The Total Request Live studio was somber July 9 when four out of five of the Boys stopped by to announce that the remainder of their tour has been put on hold because missing member A.J. McLean checked himself into rehabilitation for depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
The recent passing of McLean's grandmother, who was like a second mom to him, fueled McLean's personal problems. Although the Boys were advised to keep the reason for the cancellation hush hush, they wanted to be honest instead of covering it up by saying McLean was sick. The group pointed out that McLean knows he has a problem and wants to fix it.
The second leg of the Boys Black & Blue Tour, which kicked off at the TD
Waterhouse June 8, has been postponed for 30 days. The group hopes to head out on the road again August 7 and reschedule the missed dates, if McLean is back on his feet. What if McLean has not recovered by then? The group emphasized that their career takes a back seat to more important issues. "A.J.'s health is most important to us. We're only human," said.
The Boys fought back tears as they talked about their fellow member. "It was
fortunate we were able to do this and access this at this time," Brian said. The group hopes the serious situation will be able to help fans. "They deal with real life ups and downs all the time,"said. McLean's mental health problems is just another reminder that fame doesn't make one immune to life's trials and tribulations - it escalates them.
During breaks from touring with the Boys, McLean has been known to perform
solo shows as his alter ego, Johnny No Name, to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Save the Music Foundation, which helps encourage music education in public schools.
