're ya know creating, we're experimenting, we're trying to evolve. And uum.. so that hopefully we can put a stamp in the music industry again for another ten years. Actually coming up in this April will be ten years for us.

Kid: And yea. this will be a pretty big defining album in you career I think.

Howie: Yea, exactly , so we wanna make sure we're coming with the good.

Kid: Very nice

Howie: And then we're;re gonna put it all together and start recording right now, Like I say it's been mostly all just writing and doing demo's

Kid: Well I don't wanna stir up any drama or anything, but it's gotta be really tough with everything happening with Nick doing his solo thing now.

Howie: Yea I'm very happy for the kid actually I just talked to him a couple of days ago. He's he went over to Europe and ya know we're all very proud of him we wanna be supportive to each other to. Ya know spread out our wings and try different things especially if its something thats gonna make ya know it gonna make you happy. Ya know if you're not happy how can you be happy in the group. we talk on a regular basis. Actually I went out to his video shoot they actually threw me in with him on the making of the video.

Kid: I saw it yea I saw that little thing.

Howie: And ah, we're all doing some individual stuff. I'm doing a little bit of acting. Brians getting ready to have a baby in Dec. which we're all very proud and happy for him. And ah ya know Kevin and I are doing some producing and writing in the side as well and

Kid: Are you gonna be the hold out single member of the group? No marriage Howie, c'mon stay single dude (Bowie laughing)

Howie: Nope nope nope nope can't do it I got Tabu. I cant do it.

Kid: (Laughing) Exactly, thats what I like to hear (Howie laughing) Umm.. you know win this contest make Nick get married first.

Howie: There we go

Kid: Before you do . Hold out ok

Howie: The youngest member beats out the second to oldest member to ever get married (laughing)

Kid: There ya go tomorrow nite here in WB 18 at 8:30 you're on the second new episode of the season for Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Howie: Yes. Yes yes yes. very excited about it.

Kid: I understand, this , in my mind is kind of a stretch, you play an arrogant superstar in the episode

Howie: Yes, I play kind of a pompous Rock-N-Roll star umm I guess Sabrina, this new season , she's actually become a reporter for this magazine called sketch-actually I think its called scratch or something like that

Kid: Scorch I think, But

Howie: Scorch, there ya go... ah your reading off the web site there

Kid: (laughs) No I'm a closet fan I love Sabrina any way whatever.

Howie: (Laughing) And ah one of her first interviews is with me. And I'm like this like I say arrogant pompous Rock-N-roll superstar wannabe and she comes to interview me and I'm ;like not even paying attention to her. And I'm all into my workout and um she cant tell that u have a big head and so she writes a bad article about me and I hey all way pisses off and I go to her management and try to get her fired and they say they wont fire her, but they'll try to get her to retract and she doesn't wanna retract so the next best thing they have is for her to come up on stage and apologize in front of the public and I try to take it to this bigger thing and I try like to spank her and all this stuff and she's like forget this. She's like you know you just got a big head and she spell on me and my head gets like really big and everything so its gonna actually be pretty funny. I haven't seen the final version yet so I'll be watching it myself at 8:30 tomorrow nite as well, hoping and praying that I don't make a fool out of myself, but it was also fun.

Kid:Yea c'mon you're like Sweet D, your layed back, your a great guy and you get to be this arrogant guy. It must be kinda fun right. You get to be an ass

Howie: Yea it was actually kind of fun. It was actually, i mean, I , it was totally opposite stretch. its weird, like I say I'm trying to do this acting stuff right now on the side and mostly sticking away from doing musical stuff ya know trying to ya know3 gain the credibility and that factor

Kid:Spread you wings, spread your wings

Howie: Yea, ya know like Mark Wahlberg doing small stuff and ya know building my name with either a great cast or on a great director. But this is actually a stretch anyway even though it was partly

Kid: I'm trying to.. ya know c'mon Howie come clean has there ever been, have ya ever blown up, has there ever been like a dressing room incident where like the m and M & M's were outta place or all this superstar c'mon Howie... you've never flown off the handle?

Howie: (Laughs) No its more like when they give me Nick's underwear to wear instead of mine and ya know on stage , thats when I fly off the handle. I can fit 2 of my bodies in there if just ya know its not worth it for me

Kid: I don't know if I really need to know about you wearing Nicks underwear (laughing) Thats kinda crazy

Howie: (laughs) Just joking yes you know we have wardrobe and everything and they give us out personal underwear that we wear on stage out BS fruit of a looms

Kid: Nice

Howie: We don't sell it as a merchandise anymore

Kid: You guys shoulda got like B.S under roos on something ya know?

Howie: There we go right

Kid: Super heroes you guys coulda done the B.k. super heroes like underoos

Howie: (laughing) hey thats not a bad idea actually I'll give you 5% if we work on that deal alright? We'll work something out

Kid: Sweet-laughs- I get 5% thats funny. Sounds like your doing great dude and ah I'm so happy for you Yea and get those acting roles man.

Howie: (Laughing) Very focused on making a new album. We cant wait for the public to hear we really appreciate all the fans sticking behind us.

Kid: It's all good my friend and ah whenever you come back to Tabu let us know we'll have a big party

Howie: Definately, Definitely

Kid: It'll be much fun. Bowie D thank you so much for taking the time to to bring back, bring back to that Bowie d. report

Howie: Yea, we'll have to do this check-up again, alright

Backstreet Boys 'Experimenting' With Ballard, Dupri For Next Album

(9/27/02, 12 p.m. ET) -- Fans of the Backstreet Boys can rest assured that work continues on the group's follow-up to their fourth studio album, Black & Blue, even as singer Nick Carter prepares to release his debut Jive solo album, Now Or Never, on October 29.

LAUNCH spoke to Kevin Richardson on Tuesday (September 24) about the status of the group's next album. "We are actually, writing, recording, and doing preproduction for our next record."

LAUNCH asked the singer if he could describe how the album is coming together so far. "We're experimenting. We're doing a lot of experimenting," explained Richardson. He added that, in addition to writing their own songs, the Backstreet Boys collaborated with several writers and producers for the album. "We've written and had writing sessions with everybody from Glen Ballard to Jermaine Dupri so, I mean, we're covering a wide spectrum there--an R&B and hip-hop producer to a rock producer--and we're doing a lot of writing on our own."

Richardson also told us that the Backstreet Boys are readying their next album for release in early 2003. "We're trying to have something ready by the beginning of next year," he said.

Meanwhile, Richardson is spending the little bit of spare time that he has raising funds for his environmental organization, the Just Within Reach Foundation (JWR). He will be hosting an exclusive benefit breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney (1515 South Disneyland Drive) in Anaheim, California, on Saturday (September 28) from 8-10:30 a.m. PT. Proceeds from the event will benefit JWR as well as Wildlife On Wheels, a wildlife-conservation organization.

-- Jason Gelman, New York and Neal Weiss, Los Angeles

thanks to Natee from sexualious Backstreet Boys

In an interview with the UK's Capital FM yesterday, Nick Carter made it clear that the Backstreet Boys are here to stay. When asked by the DJ, 'What's happening with the Backstreet Boys?' Nick answered 'They (the fans) don't have to trip and everything because I mean really right now I've been dying to do like some type of rock music since I as a little kid. But ya know, honestly our fans... you don't have to... it don't have to be like that (meaning the fans don't have to freak out) cause we aint breaking up!' He then stated that he loves doing what he does with the group but only wanted to try something a little different.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sept 28~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOTP_HOST: WOW! Here´s the first question. We’re off...

Nick_Carter: whassup?

Nick_Carter: I’m doing good, ready to get out there and perform.

Nick_Carter: The only disadvantadged could be if I’m talkign to someone not in the bussiness you don’t really know if she’a talking to you for the right reasons.

Nick_Carter: You don’t know who to trust anymore.

Nick_Carter: You gotta kinda put a bit of trust in to them sometimes but you can tell after a while.

Nick_Carter: I’ve been disappointed before but not everyone’s like that.

Maria: Truth time Nick! Are BSB still together?

Nick_Carter: Yes we’re still together – there was never a break up.

Nick_Carter: Just me reaching out. I’m really excited to be doing something different after 10 years to be doing the same thing.

Nick_Carter: It’s great to learn new things and to be myself for a bit, learn how to be an individual.

Nick_Carter: It was a bit weird for them to start with, they still look at me like the baby of the group.

Nick_Carter: They see now how it’s making me a better person. They couldn’t diss that at all cos they want me to be better.

Tony: Does it feel odd doing interviews on your own?

Nick_Carter: It’s a little different, kinda scary sometimes in case you say the wrong thing.

Nick_Carter: If you do say the wrong thing it’s all your fault!

Nick_Carter: It was never like that in the first place – we all talked but all on behalf on the group.

Nick_Carter: Now I talk on behalf of me. I have a lot of things to say

Nick_Carter: I was a kid growin up in the business since I was 12.

Vicky Bizier: What’s your single about?

Nick_Carter: I didn’t write the single but when I heard it i loved it

Nick_Carter: The cool thing about doing a solo album is that it has to conect with me as a person.

Nick_Carter: I have to feel inspired by it. When it comes out of me mouth, when I sing it, it has to sound like me.

Nick_Carter: It’s a very confusing world, things are very fast paced. That song fit perfect with my personality and I want to sing it rally bad.

Nick_Carter: Sometimes I don’t know if I’m doing the right decision.

Nick_Carter: Like the right job, anything general in life.

Denise: Which track on the album is most personal to you, and why?

Nick_Carter: There’s a lot. It’s hard to pick out cos I wrote a lot of the songs.

Nick_Carter: They’re close to my heart. Even the ones others have written they’re all personal to me.

Nick_Carter: The one that stands out is called My confession – a mix of pop and rock. Perfect mixture. I love that song.

Nick_Carter: The music I’m doing is rockier pop and people may look at it and say what are you doing?

Nick_Carter: I grew up with rock and it inspired me. When I performed with Backstreet Boys, I tried to give it that edge.

Nick_Carter: I’m very passionate about rock but also lots of music.

Nick_Carter: Not necessarily long-haired rock. It’s guitars, It’s edgy. A little more rocky but has pop melodies.

Stephanie: You have a very musical family, now your sistere has an album. Did you write any her songs?

