BEST-LOOKING BAND: BACKSTREET BOYS TAKEN FROM TEEN: SEPTEMBER 1998 ISSUE

A lot has happened to the Backstreet Boys since we last interviewed them in February. Back then, Nick Carter, 18; Howie Dorough, 25; Brian Littrell, 23; A.J. McLean, 20; and Kevin Richardson, 26, were just catching on in America after scoring enormous success around the globe. Now their U.S. fan base has gone banana's --- their current Stateside tour is the hottest ticket in any town. Amid all the excitement, the guys had to deal with Brian's heart surgery (fortunately, he's feeling better than ever!). We gabbed with the guys just before they kicked off their road trip. Talk about psyched!

By the time this issue is in Teen readers' hands, you guys will be in the middle of your tour. Can you give us a hint about what we're in for?

Kevin: It's going to be high energy and lots of fun. We'll do all the current singles and some covers from our favourite artists.

A.J.: You'll hear all the hits and some new tracks.

What makes this tour special?

Howie: This is out first big tour in America. Touring in our own country is a big proving point. Plus, there's no place like home!

Nick: A lot of people are still skeptical about us ---we want to show our country whaat we're really like.

How are European fans different than American fans?

Howie: They're more aggressive in Europe! We use to talk to fans in the hotel lobby, but we can't be as personable with out European fans because the hype is so big over there.

Nick: American girls are still hesitant in lettin' everything out.

Being so popular must make it tough to get around.

Kevin: Yeah. When we go out alone we throw on a hat and sunglasses. But when we're together we cause a commotion. Everybody recognizes us! It's kinda cool.

How do you deal with the current crop of Backstreet Wanna-Boys

Howie: groups are sounding alike because they found a sound that's doing really well and everybody kinda capitlizes on that. So we'll be coming up with something fresh, new ideas and stuff, but at the same time being true to ourselves and our strenghts.

When Ginger left the Spice Girls, the rest of the group went on without her. Could that ever happen to you?

Nick: several groups have let fans down by breaking up. We've been together for five years. We're going to stick around.

A.J.: Since the group started, it's always been five, and I don't thing anybody's going anywhere fast. It'll a;ways be the five of us---(we're) like brother's.

Yeah, but brother's fight!

Nick: We just make sure that anything that pops up, we nail it right in the butt! To stay together you have to have communication. We make sure we always talk things out.

When do you plan to start working on your next album?

Howie: We've all been doing a lot of writting. We're gonna get together with our producers this fall and choose which songs to record on the album.

Should we expect a new sound?

Kevin: On the first album, most of the stuff was done by writters and producers our record company hooked us up with, Now we're adding a little more of our own music into the mix. But we don't want to rush it; we want it to be a growth process. As for the sound, we constantly upgrade. We're gonna stay on the cutting edge and evolve, just like Madonna has done (and) Janet has done. It's all good music.

Brian, how are you feeling since your surgery? Are you getting lots of TLC?

Brian: I'm recovering very well, actually, due to the great doctors and a lot of support and love from my family and friends, not to mention all the fans and people sending get-well cards. I'm taking a lot of walks and getting a lot of extra care.

were the rest of you guys nervous about Brian's surgery, or did you keep your cool?

Nick: Of course I was worried---there's always that doubt in your mind. But deep down in my heart, i knew he's a strong person and I knew he'd come out of it.

His closest friend in the group is A.J., although before they formed BSB the two were acting up for the same parts.

He got his nickname in the group, Sweet D, because he's so darned nice---especially to his fans.

Wanna know why he's the best dancer in the group? He studied ballet seriously!

He was born with a hole in his heart, but no one knew about it until one day when he was 5 and his heart stopped for 30 seconds!

Even though the condition became potentially life-threatening, he put off his surgery to keep the groups momentum growing.

He started singing in church, as a choirboy.

His parents divorced when A.J.(for Alexander James) 4. While his mom was always there for him, he only recently reunited with his dad.

As a kid, he was into acting and puppetry as well as singing.

He's without a doubt the trendiest, edgeiest one in the BSB---no one can keep up with his hair-colour changes and peircings!

He has dealt with tragedy and trauma, from his father's death from cander six years ago to his own emergency appendectomy last fall.

The oldest member of the group, Kevin often assumes the role of a big brother.

He has the most rugged looks but insists he's a real softy who'll cry over practically anything.

He's the youngest and tallest (6 feet 1 inch) member in the group. Nick joind BSB at 13--- an old man to his little brother Aaron, 10, who's kicking off his own music career.

Basketball and sailing are his fave sports. Video games and comic books are obsessions too.