Here's some forty year olds promoting their new album at a Virgin Megastore. Seriously, know when to say when. If you haven't established something solo by now, the train has left the station. MSNBC recently ran an article exploring the Backstreet Boys' status as the last of the boy bands. These bitches better jump on a reality show while they have the chance. They need to judge or host or get a recurring guest spot. Otherwise, these signings are going to get smaller and smaller until the inevitable Wal*Mart signing. When overweight women in pantsuits are going to get a Greatest Hits cd signed and say "my mom LOVES you guys!"
Still, even though they're down to four members for "Unbreakable" [their new album] (so... maybe a little broken, actually), they're continuing ahead as the Backstreet Boys. That's no small accomplishment. While 'N Sync, their only serious peers, have been more 'N Pieces in recent years -- what with Justin Timberlake completing the transformation into beat-boxing megastar, Joey Fatone watching other people sing, and Lance Bass ruining his coming-out party by dating an admitted reality-television star -- the Backstreet Boys have been steadfast in their devotion to the group.As a result, they're pretty much the last boy band standing from what was a fertile scene a decade ago. Having followed the standard career path -- theme-park origins, platinum albums, fired manager, insistence on proving their artistry by writing and playing on their own songs -- they're still around, with no precedent to guide them. To get a proper perspective, you'd have to imagine the New Kids On The Block releasing a new album in 1998.
Right. It's an aura of sadness around this one. I was just reminded that Nick Carter already had a reality series in which he dealth with his meth-soaked family. But he needs his own solo gig. Hopefully one that contains footage of him striking Paris Hilton. Normally I'm very "Take Back The Night" but have you met her?
Photos: Splash
More photos of the Backstreet Boys at a Virgin Record store CD signing appearance are after the jump.
Persistent Cat says:
No less sad than the Spice Girls reforming.
And shoot me for writing this but at least the Backstreet Boys have better "music" than the Spice Girls. They can at least sing and dance. The Spice Girls just shimmy on the spot and lip-sync.
Sarah says:
Okay this is where I get pissed. You obviously know NOTHING about what you are writing about.
I was at the signing in NYC and people were camped out for TWO DAYS just to get in. There were 350 people in line sleeping on the streets when I got there the day before.
They had to turn away another 400 people because they were over capacity, so obviously the boys still have it.
Don't sit there and act like that don't have a following because they do, they are talened and down to earth guys who respect there fans. Unlike most of the people who are popular right now.
They just celebrated 15 years together and they are STILL going strong. So please, actually do your job next time.
Backstreet is back, even if you don't like it.
devil says:
If there were any promising new artists on the scene right now, the Backdoor, uh, Backstreet Boys' comeback wouldn't even make press. Fact is, they're one of the better acts out there right now. That makes me sad.
I agree that they have much better music than the Spice Girls.
J$ says:
Where's the 5th one? Wasn't there five? What was that other dude's name?
Hey Sarah - enjoy looooooving the Backstreet Boys. Let me know how that works out for you. You know, like when you try to make friends and stuff.
stolidog says:
I bet ron perleman really, really enjoyed playing twister and "pile-on" with these guys when they were younger.
ruru says:
You're a total bitch for writing this kind of article. Stop writing about them as if they're britney or paris hilton....these guys have sold over 100 million records and I for one, bough their latest on the first day.
Try writing something that makes sense for once.
stolidog says:
wow, ruru mad. stop say bad things.
ruru kill you.
Frida says:
Thanks Sarah and ruru, this makes me so mad as well. These guys have sold more albums than many other artists out there and they're still going strong. They have fans all over the world who love that they're back with a new album so stop talking shit about them!