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| New interview from MTV.com: Even though they've grown up, grown beards and (in two cases) gotten married, Nick, Howie, A.J., Brian and Kevin are still Backstreet Boys. But a lot has changed since we last heard from the grand old men of the boy-band era. It's a crazy world we live in when their latest, Black & Blue debuts at #1, sells 1.6 million copies and is still considered a disappointment. But as they continue the mega-tour to promote their latest album of smooth R&B-flavored pop and dance numbers, the five guys say it's not about sales or competition. Backstreeters Brian Littrell and Nick Carter told MTV News' John Norris they just want to put on the best, biggest, longest, most outrageous show of their careers. So expect flames, lots of costume changes and songs that are "more vocally challenging" than that other boy band's tunes. Not to mention some summer support from a slew of multi-platinum pals, including Shaggy. Check out what Brian and Nick have to say, and look out for part two of our Backstreet Boys interview, where Kevin Richardson, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough will be Black & Blue and read all over. [Gearing up for the new tour, nightmares of empty arenas and reclaiming their spot MTV News'] John Norris: Eight years on, is it any harder to get pumped up for a tour? Brian Littrell: We don't do it all the time, seven days a week. We always take time for our personal lives so we can enjoy normality. When it's the right time, a new album comes around, we all come together and we try to put together a quality show for the fans. It's not really a show, but an event, something that they can take with them. Norris: You guys had a longer-than-usual break before Black & Blue came out. That led to some concern about whether the audience would still be there. They seem to be. Nick Carter: I had a nightmare last night, a terrible nightmare. I was walking into the audience right before our show went on, and there were just a couple people scattered here and there. I started crying, then I woke up. I'm so humble and so happy that our fans are there for us. It's a great feeling. Norris: Since you know the ins and outs of touring, do you take a little more businesslike approach when you go out now? Littrell: Our outlook has changed a little bit. The production is the biggest that it's ever been. I think we are carrying the largest show that's ever gone out. Norris: It looked like there were 15 rigs outside the opening-night show. Carter: There's 20 or 30. But the main concern is to get out there and put on a good show for our fans. That's why we put the extra time, effort and money into making everything as good as it can be. Norris: There have been some changes in your personal life, including two marriages. Does that make things a little different for you? Littrell: Last night in front of 21,000 fans, to get behind a microphone and greet the audience, it's like it always has been. They cheer for each of us just as they've done before. We had been living with the new music for a while, so we were anxious to get on the road and show people the live show. Norris: A.J. stepped to the mic and said, "Backstreet's back!" Is there a sense of reclaiming your spot, one that might have been overshadowed by other artists? Carter: Our spot. [laughs] Littrell: We've always tried to create something for ourselves. There's been so many groups, and the market and music scene have changed so much just in the past five years. We always look ahead. There's really no now; we're always preparing for tomorrow. Carter: We're kind of afraid of people forgetting about us. But when you do three nights in a row and you see all the people out there for you every night, you say, "Maybe I'll calm down a little bit and not worry so much." [RealVideo] [Competing with 'NSYNC, singing 21 songs a night and trying to juggle] Norris: When Black & Blue came out, there was speculation about the horse race between you guys and 'NSYNC, and how the record was going to do. Are you happy with the way things are going? Littrell: There was no disappointment at all. We tried to set it up right; it was all our creative involvement to jump on the plane and fly around the world. We have so many fans all over the world that America is really small in the whole scheme of things. To sell more than 5 million records the first week worldwide, that's like something Michael [Jackson] or the Stones would do. It's amazing. Carter: We can't be any happier. There's a lot of people out there that work their butts off to get to the points that we've been to before, and we're working really hard, too. We've been around for a while, but we're grateful to be able to sell that many records in the first week. The Backstreet fans are the strongest out there. That's no disrespect. [RealVideo] Norris: Had [1996's] "Quit Playing Games With My Heart)" never broken