The Coolest Guy We Know… – An Open Letter To AJ McLean, From The Fans

 

 

In times where there’s been a lot of change, or many things happening…sometimes you need to take a moment just to breathe. A moment to simply look around and appreciate everything. When there is darkness or negativity, I forever believe in finding the light. That’s what this is. This is the third of six open letters to the Backstreet Boys, one by one – followed by one to the group as a whole to simply show them love and appreciation for all they do. Each one will include tweets from you guys, and will be written from the heart. My first one to Nick, can be found here. My second one to Kevin can be found here. (To any fans reading this, if you’d like to add to this open letter please comment below! I invite you to share in this love fest.)

Now it’s AJ’s turn.

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Dear AJ,

I remember, your darkest times. We all do. Looking back, I see so many signs that a thirteen/fourteen year old was completely blind to. Your cries for help were right there on the stage for all to see. The thing was, the majority of your fans in that time were too young to see them. And if we saw them, we were too young to understand what they meant. I remember the announcement that the Black and Blue tour would be delayed so that you would get help. It was a scary time for fans. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you. Yet, you came back stronger. As I got older and more mature, part of me worried you might join what was known as the “27 Club”.

I can’t express just how happy I am that you never did.

I wonder if you realize how being so open about your battles helped other fans. Whether it’s other fans realizing they need to take the steps to seek help, or helping fans understand the struggles their other loved ones went through. You may not know, I’d understand if you didn’t. But you’ve changed many lives. Possibly saved them too. Thank you, for being so open.

When I watch old videos whether it be for this fan blog or just because I’m bored, it’s like watching an entirely different AJ. The AJ I know now isn’t trying to prove to the world he’s a bad ass rock star. He’s not trying to rebel against anything. The AJ that the adult Rose has met is a sweet guy. He gives big hugs. He stops and literally hangs out with fans if they bump into him, giving details in the middle of Planet Hollywood about the upcoming world tour because he’s so excited about it. He gives all the time he can because, well he loves his fans. You’re kind and gentle. On another occasion when I was afraid fans shoving were going to knock me down, you came up behind me and said ‘Don’t worry sweetheart, I won’t let you fall.’ before making sure to get a selfie with me. These are the moments fans remember.

Your kindness. Your way of really trying to show your love for the fans.

Also, can we just take a moment to talk about how fucking cool you are? (Excuse my language but this is a letter to AJ so I think I’m okay) You are the coolest damn Backstreet Boy. There isn’t anyone in the world like you, and honestly that’s a major reason why so many love you. You are unique in every way you can be. NEVER. CHANGE.

Because the AJ of today is absolutely quirky. You’re a guy with his own set of tastes whether people like it or not. You make crazy jokes. You’re the biggest sneaker-head. You’re blessed in so many ways, with a soulful voice unlike any other we’ve ever heard. Your talent is so big you’re not quite sure how to channel it on a solo level. But that’s okay. We love all your experimentation – whether it’s rock, pop, country, or rnb. I wouldn’t be surprised if you found a way to create your own genre. Something that’s uniquely you. We’ve waited a long time for your next solo record but we’re okay with that as we know it will be worth the wait.

You’re a wonderful father. The joy your daughters have when they see you, and when you see them? It’s enough to make hearts melt around the world. Your life isn’t for the stage, your life is for your family. You’re the best father you can be and as fans we’re so happy you found that in your life.You’ve talked about searching for family and family being important. It’s why your life outside of fame is so beautiful to see. You deserve everything you have and more AJ.

I know it’s not always easy for you, AJ. As someone with family members who have lost the very battle you’ve won and still continue to fight every day, I want to commend you. I admire that you stand strong. I love you for your ways to continue to fight. You may slip sometimes. You aren’t perfect. No one is. I’d rather you not be. An idol is perfect. A beautiful person is flawed. And that’s what you are – and I hope you see that. Because it’s the truth. Your fans see this in you. We have faith in you. We know you will continue to take each day on, one at a time. We will support you at the top and we will stand by you if you hit the bottom. We fans will do what we can to hold out a hand, and help you stand upright once again. Because that’s who you are, AJ. We know you’ll keep going.

You fought the darkness. You battle your demons.

However you didn’t FIND the light.

You BECAME the light.

 

Thank you for not shying away from who you are.
We are behind you every step of the way.
Thank you for never giving up.
We hope this letter and the tweets below manage to make you smile.
In doing so, this open letter and tweets below have succeeded in their task.

 

 

 

 

 

Let me introduce you to the coolest guy we know
We go, you’re unstoppable
So damn lovable
Even if we think we’ll find someone, he’ll never be just like you
Hello, hello
You are Mr. A!