And we know what you’re thinking: There are still any Backstreet Boys?
So they tell us. Now, however, everyone’s second favorite boy band is bidding farewell to the oldest member of its band.
“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,” said Richardson, 34, adding that he’s leaving to pursue other interests.
The remaining members — A.J. 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 took a hiatus in 2001 after 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. It was never really heard.
The band plans to return to the studio this weekend to begin work on their next album. Meanwhile, Richardson will try to become the next Justin Timberlake. And we’ll try to contain our laughter.