Lou Pearlman May Promote Biteboy

Lou Pearlman, the infamous promoter of superstar bands such as Backstreet Boys and 'NSYNC, was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy, money laundering, and making false statements during a bankruptcy proceeding. Apparently, Pearlman bilked around $500 million from investors, associates and banks.

U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp is also giving Pearlman the opportunity to reduce his prison time by one month for every million dollars he helps recover. This gives Pearlman the chance to do, once again, what he is best known for.

Biteboy, a local alternative and punk rock band, is hoping Pearlman's experience will boost their own exposure while helping their jailed associate. Rick Namey, guitar and lead vocals for the band, said in an interview with WFTV, Orlando, that "with a man like Pearlman, anything can happen."

A reality tv show, Jailhouse Rock, is on the drawing board that will feature Biteboy and, hopefully, Pearlman. The program will apparently document the full process of promoting a band and may be similar in style the Osbourne Family reality show. Pearlman would be an advisor for the band and appear as a character on the show.

Other members of Biteboy include Dorothy Hall (Pye), Steve Catania and Don Hall. The manager of the band, Rick Namey Sr., who is Rick's father, is a longtime friend of Pearlman. He was also a promoter in the 70's for several well-known bands including Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd and did some video work with Pearlman for the Backstreet Boys.

Biteboy tasted a bit of fame when one of their promotional posters was placed on the wall of Saddam Hussein's palace in Ramadi. Apparently, a group of Marines who took occupation of the massive structure sought to decorate the palace some hometown accents.

There are, of course, several obstacles that first need to be overcome before this show materializes into a "reality." One obvious hurdle is seeking approval from the justice and prison systems. I will update this entry as information becomes available.

From a personal standpoint, I believe that if Pearlman can provide restitution, at least finacially, to those people and institutions he harmed, then this is a good way to do it, provided Pearlman will not be allowed to keep any of the earnings for himself.

Special note: The information gathered for this article is the result of personal research and feedback from members of the band, Biteboy.