Nick_Carter: No not on this album. I really wanted to but I’ve been bussy getting my stuff off the ground.

Nick_Carter :I told her I want to write and produce for her, and for my brother too.

Nick_Carter: I feel it’s something I could really be good at. Myabe when I stop doing the ‘wild’ Nick Carter i could do that.

Nick_Carter: There’s no pressure to collbote anyone.

Nick_Carter: I dont’ feel pressured at all so when I do stuff with Aaron or anyone it’s cos i want to. It’s a lot of fun.

Beth: Is it true that you go clubbing with Prince William?

Nick_Carter: I was chillin’ when Prince Willian come walking in. We just chilled and I bounced.

Transcript by Any Carter

Nick With Prince William??

Who would have thought it? American pop star Nick Carter has struck up an unlikely friendship with Prince William.

Bizarre. But true.

The pair are such good pals that they have even been out clubbing together.

Fresh-faced Nick, 22, who is the youngest member of Backstreet Boys, boasted on GMTV yesterday: "I was told to keep it quiet. William and I were kind of kicking it at a club for a little bit. We weren't kicking each other, just kicking it."

Er, OK.

"Prince William and I were talking, man," he continued

"Just hanging out."

We're intrigued to hear what they were chatting about.

The Countryside March perhaps?

Probably not. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sept. 27~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Registered: Jan 2002
Location: sweden
Posts: 356
A brand new swedish Nick Article!!!
Ok here comes a brand new swedish article that was in aftonbladet today....

" I wanted to stop with the music!"

Nick Carter is telling about his depression;

Now or Never, that is the title of Nick Carters debutalbum as an soloartist.

" It was what it felt like. Like I was standing at an crossroad. I was depressed and ready to quit the music for ever."

The backstreet boys star is greeting us in an hotelroom in Sheraton Hotel in Stockholm. He is in the city to promote his solo record who is much more rock influenced than anything he have ever done with the backstreet boys.

It sounds like Bryan Addams, Bon Jovi and a littel bit of U2. One track called " Girls in the USA" is hardrock all the way through.

He had to do something so he wouldnt die from boreness;

"Ten years in the backstreet boys. That is a long time. The same thing over and over again. I was ready to give up music and instead start studying, get myself an education. I know that I can manage whatever I set my goal to do and if I work hard I will get it."

Not in for the money!

But the soloution was another. Continue with the music and with a whole different style.

" I love music. That was why I ended up in this business. It has never been about the money," tells Nick Carter.

Especially not today when he is an milionare in dollars many times around. He says strongly that he is not out after the same commercial sucess as he had with the BSB.

" I wanna take a few steps down from the ladder. Learn something new. A new sort of music, a new profession. I dont want it all served on a silver plate. I wanna fight and if I reach sucess I wanna feel that I have earned it. "

In the Backstreet Boys he loved to sing in vocals and reach out to an gigantic audience.

Personal lyrics

But it was all entertainment. The music never told his soul. Expressed who Nick Carter really was.

" The music and the lyrics express what I feel inside of me. It is personal. It is rock n' roll. The inspiration is coming from the music that my parents listened to.: Journey, Bryan Addams, Bruce Springsteen, Def Leppard, Tom Petty " Arists with attitude!" Music that is genuine and free. "'

" Now or Never" will be released 29 th of october and before that the single " Help Me" is released. Several of the tracks are written and procuded by Max Martin and his partner Rami. Among other producers is The Matrix, Steve Mac. Matthew Gerrard and Ted Riley.

Small photo and the text under is;

Tired of the Backstreet Boys

After ten years in the boyband Backstreet Boys Nick Carter was fed up and thought about doing something entirely differently. But he choose to continue with the music and he is now releasing his first solo debute album; - " The music and the lyrics express what I feel inside of me. They are personal," he says.

Nick Carter gets Swedish help to get away from the boyband-image. The Backstreet Boys star recently got a new tattoo done at 'Tatoo Zone' in Stockholm. "He was very pleased with it," says tattoo-artist Chrille Wagner.

Nick Carter has been a frequent guest in Sweden. During the summer, the popstar has recorded songs for his new solo album 'Now Or Never' with the hitmakers in Stockholm. Nick got in touch with photographer Bingo Rimér through producer and songwriter Rami. "He wanted to get a new tattoo done, and liked the ones I had. I arranged for him to go to Chrille, who did my tattoos". On August 9th, a limousine parked outside 'Tatoo Zone' Folkungastreet in Söder in Stockholm.

Didn't complain Making sure Nick would get his tattoo done in private, no one else was allowed in the shop. "He allready had two small tattoos on his upper arm with two chinese signs. So I made a Japanese background and worked around his allready excisting tattoos. It turned out pretty big", says Chrille Wagner. Is it common knowledge that it is quite painfull when the small needles go into the skin, to ensure that the colour is even. But Nick was tough and didn't complain. "He was cool. Def. not a hard to pleased costumer. And it took two-three hours to get the entire tattoo done."

"He was dead pleased" And the popstar was more than happy with the result. He wrote thank you's on the walls of the shop and also wrote that he would come back. "He was dead pleased. His mate even had a tattoo done", says Chrille. A Swedish mastepiece is now to be seen on the new, tougher Nick Carter.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/noje/story/0,2789,208603,00.html

Nick Carter is to headline the MTV Asia Awards 2003.

The former Backstreet Boys star will be singing live at the event in Singapore on January 24.

MTV Asia will be presenting a total of 19 awards during the show to recognise and promote the icons of youth culture.

Nick, who recently launched his debut album Now Or Never, will be joined by a star-studded line-up of Asian and international artists to be announced in the coming months.

This interview is done during the same time he did an interview with Aftonbladet. This is the Danish equilivant and I have translated it for you. I translatet it directly so it might sound a lil funny. The newspaper is BT. It´s similar to Aftonbladet.

Honest NICK CARTER: Done with drugs »Yes, I’ve come across things,« Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys answers when questioned if he has tried drugs.

STOCKHOLM: »All drugs are alike,« he says, “It´s probably over with that sorts for me. »People starts with drugs cause they miss something in their life« Drugs are just as common in the entertainment business as painkillers for the rest of us. For one of Nicks colleagues in the Backstreet Boys, A.J., the abuse took over and he had to go through a long and hard rehab programme to get back on his feet.

As the only Danish newspaper, B.T. has interviewed 22-year old Nick Carter now that the in a short while will release his first solo album, »Now Or Never«. The album is released October 28 and the first single, »Help Me« is released September 30.

Nick Carter looks the way he is:: A 22-year old white American youngster with highlights in his dark blond hair. Han has gained weight since his days as a fit front figure in the world success the Backstreet Boys. With the fit look gone, so is the clichés.

Now he looks and acts the part of the rock-popish sound of his coming album: Honest, a little tired (yawns constantly during the interview – apparently he only slept 1 hour last night) and apparently doesn´t have the “power” to talk about how he is thanking God, his family and all the crap that the members of BSB in their days constantly told as puppet on strings.

He doesn´t hide the fact that the time in the Backstreet Boys (still exists on paper) in the end was terrible – he had lived the same life since he was 12, repetition on repetition on repetition. Record album, give interviews (including thanks to God and family, dance- and vocal training, going on tour. And then it starts over again.

That’s why the solo project came as a bit of save for Nick. »I was always surrounded by people. All the time. So I had to find myself,« Nick says and continues while looking down at the table »there are so many artificial people in this business.« »But the other members of the Backstreet Boys thought it was strange that I started my solo efforts. Now they have come to understand that it was necessary for me. I was very nervous when I played the album for them cause they are very picky. But they have accepted it well..« Nick Carter himself is naturally very happy about the album – he mentions this between two yawns. In particular his vocals on the song Do I Have To Cry For You is very close to his heart.

»In that song I really get to express my feelings, my pain and my love,« the young man says. Right now there is no object of his affections in his life. The latest (short) relationship with the Swedish model Isabel Filling (there is always a Swedish model for the male superstars!) is over and the player »has« to chase new targets for his love.

As he is known as a man with a hung for women BT thought it would be in it´s place to hear how the sex life is coming along and asks – how important is sex for you?.

Nick Carter is reluctant to answer but starts to answer that sex is important for every body until a management rep. breaks in and says that the interview is almost over and the last bit should be focussed on the music.

The link

http://www.bt.dk/Rampelys.pl?c=left&aid=113385

Thanks to Angela: Kelly Clarkson was asked in an LA interview this morning if she had any teenage crushes. She said she was a teeny bopper at heart, and was a big fan of the Backstreet Boys when she was a young teen. They asked if she had a crush on any particular one, and she said Nick Carter, because he was around her age.

Nick Carter Album A Trip Back To The '80s 09.23.2002 1:43 PM EDT

It makes sense that Backstreet Boys crooner Nick Carter is releasing his debut solo album Now or Never the week of Halloween. Some Backstreet fans will likely think of it as a delicious treat, while others might view it more as a fiendish trick.

On the album, which comes out October 29, Carter leaves behind the glossy harmonies and grandiose production of Backstreet Boys and heads in a more '80s pop-rock direction that will thrill some and alienate others.

Now or Never features 12 songs pared down from 37 written for the disc (see "Backstreet's Nick Carter Ready To Go Solo Now" ). Songwriters include Carter, the Matrix, Mark Taylor, Steve Mac, Max Martin and Rami and producers include Martin and Matthew Gerrard. The first single, "Help Me," written by Gerrard and Michele Vice-Maslin and produced by Gerrard, is already receiving airplay. A video for the track was directed by Chris Applebaum.

The tracks on Now or Never include both infectious uptempo guitar-bristling cuts like "My Confession" and "I Stand for You" and slick, flowery ballads including "Do I Have to Cry for You?" and "I Just Wanna Take You Home."

"Girls in the USA," a rompin' number with funky wah-wah-laden guitars, a slammin' Kid Rock beat and soaring Bon Jovi-style vocals, features dancehall reggae artist Mr. Vegas (see "Nick Carter Has Plenty Of Songs, Few Guests For Solo Album"). It's the only tune with a guest vocalist, yet many of the songs on Now or Never are reminiscent of other artists that inspired Carter. "Is It Saturday Yet?" sounds like Bryan Adams, "Blow Your Mind" begins like New Order's "Blue Monday" before bursting into a euphoric pop chorus, and "I Stand for You" sounds like a cross between Third Eye Blind and Hanson.

