I’m 25 years old and I am a Backstreet Boys fan. By everyone else’s standards, way too old to still love a boy band. People always ask why I like them so much. Yes, “I Want It That Way” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” are cheesy pop songs, I get it.

But I still remember sitting out in my dad’s truck with the radio on with my best friend screaming when we heard “I Want It That Way” on the radio for the first time. We missed most of the song because we were screeching so much, but it’s still a memory burned into my mind. I still know the “Backstreet’s Back” dance by heart, as well as every other dance routine for every tour (which suprised me when I went to see the NKTOBSB tour and they performed “Get Down” and I found that I knew what the guys were going to do before they did it). When I was barely a teenager I found an escape.

Every notebook in middle school was emblazoned with “Mrs. Nick Carter”. It was obvious to me at the time that me and the youngest Backstreet Boy were meant to be and no one could say otherwise. That adorable mop of blonde hair and those dreamy blue eyes, how could the rest of the world not see how he was perfect (But if anyone did like him, they better step off, cuz he was mine!). Up went the Nick Carter posters on my walls. I’d buy every magazine I saw if he was inside. It was true teenybopper love. But beyond that, it was something to cling onto in a hectic upbringing.

When my parents fought, I drowned out the yelling by putting on my headphones blasting “Everybody”, and committing the dance moves to memory. Maybe if I was a famous dancer, my parents wouldn’t fight so much.

When my grandpa died, I laid in bed crying listening to “Show Me The Meaning”. When Nick sang “Are you with me now?” I always look out my window wondering if my grandpa was listening.

When I started high school, Backstreet Boys moved out of being ‘popular’ to listen to, but I held onto my CDs. I never abandoned my love for Backstreet Boys. I just kept it less teenybopper-esque. Down came my Nick Carter posters and up went my bulletin board filled with due dates for college applications and final papers.

As I battled with severe teenage depression and anxiety, I soon found myself overwhelmed with life. My grades slipped, my home life was hectic as my dad got severely ill, I hated myself and the world around me. But at times I’d throw on my Hits: Chapter One CD and some how hearing the familiar voices from innocent times made a bleak days a little brighter.

I remember after one of my high school boyfriends dumped me I locked myself in my room and put Nick’s “Do I Have to Cry For You?” on repeat. Someone in the world knew how I felt.

My senior year in high school, my dad passed away. My world crumbled down. Why would this happen to someone I loved so much. Shorty after Never Gone was released. Like a medication for my soul I was transported back to my 12 year old self. And at the age of 18 I found myself back in the front row at a Backstreet Boy concert after 5 years. They may not have made everything better, but for at least the duration of a song I wasn’t thinking about life.

And when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, This is Us came out. Backstreet Boys were like psychics. A sweet vacation for the soul. My friend took me to go see them in concert, and at age 24 I was still acting like a goofy 13 year old and about spazzed out when Nick was standing right in front of me.

Now at 25, I still pledge to buy every Backstreet Boy CD. Nostalgic and happy. I probably have a story for every single song on every single album. And while they may be a goofy boy band, they mean so much to me, simply because of their existance.

Then I read about Nick’s sister dying. Everyone has their own comments and feelings on the situation, but all I really felt, was sad and helpless. Here is a person who doesn’t know me, I don’t know him, but he’s shared with me his music and I felt it’s saved me from so much by just giving me the medium through which to escape. I’ve had the chance to meet the rest of BSB and have actually told them thanks and such for their influence, but I’ve never met Nick. I wish at this time I could do something for him, but all I can think of is to say this…

I believe in you, Nick Carter. As a fan, I always have, and I always will. Thank you for everything.

chandlerblockstreet:

My teenage self wants to murder him for kissing Nick.

But my 24 year old self wants a devil’s threesome.

airtight.