when it did and the way it did, a lot of artists might not have had the careers they have. Carter: When we first came here, it was us, it was Hanson and it was the Spice Girls. Norris: It was pre-Spice Girls, wasn't it? Carter: It was pre-Spice Girls, but we were like, "Darn it, man, Spice Girls are blowing up the spot and we're still sitting around working our butts off." Finally, we got what we deserved. I think it was lucky timing. Everything goes in cycles, from fashion to music. And when we first came on the scene, in '93-'94, it was Nirvana and Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. We were completely outnumbered trying to make a mark. Norris: In this country. Carter: Yeah. When Nirvana and Snoop were huge, we blew up in Europe, so they shipped us out. Norris: You played in the round on the Millennium tour. This time, you've got a traditional, end-of-the-arena stage set. What are the biggest differences you've seen in terms of playing? Littrell: Being in the middle was like a constant circle. We were running all the time, and the show was just like clockwork. When we get the Black & Blue show to that point, it'll be easier. We're still a little bit out of shape, trying to get back into the flow of things. And it's hard to sing 21 songs a night live. Norris: Is this the biggest set list you guys have done? Littrell: Yeah. We did 19 on the Millennium tour, but we have to do medleys now because we don't have time to do three or four albums' worth of stuff. We're trying to figure out how the Beatles did it and how the Stones do it. Norris: So "Quit Playing Games" and "As Long as You Love Me" get put into medleys. Littrell: Yeah. We want to fit them in, but we're talking about maybe pulling some of them out. Norris: You play virtually the entire Black & Blue album. Carter: That's what we want to do. We want to be able to show the fans the new songs. Littrell: That's exactly what we did on the Millennium tour. We did the whole Millennium album, except for one song. Carter: It's hard to toss up all those songs. But thank God we've had so many singles. Norris: "We've Got It Goin' On" is not included for the first time. Carter: First time the national anthem is not in there. Littrell: The Backstreet anthem. I didn't even realize it until you brought it up. Norris: You're not too nostalgic. [laughs] Carter: We'll do 10 seconds of it and it'll be in the show. We really love that song, but we've been doing it for seven years. Littrell: You end up hating the choreography. Norris: You start the show with "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" and "Larger Than Life," which are fan-oriented songs. Is it important to start off with a tribute to the fans? Carter: Oh yeah. Littrell: We've always started with the anthem song to the fans, because that gets them riled up. We want to keep it going with the dancing and keep the intensity up. And then we do the traditional costume change and try to do some low ballads. We try to make our show up and down, up and down, so everybody can stand up for a little, then sit back and listen, and then stand up and dance. Norris: It's also easier for you to do it that way. There are some costumes that are better for up-tempo songs. You couldn't really dance around in those white coats. Littrell: You don't want to come out and do all of your up-tempo songs back-to-back, because you would kill yourself. And then there would be mid-tempo numbers and ballads that you just sit around singing and people would be like, "What's gonna happen next?" We were just talking a couple days ago about how the dancing is coming along a little easier, just because we've had more of a chance to do it singing. When you try to put the singing with the dancing, that's when it becomes a train wreck sometimes. But that's what the rehearsals are for. Norris: The Grammys are coming up. Are you going to make it to the ceremony? Littrell: It's the 21st of February, right? I think we've got a day open on our schedule. We have been preparing for that, and we would like to be there if at all possible. Carter: It's tentative. Norris: You're up for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, for "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." That's got to be nice, because it's a real personal song. Littrell: It's awesome to be nominated for a Grammy. Carter: Being nominated is like an award. Norris: Not too surprisingly, you're up against a tune called "Bye Bye Bye." Littrell: Wow, who does that? Norris: Some guys from Orlando. On MTV last year, Kevin was asked, "What song would you like to never hear again?" And he said "Bye Bye Bye." [laughs] Littrell: Kevin [Richardson] will never live that down. Norris: Any thoughts on competing with that song? Littrell: You're competing with everybody. [RealVideo] Carter: You're competing with the same producers. When they write for 'NSYNC, their stuff is a little more dance-oriented. It's a little