Where the Boys were

 You've heard of Beatlemania, but would you believe ... Boy-tlemania?

If there was any doubt about the magnitude of the Backstreet Boys' skyrocketing fame, there was ample evidence at the Rideau Centre yesterday, when about 5,000 frenzied fans (some estimates put the number at double that) overwhelmed security arrangements and nearly cancelled an entire autograph session.

By noon -- a full two hours before the band was due to arrive at Eaton's Court for the autograph session -- Backstreet devotees had jammed the area around the signing table and formed a line through a side corridor that stretched out onto the street.

Throughout the afternoon, the cavernous mall echoed with squeals of excitement inspired by the slightest indication that the band had arrived, and shouts of security staff trying to regulate the flow of fans.

When the band's security crew saw the way the session had been set up, they balked.

"Our security team has rules," road manager Nina Butei explained. "I was told 500 people would be allowed inside the mall, and the others would be lined up outside."

Instead, fans were crowded in a disorganized fashion around the stage and throughout the mall, making it difficult to imagine how the band could enter without being mobbed.

Paul Lever, spokesman for the band's label, BMG, said he had had advance meetings with Rideau Centre staff, had outlined the expected crowd and explained the band would need a "sterile area" -- a clear path that would allow them easy access to and from the stage erected in the centre court. When they arrived, there was no secure path to the stage.

Off-duty police officers working as security staff tried to move the crowd back, but not to the satisfaction of organizers. Butei announced the entire event would be cancelled, but within 15 minutes, organizers offered to let the band set up in the Congress Centre foyer and greet a stream of fans. But there would be no time for autographs and pictures. In the end, only about 2,000 were granted a lightning quick audience with the group.

As fans scrambled to move from the mall to the Congress Centre, the five band members arrived and appeared impatient and confused.

"We're really disappointed," Nick Carter said.

"We've had problems before with signings," Kevin Richardson added. "We just don't want anybody to get hurt."

Lisa Leduc, 21, and Rima Aristocrat, 16, were the first fans ushered quickly past the band and out onto Queen Elizabeth Drive. They had driven from Guelph and Hamilton for the event and had been waiting since 6 a.m. at the mall.

"I'm angry and upset," Leduc said. "We don't blame the guys. It's security's fault. It should have been organized a little better."

"I'm shaking. That's how pissed off I am," Aristocrat said. "(The Backstreet Boys) told us sorry and thanks for coming out to meet them."

Camie Daoust, 13, was sobbing uncontrollably as she was led away from the table, which was piled high with toys, souvenirs and gifts left for the band.

"I'm happy, but I just had time to say hi and just shake hands."

Josee Betrand, 15, had been waiting since 7 a.m. and was crying, too. But they weren't tears of joy.

"We didn't get to take pictures or have an autograph or anything. I thought I'd at least have a chance to say my name," she said.

Chelsea Hebbs, 15, Elizabeth O'Reilly, 14 and Jennifer Levasseur, 13, all had the day off from Pauline Vanier School and began their wait for the quintet at 8 a.m.

"I'm going to say, `I love you, you're hot,' " Hebbs promised.

Victoria Williams had been saving a spot for her 12-year-old daughter Sherry Doxtater since 11 a.m., but got pushed out of line and had little hope of meeting the group.

"They're good kids," said Lyne Gauthier, who brought her 11-year-old daughter to the session. "They encourage kids not to take drugs. They're better than Kiss."

"There's no dirty talking, no dirty dancing, no violence. They're in love with the girls," added Lynn Belair, who accompanied her 12-year-old daughter.