(Source: tallblondeeyebrows-girl)

It’s common knowledge that I am a lover of the boy bands. For a general statement, I used to be a HUGE HUGE HUGE Backstreet Boy fangirl in middle school. Like the kind I avoid now. The wallpaper of posters & pinups and the whole deal. I would screech at MTV over music videos. I annoyed everyone I knew with it. Went to every concert, had every CD. I was a fixture at Burger King when they did that whole Black & Blue promotion there. I probably gained 10 pounds during that promo. Damn them.

Obv’ I am still a fangirl at heart. And I am bored. So here’s my Backstreet Boy challenge thing.

1. How did you become a fan?
   
   Before they released the self-titled album in the US, they sent promo tapes through those book fairs they would have at schools. God, I loved those book fairs. I am a total nerd. Like I would literally buy every single book they had. My parents had to save up for those. But anyway, I got a sampler tape in a book fair package and fell in love. I still have that cassette tape and cherish it like a family heirloom. I’m weird.
2. Favorite member?
   
   Nick Carter. He. is. gorgeous. It’s funny how I still think he’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. I don’t think I’d actually get along with him if I met him, he seems…um, how can I explain this…like a…okay, he just seems. But holy sheeeeet, he’s nice to look at.
   
   
3. Favorite album?
   
   Self-titled European Release. Ya know, red cover…It’s so corny, I love it. It’s so classic.
   
   
4. Favorite song?
   
   “Let’s Have a Party” which is also my all time favorite song of all time. I have to dance every time I hear it. I also smile uncontrollably.
   
   
5. Favorite video?
   
   “Just Want You To Know” Sphynter was epic. It was such a great concept.
   
   
6. Favorite lyrics?
   
   This is a toughy. I really like more of their new lyrics. I suppose I should say some from “Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon” since I’ve had them emblazoned on my desktop for ages and am considering some for a tattoo. From that song I like:
   “I can’t explain. Last night I saw the fireworks, the kind of pain that never hurts, the one you hate to love that’s made for you…”
   “This sweet relief. Unexpected things. Is this the end or only the beginning?” (That’s the one I might get in a tattoo)
   Also “Helpless When She Smiles” is an amazing song. Just beautiful. That was a beautifully constructed album altogether. I was really impressed when it came out.
   
   
7. Have you seen them in concert? How many times?
   
   Oh jeez. Yes. Too many times. Haha Let’s see. First time in Concord when Aaron Carter opened. Next was Millenium at the San Jose Arena, front row-ski. Then Black & Blue in Oakland on the side of that airplane contraption. Thennnn Never Gone in Concord WHEN THE EFFING POWER WENT OUT! (I still haven’t forgiven anyone for that.) Then the Up Close & Personal…? Oh before that I saw them at Jimmy Kimmel Live. Heh. Great story about that TV appearance. Then This Is Us Tour at The Warfield where I attempted to de-pants several members. Then NKOTBSB in San Jose. How many is that? Am I missing some?
   
   
8. Have you met any of them?
   
   All except Nick, unless you count him screaming over the phone to me. I don’t count that. Also I am not in a rush to meet him because I am convinced meeting him will taint my crush on him. Heh I said taint.
   
   
9. Favorite tour?
   
   Ugh I fuckin’ hated general admission shows, so many bruises. I got my ribs crushed so bad during This Is Us. Let’s see. Probably Millenium. Cuz I was a little underage kid and in the front row so I got a lot of attention. Little kids be cute. What can I say?
   
   
10. Favorite TV appearance?
    
    Definitely Jimmy Kimmel Live because I was there for the taping. And I screamed something about Nick’s ass and he messed up “JWYTK”. Watch it. You’ll know. You can faintly hear me. But I was there. Also, I like that one because that’s when I met Kelly & Jackie. Now Kelly is my BSB concert partner.
    
    
11. Favorite era/year?
    
    Hm I like them now. I just don’t like as many of the fans now. It’s better to find a select few who aren’t biz-bonkers and just go with them.
    
    
12. Favorite Backstreet Moment?
    
    Asking Brian to sign a Swiffer. Which he did. I mainly did it as a way to be remembered, cuz I don’t really care too much about autographs or pictures. More about the experience. I just haven’t pursued asking if he remembers signing it. Someone ask him.
    