Track list for Now or Never, according to Jive Records: "Help Me"
"My Confession"
"I Stand for You"
"Do I Have to Cry for You?"
"Girls in the USA"
"I Got You"
"Is It Saturday Yet?"
"Blow Your Mind"
"Miss America"
"I Just Wanna Take You Home"
"Heart Without a Home (I'll Be Yours)"
"Who Needs the World"

--Jon Wiederhorn

Jive Says BSB Are Working on Songs

The scenario: Nick Carter's got a solo album on the way, Brian Littrell has a baby on the way, A.J. McLean is about to walk down the aisle, Kevin Richardson's been testifying about the environment on Capitol Hill and Howie Dorough's laying low.

The party line: The group's management said that the guys are writing songs for the album, but that there is no release date yet.

The bottom line: Even though Black & Blue didn't sell as well as Millennium, the Boys aren't down for the count: They'll most likely hit with another album in 2003.

Sarah's Show At The Mint

Okay, so we get to The Mint in Hollywood at about 7pm last night. About 5 minutes later, AJ arrives. He's dressed really casual.Jeans, t-shirt and a baseball cap (same thing he wore to her last show, lol) and Marcus wasn't with him. He told us that Marcus was guarding Pink and some others at some Nissan Charity event but was bummed that he was missing Sarah's show. So, someone brings up Justin Timberlake and AJ says that he really liked Justin's performance at the VMA's. I gave him this look like "Are you serious?" Apparently he was. Okay, whatever AJ, lol. And then he says that he's been talking to JC a lot lately and that JC is really angry with Jive because they are putting all kinds of promotion and money into Justin's album but will not back JC at all. Evidently JC is having to go out and get his own producers, writers, EVERYTHING. And I guess JC and Justin aren't speaking right now. Then he said that he thinks that Justin's voice blows Nick's out of the water. My jaw dropped open when I heard that but he also said that Justin's voice blows his voice out of the water too. So, I don't think he was really dissing Nick, I guess just expressing his opinion. By the way,I think he's COMPLETELY WRONG!!!!!!! LOL!

Okay, enough about NSync, so I asked him about their new house. He said that he LOVES it and that they are so happy that they have air conditioning now, lol. (Their last house didn't have air conditioning but that's common for houses in Malibu by the beach) And he said that he's working on putting an amazing studio inside their home so they can record demos and stuff there. Okay, so then we took pics with him etc. and he had to go back to talk to Sarah before she came on stage.

So, we go back to our table at the front and sit down to order our drinks. Then Howie walks in with a girl who was not Lee B. (She was not cute AT ALL!! Not that that matters but just for the record, lol) But Sarah told us that when she called and invited Howie to the show he said that he was just bringing a good friend of his. (Doesn't he say that about all of his girlfriends? lol)

Anyway, then the show started and Sarah was AMAZING as usual!! That girl has a GREAT voice and is SO TALENTED!! If she doesn't get a record deal soon, those record executives are missing out on something big!!

For the second song, she said that she had a little surprise and that AJ was going to join her on stage. He got up there with a cheat sheet (so he'd remember all the words, lol) and they sang a song called "Baby Rise." It was the most adorable thing I've ever seen!! You can see in their eyes how much they love each other and it's SO SWEET!! I called Brianne on my cell and held the phone up so that she could hear part of their duet, lol. During a break in the song when there's just music and no singing, they started slow dancing together like you do when you're at the prom, lol. Okay, can they BE any cuter? I don't think so, lol. (I got pictures of all this too, lol) So after the song is over, AJ looks at Sarah and says "I love you, you little sh*t!" And everyone started laughing. So, then he jokingly says "I'm gonna take over the show now" And evidently Sarah's guitar player knows how to play IWITW because he started playing the beginning chords, lol. And AJ says "Howie get up here!" We got a tad excited for a moment but knew that he was just joking, lol. Anyway, it was cute. Then Sarah sang about 7 more songs and ended her set. So, we walk out of The Mint and shortly after Howie comes out. People kind of rushed to him but he ended up standing right in front of me, Apple and my friend Glorya. So, he's signing autographs etc. and we give him the Thank you card. And he looks at us like "WTF is this?" LOL! So, we give him a brief explanation and he says "Oh, VERY COOL!" and folds it and puts it in his back pocket. Hopefully he remembers to take it out before he washes those pants, lol.

Then he gets in the brand new black Mercedes that the valet guy had brought around for him with that girl that he came with and takes off. Okay, can I just say that when people see the boys, they need to give them some breathing room and not be all up in their face, calling their name every 2 seconds, lol. Apple and I about got trampled there for awhile and it was NOT FUN!!

Alright, so then Sarah comes out and we stood there and talked to her for about a hour and a half. There couldn't be a sweeter person on this planet. She was like "Thank you Shannon for coming to the show, I'm so glad that you're here again and thank you for posting all those nice things about my last show in the LS group." And she gave me a big hug. She was excited to see Apple too since they had talked on the phone but never met. We talked to her about a lot of things but one interesing moment was when she was talking and a girl came up and called her Amanda. We heard that and thought "Did she just call her what I think she called her?"But Sarah thought it was hilarous and laughed it off, lol. So, we talked to her mom a little bit too and then she finally left. So, we're in the car on our way to get something to eat and the cell phone rings and it's Sarah, lol. She's like "What are you guys doing? And we said that we were on our way to eat and when she said she was hungry we're like" Come join us"But she was already in Malibu close to home. So, then she wants to talk to Apple and was so impressed the whole nght that Apple had flown out all the way from Michigan to see her show. So, then she tells Apple that she needs to come out for one of AJ's shows. (AJ's going to be doing some JNN-esque shows coming up, forgot to mention that before, lol) Apple tells her that she can't afford to come out again but then Sarah says"We'll figure out a way to get you out here. We've got air miles and stuff." Okay, how COMPLETELY adorable is that? All I have to say is that Sarah is ONE AMAZING girl and she deserves all the praise she will ever get and more!" Anyway, we talk to her on the phone for a little while and then she says she has to go because she's about to go up the mountain and she's gonna lose us on the cell phone.

What an AMAZING night! I really love the boys but I'm just so impressed with Sarah right now that I almost can't describe it! I hope she makes it REALLY big because she deserves it more that anyone I know.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sept. 25 02~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carter Thankful For His Arrest

September 19, 2002

Nick Carter is thanking police for arresting him outside a Tampa, Florida, club in January 2002 - because the incident helped him to sort his life out.

The singer still insists he did nothing to justify his arrest, but he's glad he was booked for resisting a police officer because the shock to the system made him realise it was time to stop partying and start getting serious with his life.

Carter says, "There was a fight going on outside and the cops were trying to clear the area, and this guy came up to me - he wasn't even in uniform - and he said, 'Get in the car.' To this day, I swear on my soul, I didn't do anything wrong. I'm no Tommy Lee."

"I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it turned out bad but I believe things happen for a reason. I used to believe I had different personalities - a really serious one and one that's really crazy. I was starting to be some guy that I didn't like."

Carter was reprimanded for resisting a police officer and sentenced to visiting sick children as part of his community service.

He adds, "I got to visit some sick kids and it was awesome. These kids were so happy. Seriously, I want to thank the Tampa Police Department for arresting me."

Nick Q&A in Bliss Magazine

1. Is the feud between BSB and Nsync over now?
Nick: Theres never really been a feud. The media likes to think theres a rivalry, but I've got a lot of respect for Nsync, they work real hard and deserve all their success.

2. What do you and the boys think of O Town?
Nick: They're a great group. People love them. I'm proud that a lot of young male vocal groups are following in the footsteps of BSB. It's an amazing life being in a band, so I know how they feel, seeing their first video on MTV, or hearing themselves on the radio.

3. Now that Britneys single, would you make a move on her?
Nick: Ha Ha! Britney is very beautiful. I'd be crazy to answer "No", wouldn't I?

4. Own up, have you ever snogged a groupie?
Nick: Whoah! I guess I've snogged girls who know who I am and are into the group, but I'm not interested in girls who only want to be with me because of who I am.

5. Who's the sexiest woman in the world and why?
Nick: There's so many.... Jennifer Love Hewitt, she's gorgeous. JLo is pretty fine. Carmen Electra.... she's hot. Shall I stop there?!"

6. Have you ever been dumped by a girl?
Nick: Yes. It's not a cool thing to happen to you, or to do to someone, but it happens. If you can stay friends afterwards, that's cool. You have to pick yourself up and move on, it's the only way to get through it.

7. What's your honest opinion of your brothers music?
Nick: I'm real proud of him. He's very young, and the music he makes reflects that. His fans are a similar age to him, and they love his music - it's great pop music. That's what counts.

8. Does your mum like yours or Aarons music best?
Nick: Ha Ha, are you trying to get me and Aaron to start wrestling each other....?! I think that would depend on which one of us asked her.... And, knowing Mom, she would still probably say "I like them both the same, dear."

9. Is there any sibling rivalry between you and Aaron?
Nick: Of course! We're brothers. We fight over everything and anything. If I say 'Yes' he says 'No'. It's only to wind each other up though, cause we love each other really."

10. Kevin once said that you have a nasty temper and you have hit him before. Is this true?
Nick: Ha, Ha, Ha! I can't believe he said that! It was very early on in the group and we were in London on a promotional trip. We'd just got off the plane and everyones bags had arrived except mine, so I was pretty annoyed. Then Kev started to sing "Nick ain't got no pants, Nick ain't got no pants", louder and louder. I flipped. I tried to football tackle him, but it was nothing serious!

11. When was the last time you cried?
Nick: It was just a few weeks back, I was watching TV in my hotel room, and I started crying over some stupid film. The film wasn't really that sad, but I was missing home at the time, and I think it got to me.

12. As the eldest of five siblings how do you think your brothers and sisters would describe you?
Nick: As the coolest brother in the world.... actually they'd call me by my nickname 'sleepy'. I can be very lazy you see.

13. Does you releasing a solo single mean BSB are over?
Nick: No way. We're still a group, but we all do our own thing. Brian's been making movies and Howie's been taking time out to promote his charity, the Dorough Lupus Foundation, which he set up after his sister died from lupus in 1998. I wanted to make an album that was more like the music I listen too....a bit more rocky.

