Backstreet idols on Canadian tour

MONTREAL (CP) -- The Backstreet Boys are getting down and moving all around Canada.

Fresh from a swing through Germany, France and Spain, the pop group began a 10-city Canadian tour Wednesday with a three-night sellout date in Montreal.

The rest of the country is beginning to catch the Quebec craze for the five singers from Florida with the clean-cut good looks and the hip-hop moves.

They've performed five times in Quebec in 14 months.

Their debut self-titled album has sold 600,000 copies in Canada since its release in October -- 350,000 in Quebec alone. Of this tour's 14 shows, seven are in Quebec.

Now they're also conquering hearts in Toronto, where they're playing March 29.

"Last time we were in Toronto, we played to about 2,000 people in a very intimate venue, club-like," said Kevin Richardson, the oldest at 23.

"This time, it's Maple Leaf Gardens."

They're also playing in Ottawa on March 27 and 28; Winnipeg, March 31; Edmonton, April 2; Calgary, April 3; and Vancouver, April 5.

They've been compared to the New Kids on the Block and other teen dazzlers who have flashed across pop heavens then quickly died out.

But they hope to be around as long as the Eagles, or the Beach Boys. The key to longevity in the business is roots, they said.

"You have to have a strong background," said Kevin's cousin and fellow singer Brian Littrell. The group has grown close since they've started touring all over the world, he added.

"The biggest thing is communication. We discuss everything."

Adulation from hordes of girls is every young man's dream, the boys admitted at a packed news conference. The fans give them energy

but they haven't let their popularity get to them, they said.

"It's quite an adjustment, it's incredible," grinned Nick Carter, at 16 the baby of the bunch.

"But we have good family support and help to keep our heads on our shoulders and our feet on the ground."

Several relatives, including parents, are travelling with the group. "My parents are here," said Howie Dorough. "It's their first concert."

They also lean on their faith to keep their perspective.

"We're in a business where money and power come at you all the time," said Richardson. "To stay strong, you need a foundation and I believe that foundation is God."

They've broken sales records all over the world, but they are unknown in their home and native land.

That's already changing. U.S. radio stations close to the Canadian border have picked up on the phenomenon and started playing Backstreet hits such as Get Down, Quit Playing Games and I'll Never Break Your Heart.

The group is planning to release a U.S. album soon, a compilation of new material and cuts from their European-Canadian album. Soon after, they'll release a second European album with the new U.S. material and new songs.

Their third album will be universal. They're planning to have written the lyrics and melodies on many of the cuts. It'll have a stronger R and B flavor.

"Each one of us has different (musical) influences, but we all work on the songs together," said A.J. McLean.