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An Interview with a Backstreet Boy: 10 Years Later, My Teenage Dream Comes True… and I Die a Little Inside.
December 25, 2008 Posted in Reality
I spent the better part of high school going to Backstreet Boys concerts. I made posters, convinced my mom to buy me hideous and overpriced concert gear (including a shimmery jean jacket with a studded gold “Backstreet Boys” on the back that I just HAD to have… I kid you not). I was smitten. I would daydream in Algebra class that they would just swoop into my school and serenade me (never happened), or that I would sit front row at their concerts (happened a few times thanks to my knack for sneaking up).
And while I grew up, and my musical repertoire changed, I have always held a soft spot for the Backstreet Boys. Maybe it’s that sweet pang of nostalgia, but the Boys gave me an escape, they started my love affair with music, and it would only be fair to admit that they even, in a way, helped start me on my career path in music, journalism and TV. Oh and their music is undeniably catchy.
So while people still give them flack and mainstream U.S. media doesn’t cover them nearly at all, there is no denying that the Backstreet Boys make you want to sing in your car. I’ve seen you (yes, YOU) at the bar belting out ‘I Want It That Way’ at 2am on Friday nights.
Their concerts are still packed with screaming girls, from 8-68. And it doesn’t hurt that despite losing a member, these Boys have only gotten sexier with age. Sounds too good to be true? Check out some footage CC shot at a BSB concert this past summer in Detroit:
So here I am, a college girl with a still-burning flame for BSB, and while the Boys didn’t swoop in and serenade me (yet), I did get to spend some time chatting it up with Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. He called from the road of their latest tour, Unbreakable, and filled me in on the Boys’ lives, their music, their tour, and something very near and dear to his heart, the Dorough Lupus Foundation, which he started in memory of his sister Caroline, whose life was taken from the disease.
On Life as a Backstreet Boy:
CC: If you had to pick one all-time favorite BSB song, what would it be?
Howie: My favorite song of all time would probably be “All I Have To Give.” It’s like one of our earliest songs. It would probably be a cross between that and “Drowning.”
CC: It seems that when it comes to you guys, girls forget how to talk and everything just comes out as a high pitched scream! What is the craziest moment you’d say you’ve experienced as a Backstreet Boy?
Howie: There’s so many different fan moments that have happened that it’s kind of hard to narrow it down to one. But probably the craziest thing I think for us in our career was probably doing the 100 Hours Around The World trip that we did for Black and Blue. That was crazy. I was so jet-lagged for like a week I couldn’t stand it. I was…I didn’t know where I was, which country, time was so off, but it was actually lots of fun.
CC: That was a long time ago. I hear you’re planning another album – what can you tell me about it?
Howie: We’ve actually kind of made a conscious decision to go back to a little bit more of what we were known for back in the days, you know, great pop melody, a little bit more of a pop-R&B sound. We’re hoping for the album to come out during the first quarter of next year.
CC: What is the writing process like for the albums? Who’s the most hands-on in terms of songwriting?
Howie: In the earlier days it was maybe Brian, but we all actually really do a lot of writing, you know. Me and Nick just wrote a song the other day, and Brian and Nick have written together, and AJ as well; it’s sort of a collaborative effort.
CC: You’ve spent the past year (and your entire career) traveling all over the world – where has been your favorite place you’ve seen?
Howie: There are so many great, beautiful places it’s hard to pick really one place, I think if I had to go live somewhere else besides the States, I’d probably pick Australia– Sydney, Australia. The water is so beautiful, such clean air.
CC: And in the States?
Howie: Chicago is one of my favorite places to perform and party at.
CC: You guys were the front-runners of the pop scene and happen to be the only group left. Yet even though you’ve proven yourselves to the critics who said you wouldn’t last, you still get flack from critics here the U.S. Why do you think that is?
