The Lost Boys: How a Pop Sensation Came Undone

First Page - Previous - Next - Last - Add Entry - Other Topics - Message Boards - Exit Page 61 of 75 Submitted by Elyse from New Jersey USA Date: Tue Aug 20 12:04:08 2002 I think this article holds a lot of truth. If only other people could read this and get insight into the boys, instead of just dismissing them as some pop sensation. The boys have gone through a lot of sh*t (heart surgery, deaths, rehab, arrests, management issues, etc.) and they deserve much more credit than they receieve. However, N Sync, who's just riding along doing whatever the hell they please and getting all the attention, have no problems. That's what pisses me off the most. I just want the boys to get some respect, but who gets it? N Sync. However, even if they have like the Backstreet Mania, they still have a lot of fans. Maybe they're not screaming teenyboppers as much anymore, but they're mature people that appreciate them for who they are, what they do, and, on top of everything, their music. Right? And, on the Backstreet Band issue like somebody mentioned, you're right...Tommy and the rest of the band should never have left. Now, most of them are with O-Town, who i must admit, kick some major a$$ in concert. I've seen them twice, and walked away happy. They're not about special effects or dancers or ne of that...they're about the music and it shows. I love the boys more than anything, but when O-Town's new album comes out I don't know what's going to happen. I've heard a lot of songs from it, and they're going for more of a rock edge, and the songs are sooo amazing. However, I hope the BSB goes for more the adult contemporary stuff like "Drowning," because I also love that. While N Sync stays with the teen pop that only they can do, hopefully some of their fans will notice and cross over to one of the two groups that deserve it--mainly BSB. I know a lot of people hate O-Town because of all the Making the Band thing, but even kevin admits he lieks the group, just not the way they were kinda in a boy band training camp, cuz now everybody thinks that's how BSB got started. But anyway, O-Town, like BSB, deserve a lot more than they get...and I like both groups. Although it may not sound it, BSB more. Also, Timmy Berkibile is now playing for Rich Cronin's (of LFO) new group, Bad Mood Mike, a kind of rap-pop thing, and I also saw them in concert...and they're great also. See what happens when BSB loses a good back-up band? Whoever said that was right, although I won't agree with you that the Black & Blue tour sucked. Anyway, to sum this all up...this article definately showed the truth of the Boys, and I appreciate it to a certain degree. I just hope other people realize this and start giving BSB the credit/respect they deserve, instead of comparing them to N Sync all the time, for example when Dennis Leary was on Jay Leno. He was talking about how Lance couldn't get the $ to go to space so he was like "I'll give the space company the $20 million...if they'll leave him up there, with the other groups that don't play their own instruments and write their own music. N Sync, Backstreet Boys, O-Town..." That comment pisses me off cuz yes, a lot of BSB songs haven't been written by them, but a lot have, and nobody knows it. Same with O-Town...practically their whole new cd was written by them and Ashley, Jacob, and Dan all play the guitar on it and in concert. (Ashley's hot) I've been wanting to say this for a long time, mainly it's MTV's fault bsb doesn't get what they deserve. But, if you watch shows like The View, you realize they're appealing to a wider audience. But, you still need that MTV fan base because MTV is where everybody gets their information. Same with radio. Anyway, sorry I blabbered about O-Town, I don't know how that got in there...but I love BSB and I can't wait till the new album. Maybe it won't sell more than N Sync the first week (that's a given...N Sync's was doubled on purpose) or more than Millennium, but it might be the best yet to us. Hopefully they realize they might not get all the credit they deserve, but they have fans that do give them that and more...even if they're not screaming teenyboppers that force mtv and radio to play them. But, yet, who has been on adult contemporary radio stations with every ballad and had the ladies of The View loving them? Don't you think maybe they appreciate that more? I don't know. Submitted by Carolyn from TN USA Date: Tue Aug 20 11:50:35 2002 I don't care what the New York Times says, or any other media outlet. The media has always had a love/hate relationship with the Backstreet Boys. First it was by derogatorily calling them a "Boy Band" and then it was by comparing them to other pop acts. Bottom Line: the Backstreet Boys are immensely talented. If they want to do so, they can weather any storm and get through to the other side. Their music is immensely important to me, and I know their next album (and Nick's) will be great. As long as we, their fans, love them, the Backstreet Boy--if they have the determination-- will be around for a long time to come. Frankly, I'm glad they have had some time during this hiatus to enjoy their lives. I don't want them burned out. They