14. Which do you prefer, singing with a band or as a solo artist?
Nick: It's so different. I really missed the guys when I was making the album. I'm so used to turning to one of them to laugh when something funny happens, or to ask for their opinion on a take. Singing on my own is hard work, but I love the spontaneity of it. When you're in a group you have to decide how the songs are going to sound before you get in the studio, as it would take too long to finish anything otherwise. On your own, you can change things round at the last minute if it feels right.

15. What's your least favourite country that you've been too?
Nick: I can't answer that! Everywhere I've been to the fans have made us feel so welcome, which helps me as I get homesick, real bad.

16. What's your biggest regret?
Nick: When I'm old I don't want to regret a thing. That's why I made this album. Its' something I felt I wanted to achieve. Sometimes when I see a great football player I regret not trying harder at gym class so that I could be that good, but you can't do everything I guess.

17. Aside from your own, whose career would you most like to have and why?
Nick: Oooooh thats a good one. It has to be Elvis. He's the King, man! I know it all ended too soon for the man, but he made people go crazy when they saw him. He was pure rock 'n roll.

18. Who's the most successful with girls, you or Aaron?
Nick: I don't want to brag - I'm a gentleman. But I think I do ok!

19. Whats your idea of absolute bliss?
Nick: Being with my true friends and family, relaxing and laughing so hard you're crying!

---cut to Nick----
Just recently Nick released his first single, "Help Me" to radio and it has been a huge hit. "I am happy for him. I hope he does amazingly well," Aaron exclaims. So, has Aaron given his big bro some pointers on the solo world? "I've told him a couple of things. He knows what to do. I think he is a little nervous though about singing by himself. He has been with the Backstreet Boys his entire life. So the best I can do is support him and make him feel as comfortable as possible." So, is Aaron a fan of Nick's first single? "Yeah definitely. I love all the songs. Nick is an amazing singer. I look upto him. He is great! He isn't going to be a flop. And I'm 99.9% sure that he will kick Justin Timberlake's butt." So, is Nick feeling some pressure to win the stand-off with the *NSYNCer, Justin Timberlake? "Well he really isn't even considered competition. Nick is a much more talented performer. *NSYNC wanted to be like Backstreet Boys. Now everytime my brother (Nick) does something Justin Timberlake is always following him. Basically Justin is just following in his footsteps. Nick has wanted to be solo for four or five years now and then Justin heard about it and figured he had to try it too." Sounds like there will be some competition on the charts when Nick releases his album on October 29th and Justin follows closely in his shadow on November 12th.

Originally from Popdirt.com

Nick Carter Taping for "American Dreams" USA Today reports Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys is taping his acting debut today and Tuesday for NBC's new 'American Dreams', a retro drama built around the legendary dance/music show American Bandstand. Carter just completed recording 'Come a Little Bit Closer' and 'She Cried' for his role on the Nov. 3 episode as Jay of Jay & The Americans. The show, which premieres at 8 p.m. ET/PT Sept. 29, showcases Michelle Branch as Lesley Gore (singing 'You Don't Own Me') in its Oct. 6 episode.

Fan Talks To Brian on the Phone....

...This is some of her conversation....

Where do I even begin?

Well... first of all, he was LATE! LOL!!! We had set up 4 different times through Brandon, and the last slot open was for 1 PM yesterday, and he hadn't called yet, so I knew this was going to be it!

So there I am... waiting. Gets to be 1:00... 1:10... 1:15... 1:20. And I was like... HE FORGOT ME! LOL! I admit I was a little disappointed, but I figured something must have happened, and we'd just schedule another time. So I stood up to leave because I didn't want to hang around the house anymore... and then the phone rang.

I picked up the phone and said hello, and then that voice... you know the one. That liquid gold, smoother-than-silk, dripping with honey VOICE... asked for me by name.

Now... please believe me when I tell you that I'm a happily married woman who loves her hubby and son very, very much! But when Brian said my name... I have to admit I was a bit weak in the knees.

He sounds exactly like he does when he's singing. Very soft-spoken, but very talkative, which I found surprising. I thought I would be nervous, but I wasn't! He immediately put me at ease. Sooooo easy to talk to. He actually introduced himself! LOL! He said, "This is Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys."

Like... I know of another Brian Littrell????

But it immediately endeared me to him because he didn't assume anything, you know what I mean?

He was like that the entire time we were talking. Immediately he asked, "How are YOU?" And he asks it in a way that makes you think he's really interested in your answer.

The first thing he did was to thank me for my contribution to the HHC. I told him it was a heated battle to win this phone call... Darlene, put that tomato down, right now!!... and he seemed almost embarrassed by that. He said, "I can't believe you guys bid on this!"

I told him about the convention and how his mom had a blast, and I told him she is just a jewel! So full of life and love. He says he calls her "Minnie Mouse" sometimes because when she gets going... she can't stop! LOL! (ahem... I can relate to that.)

Then he asked me what I do, and I told him I've been an RN for 12 years, but that now I'm only working on the weekends so that I can pursue my writing career. When I told him I was a writer and that I was about 3/4 of the way finished with my first novel, he said, "Really? That's so cool!" It meant a lot to me to share my dream with him.

Now comes a really great part:

Do any of you remember what I wrote about an idea I came up with concerning "turning the tables around a bit on a Backstreet Boy?" Well, what I told Brandon was that I figure these guys get asked questions ALL THE TIME. So I thought... wouldn't it be kind of neat to see if HE had a question for ME... maybe something he's always wondered from a fan's viewpoint.

Brian said he loved the idea, and he DID have a question for me. It took him a long time to phrase exactly how he wanted to say this. But what he asked was that when I see a performer on stage, can you tell when someone really loves what they're doing, or can you sense when they're just doing it for show? And then he said, "What exactly do YOU, as a fan, see when you watch us onstage?"

Is that an awesome question, or what?

It worked out perfectly to segue into my story about how I became a fan, and he listened so quietly. For those of you who don't know, my son is the one who got me hooked on their music around 1998. We bought their CD, and my son showed me the liner notes where Brian had quoted the Psalms, and I was so impressed with that. So I kept hearing them on the radio, and this one voice kept pulling me. So soothing, so rich... but I didn't have a face or even a name to go with the voice! But then we watched the Disney Special in early 1999 and I finally realized that it was Brian. I told him I've been a die-hard fan ever since.

And then I got to tell him what I've always wanted to tell him. I said, "Brian, you have a gift. And that gift is your incredible voice. I wish I could express to you how much your voice has enriched not only my life, but millions of others around the world, and I just want to thank you for sharing that gift with us."

He was really quiet for a moment, and he just said, "Thank you so much." Then I answered his question. I said that I certainly can't speak for all the fans, but I know that when I watch them perform, I see something real. I see the passion behind what they do, and how they put 100% of their effort into every song they sing, and that one of the biggest differences between the BSB and other groups/performers, at least in my opinion, is how they reach out to the fans when they perform. The winks, the smiles, the gestures... I told him they make us, the fans, feel like we're the only ones in the arena.

He said it meant so much to him to hear that, and I feel so blessed that I was able to tell him!

We talked about all kinds of things... our families, music (he's into the Dixie Chicks big-time! LOL), BABIES... LOL! We talked quite a bit about Leighanne's pregnancy. He is so excited about becoming a dad! It was so sweet. You could just hear it in his voice. He says he plans on being in the delivery room, "or at least until I pass out!"

There were other things we talked about. Some I felt were rather personal, and even though he didn't ask me not to repeat anything, I don't feel that it would be appropriate to post them here. And some things were little nuggets that I'm going to selfishly keep for me!

But he did reveal to me that he remembers my pillowcase sign from the Black and Blue tour! LOL! I couldn't believe it! We were talking about BSB shows, and I was like... "You probably won't remember this, but..." And he DID remember! Before I could even say anything, he added, "And in Dallas during the Yahoo webcast, I saw you out in the crowd with the sign, and I started counting on my fingers to ask you how many shows you had been to!"

I BURST out laughing, and so did he, and I told him that I really was a SANE, thirty-something woman! Really, I am! (By the way, his laugh is adorable over the phone.)

Oh, man... what else? We talked about our faith , and he told me that every day he stands in amazement over where God has placed him. He asked about my husband and son, and we talked about baseball for a bit, which is my son's big sport.

Brandon said it would be okay to ask him some questions, and I promised Brian I wouldn't ask him what his favorite color was or the infamous "boxers or briefs".

In a nutshell, he would love to work with the Dixie Chicks, and he said it would be a dream come true to work with James Taylor. He wants to do a gospel/contemporary christian album. He never sees an end to him being in the music business. And that he basically considers himself to be "a family man who wants to have kids and grow old with Leighanne."

Towards the end, we talked about 9-11, and how it had changed both of us personally. He said it changed his outlook on life immensely. And we agreed that life is too short to waste it on petty differences. Embrace life and be happy!

In closing, he told me to tell my husband hello and to give my son a message to stick with his sport, work hard, love what he does, but to most of all keep his grades up." I was so impressed with that! How sweet.

**sigh** What more can I say? I've already written a book! It was one of the most awesome, thought-provoking, yet NORMAL conversations I've ever had. He has a way of just drawing you to him... very open... almost vulnerable, in a way. And he wasn't hurried at all... he acted as if he had all the time in the world to talk to me.

I could go on and on. I've probably forgotten some things. Thank you for listening to me ramble! I will never forget it as long as I live! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sept. 25~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

thanks to www.popdirt.com

Entertainment Weekly has a short profile on Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter and his 'Now or Never' debut solo effort. Commenting on any competition with his boy band rival Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC, who is releasing 'Justified' the week following his October 29th release. "His record might do 10 times better than mine," Carter said. "But it doesn't matter to me as long as I'm happy with what I've done."

NICK CARTER TALKS, NOW OR NEVER

Nick Carter's solo debut, which includes the first single, "Help Me," will be released on October 29, 2002.

The 21 year old (and youngest of the Backstreet Boys) says he’s ready to reveal himself, "When you are in a group with older guys, they want to look and act a certain way," Carter adds, "It’s hard when you’re on this roller coaster, and you don’t know what the hell is going on, and all you do is what your supposed to do."

