~Backstreet Boys_Taiwan~

Older and wiser, Backstreet’s back

By Mikelle Sasakamoose - Kamloops This Week
Published: November 04, 2008 5:00 PM

Source:http://tinyurl.com/445deb

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