Backstreet Brawl: Boys Say Label In Breach

The gloves are off in the battle between the 10 members of pop bands Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync as well as their label and respective management companies.

Just weeks after 'N Sync opened a legal can of worms by breaking its contract with RCA Records to jump to Jive Records, would-be label mates Backstreet Boys are now playing hardball (HR 9/9).

Attorneys for the Backstreet Boys allege that Jive has breached its contract with the group and that the quintet is no longer on the label, which is also the home of pop princess Britney Spears.

Sources said 'N Sync's move to Jive angered the Backstreet Boys, even though both groups were created by Orlando-based boy-band executive Louis Pearlman and his Trans Continental Records label.

In the most recent developments of this ongoing battle, attorneys for Backstreet Boys sent a letter to Jive Records founder Clive Calder alleging that the label is in breach of contract and, therefore, the multiplatinum act is no longer on Jive.

The legal action follows the announcement that 'N Sync intends to move from RCA to Jive. Backstreet Boys were understood to be upset by the prospect of 'N Sync joining them on the Jive roster. Backstreet Boys reportedly left their management company last year in part because their managers also represented 'N Sync.

Backstreet Boys' latest set, "Millennium," is certified for sales of 7 million copies by the RIAA.

Backstreet Boys have historically been involved in a string of other litigious situations, including a dispute with its then-business manager and quasi-creator Pearlman, which resulted in Pearlman being cut in as the "sixth Backstreet Boy," though with a hands-off role.

Recently, Trans Continental issued a press release that "clarified" its role with both the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync.

It claimed "financial involvement" with Backstreet Boys, and stated that, with regard to 'N Sync, "We remain committed to the fundamental principles of our agreements that state that 'N Sync has exclusive recording and other obligations to Trans Continental and that 'N Sync is first and foremost a Trans Continental Records act that is distributed in the United States by RCA, a label of BMG."

Trans Continental also handles LFO, Take 5 and C Note.

Representatives for the bands, label and management companies could not be reached for comment.