Singer A.J. McLean returns to rehab to conquer his drug and alcohol demons again
Just as Backstreet Boys fever is back in full force as the guys gear up to hit the road with New Kids on the Block this summer comes news that A.J. McLean has returned to rehab. This will be McLean’s third stint in rehab. McLean previously entered rehab in July 2001, just as the Backstreet Boys planned to kick off their Black & Blue world tour. He also went to rehab the following year in 2002.
The singer assured fans that his decision to enter rehab for substance abuse issues will not affect his band’s upcoming summer tour with the New Kids on the Block.
“For personal reasons, I’ve checked myself into a rehab clinic,” the singer says in an official statement. “With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform and sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon! Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends privacy during this time.”
McLean appeared to reference to his return to rehab in a post on his Twitter blog on January 9 – the same day he celebrated his 33rd birthday. “Thank u all for my bday wishes and tweets:)! Its gonna be a great year! I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomm! Ttfn!” he wrote January 9. One day later, he added, “Hey all wish me luck! This is gonna be an amazing year for me and all around me! I love u all and appreciate all the love and support”
He tweeted Sunday, “I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomm!”
On his birthday last year he proposed to girlfriend Rochelle Deanna Karidis. Their wedding is set for May 14, 2011.
The Backstreet Boys formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys (1996). In the following year, they released their second international album, Backstreet’s Back. The boy band rose to superstardom with their album Millennium (1999) and its follow-up album, Black & Blue (2000). After a three-year hiatus, the band regrouped and have since released three albums: Never Gone (2005), Unbreakable (2007) and This Is Us (2009).
Good luck AJ!