    
13. Favorite performance?
    
    I really liked several of the routines from the Black & Blue tour. Like “Get Another Boyfriend”. But AJ’s ‘issues’ taint that whole tour and album for me. It’s sad. (Heh I said taint again) Also I liked “That’s The Way I Like It” from the Backstreet’s Back tour.
    
    
14. Favorite dance routine?
    
    “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” because everyone knows it!!
    
    
15. Favorite Backstreet wife/gf?
    
    I’ve met Leighanne, she’s totally sweet. And I met Willa back in the day, she was also very sweet, and I kinda have a teeny girl crush on her. So I’d say Willa. Even though she is an ex-girlfriend.
    
    
16. Favorite picture (With five of them)?
    
     Had this picture on EVERYTHING I OWNED when it came out.
    
    
    
    
17. Favorite picture (With four of them)?
    
    This pic is just hot.
    
    
    
    
18. Favorite BSB relationship (Between the guys)?
    
    Duh. Nick & Brian. Though Nick & Kevin is a close second.
    
    
19. Least favorite song?
    
    FUCKING “MISSING YOU” That song can die a thousand deaths. FUCK THAT SONG!
    
    
20. Favorite solo song?
    
     I’ve always loved Nick’s “Blow Your Mind” duh cuz it’s dirty. But now that his new album is out I really, really, really love “Falling Down” and “Burning Up”. I dance way too much to “Burning Up”. Those three are tied. OHHH wait. Kevin’s concert solo of “Nobody But You”!!! OMG. Love! Delicious!!!
    
    
21. Favorite quote (From any of them)?
    
    “Howard! Censor!” - Brian
    
    
22. A song that makes you happy?
    
    “Let’s Have a Party” or “PDA” Love me some booty grabbin’.
    
    
23. A song that makes you sad?
    
    When Brian sings. Cuz it reminds me of my dad. He loved Brian’s voice. But if I have to pick an actual song… “Shattered” & “Undone” Those songs are so hauntingly beautiful.
    
    
24. A song that brings back your childhood?
    
    “I Want It That Way” for sure. When it was released, my radio wasn’t getting signal to the Top 40 station so my friend and I literally sat in my dad’s truck and when it came on we screamed like idiots and missed most of the song. It’s so funny.
    
    
25. Have you turned other people into fans?
    
    Yes. Like all my best friends. Nerds. ;)
    
    
26. Biggest Backstreet Fan you know?
    
    Besides me? Kelly.
    
    
27. A picture of your Backstreet related room.
    
    I don’t know if I have a picture of my old school poster works…omg! I will have to look. But I don’t think I have anything BSB related in my room besides my swiffer that sits in the corner. All my old BSB stuff sits in a box in my closet.
    
    
28. Last.fm - Backstreet count!
    
    Totally not accurate: 335
    
    
29. Highest song play count on iTunes.
    
    “Undone” and oddly enough I am currently listening to it. Most of my BSB music is on my external hard drive though, so my iTunes counts are kind of swayed by that fact.
    
    
30. Why are you a fan?
    
    At the end of the day it all comes down to the music. 

Black Veil Brides are on. I haven’t heard this many fangirls call in, in ages. I was starting to get annoyed but then remembered when Nick Carter was on Loveline in like…2001 and I dialed over…

and over…

and over…

and over….

and over…

until I got on to ask him a question. Okay I was like 13 at the time, but it was a BIG DEAL. I screeched like a mad girl after I hung up. I maintain teenagers are bonkers.

If only my 24 year old self could have a conversation with my 13 year old self and tell her to calm down, it wasn’t that big of a deal.

Also, I have seen a Black Veil Brides concert when I went to see Dommin. Thank god there was alcohol involved, because there were so many children I wanted to choke a bitch. But to their credit their music that they are playing on Loveline tonight sounds better than what I heard last. They’re down.

Can I call in to fangirl over Mike?