are not the "teeny bopper" dreams they were, perhaps, but they are truly wonderful musical talents who will be around for a long time to come. I love the Backstreet Boys: their music has gotten me through so many bad times, and it still does. I love their voices, their personalities, their looks, their decency. No, BSB isn't perfect, but they come pretty close. And by the way, the fact that the media is writing about them is good. It shows that they know people still want to hear about the Boys. God bless the Backstreet Boys. carolyn Submitted by Nat from montreal quebec Canada Date: Tue Aug 20 11:45:49 2002 Bonnie girl I have to agree with you on what you said I know bsb can get through this I know in their hearts they ca do it. Like you said if we stay strong and we support bsb and show them we love them we can do it. Bsb need our love and support we have to be strong like the song says they got it goin on and also they are the shape of our hearts and we love them more than that we are there for them cuz they have the perfect fans. from nat Submitted by Jodie from Canada Date: Tue Aug 20 11:41:19 2002 In Canada we have supported BSB from day 1. But., I do feel that this article holds tha truth. This article is pretty much expressing the dayz of Backstreet Mania to the dayz when that mania had ended. This article is pretty much tellin tha truth. The glory dayz of tha boyz are over, but I do believe that they will still continue on making music for their fans. Submitted by Amber from HAMILTON ONTARIO Canada Date: Tue Aug 20 11:25:15 2002 Hey all BSB fans: I just wanna say after reading the article I was mad that they talked baout how good N sync was. That really ticked me off N sync does what BSB does and they get all the credit. But all i have to say is I have been a BSB fan since We've got it going on and before the US knew about them and I will always be a fan and this whole talk about them breaking up is making me mad because if thye were they would tell us and this all started when the media found out about Nicks solo album. Justin is coming out wiht a solo album do u hear the media talking about N sync breaking up No of course not cua htey can do no wrong. All I have to say is I support BSB all they way in whatever they do!!! And with all these replys and all of us sticking together just proved that BSB are still going strong. Who carse if they don't sell 2 million records every time they are making music that they like and music for the fans and not for the critics and not for breaking records. KTBSPA 4 ever. Submitted by Jamie from Wixom MI USA Date: Tue Aug 20 11:00:41 2002 Really, I have to agree mostly with the author. The guys have made some poor decisions with management during their career. I have to say that he should have left the "Leighanne influencing Brian" part out. There's already a lot of Leighanne haters, and now they're going to hate her even more. But c'mon guys! She was right. Thanks to the Firm, we lost an amazing back-up band. Why? Because The Firm couldn't give credit to the person who deserved it. BSB hasn't put on a great show since Tommy left. The music director determines how great the music is. I don't care how great the guys were, but their Black & Blue concert was a complete disappointment because they're back-up band was horrible. The guys need to get their heads back together, and we need to come back full blast when they release their next album. If we don't, it only means we were influenced solely by the fact that two members are married, one's engaged, one went into rehab, and another had a run in with the law. If that's the case, then we were never fans at all. We saw pretty faces, and couldn't see past that. Everybody, just remember that it's all about the music. Music first, music last, music always. Submitted by the_26th from Gothenburg Sweden Date: Tue Aug 20 10:42:04 2002 The only thing that upsets me is the very last thing in the article: "...Azoff is unconcerned with the current debate over tensions between the band and Mr. Carter. 'Whether Nick is in the band or not, it doesn't frighten me,' Mr. Azoff said. 'The Eagles changed members three times, and it didn't hurt their career.."! THAT'S SO wrong! Without Nick - NO Backstreet!!! KTBSPA! Submitted by Kim from Indianapolis Indiana USA Date: Tue Aug 20 10:38:04 2002 I must say that I read this article three times to really "read between the lines." Is anyone else glad that some of the "terrible" things that have been done to the boys by former management as well as their own record company have come to light? We should be glad that someone is finally telling the world about the difficulties the boys have overcome. While I do think the author had pop bias, I believe he did show that it is remarkable BSB did not fall by the wayside before with the problems with Pearlman, the Wrights, The Firm, etc. While the article stated that the boys are "set for life," I think it is clear that many have misrepresented and taken advantage of them in their career. Did you pick up on the fact the author complemented them about "having their own minds and ambitions" vs. the commercial pop machine. I really do not feel the article was meant to be mean or derogatory. I think the