Howie: Yeah, you know, it’s America, I’ve come to realize it’s kind of a fickle market, and you know you’re only as hot as your last hit song. I respect that; you always have to set the standards and the bar high. So you just have to overcome that, and now we’re making music for our fans and for ourselves. If the critics like us, great, and if not, at least we’re making music.
CC: Well, your fans don’t seem to care what the critics think, after all these years, you really have such a huge, loyal fan base.
Howie: Yeah, we’re very, very blessed. Very blessed. Everyone just keeps us going. And you know, pretty much that’s why we’re doing this.
CC: What would you say are the biggest differences between the fans from now and the fans from the old school Backstreet days?
Howie: A lot of them have actually grown up with us, believe it or not. A lot of them that were in their teens are now in their 20s and 30s. Some of them are now coming to the concert with their kids. They’re married. It’s awesome, you know, it’s almost an extended family out there on the road.
CC: So everyone thought the BSB would be over for good along with so many acts of the late 90′s pop that have fallen to the wayside, but thankfully you’re still here! Can we expect you guys to be around forever? On stage with wheelchairs and dentures?
Howie: We’ve always said we’ve wanted to model ourselves after The Eagles, the Rolling Stones, you know, they were groups that have done it right. They’ve had their ups and downs, they’ve been really popular and times they just kind of like, you know, just went along, had solo careers here and there. We have a really, really great thing going on, especially with the music industry being as crazy at it is, and the economy, and for us to be able to still go out there and sell records and sell tours, we’re all very, very blessed.
CC: So I have to ask this. I know you and Brian are both happily married, but is there still hope for that 13-year-old girl inside all of us who thought we were destined to date a Backstreet Boy? Are AJ and Nick still single?
Howie: Haha, of course, they’re doin’ it. They’re definitely the single ones and enjoying it – now there’s plenty more left over for them.
On the Dorough Lupus Foundation and Rock Your Religion:
CC: What is the purpose of the Dorough Lupus Foundation? Is it more to educate, to donate… what’s the mission?
Howie: It’s a mixture of both. It’s definitely to educate people because it’s such a hush-hush disease. It’s affecting more people than the major diseases out there that have so much more attention. I want to educate people about it, and you know, try to create awareness of the disease. At the same time, a big portion of our mission is to donate money towards research.
CC: So you’ve teamed up with Rock Your Religion and created a pendant – tell us about that!
Howie: I wanted to create a merchandise item that meant something to me and so we created this symbol and, to me, Rock Your Religion just seemed like a really natural fit. Their beliefs in helping different causes are really cool to me, and that’s why a portion of the purchased proceeds of the necklaces are actually going out to the Dorough Lupus Foundation.
CC: What does the design of the pendant actually mean?
Howie: We used the actual signature of Kairos symbol, which is a really unique symbol. It’s an ancient good luck charm that was linked to the Greek phrase “En Touto Nika” which when translated in English means, “In this sign you will conquer.” So we decided to also put my signature on the back to really just endorse the emblem and the phrase.
CC:What are your future plans for the Lupus Foundation,
Howie: I’m doing a couple different fundraisers possibly throughout this tour here, as well as we’re going to be possibly doing one out in LA pretty soon.
CC: Is there a way for College Candy readers to get involved? What can we do to help contribute?
Howie: We have an open-door welcoming policy for anyone who wants to come in and put together a fundraiser. They can be as small or as big as they want it to be, it’s just about spreading the word out there and raising money for the cause. Anybody that has ideas are welcome go to our website (www.doroughlupusfoundation.org).
To get the Howie Pendant which benefits the DLF click here
For more info on the Backstreet Boys check out their website: Backstreetboys.com
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J says:
Fri, 26th Dec 20085:20 pm
me either. Seriously breaking down during a prebar into the Everybody dance like I did in 7th grade at every bar-mitzvah brings me pure joy. embarrassment? sure. but also pure joy.
misha says:
Fri, 26th Dec 20086:33 pm
Thank you very much for posting this. Very good interview!
Jess says:
Fri, 26th Dec 20087:07 pm
Wow, Howie got soo hot.
