[article] Older and wiser, Backstreet’s back

The Backstreet Boys,
Brian Littrell , Nick Carter, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough, play
Interior Savings Centre on Nov. 17. The Grammy-nominated band is on
tour promoting its sixth studio album, Unbreakable.


Older and wiser, Backstreet’s back

By Mikelle Sasakamoose - Kamloops This Week

Published: November 04, 2008 5:00 PM

Although he’s been sober for six years, A.J. McLean still likes to get high.
Known
as the baddest Backstreet boy, McLean struggled with his addictions to
drugs and alcohol throughout his longtime career with the
Grammy-nominated pop group, but decided to clean up his act to be able
to fill his insatiable need to perform.
“My life was kind of going downhill real fast. I was losing everything,” he said.
But getting clean and getting back to work was the best medicine he could have taken.
“It’s
been so nice and positive to get out on stage and do the songs and see
the faces of the fans — that right there is the best drug I could ever
take, ever in my life.”
McLean and fellow Backstreet
Boys Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Howie Dorough are getting their
fix on tour promoting their sixth album, Unbreakable, sans original
member Kevin Richards.
After the last album, Never
Gone in 2006, and 13 years performing with the Backstreet Boys,
Richards quit the band to start a family.
Although
supported by his “brothers,” McLean said it’s been awkward adjusting to
life on stage without a fifth body, but he expects Richards to return.
“The door’s always open for him and I really do believe that he is going to come back,” McLean said.
“We’re
going to wait until we start recording again, which will be very soon,
and let him hear some of the music and see if he’s on the same page.
And, if he is, then hop in and let’s do this.”
Dealing
with that loss, however, isn’t the only thing the Backstreet Boys have
been busy sorting out, which is reflected in their new, more mature
sound.
“We’re not going to talk about the same old
stuff. We’re going to talk about a real relationship or we’re going to
talk about losing someone, touching on issues that are more realistic
to guys our age,” McLean said, noting Carter is the only member of the
group still in his 20s.
So why not just move on and leave the boy band behind?
“It’s
one of those things where you don’t want to bite the hand that fed you
for so long and you kind of have a certain loyalty,” McLean said,
noting although all four remaining members of the band have pursued
solo careers, the Backstreet Boys have no plans to break up.
“Can we do it?” he asked.
“Absolutely, but I don’t think any of us ever really want to do that.”
Ironically,
McLean is currently working on his debut solo album and did some shows
on his own while the band was on tour in Europe earlier this year.
More
“funk, rock, soul,” he said his solo stuff is very different from his
work with the Backstreet Boys, as well as incredibly personal.
More
of a realistic record, he said his yet-untitled debut will reveal a lot
about his personal life, struggles and achievements.
“It’s definitely a different sound. A little edgier,” he said, comparing it to the pop sound he’s known for around the world.
Back
with the boys, however, McLean is on the road now in Canada, where the
group has been receiving rave reviews for its fun, energetic and
entertaining live show.
The tour stops in Kamloops at Interior Savings Centre on Nov. 17.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at all outlets, or by phone at 250-374-9200.