October
NEW NEWS
The Backstreet Boys, whose Millennium has been the biggest-selling album of the year, have sent a letter to Jive Records, claiming that the label breached their contract.
The move follows the announcement last month that fellow teen heartthrobs 'N Sync, regarded as the Backstreet Boys' strongest competition in the youth-appeal pop market, intend to leave RCA and jump to Jive to release their second album, due 2000. Last year the Backstreet Boys left their management company, Trans Continental, whose roster includes 'N Sync and pop sensation Britney Spears (also a Jive artist).
The Backstreet Boys and their management had no comment on their action. A protracted legal battle over the contract could stall Backstreet releases indefinitely. The group is in the midst of a 53-day tour that sold out in minutes. Millennium, which set a first-week record by selling 1,134,000 copies after its mid-May release, has sold 7 million copies in the USA (20 million worldwide).
Jive spokeswoman Sonia Muckle says the label's position is that "the Backstreet Boys signed to a long-term exclusive recording agreement with Jive Records." Otherwise, she says, it's company policy no to comment on the terms of artists' contracts. She couldn’t say whether the group has an out clause based on who else signs with the label.
JAM! Music
The Backstreet Boys have reportedly left the label that boasts huge pop acts like Britney Spears and 'N Sync.
Reports by MTV news and Billboard online say attorneys for the band have sent a letter to Jive records that states the label is in breach of contract and the band is no longer with Jive.
The recent label dispute follows 'N Sync's label switch from RCA to Jive.
Previous reports said the Backstreet Boys were upset that 'N Sync would be on the same label. The multi-platinum pop band allegedly left their management company last year because their managers were representing 'N Sync at the same time.
A report by MTV news, however, says a spokeswoman for the band stated the Backstreet Boys don't have a problem with 'N Sync.
Although Jive and the Backstreet Boys' management company declined to comment on the label switch, there are rumours that the band members feel exploited by Jive.
In an earlier interview with MTV, band member Howie, said the band is looking for respect from the record company.
The Backstreet Boys also told MTV that legal issues won't affect their current tour and are tentatively planning another North American tourm for May and June of next year.