The chocolate boy crooners are teaming up with solo superstar Richard Marx for their Saturday concert in the Delhi

The chocolate boy crooners are teaming up with solo superstar Richard Marx for their Saturday concert in the Delhi

Charmingly crafted songs, repeat-worthy rhythms and heart-tugging harmoniesu00a0-- this is how we've known Backstreet Boys for more than 16 years. With evergreens like 'Quit Playing Games', 'I Want it That Way' and some numbers from their new album 'This Is Us,' the guy group will be the headlining band at the annual Rock 'N India musical festival, rubbing shoulders with singer Richard Marx (remember Right Here Waiting for You?) and other avant-garde Indian acts.

After mastering a more contemporary flavour in 2005's 'Never Gone' and 2007's 'Unbreakable', the new album sees Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and AJ McLean revisiting the groundbreaking dance-pop sound that first made them international superstars. We settle for a tete-au00a0-tete as they tune up for the big evening.

Tt's the first time you're setting foot on our soil. What do you think lies in store?
We just want to have a good time, and if we do, we're sure our fans will, too.u00a0 It's been a crazy 17 years... trying to fit everything in.u00a0 We are just happy to finally be heading to India.

So, what's on your live playlist? Hindi adaptations, by any chance?
Hindi???? Well, the show is about an hour-and-a-half long, with a good mixture of new songs and the oldies everyone wants to hear.u00a0 Hopefully, we'll be hearing a lot of you guys singing along with us!

What do you have to say about Richard Marx and other bands playing alongside?
Of course, we are very excited to be sharing the stage with Richard Marx. He's one amazing singer, and his song Right Here Waiting is one of our all time favourite tunes. We are looking forward to his music as well as music by the Indian bands.

What are the places you'd want to visit, or things you'd like to do? Is Indian food on your checklist?
Well, this is going to be a very quick visit for us. But we are looking forward to loads of Indian food, Indian music and most importantly, interacting with our fans.

Which contemporary artistes would you vouch for? What do you think of the music scenario in India? Are you meeting any musicians here?
Miley Cyrus is someone who is not only talented, but has a great influence over the youth. The Jonas Brother are also very good; they are reminiscent of the kind of music we used to have when we started off.

How do you improvise on your music?
We keep challenging ourselves all the time. Today, if we have to define our music, we are a little bit of country, R&B and eventually what we are doing is pop music.

What is the secret of your long-term survival and fan following?
The secret is truly loving what you do!u00a0 We love our life and entertaining our fans.u00a0 It's such a great feeling getting on stage and performing for everyone.u00a0 We couldn't imagine doing anything else.

What is next on the cards?
We are planning on getting back in the studio as soon as we have some downtime to start recording the next album.u00a0 We love making music and trying different sounds.u00a0 We can't wait to see how our next project turns out.

He's right here waiting
Richard Noel Marx is an American pop/rock singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He had a string of hit singles in the late 1980s and 1990s, including 'Endless Summer Nights', 'Right Here Waiting', 'Now and Forever'. Although most of his major hit songs were slow ballads, many of his songs had a classic rock style, such as 'Don't Mean Nothing', 'Should've Known Better', 'Satisfied'. Marx placed himself in the record books by being the first solo artiste to have his first seven singles hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. His record sales worldwide exceed 30 million.

Safety in the Backstreet
The organisers are expecting a turnout of around 10,000 to 12,000, and say the safety's well in place. "We have hired a private agency called 24 Secure. We have also spoken to the HO of the region, and he will be assisting with a lot of cops for security and checking," says a representative. "Be ready for total body frisking and a highly secure ticking system to avoid fake ticketing. Cameras will not be allowed, except for people carrying media badges. No food and water will be allowed inside the premises," she adds.

Backstreet Boys and Richard Marx Live
Where: NSIC Grounds, Okhla
When: February 20
Tickets to the show are priced at Rs 1500, and are available on www.ticketgenie.in
For more details, log on to www.rockinindia.com