If you grew up in the ’90s, then you were probably a Backstreet Boys super fan.  You spent your days singing your heart out to “Quit Playin’ Games (With My Heart)” and kissing the Bop and Tiger Beat magazine pull outs of your favorite BSB members.

While the Backstreet Boys have continued to put out albums within the last few years, boy bands have generally faded away.  But this past year the Backstreet Boys came back with a resounding force when they joined up with New Kids on the Block for the biggest boy band extravaganza ever, also known as the NKOTBSB Tour!

All of your favorite members of the Backstreet Boys came back for the tour, except for one: Kevin Richardson.  Kevin left the group back in 2006 to pursue other interests, releasing this statement at the time:

“After 13 years of what can only be described as a dream come true, I have decided that it is time to leave the Backstreet Boys. 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. Howard, Brian, Alex and Nick will always be my little brothers and have my utmost love and support. I would like to thank the Backstreet fans for all the beautiful memories we have shared together and look forward to including you in the next phase of my life. I wish my brothers continued success and look forward to their new album.”

Kevin did rejoin his BSB band members for several performances throughout the years, even making a guest appearance on the NKOTBSB tour when they played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Now it’s been announced that the Backstreet Boys are not only heading out on their own tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary and coming out with a new album in 2013, but that Kevin is permanently rejoining them!

Brian Littrell confirmed it all via Twitter.  When a fan asked him if it was true that Kevin was really coming back, he responded, “The answer is YES. 😉 New record, and 20 year anniversary tour. 2013 will be a busy year. We are blessed.”

Are you excited for a complete Backstreet Boys return?

Enjoy my personal favorite BSB song — a very fitting song for the occasion — “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” below: