Backstreet Boys Postpone Dates As Bandmember Heads To Rehab

The Backstreet Boys have postponed a series of concert dates, effective with their July 9 concert at the Fleet Center in Boston, due to bandmember A.J. McLean immediately undergoing a 30-day treatment for clinical depression and alcohol abuse. The tour resumes Aug. 7 in Vancouver, BC.

According to a band statement, McLean's clinical depression has recently led to anxiety attacks and the excessive consumption of alcohol. A key factor causing this depression is the recent death of his grandmother, with whom he was very close.

In a joint statement, BSB members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson said, "It's been suggested that we not be so forthcoming about this situation, as many artists in the industry have in the past, but we feel compelled as a group to be honest with our fans and not let them down. AJ is our friend and our brother and we whole-heartedly support him during this difficult time. Fortunately, AJ has realized he can't solve his problems by himself.

"Because he is unable to be on tour at this time, we are postponing dates and will make them up as soon as we can," the group added. "At the same time we trust that our fans–who've always stood by us–will understand this decision is absolutely necessary in order for AJ to be well. We look forward to seeing all of you on the road soon."

An earlier explanation for the FleetCenter's postponed dates was that group member Nick Carter broke his hand on Saturday, July 7, forcing the rescheduling of the group's remaining three shows, July 9-11.

The updated tour dates are as follows:

Aug. 7 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
Aug. 9 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
Aug. 10 Portland, OR Rose Garden
Aug. 11 Seattle, WA Key Arena
Aug. 12 Bakersfield, CA Centennial Garden CC
Aug. 13 San Jose, CA San Jose Arena
Aug. 16 Los Angeles, CA Great Western Forum
Aug. 18 San Bernardino, CA Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion
Aug. 20 Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center
Aug. 22 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Aug. 24 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
Aug. 25 Cincinnati, OH Firstar Center
Aug. 26 St. Louis, MO Riverport Amphitheatre
Aug. 27 Kansas City, MO Kemper Arena
Aug. 29 Houston, TX Compaq Center
Aug. 30 San Antonio, TX Alamodome
Aug. 31 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Sept. 4 Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
Sept. 6 East Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Arena

Rescheduled shows:

Sept. 7 East Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Center
Sept. 8-10 Boston, MA Fleet Center
Sept. 12-14 Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre
Sept. 15 Kanata, ONT Corel Centre
Sept. 17 Montreal, PQ Molson Center
Sept. 19 Cleveland, OH Gund Arena
Sept. 20 Detroit, MI The Palace
Sept. 22 Chicago, IL Tweeter Center
Sept. 23 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Sept. 26-27 Calgary, AB Saddledome
Sept. 28 Edmonton, ONT Sky Reach