Backstreet Boys Interview | Backstreet Boys Talk To WSJ's Lee Hawkins

Three members of the Backstreet Boys, who became known as the world's most beloved "Boy Band" in the 1990s, talk to WSJ's Lee Hawkins about their rise to stardom, their new album and U.S. tour, and the challenges they faced along the way -- including their lawsuit against disgraced record executive Louis Pearlman.
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[@heenim]

been watching bsb interviews and brian just love to randomly sing during conversations

[@Andre.06.07]

FACT OF THE MATTER is that these guys can all sing acapella very well and have sold over 100millions albums. That in alone deserves respect. The teeny bopper stigma or title came as a result of all the other groups that tried to follow their formula. the exact same set up really. That said, where are those groups now and where are the backstreet boys. Respect.

[@AbiolaTime]

They also come out of someone building them around a template of groups that had come before.

[@ariav3520]

💯

[@faaaduma]

Kevin's aswers are always clever & wise. that something has to do with him being the oldest backstreet. Great interview btw^.^

[@reneeyan7635]

Interviewer: What do you guys think about the new bands One Direction and The Wanted? BSB: They're beautiful and we're glad they came.

[@thaothao26]

One of the best interviewers I've seen. Very professional and a good energy level. Asked really genuine thoughtful questions.

[@adrianacortezr.683]

I'm 14 years old and i LOVE the BACKSTREET BOYS !! I have fallen in love with their music and i listen to their music everyday!! 💖

[@rocketstar03]

Thats good, bsb forever

[@sarahsepanski1986]

17, which is now probably how old u are now and love them as well, as artists and individuals.

[@deadliestchic8768]

Yes!!

[@kamogelomadyosi6031]

I'm 17 and and I love their music

[@Mika-vz6us]

I'm 19 right know and I love bsb too. Idc what others say, young people can also be fans of bsb!

[@atie4winx]

The way Kevin answering the questions really turned me on! Oh, look how matured he is! ;)

[@yazminexo6207]

atie4winx lol i was thinking the same

[@sarahsepanski1986]

LOL

[@haleyferguson1642]

atie4winx get in line 😂

[@KimBlaQue]

That's my man! Since the tender age of 9 👅😭

[@dchang11]

I was six back in 2000 and I first heard the Backstreet Boys on Adult Contemporary radio. I didn't know they were teen sensations at the time. Most friends I knew were hooked on NSYNC and only two knew about the Backstreet Boys. Even when I look at them today, I still see them as adult contemporary artists. In fact, my favorite BSB song back then was Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely.

[@musiclover_kb4913]

David C Awesome, that's one of their best songs

[@jazminejordan6300]

i am 12 and have fallen in love with them and there music

[@Citizenshane81]

The cousin’s are so right, A.J is insightful too but Brian & Kevin hit the nail on the head. The Backstreet Boys are awesome!!

[@sharmainealag6142]

i freaking love kevin so much omg and it makes me sad cause he seems less appreciated and spoken about

[@kavyakamal3542]

i agree with you ..i think he remains silent most of the time. huge respect to him.

[@haleyferguson1642]

He’s always been my favorite. Such chill 👌

[@davialmeida6181]

What an excellent interview!!! My respect to you, guys!!!

[@jenelleees]

God damn, they just get better and better with age!!!

[@DrDevilDD]

Is it just me or is Kevin talking much more than he used to.

[@stephaniehergert3278]

He is slowly coming out of his shell.

[@gracieannwebster8196]

@@stephaniehergert3278 what shell, he has always been a talker.

[@pensiveczar2239]

I don't remember him ever not being a talker. He's not the most colorful one, nor does he clamor for the most airtime, but he never seemed hesitant to talk.

