The Backstreet Boys have just launched their own tequila

Having ruled the 90s and desperately tried to cling on to glory ever since, the Backstreet Boys are looking to get back to the top once more.

Despite having sold more than 130 million records worldwide, there is a sense that the pioneering pop-group are not the force that they once were. They need a fresh approach to fame. This time, however, catchy tunes, boyish good looks or dodgy haircuts will not be their weapon of choice. Having proven that they have what it takes to conquer the world with song, AJ, Howie, Nick, Kevin and Brian have announced plans to enter the business of booze.

In a backstage interview with media company Tasting Table, the group revealed the band’s shared enthusiasm and love for tequila. Discussing their passion for Mexico’s signature spirit, Kevin quipped that he likes to unwind with “a good reposado or añejo,” before Nick broke the news about the group’s latest venture. It emerged that the boys are currently on the hunt for a suitable business partner south of the border who can match their ambition to launch a tequila label and leave a liquory as well as lyrical legacy.

Though there are no concrete plans for the business as yet, the group’s intentions are clear. Given tequila’s historic ties and protections within Mexico, there are very few routes down which the band can go. Tequila can only be produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco, so any new players entering the game are guaranteed to cause some serious ripples. Whether the band elect to side with an existing major distributor, or opt to join forces with a smaller independent distillery remains to be seen. Either way, the venture will be big business for someone in the tequila industry.   

Were the band’s plans for tequila domination come to fruition, they would not be the first celebrities to enjoy success through spirits. Carlos Santana, Diddy and Sammy Hagar have all been involved in the tequila business. Fellow 90s boy bander, turned global superstar Justin Timberlake recently picked up a slew of awards for his Sauza 91 tequila, while George Clooney successfully sold his Casamigos business to major spirits conglomerate Diageo for a whopping $1 billion. Clearly, there’s money to be made from Mexico’s most famous export.

However, while other celebrities seem largely content to stop at booze, the Backstreet Boys seem determined to foray further into the food and drink industry. In addition to their planned tequila venture, the band also filed documents to trademark the name “Backstreet Barbecue” in February this year. Details on this business are even less concrete than their tequila plans, but it seems that avid fans can look forward to some baby back(street) ribs alongside their reposados in the future.

Until we receive an official statement on the timeline of the rapidly growing Backstreet food empire, much of the future remains under speculation. However, if the group are genuinely as passionate about food and drink as they claim, then there is no reason that the new businesses cannot be roaring successes. Whichever way you look at it, we can definitively say that Backstreet’s back, alright.