Bring on the BOY bands (Jump Magazine - March '99)

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Feb 17, 2099 Source: Jump Magazine, March 1999 Submitted By: Tina (Tikki1015@aol.com) for sending this in. (Note from Tina: Some of the info isn't correct. For example they put Nick's astrological sign as Capricorn but we all know he's an Aquarius) Written By Kim Taylor Just shout the words "Backstreet Boys" in a crowded mall these days and you're likely to cause a stampede...or at least a few fainting spells. Some of us will freely confess to obsessions with 'N Sync or 98, and we have pinup posters on our walls and the concert stubs to prove it. Others of us are closet fans who prefer to keep our passions for Five and No Authority private, thankyouverymuch. But one thing is for sure: Each member of these bands started out as ordinary boy-next-door type who simply wasn't afraid to sing and dance. "It's all about timing, luck and a little bit of talent," says 'N Sync's Chris, who didn't have celebrity parents, a wealthy family or a fairy godmother to help him become a star. Instead, each guy stayed true to the things he loved: his best friends and entertaining people. But they won't tell you their jobs are all fun and games. In fact, it is a lot of hard work, never mind the sacrifices they have to make. Explains Backstreet Boy Nick, "A few of the guys had girlfriends in the past, but in this businessit just doesn't work. Right now our love is the music." No room for romance? We're patient. In the meantime, here's a look at the boys who make us go Mmm. The Band: BACKSTREET BOYS The Buzz: Who's the biggest boy band of them all? It's no surprise that the Backstreet Boys take top honors. After signing a deal with Jive Records, the boys achieved scary success worldwide by selling more then 22 million copies (and counting) of their self-titled debut album. In Europe, where the group first hit it big time, they now need bodyguards to go out in public. These days, the guys are putting the finishing touches on their second album (due out in spring 1999), but don't expect the same old sound this time around. The boys learned how to play instruments and wrote most of the songs for their can't-hardley-wait release. The Boys: A.J. Mclean, 21, Orlando, FL Capricorn Objects of his affection: panda bears, junk food, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Gwen Stefani and reruns of Seinfeld Kevin Richardson, 27, Lexington, KY Libra Nickname: Freight or Train, because of his tackling ability during his football days. Howie Dorough, 25, Orlando FL Virgo Double shift: "Sweet D" isn't just a Backstreet Boy (or the best dancer, thanks to ballet lessons). With the help of his Puerto Rican mom and Spanish- speaking skills, he became a huge hit in South America last year when he popped up on a soap opera. Nick Carter, 19, Jamestown, NY Capricorn Sigh factor: Nick, a.k.a. Messy Marvin, admits he misses hanging out with his little brother and sisters, and that he's a Butterfinger freak. He also gets a nervous twitch when he has to perform in front of big stars like Puff Daddy or Mariah Carey. Brian Littrell, 23, Lexington, KY Pisces Heartbroken: Ignoring his parents' pleas, Brian put off surgery to fix a hole in his heart for six months last year so he could tour with the band. "He's always been a team player," says his mom. Comment on this item. Next Item: Backstage with the Backstreet Boys Prev Item: Article From USA Today (Feb 19, '99)