[@mauigio]

I have a lot of respect for these guys. So funny to hear them say "we didnt have the internet", even though, the web was very much alive back in the late 90s, steaming towards a bubble, there was no "social" aspect to it. It is easier now, I mean we have youtube "celebrities" for fks sake, love you Tobuscus. But to hear that they started the same was as many road acts do is a humbling thing. BSB and NSYNC, these bands are part of our youth culture here, and helped shape and provide the templates for all music today. These guys rule

[@sdidora5]

N sync was after bsb

[@HamiltonRb]

@@sdidora5 New kids on the block was before bsb

[@sdidora5]

@@HamiltonRb I know that lol. I was very into them! Xoxo

[@Sherlock2300]

I am 28 and I still love the backstreet boys when I was 12 now I hear there new song and now I still want all there musice

[@naar1991]

Oh dear, I miss the simplicity of the 90's.

[@annikanemecek3779]

still the best boy band off all time

[@melissaya87]

I love them. They have respect for every artist and musician out there despite how we feel about these artists. I also love how honest and open-minded they are.

[@kavyakamal3542]

best band of all times

[@Unidentifying]

i always felt ashamed for liking them as a young boy okay its syrupy and pretty corny, but they had good voices and catchy melodies theyre pretty cool guys actually

[@regiigu960]

@Moon Child actually, guys who tries hard to be cool by liking something labeled as "cool" is not even cool..

[@javy9043]

Great interview very intelligent responses from BSB

[@melaniewalker5226]

I'm 62 and play their CDs all the time lol.

[@ARmy2510]

They were my music heroes when I was teenager. Now I'm 36 and still listening them.

[@jm2hovevo648]

kevin is the cuttest and their right im only 11 and i like them

[@jillcampbell8019]

jm2ho vevo --April 2019. . . you’re about 15 now. What do you think about the BSB’s song videos “Chances” and “No Place?” They’re stronger, if not more dynamic than ever, eh?

[@aurisafliq3281]

Whatever it is..u guys will always be number 1!

[@ronwan1408]

Very good interview. Old but still good

[@zainapbaraket7272]

i love this boys ♥ SINCE SMALL! YOU BOYS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE

[@hannahlucy6786]

I'm 14 and I am literally obsessed with them!!!

[@megatafiq1568]

if bsb start in this time..as long as you love me, I want it that way and show me the meaning of being lonely difinitely will have view like oppa gangnam style had

[@superpromiise]

I'm going to there concert next week, can't wait to see them :)

[@tintocherian7715]

Great interview by Lee, treated them as professionals and asked insight seeking questions.

[@deadliestchic8768]

I still love Kevin!!

[@crochetingcanuck]

I friggen love AJ's sweater!

[@Allexandra04]

they looked so tired... i like when Kevin is talking, he has something, ha ha, i think Brian is kinda strange in the last time... but he still remains my favorite backstreet boy, and i don't like when AJ wears sun glasses inside, hm... but these guys are still the best boy band ever and no one will ever change this!!!

[@cassandrabrown4992]

I want Kevin's shirt, A.J.'s sweater and Brian's shoes!

[@superpromiise]

I'm 24 I used to hear them and I will hear them now. Love u guys a lot , never dreamed I ll move to the U S and see them

[@thaismachado6600]

Backstreet Boys, come 2 Brazil, Please 🥰🥰

[@Emaline90]

saw them in Chicago...they are amazing!

[@normentcasey18]

Omg there back again i grew up listening to them and i still do backstreet boys forever

[@carmeliecuaresma9665]

For me, hey never aged. If they did, they aged like fine wine.

[@minasrmrez2062]

I have the change to meet them in perso and they are amazing I LOVE YOU GUUS

[@Xxxx-nx9cb]

yeah they are the best! i am 14 ( almost 15 ) and i'm a hugeeee fan, that is what i like about them they don't care about your age. if you are a fan no matter what age they love you x

[@JimmyFantage]

"The music is back where it started from..." You can say that again!! xD

[@cmonhitme419]

Only three here- amazing how they were a solid group of 18- ands they lasted...

[@beckysloan1377]

Can’t wait to see them in August!!!!

[@monnetballard8114]

My nephew just turned 4, & he loves BSB's music from 90s & til their In A World Like This Album released :) KTBSPA!

[@angiem577]

This was a surprisingly insightful interview with the guys - thank you to host Lee for not being inane. Should've asked them to sing a bit though!