SuzyKHowieDLover says:
Fri, 26th Dec 20087:12 pm
Thanks so much for posting this. I'm so happy your interview was with MY favorite BSB, Howie…the nicest guy I've ever met! And I'm proud to be from CHICAGO, the town Howie loves to party in!! HUGS!
Ingrid says:
Fri, 26th Dec 20088:29 pm
BSB still rocks – i will always have a place for them in my heart, and I still rock out to them all the time! they were such a huge part of my life back in the day, I just can’t let go…
Mandy says:
Sat, 27th Dec 20082:24 pm
OMG! I am a die hard BSB fan..still to this day. I'm jealous you guys got to talk to Howie. I jus died a little inside too!!! I definitely still have posters, pins, pens, notebooks, books, all their CD's and an action figure from when they did that Burger King thing!! Remember that!?
My heart will always belong to Nick…despite his weird family.
And AJ's voice always gets me going..gawd dammit he's sexy.
I will be a BSB fan always and forever
and if Nick or AJ read this, call me thanks =)
Becky says:
Sat, 27th Dec 20088:18 pm
"I feel like I'm at a bar mitzvah…" HILARIOUS! great article
cerlin says:
Tue, 30th Dec 200811:34 pm
checkmate! i'm also a Backstreet boys fan!
I'm hoping someday I meet them personally!
Backstreet boys ever!
Danity Donnaly says:
Wed, 31st Dec 20086:17 pm
Freakin' sawwweeet! I heart them boys too. Congrats on the interview, sweetie.
http://www.celebrityviplounge.com
xoxo
Dorthy says:
Thu, 1st Jan 20097:57 am
Great article. Thanks so much!
Yep. Still a Backstreet-fan and I will always love them, no matter what. Howie you rock, not only with Rock your Religion. Brian I am glad that you could celebrate this year again with your sweet family. Yes, God answers the prayers. Nick and Aj keep enjoying your single life. To be free in decisions is a gift. Much love to all of you and of course Happy New Year.
LovingBRok says:
Thu, 1st Jan 20093:00 pm
*KTBSPA*
Thanks for the interview, Howie!
misha says:
Fri, 2nd Jan 200912:07 pm
It's been posted at Howie's official MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/howiedorough
It's the blog entry titled, "Howie’s Interview with CollegeCandy.com"
bsbfan says:
Fri, 2nd Jan 20091:16 pm
LOVE the interview. BSB should post it to their main website so everyone can see it!!!
Shannon says:
Fri, 2nd Jan 20091:51 pm
Awesome interview!
I'm a huge fan and still am, they are such awesome amazing guys!
Georgia says:
Mon, 5th Jan 20091:16 pm
Oh my gosh! I've been listening to the Backstreet Boys for as long as I can possibly remember! Yeah I'm only 17, but I remember that their CD was the first that I actually bought when I was like 6 years old I think. lol And even though none of my friends like BSB I'm not afraid to put in their CDs and rock out. There's just something about their music that keeps me buying every new CD that they make. I'm going to be a Backstreet Boys fan for life!!!!!
Heather Smith says:
Mon, 5th Jan 20094:15 pm
HAHAHA. "Did you try to get backstage?" "Not Necessarily" "the bus?" "i'm not going to talk about it" HAHAHA.
I love the BSB!! I was at the Detroit concert!! SO GOOD.
My question for Howie… What's your favourite place in Canada???
-Heather
Laury (Argentina!) says:
Mon, 5th Jan 20094:35 pm
Great interview! The BsB are the best!! I'm gonna love them forever! And I'm sure that I'm not he only one! There must be something pure, sweet and honest about them, that we still love them!
Violet says:
Mon, 5th Jan 20096:29 pm
OMG this was sooo awesome!! watching the video reminded me of the LA show I went to 2 months ago.. SO amazing!! BSB has been and will always be a HUGE part of my life. Its been 13 years.. and still going strong for me. I LOVE THESE BOYS!!!!!!!!!!
riti says:
Mon, 5th Jan 20097:29 pm
BSB are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
daz all i can say..
