Backstreet Boys News

(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.

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.

To read a Britney Spears feature, click here. A feature on boy bands is also available.

-- Jason Gelman

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