THEY were the ultimate boyband back in the ’90s, adored by hoards of fans from all over the globe and now, 21 years later, they’re stronger than ever and still breaking hearts, with their latest album, In A World Like This.

Eight studio albums and a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are just the beginning for the band as they embark on the next 20 years of their journey.

The Mercury’s DANIELLE MORRIS spoke to Howie D from The Backstreet Boys ahead of their concert with McBusted later this year in Weston-super-Mare.

Hi Howie, what a busy year you have lined up, with the band, your family and potential solo projects, how are you finding time to manage it all?

“It sure is going to be a busy year but we’re really lucky that we all have such supportive families and friends they’re just amazing.

“We also have a great management team who keep us on track, it’s all about looking at the calendar and thinking, right, what can I do and where and then piecing it all together.

“It’s good, I’m lucky to have the boys because there’s no jealousy or holding back, when one of us says that we’re thinking about doing something; there’s so much support there’s a great sense of camaraderie.

“I think the more you do as an individual means you bring more to the group and it makes us stronger.”

You have been through some tough times as a band, would you say you're stronger now than before?

“Twenty-one years is a long time and a lot has changed, but we are definitely stronger now.

“We've all watched each other grow up and been part of each others lives and helped when we can.

“Having seen so much and done so much over the time we've been together has made us who we are today.

“I think we've also grown as musicians, which has helped us continue too.”

The band celebrated 20 years together last year, did you imagine you’d still be so popular all
these years later?

“I don’t think any of us really knew or even imagined that we would be.

“For whatever reasons we are, though.

“The support from our families, fans and management and production teams has made us what we are.

“There’s also the fact that we’re five guys who just get along really well.

“When it all started I was just 19 and I hate to admit that I’m 40 now.

“Nick was only 12 when it all began and he’s just got married and we’ve all got kids and families yet we’re still able to make music; we’re incredibly lucky.”

You were awarded a Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame last year as part of Backstreet Boy Day, what was that like?

"It was just amazing and unreal.

"To have been able to achieve that because of who we are it's crazy.

"We're next to Boyz II Men who I love and who have been an influence and The Osmonds and knowing that it's there and that we can share it with our families and my children especially it's a great accomplishment."

How has the 'In A World Like This' tour been going?

"We kicked off the tour last May in China and it's been going fantastic, we brought a new album out last year too which I think fans are enjoying.

"We're just about to come over to Europe to carry on the tour and I'm really excited because I love Europe.

"The tour gives our fans to just escape from their life and problems for two hours. 

"We play our greatest hits and we're still dancing and singing just as much as we were, we even use some of the original choreography. 

"There's also a part of the set when we bring out instruments and just strip it back and do a little acoustic set, it's great."

What's been your favourite part of the journey so far?

"It's really difficult for me to pick out just one thing.

"I love the travelling, travelling to all the different places, meeting all our fans and trying new foods and seeing the different social atmosphere.

"I feel lucky that I get to do that. So it's hard to pick just one thing but that would probably be it."

Have you met McBusted before?

“We’ve met the guys a few times over the years when we’ve been over to the UK.

“They’re a great bunch of guys and I think it’s so great that they’ve teamed up together
to form McBusted.

“We’re really excited that they’ve asked usto open up the shows for them.”

What is it like being part of the ‘ultimate ’90s boyband’?

 

“Wow, that’s very flattering, you’re too kind, thank you.

“I just feel very privileged and proud.

“We’re all there for each other and we’ve come such a long way already.

“There’s still so much we have to offer and this year we’ve got our documentary coming out which we’re really excited about.

“I’m looking forward to the next 20 years and the next chapter in our adventure, there’s a lot for everyone to look forward to.”

  • Backstreet Boys play alongside McBusted Weston Beach on Saturday, June 28. Visit www.aeglive.co.uk/artists/mcbusted