Erin says:
Mon, 5th Jan 20098:27 pm
My sis got me into BSB when I was seven, I had just had an operation and she gave me their CD to listen to while I was recovering. I loved it and still do! Where would I be without their music? Cold- hearted most likely…..
Rosa says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20092:17 am
I Really..Really HappY to saw them LIVE in CONCERT in my country,Indonesia for the UNBREAKABLE TOUR,even without Kevin. I miss them so much right now,will u guys concert again in here??Backstreet Boys for me not just 5 or 4 (now) boys who have good looking,but they also got they're own talent,they're not just have a good voice and great performance but they can even play instruments,like nick on drum&guitar,AJ in bass,Brian and Howie.I like BSB since i was in junior high school,and yes..they're still HOT till now grew up.BSB IS BSB,pls..be together 4ever by making good music.I LOVE U ALL…(NB:NICK CARTER…I LOVE U EVEN MORE!!)
Kathryn says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20095:16 am
I LOVE the Backstreet Boys. My collection of BSB gear includes 8 T-Shirts, 16 CDs, 8 DVDs, 5 VHS Tapes, 1 Cassette Tape ,6 Books, 1 Book of Sheet Music, 4 Posters, 1 Sheet of Stickers, 10 Postcards, 2 Key Chains, 1 Calendar, 1 Birthday Card, 1 Backpack, and 1 Puzzle. They were my first CD… well, I think it was the cassette tape first but whatever. Anyways, the point is that they're amazing and I was very upset that they didn't come to Florida (the state they originated from) during their last tour. I'm remaining hopeful that I'll get to see them in concert again soon.
KTBSPA
~Kathryn
Kelly Warady says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20095:46 am
I was JUST listening to old school BSB last night before I went to bed =) I just can't get enough of them after 12 years! KTBSPAF!!!
Kelly Warady says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20095:47 am
Ps. Chicago is the best place to party!!! Good choice Howie! Come back soon =)
MonykAngel says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20097:11 am
I just know then since 1998. since them, i have been living dreaming and dreaming with go to a BSB concert, and thank´s God!! YOU guys are coming to Peru.. =), the night I heard u are cmoning i just couldn´t sleep, i was soo happy!! ñ_ñ!
**..U GUYS WILL ROCK MY MYB SOUL, MY HEART AND MY BODY 4EVER..**
Wish u the best in this year…. more hits!! please…
your fan x ever … *MONYK_ANGEL*
Maia says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20097:48 am
I've been a BSB fan since they started their career. I grew up listening to their music (i'm 24 years old now).
Although my music taste is much much larger nowadays, i still listen to the BSB every now and then, and of course, i buy every single new album. Cant get enough.
They're coming to Argentina on March 3rd, i already bought my ticket. I know it's going to be AWESOME!
Margarita says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20091:24 pm
ohh, so many years and we are still together!!
this five guys have brought so much for our lifes, they`ve tought us so many things!!!
They showed me how to love
I will always say – Thank YOU!!!!!
Margo
Russia
Awab yemen says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20096:23 pm
I'm proud of you Can you come to the Middle East
Sami says:
Tue, 6th Jan 20096:33 pm
oh wow… that is one intense interview and it came out really good… i like it …
and im glad Nick's still single … hehe…
Denise und Marion says:
Fri, 9th Jan 20091:29 am
We love the Backstreet Boys.
We were at the Concert in Berlin, Germany
Patty says:
Fri, 9th Jan 20094:08 am
no matter what critics say, BSB rocks and will rock always! I totally understand what u mean, I've been a fan since I was 14 and now I'm 25! LOL! Howie is doing such a great job with his foundation, also Brian.. it's so good that they're using they're fame to help other less fortunate than them, all of theme are amazing human beings… thanks u BSB! and keep rockin'!
