The Backstreet Boys surprised fans in Boston this week with a reunited
appearance at a concert that also featured Jessica Simpson, Ja Rule and
Cyndi Lauper. What Bostonians got was a sneak peek at what to expect from
the group's long-awaited new album.
But Taking Names has learned there are more Backstreet surprises -- and more
reunions -- in store.
While few people were looking last week, the boys sneaked into Orlando to
lay down a track with another blast from major-pop-stars past: Boyz II Men.
The two groups stretched their combined cords for two days in pop manager
Johnny Wright's expansive entertainment compound in south Orlando.
"It was a cool collab," Boyz member Shawn Stockman said Wednesday afternoon.
"It felt good, and we want to help each other out."
Both groups are on the verge of relaunching their careers. But much more has
been said about the Backstreeters than the Boyz, who have actually been
toiling away in recent years.
Asked how long it had been since their last album, Stockman started
laughing. "It's funny," he said. "2002."
To hear him tell it, the group -- which the Recording Industry Association
of America ranks as the best-selling R&B group of the 20th century --
suffered from shoddy promotion under its old label. So the trio has created
its own. (Bass Michael McCary is no longer with the group). And with
Wright's help, they're determined to get back to the golden days.
The late-summer album, Throwback, will feature a collection of re-created
R&B classics, like Michael Jackson's Human Nature accompanied by only an
acoustic guitar and percussion. "You've got to find a new way," Stockman
said. "You can't just duplicate songs like these."
While spending a month here in Orlando, the guys are following a strenuous
dance, workout and vocal regimen -- and occasionally hitting clubs such as
the Roxy, where Stockman confessed to enjoying the fight nights. But don't
count on him stepping into the amateur ring. "Ohhh no," he said, explaining
that the last thing he needs while promoting an album is a "busted lip or
black eye."
BRIAN Thomas Littrell ~ The Golden Voiced Backstreet Boy
- Established Jan 1999 -