O-Town was the final boy band of the TRL era. What would you consider to be the height of fame for you at that time? Give me an event, a party, or a person you were standing next to, that was mind-blowing.

I remember seeing Michael Jackson backstage at the VMAs, and really just being awestruck that I was standing there next to him. It was a very surreal moment.

Then there was when Clive Davis came on stage in New York and gave us our platinum plaque. That was another monumental time.

And the 9/11 relief show. Right after 9/11 happened we did a show at the Rose Bowl. We went on right after James Brown, and that was another one where you’re like, “This is my life right now!?!”

Michael Jackson and James Brown. Did you get words out of your mouth when you were near them, or was that just not gonna happen?

I was trying. I was stuck in this moment of – Is this happening? What would I do in this situation? You’re in the situation!

I remember I was having a smoke out back at the VMAs when I saw a troop of like 14, 15 people, all in black suits. As they’re filing in the door Michael Jackson shows up in the back. I’m holding a cigarette, looking at him like, Uhhhh, and he just goes “Hello.” I’m the only one around, so I know he’s talking to me. I was definitely at a loss for words.

When Michael Jackson did his last performance at MSG I bought tickets, because it was the day after the VMAs, and I’m a fan. I spent almost $2,000 to buy two tickets for this show. I’m in like the 30th row, nothing crazy.

The night of the VMAs we’re sitting next to Susan Sarandon and she turns to the other guys and says, “Hey, you guys want to go to the Michael Jackson concert? We have like three extra tickets.”

I’m at the end of the line. By the time it gets to me they’ve already divvied up the tickets, and they’re in the second row, so they get shown all over that (concert) video. They’re showing O-Town guys, and I’m not with them, so for years it’s been, “I thought you were a fan, why weren’t you there?” I’m like, “I am. In the 30th row!”

We all know boy band fans can be a tad bit excessive. What’s been the wildest thing a fan has done to get close to you, or any other member of the group?

I have a small collection of purple hearts which I should not have in my possession, but the fans come to the signings, and they’ll want to give you a gift to have you remember them by, and as many times as you say, “No, I can’t take this. Your family is gonna want this.” I definitely have gotten some people’s purple hearts.

You can’t even turn it down because they start crying if you don’t accept it.

Obviously I’m not getting rid of them. I’m kinda hoping maybe one day the family comes and asks for it back.