less vocally challenging, I guess you could say. It's just two different styles on the radio. Littrell: Sometimes you hear a song you like on the radio and think, "If there wasn't an 'NSYNC, we could have had that for our next album." Now there's all these different groups, and with success comes popularity. And then people are throwing themselves at you and trying to get a piece of everything. That happened to our producers. Carter: It's a ruthless business, and people try to get what they need out of it. But I'm happy to just be able to sing and perform for our fans. We're blessed to be in this position. As long as we can keep doing that, we're cool. __________________________________________________________________________________________ This is the transcript from the MSN chat on Thursday(11/16/00) DishDiva : Here we go! Let's make history! BackstreetBoys : hi everyone, thanks for stopping in! BackstreetBoys : *waving* MSNLive_Host : what going on with you tripp BackstreetBoys : aj: we will be flying from stockholm in two days... BackstreetBoys : in a 100 hrs, we will touch down on all continent BackstreetBoys : this is the first time we are doing anything like this BackstreetBoys : we have always wanted to be trendsetters and boing things first... MSNLive_Host : when you are going to get back MSNLive_Host : what are you doing then BackstreetBoys : howie: this is a minitour, and it is different from the regular tour... BackstreetBoys : we will be starting the live tour in january.. MSNLive_Host : Black and blue what are you expecting BackstreetBoys : brian: it will be totally different due to the diversety of the album, even though it is still the same 5 voices BackstreetBoys : we have also been much more involved in writing and producing this album BackstreetBoys : and thank you angelica for sending in the question! MSNLive_Host : Linda: which sound on the track do you like most BackstreetBoys : kevin: my favorite track is more than that, written by two guys from here in stockholm BackstreetBoys : i like the simplicity of it.. i think it is a beautiful song BackstreetBoys : howie: we did a lot of writing for this album, and it is a special feeling to write BackstreetBoys : how do i fall in love is a favourite of mine.. BackstreetBoys : aj: i prefer up tempo tracks, one of the favorites are get another boyfriend BackstreetBoys : it will be fun to perform BackstreetBoys : and another favourite is how do i fall in love, it is very simple and very beuatiful BackstreetBoys : it is a really epic song, the group version of the titanic theme... BackstreetBoys : nick: i really like the song howie wrote, how do i fall in love. BackstreetBoys : it can make you cry... BackstreetBoys : another favourite is call, but i like the whole album BackstreetBoys : brian: you tend to like the songs you write, and the songs on htis album really BackstreetBoys : reflects our life... MSNLive_Host : how did you decide which one of you to sing BackstreetBoys : nick: brian is singing a lot on this album and he has a really beautiful voice, and we all hav our diferent themes. MSNLive_Host : argues BackstreetBoys : aj: oh theres a lot BackstreetBoys : haha BackstreetBoys : bad habits, song order for shows... MSNLive_Host : Kevin is it thrue that you are gonig to be in a move BackstreetBoys : kevin:i have been reading a lot of scripts, have had audintions that been going well, but has been settled yet. BackstreetBoys : i was offered a role in a music oriented movie but i turned it down MSNLive_Host : Aj how many tatoos do you have BackstreetBoys : i want to do something more crazy, like play a killer! BackstreetBoys : haha BackstreetBoys : aj: my favourite tatoo is the most resent ones... BackstreetBoys : i recently had a couple puppies... BackstreetBoys : but the favourite is a small jack daniels: it was put on the same day as the shooting for the photo album BackstreetBoys : i have one on my back made by a famous tatoo artist in amsterdam MSNLive_Host : anny plans to do any duets BackstreetBoys : kevin: we do have a duet on this album, technically with babyface BackstreetBoys : brian: we have talked about it in the past, and wanted to do it on this album.. MSNLive_Host : Christina Agulera or Britney BackstreetBoys : all: Britney is a label mate, so that would be easiest, and she is our favorite BackstreetBoys : but Christina is also a very good artist BackstreetBoys : kevin: we have our own label now, and chrystal is a new artist on it. MSNLive_Host : are we hering any singels BackstreetBoys : and we will join her on a couople of singles. MSNLive_Host : Christoffweer 8 love your music and spicegirls do you like her BackstreetBoys : haha.... he set that up really good. BackstreetBoys : their latest single is really good BackstreetBoys : kevin: i like some of mel c's singles BackstreetBoys : *start to sing* BackstreetBoys : "never be the same again" MSNLive_Host : What would you do if you winn the