Backstreet Boys

Through their two decades together, one man was by BSB’s side through thick and thin – Johnny “Q” Elgani.
Sadly, Backstreetdom lost its brightest smile 15 months ago, but the guys paid tribute to Q by dedicating Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of to the much-loved bodyguard.
While it’s a big week for the documentary as it makes its TV debut on VH1, it’s also a significant week for the family Q left behind – his wife Angela celebrated their daughter Chloe’s first birthday over the weekend and says that her adorable girl reminds her of Q more and more everyday.

“Chloe is a doll – such a beautiful light! I see him in her in many, many ways ... everyday. It’s hard to explain, but sometimes I think he’s in there somewhere.
“As for me, I'm better and stronger ... yet there is not a second that goes by that I don't think of him or miss him tremendously. I still hurt, but I push on for Chloe and him, how I think he would want me to. That is how I honor him daily.”
As Q’s long-time love, Angela witnessed the close bond that he shared with BSB and the role he played in both their personal and professional lives over the years.

“He was always there and experiencing a lot of the same feelings that they felt – like how fast they gained success,” she says. “He was with them through growing pains as a group and individually and he was always looking out for their best interests, even when they may not have known it themselves.  
“It's funny how fans call him the sixth Backstreet Boy … he did grow with them.

“He was always smiling, joking and keeping things light, fun and interesting to help keep the group moral high. He could also think quickly on his feet – it was like he was made for this job.”

Angela flew to Los Angeles with baby Chloe in January to attend the red carpet premiere of the documentary at Hollywood’s ArcLight Cinemas.

While it was an emotional experience, she enjoyed getting to see the film alongside BSB and their fans.

“Even though I know many parts of the story, it was nice to see the boys talk about their past, their home towns and their perspective of the whole journey. I was happy and sad... I cried with them...

“It was a really real, raw feeling and I enjoyed that.”

The band remains “family forever” to Angela and Chloe and she says all of the guys and their wives have been supportive since Q passed away, aged 40.

They remain in frequent contact – Nick’s wife Lauren organized Angela’s baby shower, while Chloe has enjoyed playtime with AJ and Rochelle’s two-year-old daughter Ava.

It was AJ who shared one of the closest bonds with Q and he says both he and the group have been shaped by the lessons and values Q instilled in them.

“Loyalty, camaraderie, family-first and honesty … we’ve learned to be honest with each other no matter what – even if you know you might hurt somebody, they’ll have more respect for you in the end if you’re honest from jump street.”

Documentary director Stephen Kijak adds that Q was around extensively during filming of Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of and the crew loved their time with him.

“We loved Q. He was with us on that whole hometown trip. He was the sixth Backstreet Boy – part of the band and like family. He took such good care of those guys and was such an awesome dude.

“It was so sad when it happened…. I can’t even put it into words. He was such a great guy.”

 

*Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of premieres on VH1 at 9/8c Friday!


 

By Leena Tailor / @LeenaNZ