The Backstreet Boys are opening up about how their friendship has lasted more than three decades, even as their lives have changed dramatically over the years.
Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson have spent over 30 years performing together and remain close despite the many life changes they’ve each gone through, including becoming fathers at different times.
The group is currently performing a special residency at Sphere in Las Vegas, blending their traditional live show with large-scale visual effects displayed across the venue’s massive screens.
McLean shared that the experience has brought new energy to the group, saying, “This has breathed new life into us.”
He explained that the show offers fans two experiences happening at once, describing it as overwhelming in the best way, joking that fans might find themselves unsure “what to watch” at any given moment.
Dorough described the show as more than just a concert, calling it “an experience” that feels “very immersive.”
The band members also reflected on how becoming parents changed their priorities over time. Richardson recalled that Littrell was the first to become a father and often left early to get home to his family, something the rest of the group didn’t initially understand.
“We all didn’t get it until we had kids,” Richardson said, adding that eventually they all felt the same pull toward home.
When asked what has kept their friendship strong, the group pointed to open communication and gratitude. Richardson also shared that scheduling conversations, including concerns about missing his son’s senior year, played a role in shaping the Sphere residency.
The band’s “Into the Millennium” residency runs through August 2026, with more shows added for New Year’s weekend.
