Okay, I know some of you MIGHT remember me from here before. I had some pretty heated comments and I PROMISE you that you won't see that from me again LOL. It's been almost a year since I've been back to this board, but I must say, I'm feelin the love. :)I know there's still some here that insist on dissing and you know what? That's okay because "what goes around comes around" and instead of ripping on you myself and spitting out countless insults that will probably never phase you anyway, I'll let fate take care of that one for me.
Now, the real reason I'm back is to provide you all with a bit of an update on the group "Backstreet Boyz" and how they're doing.
(Oh, and BTW, Jesse baby, it's nice to see ya here :) Love ya tons and thanx for the voicemail hun!! Talk to ya soon)
Now, for those of you who DO follow the guys on a regular basis, there is no need for you to read on. But for those who 1) may have just heard of the group, or 2) don't really follow them, here's what I've got for you.
Their website (www.backstreettribute.com) has since been shut down. There is no longer a need for individual sites for each of the tribute bands as Booking House has grown SO large in its time that there are simply too many to do. So now each band/group/artist has its own page at http://www.bookinghouse.com You can find THIS tribute group now listed as "Backstreet's Back" (yes, they changed their name ONE last time and their b-group has taken up the name "Larger Than Life")
As you may be able to tell from the site, the Backstreet Boys tribute band has grown so successful and are booking so many shows that they have had to make a second group. This is good news. The word is getting out about tribute groups and the good they do and more and more people are hiring them.
Now, onto an update about the members themselves:
Shawn Thomas Clyde (aka Kevin) has left the group. Yes, he had stated on the official site before that he was going to get back into acting "when this is all over" but 1) it's not over, and 2) that was when he FIRST started in the tribute group. He was "testing the waters" to put it lightly, as he also had some interests in music. Deciding that this was the way to go for now, Shawn has since left Backstreet's Back and is now performing as 1/5 of Canada's newest group "Next Element" You can visit their website at http://www.nextelement.ca
Russell Kreiger (aka Brian) is getting married (congrats) and his fiancee is pregnant with his first child. (at 29, it's ABOUT TIME HUN! LOL) He's happy to say that he's still keeping with the BSB tribute for now though. He is the only original member left in the group. We love you hun!
Gabriel Popescu (aka Nick) (NOT Darryl Barnes from the official site) has been playing the part of Nick for quite a while now. He is still a member of the group, but in his time off is writing and recording his own music. His website can be found at http://www.gabrieluniverse.com Unfortunately, it's under construction, but will be up and running soon enough!
Leo Frantz (aka Howie) has also moved on. (Carlos Arevalo left the group LONG ago and there have been many people in place of him since) Leo is now performing the tribute to Billy Joel and his page can now be found at the booking house website (www.bookinghouse.com) under tributes, and then Billy Joel. He is really liking performing as a tribute and plans to continue it for a while longer.
Jesse (aka AJ) whom many of you met as Sam, has also moved on. Much to everyone's dismay (we're sad to see him go as he was actually one of the few founding members of the group left) There comes a time though for everyone to move on, and Jesse saw his opportunity and took it. He is now performing as 1/4 of Canada's newest and HOTTEST r&b/hip hop/pop group "Tha Hype". Those of you in Alberta may have already heard one or both of their singles ("Frustrated" and "Next Time Around") on Power 107 or Power 92, as they are currently being aired. Tha Hype website is at http://www.thahype.com and has both songs as well as some great recent photos.
All of the performers who have left the group DO have replacements. So there is no need for you (the fans) to worry about the tribute band. They're still here :) They're not going anywhere. (To Nick (aj), Mike (kevin), and Carlos (howie)...or...well...whoever the Howie might be now ;) I love you guys just the same and can't wait to see you all again. Nick, I'll call soon, I PROMISE!!)
All of the guys who left are using their own identity...not that of a "backstreet boy" so to those of you who thought that they were trying to scam off someone else's name. Please stand corrected.
A tribute performer is just that...a performer...who is paying tribute. All they want to do is sing and make people happy and a tribute is a great way to gain experience, make great friends, and develop a fan base who will follow you when you branch out on your own. So please, next time you see that a tribute is performing in your town, go check them out! Be nice, and maybe even keep in contact with them.
You never know where they plan on going in life...they don't want to stand in someone's shadow forever, no matter how big of a fan they are. And to have you there, as a fan and friend, to support them when they choose to step to the front means the world to them. :)
Good luck to my boys Jesse, Gabriel and Shawn. All three of you are really going places! Leo, you make an awesome Billy Joel!! ;) Keep it up. And Russ...well, not much I can say to you except I miss you lots and wherever you go in life, just remember that I'm here, supporting you, even if you never hear from me again.
Luv 4ever,
a fan always, but a friend first,
~Kris
And just what's so wrong with a tribute group?
Is this such a bad thing? I know both sides of the coin with this one, I've seen tne Boys soon to be five times in concert, and appreciate their talent, but I also know the tribute group Backstreet's Back. For those of you who don't get the whole point of a tribute group. The reason that they exist is to be able to go into the small towns and countries that the real Boys don't go to, and most of the shows that they play are at fairs, trade shows, the Calgary Stampede, amusement/theme parks etc. and the prices to see them are reasonable, like what $10 or free.
They know they're not the real thing. And granted the real Backstreet Boys are so much more better, but that's not the point. The intent is not to rip of the Boys here, believe me, that's not why these guys do it. It's to be able to reach the BSB fans who, because of location, or they can't afford $100 for a concert ticket.
But I guess if you can afford to go out and see the Backstreet Boys perform seven times, you really wouldn't appreciate that.