fact that a $100 million dollar deal that went bust, record label antics, etc. only show how the boys are in this industry because of their love of music. However, I did not like the comment at the end about Nick Carter not being in the group. This group started as these five guys and I could not imagine it any other way. I do feel that there is probably a great deal of tension right now as the BSB are anxious to get their next project out there. I hope this new management team will help them in sustaining their careers for many years to come. Long live the BSB. It's up to us as well everyone! We have to support them and "want" their music to be around long term. KTBSPA!!!! Submitted by Yo Mama from USA Date: Tue Aug 20 10:34:25 2002 I am 19 years old, black, female, and a huge Backstreet Boys fan. And I just wanted to say that I am personally offended when I see Nsync on BET or being played on Hip Hop radio stations. When BSB have songs that are R&B, it's because they like that kind of style. When Nsync does it, it seems forced--they just do it for money. Whatever kind of music BSB does, it's because their hearts are in it. Second, I've noticed that BSB are the only pop group with a diverse fan base. I like coming in the guestbook and looking at fans posting from India, Irag, South Africa, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. How many other groups can say they connect with that broad a group. None. Third, BSB will be around for a long time. That's why they signed with their new management so they can protect their long-term careers. That's what the article said. Long-term = no break up. Fourth, screw the album sales. Milli Vanilli sold lots of albums. It's about public opinion. And the awards speak for themselves. The only awards Nsync can win is if BSB aren't nominated. The only awards Britney Spears can win is Teen Choice Awards. BSB win everything else. The article should have read: HOW A POP SENSATION CAME UNDONE.....AND WAS REBORN BY THE DEDICATION OF THEIR DIE-HARD FANS! Submitted by Lilli from USA Date: Tue Aug 20 10:16:27 2002 Hello everyone, Why in the world would people publish an article of this magnitude? It's pathetic! I've been a BSB fan since QPG first started getting roatation. The Boys are going strong in Europe, Canada, etc. I do hate to quote *N SYNC but pop is not just going to go away. That means our"boy bands" will also stay. Their styles may chang but what doesn't. BSB has faded a bit, but look at what's happened to them! They've been cloned time and time again! I think that it's wonderful BSB has developed a sense of who they are and what they want. I seriously doubt that there is an artist in this indusdtry who doesn't have a mind of their own. I love BSB, will love BSB as long as they continue to make music, and hope that no one else changes their mind about them to go with what's popular or becuase of some big shot saying that the Backstreet Boys have had their ten minutes of fame. So, as long as the ocean touches the sand, i'll forever be a BSB fan! Hugs, kisses & cookies, Lilli PS: best of luck Nick! Submitted by Jamelet from Jamaica NY USA Date: Tue Aug 20 10:14:52 2002 After reading the article from the exclusive New York TImes, I was left disturbed to think that people could write such negative things about a group that opened the doors for such groups as *nsync and others. I'm sure some of the things stated in the article are possibly true but the fact that it discussed the Boys negatively was what got to me! I'm grateful there are plenty of fans on this site still suppporting them. I grew up listening to their music and now I'm 21 years and I'll continue supporting them, I hope all goes well in their future with music and I'll be there supporting them every step of the way! Submitted by BsB fan. from Singapore Singapore Date: Tue Aug 20 09:44:19 2002 I've been a Backstreet Boys fan for 3 years, which sounds like a long time but, I was actually a bit of a late-comer considering that I didn't even hear of Millinnium until like four months after it came out...anyway. I admit to almost always thinking of the Boys as being perfect. I realize that they aren't. But you know, you just can't help it right? Well I admit that I don't like that article. I didn't even read the whole thing, I just skimmed it. Why? Because reading stuff like that tends to make me upset and think about other problems I have in my life. To tell the truth, if Nick left or was kicked out of the group I'd be crushed. Same with all of the Boys. I have invested parts of my life in them. My reputation. I know that they won't always record music. But if they had to stop, I think that just saying " we're going to take a prolonged vacation to do..." would be a better way than breaking up or kicking someone out. And honestly, I know that they have put TONS of engergy into doing this but...they owe it to us to end peacefully whenever they do. We have spent millions of hours on them. Put up with criticism, articles like these, the pain of wondering if one of them will live, or make it through therapy. We have supported their marriages and engagements, with happiness. We have loved all their music. I think as fans of them articles like these are