The Backstreet Boys is one of America’s seminal boy bands, getting its start in 1993 when talent manager Lou Pearlman first pieced together the group (consisting of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean and Kevin Richardson). After gaining a large international following early in their career, the group got its big break in 1997 with the release of their second album, “Backstreet’s Back,” and the beginning of a 60-city international tour.

The band’s success continued until the members decided to take a break in 2002, due in part to problems with their management company as well as Carter’s desire to start a solo career. After a rocky couple of years, during which the group sued their record company and McLean continued to recover from a drug and alcohol addiction, the group reunited in 2005. Richardson left in June 2006 for personal reasons, but the Backstreet Boys have continued to enjoy success both at home and abroad, with their newest album scheduled for release in October 2009.