[@brandyrutherford1246]

You cant say that within time these fellas have conquered alot and still be a great success. Theyve achieved half of what they wanted and are continuing now. There is no other band if u look from that generation doing what they do and still be as successful. They still are doing tours, albums, dance moves etc and still showing why they have been the top band for years. Think about this. Nsync stopped, Jackson 5, Otown, 5, 98 degrees.... Theyve all reached their max and never tried to succeed further except the BSB. I am 32 now still love them as much as did when i was 12 and have 2 kids whom also like their music. Thats growth... Thats success... Thats talent.

[@HamiltonRb]

You are trying to compare Jackson 5 still having success from the 60's to BSB success of today? Jackson 5 stopped touring years ago but both Michael & Janet Jackson have had more success than BSB & Nsync put together. Not even close.

[@brandyrutherford1246]

Im talking as a group. You cant include the solo career. And u cant say that Jackson 5 was as popular as BSB

[@brandyrutherford1246]

Jackson 5 sold 100 million world wide bsb sold 130 million. As a group BSB is the top group hands down.

[@HamiltonRb]

@@brandyrutherford1246 As a group they are not even in the same sentence as the Beatles. If you want to just talk about boy bands, then I guess you have to say what is a boy & what is a man, because BSB sure aren't boys

[@tianarodriguez1818]

I group with the backstreet boy nick carter family live in Vegas and I watch the backstreet boy Christmas concert I support nick carter so much Tiana Marie Rodriguez

[@cmonhitme419]

i like hawkins- good interviwer, so far- no bs- in telligent - probative questions with an edge.

[@melindabutcher0605]

I

[@monnetballard8114]

Humble group :)

[@faaaduma]

BSB are still here & ALRIGHT!!!:D

[@jazminejordan6300]

i wish i could meet them

[@jackdawson6106]

You are still THE ONE that i love the most!

[@realhart5410]

Im so excited to seem them in chicago

[@twelve98]

pretty good interview

[@Muradmb1986]

love them ,, good luck BSB

[@Vixenbeach123]

Aj always has glasses on

[@Raze71]

Was this right before the In a world like this tour? Brian's voice is so much better here...

[@Andre.06.07]

People always knocked BSB because they were seen as a boy band. In actuality i would put them in the same vain as say a new edition with more of a vocal presence of a boys 2 men. I think the groups that followed embodied that boy band persona imo. Ultimately its weird though, in the 90's you really had to perfect your craft before you performed for anyone really. Now you can sit on a chair, sing, and get signed literally. Example: Justin bieber.

[@crazycommenter86]

I'm not a Bieber fan but he can play many instruments (Will I Am said this in an interview) and he co-writes many of his songs (go to songfacts website) and before he became famous he wrote all his songs himself. So he does have real talent except he's just your normal pop artist.

[@seropera]

It's a good interview where he asked them the tough questions and got very straight answers, I liked the fact that they addressed for the very first time what they faced in the lawsuit against Lou Pearlman, what they could lose, and yes, both justins (bieber and timberlake) have talent, of course they aren't as talented as other great artist (the backstreet boys included) but they have good voices, can dance and deliver a great show for their fans, and they have the industry and public support.

[@aishayue]

Add the fact that Justin Timberlake's career success was also due to him being tied to Britney Spears at the beginning.

[@lololandify]

@@aishayue Oh yeah forgot about the JT/Britney scandal XD

[@weit8136]

so proud of you boys ! :)

[@christinababyC3]

I remember that day when all was going down with Lou Perman it was really stressfull cuz people had been saying a lot of things that BSB are going to break up and all of that I remember watching MTV non stop bec of this and then Brian got ill heart problem and then you find out that this Lou Perman was also the CEO Co founder of N'sync Britney Spears and Christina Aquilera I think is strange that the Boys didn't mantion that people suit know this bec N'sync VS BSB was a big deal back then they all had same management and songwritter and agent crew back then the only diffrences they had was that they all had their own dance crew that was it

[@musiclover_kb4913]

