In the first part of our exclusive Backstreet Boys series, AJ talks about wanting to settle down, getting his nipple pierced and what really turns him on !
Are you happy with the Backstreet Boys' squeaky-clean
image ?
No. I'd rather we could be ourselves more,
express ourselves more. I'm starting to be that way as much as I can. I'm
not saying we should go to extremes and i have green hair or anything,
just that we could be more open-minded and have a little more say about
things - especially what we wear. It's happening slowly but surely.
Would you be shocked if they knew what you
get up to behind the scenes?
I think they'd be really shocked. They'd
be shocked just to know what we're like when we're chillin' at home. I
don't think it would make our fans like us any less - I just think they'd
sit back and have a laugh. We're five guys - five single guys - and those
of us who live on our own get a little crazy sometimes. Y'know, I live
with Brian and we party our little butts off!
If you could be anyone else in the band for
a day, who would it be, and why?
In this band? Oh wow, that's tough. You know
waht? I'd like to be Nick, just to experience life as a `superstar´through
the eyes of a 17-year-old. To feel what he feels when we're on stage and
someone introduces him as Nick Carter. I think it'd be weird to be in his
position at 17 and be looked upon as a teen idol. There's got to be a lot
of peer pressure involved, but then again it's got to be pretty cool too,
hah !
What's the biggest sacrifice you've ever made
for the band?
(Seriously) I think...my right kidney. (Breaks
into a grin) Nah, just not being at home, being away from everybody. Things
have gotten to the point where I might as well not even have an apartment
back home, 'cos I'm praying out the butt in rent but I'm never there!
Does it all ever get too much ?
Yes and no. When we're on tour, we want to
go home, but when we're home for, say, more than three or four days, we
start climbing the walls and want to get back on the road.
Do you think you're good-looking?
Do you think I'm good-looking? (That's not
the question, AJ!)
I can't answer that. (OK then, yeah.) Well,
there you go. I mean, I think I'm OK. There are a couple of things I wouldn't
mind changing, like my nose ! I've got a big nose. And I'd get a couple
of body piercings, if I could find the time and had the guts to do it !
I'd like to get one right here (pinches bottom lip) and in my eyebrow.
A nipple would be possible, too!
Do you ever wish your mum didn't travel everywhere
with you?
No, I like it. It's more like having a big
sister there - she lets me do whatever I want. She's very down-to-earth
and cool. I'm glad she's like that, 'cos if she wasn't, it might make things
a little uncomfortable. She's a little mom for the others, too.
Are you as tough as you look ?
Mentally, yes. Physically..erm, I can hang
for a little while, but I'd probably get the crap beaten out of me in a
good fight.
Describe your first sexual experience...
Wow! Erm, I was 16 and it was kind of weird
'cos it was more like a rushed situation. It was a wonderful thing and
it was all done right, but I wasn't with someone I was in a strong relationship
with at the time. We did actually end up getting into one, tough. It was
a little ankward at first, but it was cool and I liked it ! I'd do it again...
You have a reputation as being a bit of a
ladies' man. How trustworthy are you ?
hmmmm , when I'm in love I'm very trustworthy.
But when I'm not sure about it, i may just go out and have my fun. Y'know,
I'm only 20 and I've still got a lot to learn about love and relationships.
But the next girlfriend I find - whereever she may be - I'll wanna settle
down with. Not get married, just have a commitment.
What turns you on ?
In a woman? Doh, of course ! Hery eyes. And
I love women with long fingernails 'cos it feels good on my body. I like
a woman who isn't afraid to do something on the spur of the moment - like
go skydiving, or white-water-rafting, or make love naked on a beach in
Tahiti. Something just totally off the wall !
Have you ever snogged a fan ?
No, I haven't - unless they've lied to me
and made out they're a regular person. I've kissed fans on the cheek, but
I've never officially, properly snogged a fan !
That's it !