July 10, 2001 – Backstreet Boys have been forced to postpone a series of concert dates starting with their Monday, July 9 show at the Fleet Center in Boston, MA. The tour will resume with their previously scheduled August 7 performance in Vancouver, BC.

This announcement comes as the group reveals that member AJ McLean will immediately undergo a 30-day treatment for his clinical depression which has recently led to anxiety attacks and the excessive consumption of alcohol. A key factor causing this depression is the recent death of McLean's grandmother, with whom he was very close.

In a joint statement, Backstreet Boys Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson said: "It's been suggested that we not be so forthcoming about this situation, as many artists in the industry have in the past, but we feel compelled as a group to be honest with our fans and not let them down. AJ is our friend and our brother and we whole-heartedly support him during this difficult time. Fortunately, AJ has realized he can't solve his problems by himself.

"Because he is unable to be on tour at this time, we are postponing dates and will make them up as soon as we can," the group added. "At the same time we trust that our fans -- who've always stood by us -- will understand this decision is absolutely necessary in order for AJ to be well. We look forward to seeing all of you on the road soon."

Tickets already purchased for the upcoming postponed shows will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Refunds for any of the concerts will also be made available.

The updated tour dates are as follows:

Tue	8/7	Vancouver, BC	General Motors Place
Thu	8/9	Tacoma, WA	Tacoma Dome
Fri	8/10	Portland, OR	Rose Garden
Sat	8/11	Seattle, WA	Key Arena
Sun	8/12	Bakersfield, CA	Centennial Garden Con. Ctr
Mon	8/13	San Jose, CA	San Jose Arena
Thur	8/16	Los Angeles, CA	Great Western Forum
Sat	8/18	San Bernardino, CA	Glen Helen Blockbuster
Mon	8/20	Salt Lake City, UT	Delta Center
Wed	8/22	Denver, CO	Pepsi Center
Fri	8/24	Milwaukee, WI	Bradley Center
Sat	8/25	Cincinnati, OH	Firstar Center
Sun	8/26	St. Louis, MO	Riverport Amphitheatre
Mon	8/27	Kansas City, MO	Kemper Arena
Wed	8/29	Houston, TX	Compaq Center
Thur	8/30	San Antonio, TX	Alamodome
Fri	8/31	Dallas, TX	American Airlines Arena
Tue	9/4	Uniondale, NY	Nassau Coliseum
Thu	9/6	East Rutherford, NJ	Continental Airlines Arena
Rescheduled shows:
Fri	9/7	East Rutherford, NJ	Continental Airlines Arena
Sat	9/8	Boston, MA	Fleet Center
Sun	9/9	Boston, MA	Fleet Center
Mon	9/10	Boston, MA	Fleet Center
Wed	9/12	Toronto, ONT	Air Canada Center
Thu	9/13	Toronto, ONT	Air Canada Center
Fri	9/14	Toronto, ONT	Air Canada Center
Sat	9/15	Kanata, ONT	Corel Centre
Mon	9/17	Montreal, ONT	Molson Center
Wed	9/19	Cleveland, OH	Gund Arena
Thu	9/20	Detroit, MI	The Palace
Sat	9/22	Chicago, IL	Tweeter Center
Sun	9/23	Minneapolis, MN	Target Center
Wed	9/26	Calgary, ALB	Saddledome
Thu	9/27	Calgary, ALB	Saddledome
Fri	9/28	Edmonton, ALB	Sky Reach