Submitted by Celeste from Cobourg ON Canada
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:25:14 2002
I can't speak for the rest of the BSB fans but I can say that I've never heard such a crock in my life. It sounds as if the media is blaming Nick and his solo project for all of this and it really isn't his fault.
Nick is 22 and he needs to explore and find out who he is? Yes I know that he's Nick Carter but he needs to find out who, exactly, Nick Carter is? He can't find out who he is if he's part of a group.
I think that in order for Nick to find out who he is as a person he needs to do this solo thing and tour by himself. :)
Submitted by Pritha from Pune Maharashtra India
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:23:45 2002
When I first read the article, it really hurt to know that what we think to be such a carefree life and an easy job can be so stressful and full of politics. I had never in my dreams imagined that record companies and management teams exercise so many rights over the artists that they represent. BSB has been going through a lot of rough times lately and I'm really proud as a BSB fan because they haven't called it a day and said that it's all over and we've had enough. Giving up isn't the way and neither is falling apart. I wasn't happy with Nick's decision to carry on with a management team that BSB doesn't want anymore and I don't know how far Leighanne is responsible for Brian's decisions but if that is true, Brian should know better.
Most of the N sync and Bsb rivalry is created by media itself and I do not always like to believe what the media prints because most of the time they add their own stuff. I however, am not a fan of N sync because there is no way anybody can deny the similarity between backstreet and N stink sound. I hate them for it. N sync might be more popular in the United States but it is a known fact that BSB is more popular than N sync the world over and the world is definitely bigger than the united states. N sync has a long way to go (if they ever get there) before they can even claim to be as big as BSB.
I want to say that after all that the industry has put BSB through, especially some of the incidents that happened after aj went to rehab, particularly the one about Jamie fox and the mtv awards, BSB should stand together at all costs, take their time with their album, make it really big and blow everybody's socks off, show them what it's all about, prove that N sync is junk (for all those who think n sync is better) compared to them and then say that we're too good for you. You don't deserve us and THEN call it quits.
All of us fans are always there for BSB in whatever they do and all we can do is asure them that we will be there as long as they are and support them whole heartedly in whatever they do.
Submitted by Laura from Argentina
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:22:26 2002
I tryed to organize my points as best as I could, but I am not good at organizing,so sorry if you get confused. Ok, here I go:_First of all, the article made me realize how much more crap they had to go through than I actually knew about and made me respect them even more.
_I now realize how much I really hate Lou Perlman, not 'nsync, I mean, everything comes back to him, all of the problems, mostly everything they had to go through at the beggining of their career, and maybe even now, it's partially, maybe mostly, Lou Perlman's fault, somehow.
_ I know everybody says they are going through a hard time and every band goes through the same, but Don't you think they have had more than their fair share of problems? What problems have 'nsync gone through? Not many, they, and every pop act, have always had a free ride throgh fame becuase of BSB, and that I don't think is fair.
_I honestly think, with all of may heart, that the Backstreet boys are going to be with us for muuuucch longer than a decade, I'll explain why. The Backstreet boys have been together for almost a decade, a decade is a veeeery long time, maybe especially for me since I' so young, but it is a long time anyway; a decade is enough time to, as they have said over and over again ,become very close friends and even become brothers. They are very very close, and I think they would not feel right without eachother after a DECADE of being together, I mean they are brothers, and like real brothers, they can't say "no, I'm not his brother anymore" after all they have been through(probably everything possible).
I really don't think they are going to break up becuse of something they all support and agreed with: Nick's solo career. Maybe the timing is not the best, but maybe as he says it was "now or never" and I think everything is going to work out.
_I really want,and can not wait for the next Backstreet boys' album, but I rather wait for something amazing,then have them rush it and not be as good. It would of course still be good but I am ready to give them some time to put everything in order and start "Chapter 2" of their career, like a new and (If possible, if you know what I mean) better band.
_I beilive they won't be making as much mistakes since they have probably learned frome the ones they already did with their manegment companies, and I wish them the best of luck with the one they have now.
_To one comment of one person that wrote before me, I think that each and everyone of the Backstreet boys have unique and spectacular voices that join together for the most wonderful harmony this world has ever heard, which brings me to another point
_They could not survive without Nick not even if they tried (which i don't think they would do) nor if ANY of the Backsreet boys left. They would not, NEVER try to put another person in that BSB place, it would be an insult to the one that left and the fans, and they are too close to even think about doing that anyways.
Well, I think that is everything, If I think of something else I'll post it.
