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Backstreet Boys Postpone Tour As A.J. McLean Seeks Treatment
  07.09.2001 

The Backstreet Boys have postponed the next month of their Black & Blue world tour to allow the group's A.J. McLean to get treatment for alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety.

The other four members of the group told MTV News on Monday afternoon (July 9) that they will postpone all dates of their tour until an August 7 show in Vancouver, British Columbia.

"A.J. and we have come to a decision that he's going to receive treatment for depression, anxiety and his excessive consumption of alcohol," Kevin Richardson told tearful fans on "TRL."

"[McLean] came to us yesterday — it was the first time we heard him say, 'Guys, I have a problem,' " Brian Littrell said.

McLean is 23 years old.

The rescheduled dates are expected to run from September 4 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, to September 28 at Skyreach Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

As late as Saturday, the quintet was up to business as usual at Boston's FleetCenter. Performing their hits to a screaming crowd, BSB gave no indication that they were facing strife away from the spotlight. Their followers in Beantown were anticipating shows Monday and Tuesday as well.

The world tour was to run through the fall, giving the group almost a year on the road in support of Black & Blue, which was released in November.