After three years out of the spotlight, the Backstreet Boys are testing the waters in China before announcing their full-blown fall reunion tour.

Reunited boy band to play Beijing for Special Olympics
On September 24th, the band will play its first major show -- in China. The Boys will perform at the 80,000-seat Beijing Olympic Stadium and donate a percentage of the proceeds to Special Olympics International.

The group returned to the studio in April, completing ballads like "You Can Tell Me" and "Love Is," co-written by Howie Dorough, as well as more upbeat collaborations between BSBs Kevin Richardson and Nick Carter and artist Kenna.

Four tracks were produced by the Underdogs, the team behind Ruben Studdard. "We're experimenting with different sounds," A.J. McLean told Rolling Stone.

"I've gotten into a lot more Seventies rock and funk." Before launching their tour, the Boys -- who have sold some 68 million albums -- hope to film their hunt for a new bodyguard as a new reality TV show to be produced by Osbournes creator Jonathan Taylor. The winner's first day on the job will be the kickoff of the group's U.S. tour.

(China Daily September 15, 2004)