By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
March 28, 2003
Is a breakup in the works for the Backstreet Boys? Sounds as though the group wants it that way.
Us Weekly predicted a breakup more than a year ago and in the new issue–on stands today–the magazine reports the band members are readier than ever to say bye, bye, bye. (Er, sorry. Wrong boy band.) According to Us, eldest member Kevin Richardson, 31, said the Boys were “having meetings to discuss” calling it quits. Further fueling the rumor is the delay of their next studio album. The band’s last album of new recordings, “Black and Blue,” was released in 2000.
In a statement issued Thursday, the singers insisted, “We are not breaking up, but individually we are currently at different places in our lives, and our hearts and minds are focused in other areas. All of us are getting along great and are supporting each other in our individual endeavors. As a group, we have decided not to record our next album at this time. When the timing is right, we will record another Backstreet Boys album. We would like to thank our fans for their continued support and love throughout our career.”
Nick Carter, 23, was the first Boy to try his hand at a solo career. He just finished a tour in support of his album “Now or Never.” And Billboard now reports bandmate Howie Dorough, 29, is working on his own disc, which he hopes will be out in September. Richardson just finished a Broadway run in “Chicago.”
Since banding together 10 years ago in Florida, the Backstreet Boys have become full-grown men. Richardson and Brian Littrell, 28, are married. And AJ McLean, 25–who spent a stint in rehab–is now engaged.