Now or Never includes production by Max Martin & Rami (Backstreet Boys), Matthew Gerrard (Eden’s Crush), Gary Clark (Natalie Imbruglia), KNS (Britney Spears), and the Matrix (Avril Lavigne).

While Jive has yet to release a final tracklisting, the set will include the following tracks: "Help Me," "Do I Have To Cry For You," "My Confession," "I Just Want To take You Home," "Who Needs The World," "I Got You," "Former Rebel," and "Heart Without A Home (I’ll Be Yours)."

Carter also notes his change in style of music from the normal Backstreet sound, "In the Backstreet Boys, all the stuff we were writing was like, 'I’ll Never Break Your Heart,' But I wanted to write the opposite... I wanted my songs to have that fun type-vibe," Carter said.

The singer plans to appear on many television specials this fall including as a presenter at this year's Latin Grammys. During the holiday season he will join Celine Dion and Enrique Iglesias for an ABC Holiday Special. The artist will also make an MTV TRL appearance on the day of the album’s release.

source: http://www.groovevolt.com/Newswires/newswire.asp?ID=185

Bradenton drummer joins Nick Carter's Band He likes it that way

Twice a day every Sunday, Jason Leiter mans the drum kit at First Church of God in Bradenton and provides the beat for the congregation's worship services.

This fall, he'll make a giant leap from the sanctuary stage to 20,000-seat arenas. Leiter, 22, has been picked by Backstreet Boy Nick Carter to drum for him on an upcoming solo tour. Carter's management confirmed the decision this week.

"It's a really cool opportunity," Leiter said. "We'll be performing brand-new stuff. It's more rock than the Backstreet Boys, with a pop influence."

Leiter has been playing drums for about 10 years, picking up the sticks for the first time in fifth grade. (He originally tried the saxophone, but found the drums more fun.) Like most musicians, the bulk of his education came from playing along to CDs and copying the style of Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band and Chad Gracey of Live.

The Carter gig has taught him an early lesson: Networking can be just as important as talent. Leiter was in a Christian rock group called the Daniel B. Marshall Band, whose bass player, Alicia Crawford, was an old friend of Carter's. When Carter decided to embark on his first solo endeavor from the Backstreet Boys, he called Crawford, who in turn got Leiter involved. After auditions in Tampa and Los Angeles, Leiter got the job.

Ironically, he's never really been a fan of the Backstreet Boys.

"I never really got into them because I'm more into rock," he said. "I don't not like them, I just never listened to them other than what I heard on the radio."

According to Pollstar, Carter will play Rosemont, Ill., tonight, but no other dates have been announced. In the meantime, Leiter is backing the Backstreet Boy on a promotional junket for radio, television and other media outlets. He doesn't play on Carter's new CD, which is due for release in late October.

Although he's excited to get the chance to pursue his dream, Leiter admits it will be hard leaving his wife, Shelly, and 4-month-old son, Carter Ethan. (Just for the record, the baby was not named after Leiter's new boss.)

"It's gonna be tough. I'm going to miss them a whole bunch," Leiter said. "But my wife is very supportive of me, and that makes it easier. We'll call each other as much as we can to make it as easy as we can."

Eventually, Leiter would like to drum full-time in his own rock band. The Carter tour will reunite him with guitarist Andy Pardue, a childhood chum who was in a Christian band with Leiter called Broken Veil. Leiterhopes they can work on something together when the tour is over.

"We would like to do something on our own, because we've written so much music together," he said. "But right now, we're focusing our energies on this tour."

Billboard Review of Nick Carter's "Help Me"

"It's hard to ignore the timing of Backstreet Boy Carter's solo debut in relation to labelmate (and boy-band foe) Justin Timberlake's. Unlike Timberlake, Carter sticks to fairly familar ground on the first offering from his imminent Now or Never collection. The track, which builds from a chunky, electro-funk intro into an infectious guitar-laced pop/rock groove, plays to the singer's vocal strengths. Carter is at his best when he's swaggering like the heartthrob he's grown up to become, and he maximizes that demeanor here. There are moments where he hints at a gruff maturity that he's clearly not ready to cut loose just yet. Though undeniably charming and fun, "Help me" won't make anyone forget his history, nor will it guarantee his future as a solo star. But it will easily keep his fans smiling, while leaving the rest of the pop world happily intrigued about what he's got up his sleeve for the future." -Larry Flick

Thanx to Sham99

It may be awhile before Backstreet's Back.

But breakaway Backstreet Boy Nick Carter says his departure from the group isn't permanent. Probably. "I see myself going back." Carter said in an interview at MuchMusic yesterday while he was in town to promote his upcoming solo venture Now or Never, due Oct. 29.

"I really enjoyed what we do as a group. The one thing (Backstreet Boys) have is being able to sing together and create a magic with five voices. I want to go back and do that. But right now I want to do what I want to do."

And what that is, he said, is to release and tour his rock-tinged new album. Now or Never was recorded in various studios with a long list of producers that includes Backstreet Boys mover Max Martin, The Matrix, and Teddy Riley.

Carter, now 22, said he was a "rocker in the closet" throughout his 10 years as the BSB's youngest song 'n' dance man. He cited Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, and Bon Jovi as influences.

:I'm excited, " Carter said. "The easy route for to go would be to do another pop song and dance up on stage. Man, the hell with that. I want to do it the hard way."

Carter's groupmates in the Backstreet Boys have appeared less comfortable with their youngest compadre's solo venture They were reportedly riled by Carter's decision to stay with the major US management company, The Firm, after the group itself was released from its contract.

"Managers are managers," Carter said. "It doesn't interfere with your relationship as a group. Solo wise, I had reasons I stayed with The Firm, and it had nothing to do with their reasons for leaving. They respected that."

That leaves things up in the air for now.

Is Carter under pressure to rejoin the Boys soon?

"Not really," he said. "In the beginning it was a little bit difficult and odd for them. Now they'r realizing it's something I have to do. It's kind of like if one of the guys wanted to get married or have a baby, anything personal, I'd have to respect that. This is so personal to me. This is my dream."

As for his nightmares, one thing you won't see Carter attempting is a ride into space like his NSync counterpart Lance Bass, who was just ejected by the Russian space agency after missing the deadline for the $20 million US fee. "All I've got to say for him is 'don't count your chickens before they hatch, buddy.'" Carter said, laughing. "I think what happened was that he really thought somebody was going to bail him out with all the press around it. I'll get ridiculed crazy for saying it, but sometimes you do weird stuff for certain reasons. You try to separate yourself from your image. Personally, I'm happy with my feet on the ground. When I heard about that whole thing with Lance, I had a nightmare that I went to space and I was floating in a capsule by myself. I didn't know nothin' about the controls, and I had to land the thing. I couldn't do it."

by Kieran Grant, Toronto Sun, September 5, 2002

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2002--Jive recording artist Nick Carter will release his debut solo album, Now or Never worldwide on October 29, 2002.

"Help Me" the first single will ship to radio on August 20. The video will debut on MTV's Making of The Video on September 16.

"Help Me" was written by Matthew Gerrard and Michele Vice-Maslin and produced by Matthew Gerrard.