important because it brings us back to the fact that nothing is forever, even if they never broke up or stopped recording, they'd die. Their not immortal. This sort of helps us prepare for that. I still don't want to think of that, because really if that happened it'd be like someone died. The Backstreet Boys. And the people around me wouldn't treat me with the same caution as if someone I knew had died. Some would probably rub it in my face. Others would pretend sympathy. But most of all I think that the reason that Nsync is according to the media more popular than BsB is this: They have sold out their lives for money, and fame. Why do I say this? Because everything they do is automatic money. Someone says " If you sing this song about...it'll be really popular" Do you honestly think that they would WANT to sing a song like " Bye Bye Bye"? No. They don't care how stupid they look, how lame it sounds, or how weird they really think it is. They act, think, and perform for money. The BsB doesn't do this, they have morals, they admit that they have lives and want to get married, get counseling, or have time to themselves. The media doesn't like the honest people of this world. So I take these articles with all this in mind and remember that no matter what happens I have to stand my ground. Another thing I have learned is. Don't fight every battle. Sometimes it is better just to shut up. Submitted by HowiesGrl from New Jersey USA Date: Tue Aug 20 09:20:43 2002 I am kind of upset about this article. I agree with many of the entries here in regards to the part about the person who wrote this article. I do believe that it was an anti-BSB. Also, I wish that people would STOP BASHING BSB!!!!!! They are such talented youn men and I just don't understand why they need to do that. Some of this article MAY be true but the part about BSB "fading out" is completely UNTRUE! Even as I type they are holed up in some recording studio working feverishly to finish their new album. So all thoughts about them breaking up is COMPLETELY FALSE!!! Every time that any member is asked about them breaking up they deny it. SO PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT THEY ARE BREAKING UP!!! I felt that I just needed to express my feelings. KTBSPA FOREVER!!!!!! Submitted by Cassie from Canada Date: Tue Aug 20 09:18:07 2002 After reading this article I found that it was quite biased. The article basically discussed BSB successes and failures based on sales in the US alone. Did it forget that B&B sold 5 million copies worldwide in the first week alone? Granted, the US is a very important market but there are many other markets out there as well and the BSB were selling millions overseas before the US even knew who they were. Although the article does give a little more insight into what goes on behind the scenes, it did depict the BSB in a more negative rather then positive light and discussed Nsync positively at every chance it had. Nsync seemed to do every little thing the BSB did....both groups started in Europe, the to the States, both groups sued their companies, both jumped to Jive....etc I am a fan of both groups, but personally I think BSB are more sincere towards their fans and that is how you keep fans in the long run. When you look at everything that was written in the article, what exactly does it prove? Almost every band or artist goes through management problems, group problems, personal heartache etc. The problems were only written as very negative towards the band because they are a pop group and are supposed to behave perfectly at all times. They are human too and they have to go through tragedies and problems just like the rest of us. I don't think that B&B was a failure, I loved that album and I believe their next album will be stronger and have a better reflection of who they are after going through so many problems in their careers. Submitted by Just a fan from Thailand Date: Tue Aug 20 07:32:15 2002 I dunno if this article contains how many percent of truth but spookily it kinda reflects my personal guesses and theories about the boys in the past 2 years. I've been a fan since the first release of We've Got It Going On and still faithfully sticking with them. Their music might not make my life better or help me cope with any tough situations like anyone else feels. But I'm a fan who's glad to see their development and appreciate and enjoy the work they've done. Though I must admit that the Black & Blue album quite disappointing to me. Don't slam me now, k? I'm not the kinda person who trades off own believes for biased affection. The world still evolves everyday and so does the BSB. They're surely not boys anymore and I'm probably one of the oldest fans now. Whatever happens next to the BSB we must wait and see. Personally, I do hope our 5 fave guys will continue to make music we all love. But if things come out the other way, I must say that I wish them all the best in their future career. And their music will still be continually played and remembered by me, a little fan over here (who's been waiting in vain for them to come and have a concert in Thailand.) Submitted by Alexandra from Essen Germany Date: Tue Aug 20 06:53:11 2002 I thought this was very