Kevin Richardson leaves the Backstreet Boys
The boy band member moves on to his life's "next chapter."
Years after the boy band craze died out, a member of the Backstreet Boys finally pulls a Justin and leaves the group.
Kevin Richardson, 33, said in a statement Saturday that he is leaving the Backstreet Boys to pursue other goals.
"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," Richardson said.
The group's remaining members, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and A.J. McLean, said they would continue making music together despite Richardson's departure.
"The door will always be open for him to return to the Backstreet Boys. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors," they said on their Web site.
The Backstreet Boys heralded in the teen-pop phenomenon in the late 90s with hits like "Quit Playing Games" and "As Long As You Love Me," selling over 35 million copies of their three albums.
The band returned to the music scene last year with their comeback album "Never Gone" and plan to release a new record later this year.
