"We hope to be old people onstage together, as old as the Rolling Stones," says Carter, 18. So, do the Stones look like grandparents to him? "Well, their drummer [Charlie Watts, 57] is looking up there."

The group hug: Before a show, the five-man hug "is like a sentimental moment," says McLean, 20. "It's like saying, 'Let's not take any of this for granted. We're blessed.' "

"David Cassidy said he had no control of merchandising," says Richardson. "We're trying to control our destiny. Enough with [Backstreet] pajamas, bedsheets, lunch boxes. It was out of hand, but we've now gained control legally."

What's the toughest part of being a Backstreet Boy? "When you're walking in the mall and they recognize you and scream," says McLean. "Then everyone comes and your whole shopping day" is ruined. Adds Carter: "Screaming is all right. But come say, 'Hi, we respect your music.' That's what we're all about: music."

Carter, an artist, hopes to publish a comic book soon. "It's a dark Batman-like story, a sci-fi type of thing, and all the Backstreet Boys are characters. I believe it'll open us up to male fans."

Frank Sinatra was a master at retaining his audience as they matured from bobby-soxers to senior citizens, says McLean. "He did everything right."

Being big in Europe first and nobodies in America "was humbling," says Richardson. Adds Carter: "Because we had to work for it here, it made the success sweeter."

"Our shows are for the whole family - younger sisters, older sisters, the cats, the dogs ..." says McLean. "We even had a dog chasing our bus. I said to Nick, 'Look, now we have animal fans! That's when you know you've made it.' "