Thanks to everyone that has read this far and PLEASE cheer up and keep the Backstreet pride alive as we have done for so many years.
Submitted by Yo Mama from USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:19:56 2002
To all BSB fansAre you angry, upset, hurt, betrayed over what you just read. Now is the time for payback. This is how we're gonna do it.
T H E P L A N I S T H I S :
1) MTV: MTV doesn't respect our Boyz. I don't know why. So we're gonna request/vote like crazy. Any contest or poll MTV is having, BSB will win.
2) Jive: E-mail the people at Jive. Give em a piece of your mind.
3) Radio: Radio is more important than videos. In order to get BSB back on top they have to have radio. Vote for BSB (group or solo stuff) as much as possible. On the phone. Through e-mail. Every bit helps.
4) Rumors: If somebody at a network, website, or radio show says/posts something false about BSB, let em know. Set the record straight.
5) TRL: The article confirmed that BSB is responsible for TRL's success. Yet, TRL has tried to push BSB out the back door. Don't let em. Request BSB on TRL as much as possible. For all the times you (MTV) have shoved Nsync down our throats, we're gonna shove BSB down yours.
6) Concerts: ClearChannel dropped the ball. But we all know the next BSB tour will kick ASS!!! Bigger and BETTER. Ticket prices will be low. And the guys will have fun. Be sure to catch the show.
7) Nick Carter: Justin is on Nick's dick. Nick goes solo, Justin goes solo. Nick puts his single out in August, Justin puts his out in August. We need to teach him a lesson. All of you who aren't sure about Nick's decision to go solo, so what. This is bigger than that now. Even if you don't support the solo album, buy it anyway just to stick it to Justin. He wants to be Nick so bad.
8) The girlfriends/wives: If the Boyz are happy, then we're happy, right? It should be that way. Leighanne, Kristin, and Sarah are good people. Respect them.
9) MTV Awards: If you're going to the VMA's, be sure to BOOOOOOOOOOOOO Nsync/Justin whenever they're mentioned. We have to make them pay.
10) The fans: We are a part of a great thing here. We are Backstreet fans. How cool is that? I'm sure a lot of you go to school and get made fun of cuz you say you like BSB. That's our fault. We have to make it cool again to like BSB. Enjoy yourself. Show people how much fun you have as a BSB fan. Then they will follow.
If we follow these guidelines, we'll be back on top in no time.
It's not about being the BEST, it's about being the BEST THAT WE CAN BE.
This article in the NY Times shows BSB being burned. But you know about the PHOENIX. We're gonna RISE from our ashes.
PHOENIX RISING
Submitted by Jess from battle creek michigan USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:19:35 2002
keep on making people happy wether you win or lose I love you and your songs
Submitted by Alicia from New York NY USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:14:27 2002
Wow, I had to scroll back up to see if I was reading the TIMES or the POST because I never expected to see that much crap in a reputable newspaper.Yeah, it's true, the Boys are most certainly going down, and I do wonder sometimes what the hell they must be thinking. I saw them perform at CBS' Early Show Studios before the release of their Greatest Hits album. I mean,they were answering these questions about why and why now and Howie just sounded so.. silly. I think he almost said I don't know when asked why by Jane Clayson. I don't remember...
Anyways, if Nsync wasn't in existence, I think it would be easy to say that none of this crap would have happened. Whether the Backstreet Boys think well of them or not, the bands are pitched against eachother, and they've used Nsync to keep them from the top spotlight that they deserve. It's not right to do that within the same label, management... It's wrong. I feel bad for the BSB. They started the big pop thing and they will die out before it does. They should be the ones singing about pop,not Nsync. How can you say that the glory days ended with Black and Blue? God forbid 1.6 million not be good enough!
As for the greatest hits though.. a girlwho posted ahead of me saidsomething about Elton John. Dude,you can't compare Elton to Backstreet. Elton can release a buttload of greatest hits records because he is ELTON JOHN. He is a legend in a field all his own. He's had a billion hits. Some of his hits probably haven't gotten on those greatest hits albums. The Backstreet boys just put a bunch of singles on a greatest hits album.,, Nearly all of them except for "We've Got it Goin' On"... This is not a greatest hits album, and I feel bad that this was something forced, not something to really celebrate. And if they never have a Chapter Two... that's just even sadder. I hope that they get to release one in honor oftheir 15th anniversary since they can't celebrate their 10th. That album must look like such a joke. They must feel like liars having that mistake out there in music stores. I mean... that just sucks...
and come on, the boys might be havin' issues but they aren't lost yet. The band hasn't even broken up! They will have another album, but even still, people will be digging early graves for them. I hope that they can really do what they need to do with this next album. There's still hope for another glory day. I mean, these guys have alot of fans....
