The Backstreet Boys are still a bunch of jackasses ... just ask Nick Carter, who went Johnny Knoxville all over AJ McLean's balls today ... WITH A BASEBALL BAT ... and it was all caught on tape.

The stunt took place during a photo shoot with celeb photographer Tyler Shields. We really have no other explanation for why this happened.

Now ... here are a couple of our favorite BSB songs ... Quit Playin' Games (With My Testicles), Ball I Have to Give, and Everybody (Backstreet's Sack).

And we can't forget our favorite album ... Black & Blue ... or is it Unbreakable? Okay, we're done.

It's barely November ... but the Backstreet Boys are already pretending it's Christmas time.

The entire band -- even Kevin -- threw on their obligatory ugly winter outfits for a performance of their new Christmas song at Disneyland this weekend ... sparkly sweater, checkered jacket, scarf, etc.

For the record, it was 94 DEGREES in Anaheim yesterday.

We're told the performance was pre-recorded for an upcoming Xmas special.

Nothing says Christmas like a base tan.

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean came face-to-face with the long arm of the law early this morning ... and even though he didn't say it specifically, he TOTALLY tried to play the celebrity card to get out of a ticket. 

McLean was pulled over in Hollywood around 1 AM when the LAPD noticed a problem with his license plates.

Once the boybander got out of the car, the plea for mercy was on ... with McLean explaining how he just wrapped up a concert tour ... and simply didn't realize there was a problem.

During the stop, McLean brings up the tour several times ... making sure the cop knew how big of a star he is.

Unfortunately, the officer seemed to be more of a New Kids on the Block fan ... and at one point, McLean says, "We actually just got off tour with them."

So how did it end? Turns out, McLean's registration was fine -- but the cop issued AJ a citation for not having the proper proof of insurance.

It's unclear if McLean will have to fork over any cash for the infraction -- but he can probably afford it with all the money he makes on tour ... right?

Love the Magic Kingdom, but hate long lines? You gotta see a die-hard Disneyland fan/TMZ staffer break down the park! Dude knows so many tricks, they call him "Captain." Don't ask ... just watch.

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Bad Idea: Contractually binding a concert venue to provide a band with booze, when half of said band's members have alcohol problems ... like the Backstreet Boys.


But alas, clear as day in the rider for the Backstreet Boys' current tour, is the demand for 24 bottles of beer and two bottles of "high quality Italian or French red wine." A votre sante!

What makes this particularly funny (or sad, depending on your point of view) is that we have gotten video of both AJ McLean and Nick Carter out drinking within the last month -- both of whom have claimed to be sober.

Rumors are circulating that the Backstreet Men Boys are about to get dumped by Jive Records. NOT true.


TMZ talked with a Jive Records spokesperson who told us, "Reports about Jive Records dropping Backstreet Boys are completely untrue. The group is about to embark on a worldwide tour in support of their album, Unbreakable, starting Feb. 16 in Toyko, as well as some high profile television appearances."

Well, that's sure a relief!

Just when you thought you were safe from seeing grown men in choreographed numbers and matching outfits, the Backstreet Boys have gotten back together and released a new song! Party like it's 1999!


TMZ has obtained a copy of the quartet's (now minus one Kevin Richardson) new piano driven ballad, "Inconsolable," which debuted today on NY's Z100 radio station. I want it that way! The Boys' new album drops October 30 -- just in time for Halloween. Trick or treat?!

First the Spice Girls announced their reunion, now BSB -- maybe there is hope for Britney! Then again, maybe not.