Being a Backstreet Boy

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Jan 04, 2000 Source: Lori Thompson Submitted By: I'm constantly thinking about the fellas...no surprise there...but last night, I really sat down and thought about everything that goes into being "a Backstreet Boy" and I am humbled by my revelation. I've always respected all that they do for us, the fans, but I never really sat down and thought about just what that "everything" was, until last night. I wanted to share my thoughts because I'd like all the fans, young and older, to see all that the fellas do in the hopes that it will bring them [the fellas] a greater respect from the fans so that maybe we can show more respect for them and their private lives. In my opinion, Being a Backstreet Boy consists of the following -- 1) Singing 2) Dancing 3) Music videos 4) Photo shoots 5) Touring 6) Personal Appearances on TV, Radio, etc. 7) Charity work 8) Backstreet Boys, Inc. It looks like a lot, but nothing too much, right? But then think about all of the hours that go into writing the songs, practicing the songs, recording the songs, promoting the songs/CDs, performing the songs, finding a choreographer, learning the dance moves, practicing the dance moves, performing the dance moves, working out to stay in shape, finding a director which includes looking through hours of tapes, planning the videos, rehearsing the videos, shooting the videos, promoting the videos, doing the photo shoots themselves (is it in a studio or on location, clothing changes, posing), riding for hours on a bus, unloading and loading, different city, different day, soundchecks, performances, meet-and-greets, fan conferences, personal appearances at radio stations or calling in to a radio station, interviews, tv appearances/performances, their charity work speaks for itself, business meetings, meeting with promoters, management and the record label, label events. Does it still seem like not too much? I didn't think so. Now, factor in, personal time - what personal time? How in the world do they manage to develop personal relationships, see their families and spend time with them, or just take time for themselves in addition to all of the things that they do? I am in awe. I know I'm not the only one. I realize that many of us know that they do a lot of hard work, but did we realize just how much there is to do -- and I'm quite sure that I'm leaving out things they do that I'm not even aware of. On top of everything they do and how it leaves them with very little personal time, I realized that some of the more rambunctious fans (and if you've never done any of the things that I'm about to list, then I'm not referring to you) not only don't realize all that's being done, but that they don't seem to care. All those fans that mob them take away one more precious moment of their personal time and how do the fellas react? With patience and understanding, every time. No matter when. No matter where. I've read stories about "fans" that have stolen personal items from the Backstreet Boys, or where they've been injured by a "fan" in (more than likely) her zeal to get close to them. There is no other word to describe this behavior than wrong. Some of you reading this may be feeling defensive right about now, wanting to rationalize or defend your past behavior. If you are, then I'm definitely talking to you and you need to listen. Some of you may say that the fellas love what they do and they should just deal with everything that comes along with fame. I say, you're partly correct - they do love some of this - they love making the music and singing and the charity work they do is personally rewarding as well. The rest of the stuff is all part of the business of making the music that they love. If you think that they should just deal with all the overzealous fans, put yourself in their shoes. Would you want someone screaming and carrying on at 5 a.m. after you just rode a bus all night long, performed the night before, and all you want to do is just get in the hotel and get some real sleep in a real bed? I know I wouldn't - I look like I got hit by a bus if I have to be up at 5 a.m. Yes, they love us and appreciate us at every turn, but don't we have a responsibility to them as well? I started thinking about this because of the song "Larger Than Life". I thought to myself "Why are we, the fans, described as such? What, specifically, do we do to earn that moniker?" Well, we buy their CDs, and various merchandise, we cheer them on at their concerts and personal appearances, some of us donate to their charities, some of us treat them respectfully - as real people. Bottom line, so what? People SHOULD donate to their charities because they're worthy causes - and props to the Mature Fan Club (of which I am a member) for this being its mission. People SHOULD treat them respectfully because they ARE real people - we shouldn't get a pat on the back for doing what's right - we should do what's right for its own sake. That leaves buying the CDs and merchandise and cheering. Big deal. I don't want to be "Larger Than Life" for something so trivial. Is there anything that we, as fans, can do to increase awareness of all the fellas do - FOR US - and promote a higher level of respect for them? If you want to wait for their tour bus to arrive, I certainly can't stop you, but how about this? Instead of screaming "I love you Nick!" or "Marry Me Brian!" (or whoever your favorite is), scream "Thank you!" It's a safe bet that they're going to remember the fan that thanks THEM long after the one's declaring their love or proposing marriage have long been forgotten. I shouldn't HAVE to add this, but - from what I've read, it does need to be said - if you are a fan, and you love them like you say you do: don't steal from them, don't try to break into their hotel rooms, or onto their tour buses. I know how tempting it is - I'm 30 and I want to meet them too. I understand; however, a line has to be drawn somewhere. If you see them on the street, don't ask for an autograph or a picture, say "Hi", introduce yourself, thank them, and keep right on walking. We need to stop thinking about what we WANT from them and start thinking about what they NEED from us. I don't want to see our "love" get so out of hand, that it makes them not want to do this anymore. Do you? If you already treat them respectfully, from one fan to another, I thank you. If you agree with what I've written, help me spread the word. Help me help other fans treat the fellas as they deserve to be treated. Please remember that when we do things that disrespect them, we disrespect ourselves. I propose that, as we enter the new Millennium, we do so with a new understanding, a new respect for the Backstreet Boys and the men behind the group: Alexander James McLean, Brian Thomas Littrell, Howard Dwaine Dorough, Kevin Scott Richardson, and Nickolas Gene Carter. Take Care and God Bless All Of You, Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive, Lori Thompson For those of you that don't know, the Mature Fan Club is for Backstreet Boys' fans, male and female, aged 25 and over. The main purpose of the MFC is to raise funds for the various Backstreet Boys' charities. If you'd like to learn more, whether you're old enough to be a member or not, go to www.maturefanclub.com Comment on this item. Next Item: Backstreet stories put fans in action Prev Item: Grammy Is One Mysterious Lady