OH, and how unneccessary was it to bring up Leighanne in that article? Hello, she isn't YOKO ONO!
and Screw that whole thing about the boys abandoning us by having wives! Joey Fatone has a baby girl and Lance is parading with a BOYFRIEND! Hello!!
Well, I'm glad that Nick is going through with his project. His samples sound pretty good. I will buy his CD. I will go to his concerts. I think we all should. I hope his CD comes out before Justin's.. but I'll be honest. I'd buy Justin's CD too, eventually. I heard a smidgen, and well... you know it'll be good. Ugh, and the battle goes on...
Submitted by Jen from Staten Island New York USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:11:51 2002
I have been a fan of the Backstreet Boys since i was 5. My best friend is 7 years older than me and shes like my sister so she got me into BSB. I have to admit i liked nsync, but neva as much as BSB. I stopped likin nsync after all the rumors about them tryin to take over BSB and always them trashin them and watever. When i read the article i lost total respect for nsync and i got even more disgusted wit lou pearlmen. Hes a real jerk nd if Brian didnt have his heart problem and they WERE able to do the concert then maybe nsync wouldnt be the fav boy band. And plus, even if Brian still had his heart problem adn lou didnt go take nsync as the replacement and threaten them o if u dont do it well use nsync, even then maybe nsync wouldnt be the fav boy band. anyway personally justin timberlake is an a****** because Nick had the idea of bein solo first and now hes goin and tryin to copy it and since i think people like nsync more that just mite ruin Nicks dream too..instead of buyin one of Nicks albums im gonna buy a lot to help him out. KTBSPA
P.S.-Lou Pearlmen sucks and so does nsync!!!
~JeNn
Submitted by Babarba from New York City New York USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:06:44 2002
I am a bsb fan cuz of their music..Not cuz they did beat Nsync or didnot...It's all about the music, you know...You know that the Backstreet boys are the guys work and they are suppose to get paid for it just like any other job...(ps: Do yo guys tink it's true when they wrote that Kevin said he wasn't happy with the Black & Blue album?!)
Submitted by Jen from Chicago IL USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:05:26 2002
I thought it was a very good article. It's a sad shame that these managers and companys use people like this but it is a sad truth. I hope BSB will make it to their next album and I am looking forward to Nick's new one, with Jive or not, it is Nick's and I am thankful that he is at least taking a chance to go solo. My friends and I will support him through this as well as the guys.
Submitted by JoJo (not the DJ, this is my nickname) from USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 12:02:21 2002
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally. Finally.
To whoever wrote that article in the NY Times, thank you. Finally you've said and confirmed what all BSB fans have been suspecting for years, what the people of MTV/Firm/Jive/Nsync have been denying for years. Liars. Liars.
You are truly a hero in the eyes of all BSB fans.
The only thing you did wrong was making it seem like it's over for BSB.
Now that we know the TRUTH, I have so much ENERGY. I'm ready to fight, vote, defend, battle for BSB.
LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB. LET'S START THE REBIRTH OF THE BSB.
Submitted by Brittany from Chicago Illinois USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:58:18 2002
First off, I think that Mr. Pearlman is lier, a fraud, but most of all a sad sad man for living out his fantasies in a bunch of innocent boys. Second, the music industry makes things a million times worse for "boy bands" because they spark up the competition between each other, and cause the goals they need to reach unbelievably high and ridiculous. So what if they sell a certain amount in the first week, all that matters is the music. And frankly, I'm sick of it all. I used to enjoy this all, being a huge fan of bsb. Don't get me wrong, I still am, but hearing all these people put them down continuously when they are more talented, and more mature, makes me sick. People need to shut their mouths, and let us fans just enjoy our boys. They were not the ones to sell out and go hip hop to get a few $ $ (NSYNC). They didn't hide the truth from their fans about AJ. They were up front. And I love them for that. And I will always love bsb, but I seriously think that there has been too much damage done on everyone involved.
Submitted by Jasmine from USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:53:22 2002
I used to like Nsync a little. Now, I don't like them at all. I see how scandalous they are. Think of all the times they claimed they weren't put together to compete with BSB, yet Lou P. and everyone else in the industry finally admitted they were. And I heard that Justin purposely wanted to find out when Nick's song would debut on radio so he could put his song out the day before.How long is MTV gonna act like none of this has happened?
