1998 August

British tabloids pick up the story and soon it's front-page news all over Europe. "They've had their 15 minutes of fame, earned their bundle, and now want to move on to solo careers in singing, songwriting and general famous-too-young-for-their own-good celebrityhood." TV and radio stations receive tens of thousands of calls from panicked fans asking whether or not the rumor is true. Jive issues a statement from the Boys declaring the rumor to be 100% false, but they persist.

The boys do a photoshoot for Teen People. Photographed by George Holz

August 29th - The Backstreet Boys perform at the U.S. Open as part of Arthur Ashe Kids, held at Flushing Meadow Park, New York City




The guys meet the Williams sisters Venus & Serena.



August 30th - Songwriter/producer Denniz PoP dies. PoP helped to evolve the Boy's sound and was responsible for many other artists, including the Ace of Base, 5ive and Robyn.