Christina Albertus Lou Pearlman had nothing to do with Christina or Britney's careers, especially since Christina wasn't even signed to Jive, nor did she ever work with Max Martin until about 2013 for the song, Your Body

[@soniagiordano3721]

.nao da para tradudir.em Portugeis sonia sou fã deles

[@addychapman4598]

yes they did.....like 2005 - 2008 and maybe more

[@68daryl68]

Love them

[@darkdirtyalfa]

You know they were not gonna say they hate the kid even if they did (wich i dont think they do)

[@doriduka8007]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE FROM ALBANIA

[@Cameroons]

Just Googled John mellencamp.Still dont know who he is.

[@Vixenbeach123]

Everyone should no now why some artists that sing and dance mime its not easy imagine running and singing at the sametime 😮😮

[@SuperSweetie504]

well they still made albums it was just no Kevin!

[@ritarabaa8338]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Emaline90]

that what i have to tell everyone..like...maybe u didnt know...but they have consistently putting out music...where have u been.. They usually give me a funny face after that...lol

[@teenie36214]

+ms.elle constantino: Brian is saying "he ain't lying"

[@evevelaztiqui8885]

alguien sería tan amable en traducir esta entrevista?😉

[@ms.elleconstantino6742]

i missed them so much! i am glad they are complete again. i've heard so many news that they were disbanded and someone i think that was aj or kevin was died. so awful news so i have to research about them never thought they've sold 130+ million albums coz the last time i heard their music was incomplete. after that so many rumors.

[@melissawoody809]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@superpromiise]

Kevin stop doing that in ur fingers lol

[@stephaniehergert3278]

He probably doesn't know that he is doing it.

[@cmonhitme419]

who is the leader...pls rank..did they even write n e thing...

[@ms.elleconstantino6742]

the last line that brian said i think "he's lying" after kevin said that their "songs right now being still played in adult contemporary... that's a good sign...accompanied w/ grin facial expression of an interviewer"...dunno what's really meant by that??? something controversial

[@aurisafliq3281]

Please come to Singapore again!

[@2000guineas]

Interesting

[@erikalourdesontiverosramir3331]

they never left but they were'nt all together Kevin just joined them they haven't record an album in 7 yrs (all the members)

[@sdidora5]

He was on Broadway guys!

[@kirstenovenden6081]

They did make albums when Kevin Scott Richardson left as they are called unbreakable in 2007 then this is us 2009 then nkotbsb in 2011

[@kirstenovenden6081]

NKOTBSB means New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys tour in 2011 and 2012

[@Themain1ofall]

they cant hate on another person who has alot of following, then some ppl will start hating them, they cant be like naa he sucks n is still young.

[@DrDevilDD]

That doesn't mean anything. I always thought he was quite a reserved person lol.

[@katyhou5619]

well, he did just come back. sooooo

[@melissawoody809]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@YouAreTheOne236]

Kevin is the smartest among these guys..

[@MeganWoodard1984]

The back handed insult to NSYNC is not cool, but I DO respect AJ a lot given all he's been through and for being such a big supporter of the LGBT community.

[@musiclover_kb4913]

What backhanded insult? Geez

[@bradleytattoo331]

if you think he's a fraud. thats cool google how many albums justin beiber has sold.... 5 years into his career.backstreet boys first u.s. album sold well over 10 million.... people thought the same thing about bsb in 1998.....

[@pxlzero]

Pink shoes are you kidding me ?!!!@_@

[@chrgtech08]

pxlzero ii

[@Lucybzhen]

I guess they meant to respect the kid..

[@cmonhitme419]

@10.20 Wait, what "equipment" were they usdinhg - these guys contributed nothing but the voice/reading of the lyric. HA! "Our Equipment!" A mike?

[@AmberRajen]

Boys are intellectual.

[@mellowyellow403]

The interviewer seems clueless, like he didn’t do his research . Good thing they flipped it and interviewed themselves lol.

[@katyhou5619]

hahaha

[@afigfarzullayev1815]

Justin is talented???!!!