Backstreet Boy Enters Alcohol Rehab

July 10 -- A.J. McLean is taking a break from his usual song-and-dance routine to confront a more serious challenge: dealing with his own depression and alcohol problems.

The dark-haired, sideburn-sporting Backstreet Boy with a penchant for wearing sunglasses and bandanas surprised fans after approaching his bandmates to say he would enter an undisclosed rehabilitation center for 30 days for the treatment of chronic depression and alcohol abuse. The other Boys announced Monday they would put their concert tour on hold while McLean was in treatment.

The five — Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and McLean — have now rescheduled their July tour dates in the United States and Canada, and plan to resume the Black and Blue tour Aug. 7.

His bandmates expressed concern, rather than frustration or anger with McLean.

"He's been burning the candle at both ends and partying quite a bit to escape it," Richardson said, according to The Associated Press. "His alcoholism is — it's pretty bad. And we're worried about him."

A statement on the band's Web site says McLean's condition was partly generated by the recent loss of his grandmother, and he has experienced anxiety attacks and consumed an excessive amount of alcohol.

Breaking the News to Their Fans

The singing heartthrobs, known for their choreographed videos and romantic ballads, decided not to hide McLean's problem from the young fans who snap up their recordings.

The handsome singers broke the news on MTV's Total Request Live, the video countdown show where they typically introduce new songs and have earned devoted admirers.

"We didn't want to lie about it. We didn't want to push itunder the rug," Richardson said. "We want to be honest with ourfans. He's getting help. He's going to be better."

"When you're trying to help someone who has a serious illness,they have to help themselves first before they can really receivehelp. They've gotta really want it," Littrell added.