Now or Never has tracks written by Nick Carter, The Matrix, Mark Taylor, Steve Mac, Max Martin and Rami.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020816/162158_1.html

~~~
Thanks to Bianca at BSBcaptures

ALL CREDIT GOES TO sweetdfan ................... I talked to JoJo for about 10 minutes after his show last night. For those of you who don't know, he's a DJ at KIIS-FM radio station in LA and he's friends with the Boys. He said that he got to hear 4 demos of songs for the new album the other day. The demos are done except for Nick's tracks since Nick hasn't done any recording with them yet. JoJo said they rocked! He loved them all, but especially one called "Back In The Day". I can't wait!

He also talked about how Howie is just the coolest guy, and he's someone you'd want to be your friend if he just worked in the corner store.

Thanks to The Backstreet Gods
Now Brian can have a reason to be pissed at Nick for not calling him or anything. Or the other way around.

Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter denied he gave an interview to Popcorn magazine that claimed he fought with Brian Littrell on his solo project. Nick tells Brazil's Capricho magazine that as far as he know everything is okay between both of them. He hadn't spoke to Brian in a couple of months because of his work but it's all good.

Thanks to:

***THE BRIAN LITTRELL STREET TEAM!***

EXCLUSIVE NEW ALBUM NEWS!

Upcoming tracks are:
"Floating"
"Why You Keep On Callin' Me"
"Sunset Girl"

Album names under contemplation:
"Glory"
"Living A Dream"
"Step by Step"

Access Hollywood reports the stars of the night at Sunday's Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles were the finalists from 'American Idol'. Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter offered advice for R.J. Helton, Nikki McKibbin and Christina Christian saying, "Just stick to it, no matter what happens. And if you succeed one time or lose another time, doesn't matter. Stick strong to your goals, you are going to achieve it one day. I promise that."

Nick Carter article from MTV.com
"People are going to be shocked. That's what I want. That's the way I am. I'm unexpectable." — Nick Carter

While Justin Timberlake's solo debut looks to be a star-studded affair, another singer stepping out from a celebrated pop group is taking the opposite approach.

Of the 37 tracks Nick Carter has recorded for his first album away from the Backstreet Boys, only one features guest vocals. And that track, with dancehall reggae artist Mr. Vegas, may not make the final cut.

"I don't think you need to [collaborate]," Carter explained at Sunday's Teen Choice Awards (see "Nelly Outsurfs 'NSYNC, Ja Rule, Usher At Teen Choice Awards"). "The Backstreet Boys didn't really ever do any collaborations on the albums. For me, personally, I would love to. But I think just for the first one it would be cool to just show who I am — let everybody see what I'm about."

On Now or Never, due October 22, Carter will reveal rock influences that are not so obvious on his group's material (see "Backstreet's Nick Carter Ready To Go Solo Now").

"People are going to be shocked," he said. "That's what I want. That's the way I am. I'm unexpectable."

Carter has worked with several producers on the project, including Backstreet Boys and 'NSYNC associate Max Martin and several up-and-comers.

"It's cool to spread it open a bit and go underground," Carter said. "That's where you find some really cool producers and writers."

Carter is currently narrowing down the final track list for the album and assembling a band that he'll likely take on the road.

"It's hard when you sit back and listen to your music in your car and you just want people to hear it so bad," Carter said. "It's gonna get there. I'm so excited."

Timberlake's album, which will likely include collaborations with P. Diddy, the Neptunes and others, does not have a release date (see "Justin Timberlake Working 'NSecret On Star-Packed Solo LP").

—Corey Moss

Since our last update Jive Records has made some changes to the release for Nick Carter.

While speculation has overshadowed the release of Nick Carter solo album. Jive Records is ready to release the album officially. Now or Never, will be released on October 22, 2002.

The first single "I Got You," (a ballad) impacts radio on September 9th. While the single doesnt begin hitting radio outlets 'til later in the month. Jive has set up a promotional plan in order to build the already strong momentum. AOL will premiere its first listen series on August 21- August 23rd. This follows the successful run AOL has had in the past with such artist as Beyonce' Knowles and Britney Spears.

According to Jive the video will premiere on MTV's "Making The Video," special the week of September 16, 2002. While TRL will issue the video September 23r, 2002. In the meantime, there will be 3 song snippets at the end of brother Aaron's LP coming 9/3.

http://www.groovevolt.com/groovebuz...uzz.asp?GBID=10

Thank to jonesc3&perla ©arter

Backstreet's Nick Carter Ready To Go Solo Now
07.29.2002 12:45 PM EDT

When's the right time to go solo? Judging by the title of Nick Carter's debut solo LP, there's no time like the present.

The youngest Backstreet Boy's Now or Never is slated for an October 22 release date, according to a Jive Records spokesperson. Carter is putting the finishing touches on the album while trying to determine the crucial first single and accompanying video.

Two tracks that are expected to make Now or Never's final track list are "My Confession" and "Help Me." "Help Me," which finds Carter in a defining life moment as he repeatedly sings, "Help me figure out the future," is also under consideration to be the first single.

"Help Me," like the rest of the tracks recorded for the album, trades in the epic production of Backstreet Boys songs such as "The Call" and "Larger Than Life" for a more rock-oriented, singer/songwriter feel. Guitars, drums, bass and not much else provide most of the instrumentation, and Carter's vocals are brought front and center.

Carter plans to support Now or Never on tour, and he's in the process of assembling a band for the outing.

The rest of the Backstreet Boys haven't been watching idly throughout Carter's sonic soul searching. The group is in the pre-production stage for their new album, the follow-up to 2000's Black & Blue, which is expected to drop early next year. An official release date hasn't been set.

—Joe D'Angelo

Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456323/20020729/carter_nick.jhtml?headlines=true

Nick Carter's Lawyer Sends Out Press Release/Ad
You gotta wonder if Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter knew that his lawyer Scott Salomon of The Salomon Law Center would put out a press release/advertisement after getting his client off (aside from community service) on allegedly disobeying a police officer's request to leave a Tampa nightclub on January 2, 2002. "I am glad to have this behind me," Carter said. "Scott did everything that he said he would do and I was happy with the level of service that he provided to me." Salomon said, "This was a case of a major celebrity being used as an opportunity for a flashy arrest. Nick did not do anything wrong, but be a celebrity in the wrong place at the wrong time. The police have a tendency to make a big deal over a very minor altercation."

Thanks to Brie from BSB Street Team

Nick Carter
By: Josh Tyrangiel

The Backstreet Boys talks about the ups and downs of going it alone-in both music and his love life

Nick Carter-the cute one, the young one, the Backstreet Boy most likely to go solo-is finally doing it. Nick, 22, has been holed up in a Swedish recording studio with veteran Backstreet/'Nsync/Britney writer-producer Max Martin, readying his solo debut for release in October. In addition to playing solo on several tracks, Nick, who's from Tampa, says this time he's writing rock-influenced songs inspired by "all the stuff that's been happening to me," including an arrest last January for resisting an officer without violence in a Tampa nightclub. Speaking via telephone from Stockholm, Nick was in good spirits, although he admitted to recent bouts of loneliness.

TEEN PEOPLE: You love Journey, Bryan Adams and playing the drums. When did this midlife crisis start?
NICK CARTER: When I grew up, my mom and dad always played that music around the house, so it's probably a parental thing. I don't know if I'm and old soul, but I like history, I love old stuff.

TP: Do you play drums on your new solo album?
NC: I'm getting ready to lay down some drums right now. I'm probably gonna have 50 tracks done before we even start to pick. I'm busting my ass.

TP: What does the album sound like?
NC: I'm trying to put my rock influence in, big time. A lot of rock nowadays, you know, everybody's digging Linkin Park and all that stuff, but I want to put more of a pop essence to the rock, but still keep it from being corny. I'm definitely pushing the envelope.

TP: Is it hard being the youngest in the band at this stage, when two of the guys are married?
NC: It's a little different because some of the guys are more settled down, and they're not crazy like I am.

TP: What kind of crazy are you?
NC: I like being 22. I like to have fun. I'm not perfect, I don't do everything right. I do what a normal kid in college would do, except I want to rock out.

TP: You've insisted that you didn't do anything wrong during the incident that led to your arrest over New Year's, but you ended up agreeing to a pretrial intervention program. Why didn't you take your case to court and prove your innocence?
NC: There are a lot of reasons. Number one: I had to start recording. If I did take it to that level, I would probably be taking up a lot of time doing unnecessary stuff in court. And then, when they told me the stuff I was going to have to do in order to get the case to go away, I was like, "Cool." I get to go visit some sick kids in a hospital? I'd love to do that anyway. So that's what I did. And at the end of the day, when I got out of the hospital, I felt like God straight up put me in the position to do that. I'm the kind of person who thinks things happen for a reason.

TP: As part of the pretrial intervention, you had to write a letter to your arresting officer. What did you say to him?
NC: I said, "Hey, if there was any misunderstanding, I apologize." I'm not the kind of person to have an attitude. If I did something or if he felt like I did something, then I'm sorry. 'Cause at the end of the day it's what he thought. I know the situation that happened, but , hey, it's all right. I know when to say sorry.

TP: In the past you've said that girlfriends take time you don't have. Do you have time now?
NC: I don't know. I've got a problem, man. It's hard to trust people. You wonder what they want, what they're after. That's why I've been single for a year. I'm kinda scared [of] the whole situation with dating somebody. [Nick dated singer Willa Ford for about two years.]

TP: You sound lonely.
NC: I'm lonely, but I'm content with the way I feel. I've got friends, and I'm just chilling, writing music. Ain't no man gonna say he ain't lonely. But things will happen the way they're supposed to.

BREAKING NEWS!!!
Details On Nick Carter's Debut Solo Album

Source: Groovevolt

While speculation has overshadowed the release of Nick Carter’s solo album. Jive Records is ready to release the album officially. Now or Never, will be released on October 8, 2002.

The first single "Help Me," impacts radio on August 19th. While the single doesn’t begin hitting radio outlets ‘til later in the month. Jive has set up a promotional plan in order to build the already strong momentum. AOL will premiere it’s first listen series on July 24th. The promotion will last for three days. This follows the successful run AOL has had in the past with such artist as Beyonce' Knowles and Britney Spears.

According to Jive the video will ship out to major outlets MTV, and VH1 the week of August 12, 2002. The artist plans to tour in August as well but no dates have been scheduled. In the meantime, Nick will continue on his radio tour along with younger brother Aaron throughout the summer months.

Source: Washingtom Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36656-2002Jul7.html

(...)

Similar, according to Ray, was the case of the Backstreet Boys, whose career has been in decline for a couple of years. Ray says Kwatinetz spent the tens of millions of dollars earned from the Backstreet Boys to buy other companies, then milked the group for cash to the detriment of their career. (Kwatinetz says the opposite is true, that he has taken financial hits to nurture his clients, such as persuading the Backstreet Boys to move their concerts from stadiums, which they could not fill, to smaller halls where they would make less profit but play to a packed house.)

"Why were the Backstreet Boys in a Burger King commercial?" asks Ray. "You can't make a strong argument that it helped their career. It reinforced their younger audience, which they were trying to get away from. But there was a check there."

