Backstreet Boy: We Have a Brain!

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Sep 13, 2000 Source: E! Online Submitted By: Leona for sending this in. by Josh Grossberg Sep 12, 2000, 3:15 PM PT You thought the Backstreet Boys were just good-looking. Now comes word they actually think, too. Although they've made millions as the world's biggest-selling boy band, the Backstreeters are now looking to make some financial moves. According to the Huntsville (Alabama) Times, Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson held a private meeting Monday with business leaders, a local financial planner, and a hotel development group in Huntsville about the possibility of the group investing in a new convention hotel for the downtown area. The four-hour meeting marked the first time the band has expressed interest in sinking its hard-earned cash into a long-term, low-risk investment. For the singer, it was a no-brainer. "You know, we do more than just sing and dance," Richardson told the newspaper. "We've got a brain, too." And a little help. The Boys just happen to be repped by a Huntsville financial whiz, Rick Baker of Morgan Stanley-Dean Witter, who also advises boy band 98 Degrees. Although it was only a prelimary get-together, Richardson said he and his MIA bandmates--Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and A.J. McLean--have been looking to invest for some time and have visited Huntsville on numerous occasions both on and off tour. "I think they've got a nice civic center here [in Huntsville]," added Richardson. "It would be nice to see a hotel in this area." Huntsville officials are considering giving tax incentives to developers in order to build a convention hotel in the downtown area that would have a capacity between 300 and 350 rooms, as well as additional meeting space for conventioneers and restaurants. The Backstreeters seem to be following the lead of Michael Jackson, Van Halen, Jimmy Buffett and other singing celebs who have used their financial muscle to bankroll similar projects. "We're looking at various projects and opportunities at lots of cities around the United States," said Richardson. "Our new album is coming out in November and we'll get a tour together after it comes out. Right now, we're just resting and exploring different projects." What's next: Backstreet Bonds? Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: take a look at it! gALqUW Awesome blog post.Much thanks again. Really Great. Comment on this item. Next Item: BSB donates huge whopper to SAG Prev Item: Could the BSB Burger King CD's become certified by RIAA?