Who Knew the Backstreet Boys Were Still Together?

Kevin Richardson, the Backstreet Boys' oldest member at 33, is leaving the group to "pursue other interests," according to a statement this weekend featured on BSB's website.

Noted an AP story:

The group took a hiatus in 2001 after A.J. 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.

The remaining members, McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and Brian Littrell, said they had no plans to replace Richardson.

Damn, and we were looking forward to the follow-up to last year's "Never Gone." And if there's ever a boy band reunion-battle with *NSYNC and 98 Degrees at a future KIIS-FM Wango Tango, it just won't be the same without Kev.

Well, at least BSB aren't getting all Menudo-like on us.