The Backstreet Boys' reported legal action comes after much speculation, but as of
yet there is no official confirmation to reports that fellow boy band 'N Sync intends
to make a move from RCA to Jive, which is also home to teen singing sensation
Britney Spears.
Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson tells LAUNCH that the Backstreet Boys play a
large role in managing their own careers. "I think for us, we just want people to
know that everything they hear on the album is real--it's us coming up with the
treatments for our videos, and the ideas for our tours, and the stage show, putting
it together. I mean, we're not just guys that are told what to do and where to be."
Adding to the confusion, Trans Continental Records released a statement last
week, which read in part, that "'N Sync is first and foremost a Trans Continental
Records act that is distributed in the U.S .by RCA, a label of BMG." Last year, the
Backstreet Boys underwent a highly publicized split with their managers, reportedly
because the company also represented 'N Sync.
A source at Jive tells LAUNCH "there is some tension" between the label and the
Backstreet Boys, but refused to comment further on the situation. A spokesperson
for the Backstreet Boys tells LAUNCH that they "have no comment...at the
moment."
Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys' latest album, Millennium, is No. 2 this week on
the Billboard 200. 'N Sync's self-titled debut (which has been out longer), is
currently at No. 46 after 79 weeks on the chart. Both albums have been RIAA
certified at 7 million in sales.
(10/6/99, 1 a.m. PDT) - Attorneys for the Backstreet Boys have reportedly
forwarded a letter to Jive Records Chairman/ CEO Clive Calder, claiming the label
is in breach of contract and, therefore, the band is no longer on the Jive label,
according to Billboard.
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