Source: Askmen.com
03.15.2005
why are they famous?
The biggest boy band of the late '90s, the Backstreet Boys enjoyed worldwide fame thanks to hits like "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)," "I'll Never Break Your Heart," "All I Have to Give," "I Want It That Way," and "Larger Than Life." After some headline-making incidents and a five-year hiatus, the boys are back on the streets of fame with a new tour.
quick bio
Born on January 9, 1978, in West Palm Beach, Florida, Alexander James "A.J." McLean quickly took an interest in performing and even worked as a child model. After meeting future bandmate Howie Dorough at a talent competition in 1992, the duo ran into Nick Carter, and were on their way to forming one of the most successful bands of the '90s -- the Backstreet Boys. When A.J., Howie and Nick met up with cousins Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell, who both hail from Lexington, KY, a phenomenon was born.
Released by Jive Records, the band's 1996 self-titled debut reached the Top 10 in most countries, especially Europe and Canada, while in the U.S. word of the Backstreet Boys elicited a mild yawn. The American re-release came the following year, and slowly but surely, the band's rise to the top began. As the hit albums piled up -- particularly 1999's Millennium -- disruptions overtook the band, including A.J.'s battle with alcohol and drugs, a lawsuit and the emerging popularity of hip-hop and rock.
With the Backstreet Boys set to come back in 2005, we sat down with A.J. to talk about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.
In the meantime, check out www.thebackstreetboys.com for the band's tour dates in 2005.
The Interview
Q: What have you been up to?
Working on a brand new album and really working on myself, trying to continue my sobriety and work on improving myself.
Q: During the "Backstreet Boys craze," was it possible to have a normal relationship with a woman?
Yeah, it was... In the very beginning it was kinda difficult because we weren't supposed to have girlfriends, but our fans want us to be happy and if that means being married or having a girlfriend, they are okay with that. Of course, in this industry it is a bit harder to have normal relationships, but it is possible.
Q: You were immediately cast as the "bad boy" of the band -- did you play into it, or were you actually the bad boy?
I think it was a little bit of both. I definitely played into it too much, and it cost me four years in terms of drinking and drugs. But people who really know me, know that I am not a bad boy at heart.... I am a big teddy bear.
Q: How did going from playing crowds of more than 20,000 outside of the U.S. to playing in malls back home affect your ego?
I thought it was great, it was a good way to keep us humble. We used to call the U.S. "no-fan land." But outside of the U.S., people would flock us at the airport and at venues. And then we would come back to the U.S. and people didn't know who we were. It was a big joke between us.
Q: How were your relationships with the members of 'N Sync?
We are all from the same neck of the woods, and we had a healthy competition as there always is between similar groups. But they are all talented guys, so our relationships were great.
Q: Did you guys know the fun was over when boy bands were popping up all over the place, or did you think you could ride it out?
Well, we didn't realize there were that many boy bands until we started touring in Europe. I don't think we were ever affected by it since a lot of the groups in Europe didn't really sing live, but we did and would perform a cappella as well. I don't think we ever thought we had to ride it out. We always said, "We stand in a class of our own, and now we are the only ones left in our market."
Q: Did you feel a little slighted when you essentially opened the doors for 'N Sync to walk through?
We saw it coming -- they were from our same management staff and had similar backgrounds. We broke down a couple of walls and went through life experiences that I hope they learned from. But they are still really hard workers and are very talented. They might have had it a bit easier than us since we initially broke some walls and opened some doors, but it worked out for them and us in the end.
Q: How often were you compared to the New Kids on the Block? If so, did that bother you?
Only in Europe really. There may have been some haters in the U.S., but we expected the comparison. It never really bothered me.
Q: Do you care that so many guys might put you down, for example, out of jealousy, considering all the money you've made and babes you've scored...
There are always going to be haters, there are always going to be people who don't like us. But those are the types that are insecure with themselves and are just trying to get attention from girls by being d*cks. But there is no way around it, no matter who you are or what you do, there will always be some people who don't like you.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about you and the band?
Biggest misconception about me is the bad boy image that everyone stuck me into due to my tattoos, drug days and the constant changes I make with my hair color. But people who really know me know that I am the biggest pushover in the world -- I have no inhibitions, I like to try anything that won't kill or harm me, but I do like to experiment and try new things. But I am no Sid Vicious. A misconception about the group would be that we wouldn't last. And after this break, a lot of people probably thought we were over. But we're not, we just took a break and are back. People don't really know us for us, we're just five guys who came from ordinary lives, and we have been blessed with a talent to perform and bring happiness to other people's lives. We had to pay our dues and bust our balls, and will probably have to do it again since we took a break. But we are all hungry and excited to be back recording and touring.
Q: Speaking of the drugs and booze, are you clean now?
Yes, 2.5 years sober.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Be very, very patient and very open-minded, and listen to what people have to say. Especially if you are involving yourself with people in the entertainment industry. Pay attention to what other artists have to say in regards to their paths and careers. Keep your head up and be patient. You can have whatever you want if you believe in yourself and keep your feet firmly planted in the ground.
Q: Great words to live by. Thanks A.J., we're looking forward to your comeback!
For more on AJ and the rest of the Backstreet Boys, check out www.thebackstreetboys.com.