Backstreet news

[erilyn]

It's official - Kevin has left the Backstreet Boys, but BSB are still going back into the studio shortly as a foursome.

I'm sorry (*waves at JM*) for just making a cryptic post earlier and running, but I was just about out the door to go shopping with mum when I got a text from Leena (a NZ fan), and I checked LD and saw the myspace post, which has since also been posted at the fanclub and official site.

I think mostly I'm feeling numb. I first heard the news (rumours, at that stage, that I didn't take too seriously) last Wednesday, during my exams. It came from fans who'd talked to Brian, and he let it slip. Since then, Brian has made references on stage to all five guys going back into the studio, and Howie danced around the issue on radio, and there were some contradictory stories flying about, but more and more people were chiming in with gossip about Kevin leaving. It's been an aggravating ten days, and my bitching about hating people has been squarely aimed at certain posters at LiveDaily. I didn't want to post anything here while it was still gossip though. I was really hoping it was going to turn out to be false.

I can't help remembering how I felt at the Melbourne concert, which was the last on the Never Gone tour. There'd been talk about solo projects being the focus next, and I was wondering if we were seeing their last concert together. NG was such an unexpected gift, them reuniting to record, the promo, the tours - and getting to see them myself. I didn't want to expect more than we'd already gotten.

I really do wish him all the best for the future, with whatever he wants to do, but I'm sure as hell gonna miss him in the group. It ain't gonna be the same without him.

Statement to our fans from the Backstreet Boys regarding Kevin Richardson departure from the group:

Earlier this year, after much soul searching, Kevin Richardson came to us and told us that he had decided to leave the group and pursue other interests. He gave his blessing to continue the music without him.

We have no intention of replacing Kevin, and 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.

This weekend we are returning to the studio to begin the follow-up to Never Gone, and will see you later this year with a new album.

Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and AJ McLean

Statement from Kevin Richardson
After 13 years of what can only be described as a dream come true, I have decided that it is time to leave the Backstreet Boys. 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. Howard, Brian, Alex and Nick will always be my little brothers and have my utmost love and support. I would like to thank the Backstreet fans for all the beautiful memories we have shared together and look forward to including you in the next phase of my life. I wish my brothers continued success and look forward to their new album.

Kevin

Comments

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

I'm still completely shell shocked. I just... I heard the rumor the same day you did and was reallyreallyreally hoping it was going to stay a rumor. I came up with every excuse I could why what we were hearing was wrong.

Just. No. Thank GOD I saw them when I did. And I'm so glad you got to see them too.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

I'm so grateful that so many of us got the chance to see them as five, one last time or for the first time.

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

Me too. I was *this close* to NOT getting tickets. SO glad I did.

[between-names.livejournal.com]

::hugs:: for you. I'm so glad you got to see them as five before this.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm so grateful I got the chance to see them, and just the whole experience.

[call-me-loca.livejournal.com]

I didn't even know who they were before you and JM...

I can't even begin to grasp it

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure whether to be proud of that, or to apologise in light of this. I'm so surprised by this. He must have a good reason, or really feel like he just doesn't have the enthusiasm to do a good job.

[call-me-loca.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping for Richardson babies!!

and be proud, I am ...

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Babies would be the best silver lining to these events :)

I'm so glad you found them through us!

[boomingvoice.livejournal.com]

I'm commenting because I can't not, but I still don't know what to say.

There was no...it didn't feel like he was tiring of it, y'know?

look forward to including you in the next phase of my life.

this reassures me, though. I'm glad we'll still see him (since that's what I take it to mean).

[boomingvoice.livejournal.com]

I have to say, I really love the picture they used. Sob-crying is the best!

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

It's just gonna be so strange. I guess I really thought it'd be all of them or the group breaking up.

[jdq.livejournal.com]

wow.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's been quite a rollercoaster ride today :(

[jdq.livejournal.com]

Brian never said the rumors weren't true at his concert, but he did say he was one fifth of the group. Which now I realize he meant Kevin will always be a bsb member

[nopseud]

Aww. That's a real shame. I'm very glad I went to see them in concert. But at least it all sounds very amicable, and the four of them are still planning to go ahead with the next album.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

True, it's like the best case scenario for a bad situation. Can't help wishing he'd stay, but him being happier has to come first :)

[trumpeterofdoom.livejournal.com]

What you said. All of it. Except substitute Melbourne for London.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

I've been looking at my pictures and video.

[adelate]

This is so, so sad. I hope he's happy (I know, that sounds an awful lot like "I hope he's happy now, but I do mean it sincerely) but I just vary between numbness and random bouts of tears. How sad am I?

I'm so glad I got to see the five of them live together. That was the best time ever.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Me too! I'm so glad I saw them, and stalked them with my friends *g*, I'm treasuring those memories even more now.

[fadedsouls.livejournal.com]

I'm just glad they broke the news on the 24th, and not yesterday. That would have been the worst birthday ever! Imagine always remember that your birthday is on the same date that Kevin left the Backstreet Boys.... At least now it's the day before.

Am still slightly shocked.... I was hoping that the rumours weren't true..

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Happy belated Birthday! I'm glad it didn't come through then for you.

I was so hoping they weren't true, here's hoping we see good things for Kevin and the Boys in the future.

[fadedsouls.livejournal.com]

I think Kevin will do something wonderful and make us all proud of him. And here's to hoping that sometime in the near future a little Kevin will be running about :)

[vaudevilles.livejournal.com]

*hugs you*

I'm so glad you got to see the five of them live and stalk them while they were happily together...

*hugs you again*

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

I'm so grateful that I had that opportunity. Thanks :)