Angela says:
Fri, 9th Jan 200912:21 pm
OHHH EMM GEE! unlike most of the people posting comments, i actually AM 13. =) hahaha. so i think u know how much more obsessed i am than most of you…=p but i am hispanic and 13, so what are the odds? I ABS. LOVE THE BSB! i mean, i doodle NICK in my notebooks, i joined their fanclub (as mbarassing as it was to ask my dad to let me join it xp), i know ALL their songs. and i only have one album, sadly. I became a fan a year ago, because before I guess I was to young to appreciate their music and they were lieing low and so I never even knew about the Backstreet boys. Sure, I could recognize " i want it that way" (btw I think they are TIRED of singing that song lol) and "everbody" but never payed them attention. Now , you guys have no idea how in LOVE i am. i know im 13, but still. at 13-year-old girl can STILL fall in love…especially if its nick. what girl doesnt love nick at the age of 13. and even tho hes 28 id marry him anyways, no matter what. I even cry just of the thought of meeting them. && i hope to one day see them in real life. but i doubt ill be able to pronounce and word right. tears will probably just fill my eyes of joy and theyll think im sum freakish stalker lol xp i hope not, tho. hahahaha but yeah this comment is getting longer than it shud, so i should stop now….OH AND KTBSPA! ILY NICKOLAS GENE CARTER! AND HAPPY BDAY AJ MCLEAN!
Lisa says:
Sun, 11th Jan 20097:50 am
OMG!!!! I Absolutly LURVED that video!!! hahaha
I'm 21 and I went for the BSB gig last Feb when they were down in Malaysia!!! I was right in the front and I made this HUGE poster that did get heaps of attention from the boys.
ILY NICK CARTER!!!!!!
Denise says:
Tue, 13th Jan 20092:54 pm
Great interview! HOWIE is my favorite BSB of all time!
Brenda Salazar says:
Tue, 13th Jan 20095:11 pm
I love bsb, I live in Mexico city and I've been a bsb fan since I was 12, now i'm 23 and I will always love the bsb!!!
Keep the backstreet pride alive!!!
"boys: never forget that mexico loves you!!"
Xin Jing says:
Fri, 30th Jan 200911:06 pm
Fantastic!! I'm a Chinese boy. I've been a bsb fan since I was 7.now I am 13 years old! I want to go to America. And I want to be friends with Jill and Lauren,they are really funny!
Backstreet Boys:I love you forever!!
Xing Jing says:
Sat, 31st Jan 20092:15 am
Fantastic!! I'm a Chinese boy. I've been a bsb fan for 6 years.now I am 13 years old! I want to go to America. And I want to be friends with Jill and Lauren,they are really funny!
Backstreet Boys:I love you forever.
melissa says:
Wed, 4th Feb 20093:24 am
i dont remember how old i was when i first heard bsb. but i am now 28 and i just got done watchin a bsb concert on a vhs tape! lol! im a fan 4 life!
fabiola says:
Wed, 11th Feb 20099:15 am
Hello I am from Venezuela too beautiful howie enchants and backstreet boys to me all memory when my brother and my friendly the imitateing clear I was dancing. jeje
fabiola, Barcelona Venezuela
Fernanda says:
Wed, 11th Feb 200912:02 pm
Hello, I´m from Brazil, I love the Backstreet Boys, I listen their musics everyday and I’ve been a bsb fan since I was 5 years. now I´m 15 years old and I´ll see their show.
Hizzler says:
Sat, 14th Feb 20098:05 pm
Hey all Howie Fans! Please join our forum dedicated to Howie D…
http://howiedhub.freeforums.org
Hugs & Kisses…
hussein says:
Mon, 16th Feb 20093:17 am
Howerd is really an educated man and all bsb members as well and they are so strong men that is why they continued till now even without Kevin
and who can deny they are the best band as boys and guys and men
I am one of the people grew up with their music since I was 12 years old and I am 23 now still going strong with them
god bless you Howerd Nickolas Brian Alexander
I love you all