More than 30 years after their debut, the Backstreet Boys are proving they still have the stamina to command the stage—but their pre-show rituals look a little different these days.
In a recent interview with People, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, and Brian Littrell reflected on how aging has reshaped their backstage routines. McLean revealed that stretching has become non-negotiable before performances, given the group’s physically demanding choreography.
“Everyone’s approach is different,” McLean said, noting that he prefers silence while stretching, along with a quick meditation and light weightlifting. He contrasted that with earlier years, when warming up wasn’t always a priority. “Now, you’ll find all of us stretching and doing vocal warm-ups. About 90% of our show is intense dancing—we’ve got to stay limber.”
The group also shared their lighthearted stage fears. Carter joked that their pre-show prayers now include hopes that no one falls, forgets lyrics, or suffers an injury. McLean added that one ritual hasn’t changed: their traditional circle-up before taking the stage. Whether it’s just the five members or the entire crew and families, they gather together to center themselves as a team.
While their voices and bodies have naturally evolved since 1993, the band embraces it with humor. Carter teased that his younger voice sounded much higher in the early days, while Dorough joked about added wrinkles. McLean chimed in with a nod to occasional back pain—but made it clear they’re still performing at full force.
