BACKSTREET BOYS - A.J. GOES SOLO

BACKSTREET BOYS star A.J. MCLEAN is set to take a break from the ageing boyband for a series of solo shows. The edgy pop star has just released tickets for two low-key concerts in California on Sunday (23Mar08) and Monday (24Mar08). A statement from MCLean's manager, Eric Podwall, reads, "After 13 years with the Backstreet Boys, and 75 million records sold worldwide, A.J.'s excited to take a step out on his own and present his music, in his style." MCLean is also planning shows in Europe to preview a solo album he hopes to release later this year (08). But Backstreet Boys fans need not fret as MCLean has no plans to follow ex-bandmate Kevin Richardson and quit the group for good - he's planning to record another album with the group next year (09).