To everyone in the industry. You want to know who the fans think are better? Celebrity sold 5 million, Black and Blue sold 9 million. The people have spoken.
WARNING: Nsync, MTV, Jive, The Firm--your cover has been blown. Fess up.
Submitted by Briana from Ottawa Ontario Canada
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:48:08 2002
For me, being a fan of BSB is not about number 1 records or beating 'nsync. I am a fan of BSB because their music has touch my life, because their songs give me inspiration.
I know that when I listen to "As Long as you love me" it trasports me back to 1998, it makes me think of all the fun and good times I had listening to it with all my friends way back in Grade 8.
I hope that BSB will continue to make great music together, and not worry about becoming a huge pop-sensation.
KTBSPA
Briana
Submitted by Stephanie from USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:47:07 2002
I thought the article was very interesting. I hate to hear about all the trials they have been through, but hopefully it has only made them stronger and that strength will get them through. As for Nick's solo cd. It is bad timing in terms of a BSB cd, but it seems to me, that the other members of the group have gotten to make personal decisions and take personal time. Brian and Kevin got married. AJ had to take some time for his mental well-being and go to rehab in the middle of the tour. He has also become engaged. Nick has been a part of this group for almost 10 years now and maybe this is what he needed for his own mental well-being. And maybe the title of the cd is true. Maybe it was Now or Never for him. I hope he will take the time now to record with the guys and give us all a BSB cd as well.
Submitted by Lizzy from USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:37:50 2002
As a HUGE BSB fan for just over three years, I have come to enjoy BSB's music and everything they do. Although BSB has been to hell and back in the last year or so, I still believe that they have what it takes to make it. SO WHAT if Nick wants to try a solo CD? Even if it flops, he still got to do what he's always wanted to do and I am supporting Nick and can't wait until his CD comes out. SO WHAT if BSB released a Greatest Hits CD too soon? If you think about it, BSB aren't really to blame because Jive or somebody pushed them to release it early, according to the article. Besides, Elton John has released who knows how many greatest hits CDs in his lifetime, and he's still around. In fact, he's played at many venues that are s small or even smaller than the arenas BSB played at during the Black and Blue tour and you don't see people telling him to stop what he's doing. Yes, Elton John and BSB come from different sides of the road, but it's still true! Also, so what if BSB don't sell as many CDs in one week and the other bands? The one-week sale thing has got to be the biggest excuse for declaring an album a failure I've ever heard of. You know, when we only focus on the one-week sales of an album, we're only looking at ONE WEEK of an album's sales in ONE COUNTRY. It doesn't say anything about the entire success of that CD anyways, so why are so many people worried about it? What else did I want to throw my opinion out on? Oh, a few more things. Ticket sales--if the stupid management wouldn't have blow ticket prices way through the roof, then I KNOW more BSB fans would have attended concerts. I have tons of friends older AND younger than me who couldn't go to the Black and Blue tour because of ticket prices. Hopefully, on BSB's next tour ticket prices will go down a bit and you'll see what I mean. Ok, so when you look at the big picture, yes, BSB and their management have made many mistakes in the past year or so. BUT WHO HASN'T? Nothing sys BSB can't make comeback with their next album. Who knows? Who really knows what's next? I used to be so crazy and worried that BSB might really break up, etc. etc. but I learned that if you spend too much time worrying about the future, you'll forget about today! We still have BSB's music--that's not going anywhere. We still have all the memories of BSB concerts, TV appearances, magazine covers, and all the things that BSB has done for us so far. I mean, THEY AREN'T GONE! So WHY, tell me, do some people act like it, lol?
All this time BSB hsa been doing this for us the fans. Yeah, I'm sure they want to make money and a living, but they're probably already set for life as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, Nick, AJ, Kevin, Howie and Brian have been working their butts off for almost 10 years now trying to make us happy, and for crying out loud they sure have done it for me. Ya know, they're just human beings! Just like you and me! So quit putting so much presure on them to do things they don't quite have control over! Just do your part and keep being the loyal fan you've always been, and I'm sure the BSB will take care of the rest! And what they can't take of, don't worry about it! Time will tell in the end, and it's not the end yet so stop acting like it is, lol! Just keep nagging the radio people to play BSB, keep bombarding MTV with emails and letters declaring you're a loyal fan, do the same for magazines, email stupid critics who criticize awesome BSB shows, keep buying their CDs and magazines and whatnot, keep updating your BSB websites and clubs, and believe me, you've done more than enough!