MTV avard BackstreetBoys : nick: it's just an honour to be nominated, and there is a lot of new artists BackstreetBoys : and we are also, excited about performing MSNLive_Host : Best pop who would you wote for BackstreetBoys : all: robbie! BackstreetBoys : he is a great performer and very creative BackstreetBoys : kevin: i really like his music BackstreetBoys : aj: i love rock dj, is really my favourite video BackstreetBoys : the video is interesting, there has been a lot of debate on it MSNLive_Host : What alum to realex BackstreetBoys : hmm...... brian; stevie wonder, james taylor BackstreetBoys : nick: stone temple pilots, and a lot of 80's stuff... a lot of compilations BackstreetBoys : and a lot of old motown... BackstreetBoys : aj: tonic, rage against the machine, BackstreetBoys : brian got me hooked on craig david, great album BackstreetBoys : jive gave us a r kelly record is great BackstreetBoys : nick: so do i! go get it!!! BackstreetBoys : it is a really good album BackstreetBoys : howie: more laidback music, maxwell, sting... it is a really good album, BackstreetBoys : kevin: lucy pearl thevery corporation MSNLive_Host : What would you nake the suond tarack of you life BackstreetBoys : oh... thats a tough one.... BackstreetBoys : brian: screwballs! no, just kidding... BackstreetBoys : brian: my vote is rollercoaster BackstreetBoys : nick: we have had a lot of ups and downs... MSNLive_Host : who plays ball best BackstreetBoys : howie rises his hand... BackstreetBoys : depends on what game, but if basketball BackstreetBoys : nick has improved a lot... BackstreetBoys : brian: we actually played with a proffesional team here in stockholm last night BackstreetBoys : we played for 2 hrs, but lost track of the score all the time MSNLive_Host : have you stoped smoking Aj BackstreetBoys : but we had fun. even though were not in shape BackstreetBoys : no.. LOL BackstreetBoys : i'm making a new years resolution, i'll stop! BackstreetBoys : kevin: youre making this promise live now BackstreetBoys : all fans: hold him to it MSNLive_Host : decribe your self in one word BackstreetBoys : *silence* BackstreetBoys : nick: brian come on... BackstreetBoys : *sigh* BackstreetBoys : can we get back to that one? BackstreetBoys : nick: caothic? DishDiva : (just to clarify that Britney is a labelmate on Jive) MSNLive_Host : Black and blue were do it come from MSNLive_Host : the name BackstreetBoys : we were at the photo shoot, wearing black with a blue background BackstreetBoys : and someone suggested "why dont you call the album black and blue" BackstreetBoys : and we started to think about it.. BackstreetBoys : aj: i drew the album cover BackstreetBoys : kevin: no i did that BackstreetBoys : brian: nono, i did it BackstreetBoys : LOL MSNLive_Host : the video..... the concept tBackstreetBoys : we often come up with the ideas, and then tell te directors, make up artists and stylists jenchen1 Asks: How was it hosting the RMA's? Were you guys amused when they played the wrong song when you won? BackstreetBoys : we talkt to the record company about the ideas.. MSNLive_Host : what have been the favourite memory BackstreetBoys : kevin: hearing my song on the radio for the first time BackstreetBoys : aj: first flight to europe and stockholm and meeting max martin and denniz pop BackstreetBoys : to make the first record and really being in a studio BackstreetBoys : nick: just recently we did a radio thing... BackstreetBoys : a girl came up and told us: your music made me come out of a coma BackstreetBoys : and moments like that make you think. that is really why i enjoy doing what i do BackstreetBoys : brian: may 8th 1993, when we did the first show as bsb BackstreetBoys : it was ssea world florida BackstreetBoys : all girls had plastic roses, and i remember signing autographs, and the feeling of being in front of that many people BackstreetBoys : it was so simple and awesome then BackstreetBoys : aj: i'd really wish i wrote: show me tehh meaning of being lonely BackstreetBoys : its a great song and the last one we did with denniz pop BackstreetBoys : kevin: imagine, john lennon BackstreetBoys : brian: i wish i wrote thriller BackstreetBoys : just joking! laugh! haha! BackstreetBoys : kevin: my life is cool. BackstreetBoys : we still dont see that much of our wives BackstreetBoys : brian: my wife is really nice MSNLive_Host : Marriage..... BackstreetBoys : nick: single life is really treating us well.. haha MSNLive_Host : what would you like to say to your fans BackstreetBoys : kevin: wassup everybody. good to be back and making music BackstreetBoys : travelling. BackstreetBoys : thanks everybody for your support BackstreetBoys : looking forward to seeing you on tour BackstreetBoys : howie: thanks for logging on tonight BackstreetBoys : hope to see you soon BackstreetBoys : hope you all enjoy the album BackstreetBoys : as much as we ahve e |
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