Look for the Backstreet Boys to return to the studio and the road next year,
now that the group's dispute with Jive Records is over. You might recall that the
group's lawyers sent a letter to Jive Records co-founder Clive Calder in October,
claiming the label was in breach of contract and, therefore, the multi-platinum act
was no longer on the label. Somehow, just somehow, everyone managed to kiss
and make up with Jive, apologizing in the form of a multimillion-dollar
renegotiation. According to sources, the band has been guaranteed close to $60
million for its next two albums, the first of which will come out in fall 2000. The
deal also includes an option for another three records, for which they would
receive $30 million. The group has also renegotiated its royalty rate for more than
20 percent. The act's management declined comment; Jive issued a statement that
did not confirm the dollar figures but mentioned that the new deal includes "several
innovative Internet ventures, sponsorship deals, and close cooperation of the
marketing, licensing, and other commercial exploitation of the group's recordings."
A Jive representative declined to comment beyond the press release. (BPI)