Kwatinetz responds: "It's a complicated question. When you have big clients, eventually some are going to leave, that's the short answer. Two of the guys in the Backstreet Boys had problems with the company. Three wanted to stay, two didn't." The Firm kept one of the Boys, Nick Carter, as a client, who has a solo album due out in the fall. The group is now managed by Irving Azoff; Azoff declined to comment.

TRANSCRIPG AOL CHAT

MrLiveGuy: Hey guys -- can you give us a sneak peek as to what you are wearing to the ESPY's?

Sue Nick Live: Sue- I have the DKNY dress on with a spaghetti shirt and diamonds. Nick's got

Sue Nick Live: on his Hugo Boss shirt and looks pretty good!

MrLiveGuy: Sue and Nick- who are you most excited to see tonight at the ESPY's?

Sue Nick Live: Sue-I'm most excited to see Snoop Dogg do his thing up there!

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I'm excited to see all of the sports stars. I'm just going to have to go out to see the audience and see who I'm excited to see. I know Samuel L. Jackon is going to be here!

Question: Nick- Are you doing a duet with Britney Spears?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I had someone from back home call and tell me I'm doing a duet with Britney! No, I'm not, I had no clue about this!

Question: nick, do you have a title for your solo album?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-It's called "Now or Never"

Sue Nick Live: Sue-It's hot out here, it's a lot of fun and it's pretty crazy. A lot of cheering going on!

Sue Nick Live: Ncik-I have to second that!

Question: Nick- What kind of vocal training do you take?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I train myself now. I've been in this business for a long time so I train myself.

Question: Nick- When does the Backstreet Boys album come out?

Sue Nick Live: Nick- The next Backstreet album is in the middle of being recorded so there is no date set yet.

Question: Nick- Will you tour with your brother this summer?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I don't know, I don't believe so but I don't know.

Sue Nick Live: Nick-That's an option.

MrLiveGuy: This is for sue and nick- who would win ina game of one on one? I think Sue would!

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I can't even be a part of that question, that's not fair! I'll just call the shots out!

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I only play basketball for fitness! LOL3

Question: Nick, What advice do you have for me...I've been working hard to get a singing career going, but any advice would come as a big help? Thanks.

Sue Nick Live: Nick-Mainly to work hard at your dream. A lot of times people give up in the beginning. Things don't happen overnight, you gotta work for it! Find out what your talents are. Sometimes your talents aren't always what you're working for.

Question: Nick- What is on your scedule for the next few weeks?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-The next few weeks I'm going to be in LA doing some intense stuff. I'll be

Question: Nick, do you listen to country music? Would you would ever record a country song? It'll make some people mighty happy if you did.

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I don't know, I like all music.... I don't know if I'd ever do a country song but who knows, I can't tell what I'm going to do in the future.

MrLiveGuy: What is your favortite childhood memory?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I was an accident prone kid and I had a bike accident and broke my arm. Those were our WORST memories! LOL

Question: Nick, how do you feel about the older audiences, such as older women who like you, going after your little brother?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-This is an issue! My brother is 14 and he thinks he's older than he is! LOL But I guess that's alright! I'm a protective older brother.

Question: This is a question for Nick Carter. If you were'nt a singer what would you be?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-Unfortunately I was not blessed in the basketball department! Who knows what I'd be doing. I have always been into watersports so I'd probably be racing waterboats or NASCARS or something like that.

Question: Hey Nick! My name is Angela. Congratulations on the boat races you have won! I was just wondering is your solo album done and when is the first single coming out? Luv ya!

Sue Nick Live: Nick-First single should be coming out sometime next month and the album around October. Right now I'm in discussions with the boys and we're trying to see what's best. Right now on my agenda is my album.

Question: Sue- Have you and Nick played basketball together? Who won?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-We have a hard enough time getting in touch with each other on the phone! We've been playing phone tag for the past 3 weeks! I'd probably never play her, I'm

Sue Nick Live: too scared!

Question: Hi Nick, my name's Brandi. If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I'd be something in the ocean...maybe a dolphin or a shark. MrLiveGuy: What are you doing after the show tonight- is ther ea party?

Sue Nick Live: Nick-I'm going to rehearsals tonight. I'm not as bad as I used to be! LOL

Sue Nick Live: Nick-Sorry we couldn't get to everybody! Take care!
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AJ's Been Sober For One Year

Credit to cutiepie0319@yahoo.com

On Monday, July 8, Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean will be celebrating 1 year of being alcohol free. To help celebrate, many Backstreet Boys' fans plan on calling/e-mailing TRL and reminding them of AJ's accomplishment, in hopes of getting an on-air announcement.

Source: Backstreet Boys The Gods

"Littrell Becomes Baseball Boy"

Credit to samstreet

Atlanta Braves Kevin Millwood, Rafael Furcal, Andruw Jones and Gary Sheffield hit Turner Field early Tuesday afternoon to give the vertically challenged kid wearing the No. 20 jersey some tips. Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell was in the ballpark in full Braves uniform, complete with cleats and batting gloves poking out of his back pocket to film a segment for MTV's upcoming "Rock 'N Jocks" program. This year's show, which will also feature James Van Der Beek and Jaime Pressly, focuses on celebrities working out with their sports faves. Originally, MTV wanted the former Floridian to work out with players from the Florida Marlins. But Littrell, who now lives in Alpharetta with wife Leighanne, dug in his cleats on Georgia clay. The singer says he's been a Braves fan since he was "a little kid" and wanted to film with his team. Incidentally, Littrell had a bit of experience to draw from while he fielded, pitched and banged balls around Tuesday. He played in both Little League and the Babe Ruth League growing up.

http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/li...z.html#littrell

Source: Live Daily Board: BSB Forum

No Gold/Platinum Certification For 'Chapter 1'

Credit to yikes

From "Ask Billboard"

I WANT IT PLATINUM

Hi,

I can't help but notice that the Backstreet Boys recent hits album "Chapter 1" has not been certified platinum yet, even though I know it's sold well over 1 million copies. Why is this? And can you please tell me how much it has sold to date?

Aaron

Hello Aaron,

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifies gold and platinum albums after reviewing data for the number of copies that have been shipped to U.S. retailers. While Billboard charts indicate what RIAA award a title has received, the magazine does not certify albums gold or platinum.

A record label applies to the RIAA in order to have a title certified, and perhaps "The Hits - Chapter One," has slipped through the cracks at Jive. The album has sold 1.4 million units in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, which measures over the counter sales, not shipments. Billboard's album charts, such as The Billboard 200 where "The Hits" debuted last November at No. 4, are based solely on data from Nielsen SoundScan.

To find out more about how the RIAA's sales awards system works, visit its Web site at riaa.com.

Source: Live Daily Board: BSB Forum

In other words, they cant certify Chapter 1 cuz Jive didn't apply to the RIAA

I just heard the interview on 93.7 with Kevin. here's a recap of the Star 93.7 interview:

- He's in the Boston area for the weekend so he can play in the Willow Bend Children's Pro Am golf charity event on Monday in Mashpee, MA (on the Cape)

- AJ is also playing and will be flying into town tomorrow (Sat).

- Kevin took over the old KNHBA label by himself and will be re- launching it alone (he said he was the one doing most of the work for the label)

- He bought a recording studio called Blue Jay recording in Carlisle MA. The studio has been around for 25 years. He mentioned something about a friend named Marcus being from the Boston area and that Marcus will be involved with the studio somehow. Not sure if this is the Marcus who has been a security guard for them in the past. He mentioned that BSB will most likely record at this studio, but obviously couldn't say when.

-Said they have been recording for 6 months, mosltly in LA. They have worked with Glen Ballard, Jermaine Dupri in Atlanta, and another person who just did a new song for Aerosmith on their latest CD, among others. The DJ commented that the new CD sounds like it will be a departure from old BSB, and Kevin pretty much confirmed that.

-Kevin said he's been working out a lot, mostly by boxing in the gym for 1 1/2 - 2 hours a day. He's not trying to bulk up, just to "get tight"

- Kevin said they were thinking about stripping the shows down a lot - not as much pyro (if any), swinging from the ceiling etc. He mentioned that they were thinking about going to small venues (like 1500-2000 seaters) and premiering new material for the fans before the first single even drops. That way they can guage audience reaction etc. The DJs commented that this would be a great idea. End of the year is what they're shooting for for the release of the cd, but Kevin said they would not rush it out (i.e., for holiday sales). The DJ said that showed a lot of class and maturity (DJ also commented that BSB has always been one step ahead of everyone else)

-Mentioned that AJ is doing really well. Has channelled his energy into writing a ton of songs and playing golf every other day

-Mentioned that they have all been very involved in producing their own stuff since the first CD, and that he, Brian and AJ specifically have their own production companies

-The DJ asked if Kristin goes on the road and critiques Kevin's shows - he said she is basically tone deaf so she can't critique his singing, but that she was a great dancer and she critique's that. They joked about the two of them choreographing each other when they're alone at home

-The charity golf tournament on the Cape on Monday is open to the public - $10 admission. Under 18 free. Lots of local sports celebrities etc. will be there, as well as Kevin and AJ

-Kevin had to judge between 2 fathers who dressed up like Britney for tickets for their daughters and families. He had a real hard time deciding because he didn't want one of the guys to lose. He finally picked the guy whose family made him shave his chest hair and arm pit hair before dressing up. However, he said he would use any and all connections he has to get the other family who didn't win tickets also.

This was a great interview. The radio station really respects BSB and Kevin was gracious and funny. The DJs commented on what a great guy he is. They took photos during the interview and they should have them posted later to their web site. The radio station is Star 93.7 in Boston.

THANX TO CLOUD9!

All the props goes to cool_chica34, who typed it all to DamnitBackstreet group... Thanks!

Saw this on CDNOW allstar daily news...

Nikki Sixx, who wrote most of the Motley Crue stuff, told us that he has written a song, "Let's Get It Together," for possible inclusion on the next Backstreet Boys album, as well as songs for Tantric, Saliva, and Faith Hill. Party-goers were treated to the usual food and booze, as well as the new Kiss Kondoms and cute little tongue depressor sticks that read, "Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine… Say Ahh!"

Nick was at my radio station last week, so i transcripted it so here it for ya'll!

May 20,2002

XL 106.7 - Orlando

Kid Cruz: I got to finally catch up with Nick Carter from Backstreet Boys, and today he's here for a shirt interview. Nick,dude, how are things going with you?

Nick: Great man!

Kid Cruz: What have you been up to these days?

Nick: Well, ya know I've been working on a solo alum right?

Kid Cruz: Of course dude!

Nick: Well I've recorded about half of my album..no close to half and I've been all over the place! Its been really cool. My newest song I recorded is called Too Much Rain.

Kid Cruz: Are you still with Backstreet?

Nick: OF COURSE MAN! I wouldn't leave them for the world.

Kid Cruz: Are you all recording?

Nick: Yeah, we have a place to ourselves, and its so much fun, because there is video games gallore! I'm always in the Entertainment Room doing something. We even have a big pool, and a pool table so its been great.

