The Backstreet Boys are one of the world's iconic boybands. So their legions of fans have been waiting in anticipation for the release of their tell-all documentary Backstreet Boys: Show 'em What You're Made Of. HELLO! Online caught up with band member Howie Dorough who explained why it was the perfect time for the group to share a peek behind the scenes.
The Backstreet Boys at the premiere of Backstreet Boys: Show 'em What You're Made Of
"It's something we've talked about for many years," he told us exclusively. "We wanted our fans to see how our group works and how we got together, and celebrating our 20th anniversary seemed like the perfect time."
Howie revealed that despite the boys' phenomenal success, they've felt more freedom since breaking away from record label Jive Records in 2011.
"We'd love to be back on top of the charts, but a lot of that pressure isn't there anymore," he admitted.
"In the past we didn’t have to think about anything apart from performing on stage – people usually handled the rest for us. This time around we had a lot more freedom."
Howie Dorough says the documentary marks the boys' 20th anniversary as a group
The 41-year-old also admitted that it had been an emotional journey for the group, as Kevin Richardson returned to the band after taking an eight-year break.
"There are some moments where it gets heated and tense," said Howie. "We've been together for 22 years so we love each other very passionately, but we also fight very passionately!"
With the band still going strong, the pop pin up revealed that there's one person they would still love to perform for.
"The Queen!" he says. "In fact, if I could get all the kings and queens from around the world and put them in one room, it would be awesome to persuade them to become Backstreet Boys fan – we could form a Backstreet Boy nation!"
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Backstreet Boys have enjoyed success since the Nineties
The band has collaborated with superstars from Elton John to Lionel Richie, but there is one artist that Howie would love to work with.
"I'm a huge fan of Sam Smith," he admits. "I saw him live in the UK when he was starting out. He's a really talented guy."
Howie says that it's the band's loyal following that they count as their biggest success, adding that some fans go to extraordinary lengths to show their dedication.
"Once a fan from Germany came all the way to America because it was my birthday," he said. "They showed up at my home with a gummy bear cake – my favourite candy – and a puppy for me. Unfortunately I couldn't keep the puppy because I was about to go on tour and my Dad told me there was no way he was going to take care of it for me!"
BACKSTREET BOYS: SHOW 'EM WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF is in cinemas nationwide on 26 February 2015 followed by a special performance by the band broadcast live by satellite. More information at www.backstreetboys.com/international