impressive and honest and once again,although somehow we all knew, we have to realise that the glitzy world of pop and stars is not so easy to handle after all. Management problems mixed with the personal interest of 5 individuals sometimes clash and after so many successful years they had to come to terms with a new situation. I am sure they will still make the decisions that seem to be the best ones for them and I am a strong beleiver that the real fans will stick with them, no matter what. I for sure will. And yes, they did have a huge impact on my life and still have Submitted by fiona cooper from scotland great britain United Kingdom Date: Tue Aug 20 06:05:34 2002 I am probably one of the older BSB fans to reply but I had to. I became a fan of BSB after a tragedY in my family and I can honestly say it was BSB's music that helped me to live again and face life. BSB have obviously had lots of personal problems but that's life - their human. The management problems are something that they as adults can alter - make more of their own decisions. They have matured and now know what they want. I am a little upset at Nick going solo at the moment but again he is an adult and knows his own ambitions. A lot of what the media say is probably partly true but again they never get the real story only the BSB can give us that and I personally will not give up on them even if they themselves say that they are breaking up. Nobody can take away what these five talented men have given us. It would'nt be BSB without Nick but if the others have the determination (they already have the talent)they can go on. It would be a sad day if this happens. SUPPORT, LOVE AND RESPECT THE BSB AND PRAY FOR THEM IN MAKING THEIR DECISIONS. I for one believe that there will be more from BSB and can't wait for their next albumn. Submitted by Jo from Biggleswade Bedfordshire United Kingdom Date: Tue Aug 20 05:05:34 2002 I dont mind people/journatlists having their own views but some of the things in that article just..are lies. That article is basically plugging N'sync, as per usual but, then again, all of the articles u read which arent telling the truth about the BSB n plugging N'sync, i guess, just makes BSB want to push harder and prove the critics wrong. I think finally through that article, people will see Jive's true colours and hopefully that will help BSB cos people will realise that the boys went through a lot with Jive but still managed to come out the other side relatively unscathed. Submitted by AJ (not McLean, I'm not an imposter!) from CA USA Date: Tue Aug 20 05:00:06 2002 I don't really want to comment on the article as much as I want to comment on how great it is to see all the Backstreet fans sticking up for their Boys! Though the article wasn't exactly slamming the guys, it was talking about them like they have broken up and they haven't. It was a little premature I think. But it's just so cool to see that there are still good fans like all you guys here, it makes me proud to be one of you! Submitted by Robin from Oroville CA USA Date: Tue Aug 20 04:53:26 2002 Hey BSB fans! I feel that this article was written by someone not a fan of the Backstreet Boys. There are always things you can read about them that are going to make you angry because the people that right them are not fans. I'm not saying anything in the article was false, because how do I know, I'm just saying that I disagree with the theory that BSB are "fading out." I know they have some really die-hard fans just by being on this website and I feel that if all us fans continue to support them there's nothing they can't conquer. And Nick has been asked many time regarding his solo debut if the group is breaking up and he denies it every time. Whether he leaves or not I personally will always be a supportive fan in anything he or the other Boys do in their careers and I know a lot of other fans feel the same way. Nick is very talented and I feel he could make it on his own, but the Backstreet Boys definitely won't be the same without him. Each Boy has their own specific part they add to the group and that is why they are so admirable. As far as Lou Pearlman goes, after reading many articles about what he's done to not only BSB but other acts as well I feel he is a horrible and crooked man who only uses young talent to rip them off. And 'N Sync may work hard at what they do, they may be more available than Backstreet sometimes and sometimes they may be considered a little more famous than BSB, but personally I feel there is enough fans for everyone and there's really no way one act can "take the place" of another. If we are true fans of Backstreet Boys, no matter what other artists we may like, we're still going to like BSB. I have been very thankful for the group and their music and I wish them the best of luck for whatever they do in the future. I do not feel that Brian and Kevin's marriages and AJ's openly expressed time in rehab hurt the group at all. If anything it made their fame stronger because all their fans bonded together and showed their love and support, because that's what true fans should do. ~* KTBSPA *~ First Page - Previous - Next - Last - Add Entry - Other Topics - Message Boards - Exit Page 61 of 75