The long and fruitful association between Jive Records, owned by Sony, and the Backstreet Boys is over. According to band member Brian Littrell, the break up was amicable and gives the group a new lease on life.
The band released a statement on its website. Littrell says: "This is the best thing, at the best time that could have ever happened for us. We are confident in the future of our band, and are looking forward to the new things to come. 2011 is going to be a great year for us!"
Since their eponymous album was released in 1996, the Backstreet Boys have sold 130 million copies of the seven albums they put on the market with Jive Records. They had one of the most successful relationships in pop music.
The group did not indicate whether they have already signed or will sign with another record label or if they plan to sell their music directly online.