Anyways, that's what I think about this whole matter, feel free to email me with your opinions or to just to chat about BSB. I love emailing BSB fans! Ok, I'm out...
Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive ALWAYS (even when other people won't),
Lizzy :)
P.S.--"As Long as You Love Me" just came on my radio station, for those of you who want to know!
Submitted by ALEXLOVER4life from Backstreet City Backstreet State Netherlands
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:37:27 2002
OOPS SORRY. KTBSPA (forgot 2 write that)!*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*
KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*
KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*
KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA*
KTBPA*KTBPA*KTBPA
Submitted by ALEXLOVER4life from Backstreet City Backstreet State Netherlands
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:38:02 2002
Well it's true that they bin through some shit ,
but i don't think N skunk eh I mean Nsync are big cause the BSB are much Bigger than Nsync. Nsync just stinks here! And the BSB don't lose the young audience either!!! Because i'm just 13 and i'm young aren't I??
And I know girls of 7 and up who love the BSB!
I didn't read the whole story but I think it's
bullshit!
One more thing: BSB if your reading this I love the music you make keep up doing the great work!!!! And AJ I love you!and the rest of course!!!!
AJ, Howie, Nick, Brian, Kevin are my shinning stars!!!!!Love from:
ALEXLOVER4life(Michelle)
Submitted by Nichole from NJ USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:33:10 2002
As a music education major, I know what it is like trying to perfect to your music before you put it out for the public to hear. And that's just what our Boys strive for; perfection. They don't need to be putting out an album once a year for us to stay fans. We know that they work hard to create beautiful music for our listening pleasure. We know that they will be back and as always better than ever.As for Nick and his solo album, I say more power to him. I think it's great that he wants to experiment with his talent and see what he can do. As someone else had already said (I don't remember who), maybe it really wasn't the best time for his solo album. But that's the way the cards fell this time.
As Backstreet fans, we need to stand behind the Boys every step of the way no matter what the press or anyone else says. They know we are here no matter what for them, so let's show them how we love them through think and thin. KTBSPA!
Submitted by Nicole from Germany
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:28:47 2002
I have to say even though the article was a little shocking at first, I'm really glad it came out. I don't know about anyone else, but I personally blamed a lot of the stuff that happened on the boys when in reality they obviously didn't even have a say in most of the things that happened. Like the Greatest hits album. I actually thought it was just done to get the six albums they signed the contract for done faster. Or Black and Blue being pretty much like all the other albums before - it's kinda sad when you hear that they weren't all really happy with it and had to put it out anyways. Lately I also kinda got the feeling that the guys just didn't care anymore, but when you read all the s*** that went on behind the scenes I forgive them a lot of stuff (and feel a little bad about thinking some stuff in the first place)I agree with pretty much everyone here when I say Nick's solo album is really bad timing. I like what I heard of it so far and I'm gonna buy it, but to do it this year, even planning a tour and everything, leaving the other four just hanging like that - I didn't think he'd be that selfish. I guess it's a pretty safe bet that in a year or two latest Brian or Kevin (or even AJ) are gonna start families and I guess then the Backstreet Boys are gonna be cut short a little anyway, he'd probably have a lot of time to a solo album then. Unless he's afraid that by then he's not popular anymore. About his staying with The Firm - to me that seems like pure rebellion. Maybe I'm over-dramatizing things, but that's pretty much back-stabbing the band on his part. At least I'd feel like that if I was one of the other guys.
I totally agree with LaQuana on the Leighanne part. I know his family is very important to Brian, as it should be, but he is the one with the experience, he shouldn't let his decisions be influenced by someone whose "career" was pretty much non-existent until he entered the picture and who doesn't have any experience in the music business whatsoever.
It's really sad to see what kind of s*** they had to go through in the past 9 years. Seems like they're running from one disaster into the next. That makes me respect them even more for not just quitting, but always picking up the pieces and trying to move along.
Submitted by Aaron from Ohio USA
Date: Mon Aug 19 11:27:32 2002
BSB have been screwed over so many times in their career it's not even funny. It just makes me respect them more. Sure they've made mistakes, haven't we all? But I think Jive is a lot of the problem too. I'm still waiting for the day when Jive is out of the way. Anyone else think it was messed up that Nick and Justin's singles came out on THE SAME DAY when Nick's album is coming out first?
