A first Christmas album in a three-decade career and the evocation of an acoustic album of their greatest hits (“a surprise for our 30th birthday”)e Career anniversary next year, who knows?” Brian suggested protocol): This is what fills the busy days of the five members of the Backstreet Boys. You were in Montreal today.
• Also read: TV Advent Calendar: Here are some festive shows to get you in the holiday spirit
• Also read: Masked Singer: The most-watched show of the season with Nick Carter as a special guest
Ask if Quebec holds a special place in the hearts of Backstreet Boys members and Kevin Richardson will tell you that between a Tuesday in Detroit and a Thursday in New York, he couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to meet us welcome , even with wind.
“Quebec is a very special place for us,” the 51-year-old singer told the Journal. It was the first place in North America to give love to the Backstreet Boys and we’ve never forgotten it.”
“We have a lot of great memories here,” added Brian Littrell, his eyes shining.
It must be said that several collaborators the group has worked with since its inception are based in Montreal.
A first Christmas album
It is the promotion of their first Christmas album in almost 30 years of career that Brian, Kevin, AJ, Nick and Howie are currently doing. A project that the group, which has accumulated number 1 songs over time, has wanted to complete for quite some time and will have asked for a forced break that has accompanied a global pandemic to give them the time that you need to s pack it up.
“We recorded the album A Very Backstreet Christmas in LA in July and August,” laughs Brian. We put up Christmas decorations, the fireplace in the TV and a Christmas tree in the studio, but we were in shorts and sandals! But hey, you try to be in the moment, to create that atmosphere and those emotions that are specific to Christmas, and you do it. Then, now that we’re all fathers, our Christmases have new meaning. We wanted it to be BSB quality because we want this album to live forever.”
Produced by Tommy Brown, this album consists of 15 tracks including three original songs, bringing the number of original Christmas songs recorded by the group in their career to five; with Christmas Time in 1996 and It’s Christmas Time Again in 2012.
How did the members agree on which Christmas classics will be on the album? “We all made our wish lists, we put together the points for each song and the most popular won,” explains Kevin, who insisted that the songs I’ll be home for Christmas and Holy Night be part of the final selection.
For Brian, “Same Old Lang Syne” and “Silent Night” were among his favorite Christmas carols. He’s also particularly fond of Christmas in New York “because it’s a wonderful original piece and an instant classic.”
For the record, the song Christmas in New York has been set aside for a future Christmas album by none other than singer Tony Bennett. “But as soon as I heard it I said I was going to listen to the guys and that was it,” says Kevin.
The group, who have sold more than 130 million albums worldwide, are already planning to tour this Christmas album during the holiday season for years to come. “We aim to bring these songs live to small theaters and intimate venues in New York, Toronto, Quebec and Montreal.”
The pride of still being here
The boy band, who are continuing their DNA World Tour and preparing to celebrate their 30-year career next year, can pride themselves on being followed and loved by their many and loyal admirers.
What are good friends most proud of? “To live this adventure together,” Brian replies. 30 years ago we wanted to have this career and we said we would stay and live it all together and that together we would be proud of our achievements. We did! I am also proud of the relationship we have now which is even stronger than before. Making music that we’re proud of and still enjoy.”
While they don’t deny having had a few arguments over the years (“obviously we’re from the same family!” says Kevin), they claim to always enjoy working and growing together.
“I think we’re still here because we care about the people,” explains Kevin, adding that he always feels like a young man of 25 when he’s on stage. When we do something, we put all our heart and soul into it. If you don’t work for what you have, I don’t think you deserve to be successful. I was always taught that. If you put your heart and soul into it, you will get this.”
“We’ve become a part of a lot of people’s lives at some point in their lives and we’ve kind of become the soundtrack of their lives, or at least that moment in their lives that brings back fond memories. Music that transcends space and time is great!”
- The scrapbook A very backstreet Christmas of the Backstreet Boys can be found on the platforms.