Backstreet Boys Show Up With A Cheetah In Cape Town

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Nov 20, 2000 Source: CDNOW's allstar Submitted By: Gina Nov 20, 2000, 11:50 am PT The Backstreet Boys' Cape Town, South Africa stop on their Round the World in 100 Hours promotional tour originally called for a monkey to be on hand as a photo op, but when the boys arrived on Monday (Nov. 20), they were met with a more dangerous animal instead. The short time that Cape Town organizers were given was apparently not enough to track down a tame primate. The one that they did find had a tendency to bite people when released from its cage, so instead they came up with a cheetah named Nayana-Spier, which was led into the press conference for a brief meet and greet. The most unusual visitor was meant to add a touch of Africa to the Backstreet Boys' South African leg of their promotional extravaganza to promote the worldwide release of their brand new album Black & Blue. The whirlwind tour involves holding press conferences, meeting fans, and performing a capella versions of their new hit single "Shape of My Heart" in six different capitals on six different continents in a record four days (allstar, Nov. 15). When invited to stroke the animal, which is used to raise funds for the Cheetah Conservation Foundation, the oldest member of the band, Kevin Richardson, gingerly led the way and was soon followed by his bandmates. They spent about five minutes of their 40-minute press conference stroking the endangered cat and posing with it for an eager contingent of press photographers. After their simulated safari, the Backstreet Boys then answered a barrage of questions in a manner that reinforced their boy-next-door image. When asked how long they could stay together as a band, Nick Carter explained they were like a family of brothers. He envisaged a future where they pursued solo projects but came together periodically as a band. "No matter what happens we will always be the Backstreet Boys," he said. A few of the 50-plus fans allowed in to the press conference were permitted to ask questions. One of the most bizarre came from a young girl who asked in a serious tone how the band would react if one of their fans took a bullet for them. After exchanging bewildering looks, a deadpan Richardson quietly replied: "We'd be very grateful." Richardson, admittedly overwhelmed by Cape Town's beautiful scenery and warm reception, was genuinely excited to be here for the first time. "And it won't be our last time," he assured the 100-plus audience of journalists, photographers, and teenage fans. "We will bring out our band and put on a special show next year when we tour the world." He provided no further details, but indicated that the Black & Blue tour would kick off in Florida during the first few months of 2001. More details of the world tour are expected to be announced in New York on Tuesday (Nov. 21). Stay tuned for allstar's coverage of the press conference featuring video and audio snippets, as well as photos. -- Mike Behr Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: markus http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Submitted by: Barneyxcq GQ72oj http://www.LnAJ7K8QSpfMO2wQ8gO.com Submitted by: JimmiNi Gxuh1y http://www.FyLitCl7Pf7ojQdDUOLQOuaxTXbj5iNG.com Submitted by: gordon IPXfb8 http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: gordon Uiwkti http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: matt MrHRyN http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: chaba WEeWXo http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: chaba V6wpbG http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: matt XCOSqP http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: Barnypok BxoZiH http://www.FyLitCl7Pf7ojQdDUOLQOuaxTXbj5iNG.com Click here to see more comments. Comment on this item. Next Item: Kings of Pop Use The King Of Rock n Roll's Pilot for 100 Hour World Trip Prev Item: All 'Black & Blue'