Kid Cruz: So when do you think the new Backstreet Boys Album will be out?

Nick: We were hoping by mid summer, but were all taking our time with this one, and uh were gonna try to make the best BSB cd ever! So now, it will probably be out around October-November.

Kid Cruz: Thats great.

Nick: Yeah.

Kid Cruz: So what else have you been doing?

Nick: I've been racing my baby.

Kid Cruz: Excuse me?

Nick: My boat racing.

Kid Cruz: Oh right. I knew that, haha. And you won a few races, how does that feel?

Nick: Oh man, that was awesome! Me and the crew were all so proud of it, and its just so much fun. I love speed and my boat has a lot of that.

Kid Cruz: So do you take a lot of ladies on there with you?

Nick: (laughs) To tell you the truth, alot of them think its ugly, so no

Kid Cruz: For real?

Nick: Yes! I don't know one girl who liked my boat, and honestly did.

Kid Cruz: Aww. Sucks. So I take it you don't have a girlfriend?

Nick: Nope.

Kid Cruz:What happened with Willa? I thought you two were still dating off and on.

Nick: No way man.

Kid Cruz: (laughs) What do you mean?

Nick: Ya know, I mean, her and I were history a long time ago.

Kid Cruz: Well thats too bad.

Nick: I guess.

Kid Cruz: You don't seem too happy with her?

Nick: You could say that.

Kid Cruz: What happened?

Nick: Once I get started, I could go on for hours.

Kid Cruz: (laughs) That bad huh?

Nick: Yes! She stole my two pugs, who are my pride and joy!

Kid Cruz: Did you get them back?

Nick: Yes after going to court.

Kid Cruz: Oh.

Nick: But, no I shouldn't say anything bad man. She can be cool, and we still talk once in a while, but shes not for me.

Kid Cruz: Well I would think not.

Nick: Yeah.

Kid Cruz: So, when is Backstreet Boys touring next?

Nick: Umm..Hmm..good question. Well, we hope to be starting the new World Tour by maybe late December, late January.

Kid Cruz: And where are you going to tour?

Nick: Dude, thats why its called a World Tour. Around the world! Even bigger then last time.

Kid Cruz: Nice.

Nick: Yeah, were making up some places where we didn't get to go last time, and we want to go to Canada alot more.

Kid Cruz: Whys that?

Nick: Canada kicks some major butt man!

Kid Cruz: Oh really?

Nick: Yes, I love Canada. Its one of my favourite places to go.

Kid Cruz: Whats your favourite city to go?

Nick: I have a lot. I love Toronto, Calagary is nice, and I really like Edmonton. Have you ever heard of those places?

Kid Cruz: Yeah, I grew up in Edmonton.

Nick: Really? I didn't know that.

Kid Cruz: Yeah.

Nick:Yeah the fans there are REALLY LOUD.

Kid Cruz: Yeah.

Nick: Yeah, and so was Vancouver man, I dont know how girls can scream that loud and for that long. Wouldn't it hurt?

Kid Cruz: Probably.

Nick: Yeah but, I love those places. They are so down to earth.

Kid Cruz: Cool cool. So, what else is going on?

Nick: Hmm..uh not really anything else. Oh wait, its kinda early to even be thinking about this, but were going to be looking for some opening acts soon.

Kid Cruz: Any luck?

Nick: Not really. Some that we have looked at, are really hardcore. We want some pop sounds in there.

Kid Cruz: Yeah. Who do you perfer, guys or gals?

Nick: (laughs and does a micheavious grin) Well..I have to say girls.

Kid Cruz: Typical guy!

Nick: (laughs) I'm sorry! But its funner to hang out with girls then guys. The girls are usually more fun and crazy like hanging out and having good times. The guys are like, "I wanna sleep, GOOD BYE!" And never wanna hang out.

Kid Cruz: But you can't blame them.

Nick: Well, yeah for the first while, but after its like, Live a little! The girls just have more energy.

Kid Cruz: Yeah? Well, have you ever dated one of the girls on tour with you?

Nick: Umm..no.

Kid Cruz:Why don't I believe that?

Nick: Dude I..ok,I dated Sarah Smith from Nobodys Angel when they opended for AJ on his Johnny No Name tour. So they opended for us for only a few shows and yeah. She was in Britney Spears's video Baby One More Time, and *NSYNCS Pop, so shes a very good dancer.

Kid Cruz:How long did you two date for?

Nick: Not long. She dumped me in like a week.

Kid Cruz: (laughs) Why?

Nick: No idea! One day she said, Nick, I can't see you anymore, and that was it.

Kid Cruz: Oh!(laughing)

Nick: Oh well.

Kid Cruz: So you want another girl act to date one?

Nick: (laughing) Um not neccessarily, but I would if I liked her, and things just happen you know? Especially when your on tour with them for a year, you grow really close to eachother.

Kid Cruz: I understand that.

Nick: Yeah, so it just happens.

Kid Cruz: Are you a romantic guy?

Nick: I think so.

Kid Cruz: Well thats always good then.

Nick: I like it when the girl approaches me first though.

Kid Cruz: Why?

Nick: Cause it shows me that shes not nervous around me and is comfortable.

Kid Cruz: I see.

Nick: Anyways, we want GIRL ACTS on tour with us this next time. Cause this time, it will be even more fun!

Kid Cruz: So,what do they do to get in touch with you?

Nick: Send a demo to our company and we'll get in touch with ya'll. An old friend of Brian and mine from Lexington Kentucky, Bill Todd, knows a few girls from Canada..I think it was Canada yeah, and they sent hyim a clip of the song "Heaven" and he gave it to us, and we all all listened to it, and we thought they were very talented. We want to get contact with them, but its really hard right now. And the same with Howie, he knows some girls but it all should come together soon.

Kid Cruz: Well thats all good to hear. But, I have to let you go back to your racing and such. So, you take care of yourself as well as the rest of Backstreet. And say congrats to Leighanne and Brian for me@

Nick: I will man.

Straight Blast

Production of Straight Blast was delayed last year and White Tiger may now out of the picture (though they have not changed their website). The pre-production office was slated to open in Denver with shooting scheduled to start in early March (though you never know in this business). Interesting additions to the cast are Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys and his wife. Rumor is that the Backstreet Boys have a piece of the picture now, too.

Instead of opening up pre-production, they decided to totally revise financing. While Straight Blast is still supposed to be shot this year, any projections about schedules is not known. Julian Lee is starting pre-production on another film this month, so there is doubt there can be any work on Straight Blast before June. It is believed the Littrells are still involved.

Plot summary:

It's the story of Paul Thorn, ex-special forces soldier and assassin, who is pulled back into the world of high-tech espionage and murder after the death of his best friend leaves him in possession of a valuable technological secret. Paul kidnaps a young woman whom he falls in love with, while being relentlessly pursued by Karl Detmers, a cold-blooded assassin. Paul blasts his way through this thriller with kicks, bullets, and action, leaving a shortage of body bags in his wake

AJ Being Sued

I laughed so damn hard at this crap... If you're worried, no, she won't win... What an insult. The whole article, including the way it is written, is an insult.

"As if you needed another reason to avoid a Backstreet Boys concert, look what reportedly happened to Helene Bahn when she accompanied her teenage daughter to a show in Tampa. According to this lawsuit filed last month in Florida's Circuit Court, Bahn claims she was seriously injured when Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean peeled off his Tampa Bay Devil Rays jersey and tossed it into the crowd. Bahn says after catching the shirt she was bum-rushed by other concertgoers and, during the struggle for the jersey, the garment somehow became wrapped around her neck. The ensuing tug of war, Bahn's lawyer told TSG, left his client with a herniated disc that required surgery, and other injuries. Bahn's lawsuit alleges that A.J. (he's the punk with the Fu Manchu) should have known that "the throwing of an object such as a jersey would result in a melee breaking out." Though injured at a February 2000 show, Bahn waited two years to sue, her lawyer said, because she tried to privately settle her claim. (2 pages)"

Nick Album News

The Sun reports Robbie Williams' writing partner Guy Chambers has been recruited by Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter to help him out on his solo album. Guy told the Sun, "Nick wants to be an American Robbie. I like him - he could be massive." Chambers is also currently writing for BBMak and Pop Idol winner Will Young.

Tickets for this year's Dorough Lupus Foundation benefit concert will go on sale beginning Saturday, May 18th, at 10:00 Eastern Standard Time. Tickets can be purchased through the Hard Rock Live box office or TICKETMASTER for $50 (US$).

The foundation is offereing a special package deal where you'll be able to spend some time with Howie D.

This package will include a complimentary ticket that will allow you to enjoy the "Lupus 2002" benefit concert from the front of the Hard Rock Live concert facility. You will receive a program booklet personally autographed by Howie. You will be invited to attend an exclusive meeting with Howie D after the concert. Howie will personally greet you and you will have the choice of either 1) receiving one item autographed by Howie or 2) bring your own camera and we will have staff personnel available to take your picture with Howie D. Complimentary light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided (cash bar will be available).

This package is exclusively available through the Dorough Lupus Foundation and cannot be purchased through the Hard Rock Live box office or Ticketmaster. To reserve your package, phone 1-866-448- 2353, Monday - Friday 9:30 to 4:00 Eastern Standard Time. The price for this package is $150.00 US$. This package is not available after June 15, 2002 and only 100 individual packages are available.

Packages will be available for pick up at the special "Will Call" table located in front of the Hard Rock Live facility on June 22 beginning at 7:00 P.M. Packages will only be released to the purchaser, so please bring photo ID for verification purposes. Other arrangements for package pick up can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Thanks to Nicole!
[Brian told us about the tour and the album and how excited he is about it. their goin to la middle of this month to record "happy" ajs song. he said aj is doin great. he came over to their house about a week ago and hes doin really good. leigh said all he drinks is odouls (sp?) so, then brian said hes tryin really hard to get the guys to go up to ny to do just one song on trl. hes like "i want everyone to know we're excited" hes all kickin his legs up and doin cute little brian gestures as he talkin.]

thanks to yoggin from Backstreet Shining Stars
A backstreet fan meet Nick in Daytona last week and was asking questions and he told her the guys have already written 25 songs all together.

Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson, environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Eastern Kentucky University President Joanne Glasser helped launch the new Kentucky Riverkeeper program at the state's Fort Boonesborough State Park on Monday (May 6). The trio, among others, christened a boat that will be used for citizen patrols aimed at fighting pollution on the 259-mile-long Kentucky River. Illegal dumping of waste as well as runoff from coalmines, logging, and construction are among the many problems that plague the Kentucky River's water quality. "What I see makes me very sad," Richardson said at the ceremony. "We're going to make sure those responsible for polluting the water are going to pay, literally going to pay." The Kentuckian Richardson is an Estill County native who formed his own environmental foundation called Just Within Reach last year. "The quality of that water out there is unacceptable and sad," Richardson told the local Kentucky Herald-Leader newspaper. "My mother told me she used to play hooky to go play in the Kentucky River. I want my children one day to be able to play there, too." Kentucky Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization established by the Center For Appalachian Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. It is part of Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. whose mission is to protect and restore the quality of the world's waterways.

Credits to Sham99 Brad Pitt Calls TRL

He called in TRL. You know there's a campaign to get him on the show and Kevin said he will make him an honorary member of BSB and he had his picture on the album with theirs.. well Brad called in today (he's in LA) and Carson asked him what made him decide to call in.. Carson said "Was it the free cab ride?" and Brad said "No it's not that" and then I think Carson asked if it was the free food he was offered and Brad said no and Brad said "I think it was the fact that I can become an honorary member of the Backstreet Boys" LOL. And Carson said something like who wouldn't want that and Brad said "I can't sing but I can sure dance my little Backstreet off" How cool.