Backstreet Boys say goodbye to Richardson
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-25 15:06
The Backstreet Boys are saying goodbye to the oldest member of their band,
according to a statement posted on the group's Web site Saturday.
Kevin Richardson, 33, said he was leaving to purse other interests.
Kevin Richardson poses
in New York's Theater District in this Jan. 10, 2003 file photo.
[AP] |
"It was a very tough decision for me but one that was necessary in order to
move on with the next chapter of my life," Richardson said in the statement.
The Orlando-based pop band ushered in a new teen-music craze in the late
90's, buoyed by their soulful harmonies, synchronized dance steps, clean-cut
good looks and charm. Their three albums sold a total of more than 35 million
copies.
The group took a hiatus in 2001 after A.J. McLean's highly publicized entry
into rehab forced the band to postpone their "Black & Blue" tour. They
reunited to release the album "Never Gone" in 2005.
The remaining members, McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and Brian
Littrell, said they had no plans to replace Richardson.
"The door will always be open for him to return to the Backstreet Boys. We
wish him the all the best in his future endeavors," they said on the band's Web
site.
The group plans to return to the studio this weekend to begin work on their
next album, which is due later this year.
Calls and an e-mail sent to the group's publicist, Sonia
Muckle, were not immediately returned to The Associated Press on
Saturday.
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