Chris Kirkpatrick Recalls Wild Days Touring With *NSYNC and Explains How Things Have Changed Now That They’re ‘Wifed Up’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Chris Kirkpatrick Reminisces About Wild *NSYNC Touring Days and Reflects on Life Changes as They’ve Settled Down

Chris Kirkpatrick, a former member of the iconic boy band *NSYNC, is taking a trip down memory lane as he recalls the wild days of touring with the band and compares them to the present, where they have all settled down with families. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kirkpatrick, now 53, shared insights into his current experiences on the road with Pop 2000 tour members like Brad Fischetti from LFO, O-Town, BBMak, and Ryan Cabrera. The groups recently united at LadyGang’s LadyWorld retreat in Destin, Fla.

Kirkpatrick describes the backstage camaraderie as filled with “dad jokes” and discussions about family life, a stark contrast to the party-filled nights after performances during his time with *NSYNC. He highlights the shift from club-hopping and casual relationships to a more settled lifestyle with spouses and children, where they prefer heading to bed right after shows. This transformation reflects the personal growth and maturity they have undergone over the years since their boy band days.

The singer acknowledges the differences in touring dynamics, with modern-day tours focusing more on bonding over shared experiences as adults, compared to the carefree nature of their past tours. Kirkpatrick fondly recalls the early days when the band members, including Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass, shared rooms and navigated the challenges of touring life together. These memories hold a special place in his heart as they reminisce about their journey from obscurity to global stardom.

Before the fame and success, Kirkpatrick highlights the grassroots efforts they put in, especially during their time in Europe, where they hustled through interviews, photoshoots, and performances while making time for some fun amidst their packed schedules. These experiences, shared with his bandmates, shaped their bond and created lasting memories that they treasure to this day.

As Kirkpatrick reflects on the early days when they were practically living out of suitcases, he recalls the dormitory-like setup they had, sharing rooms and navigating the challenges of close quarters with humour and camaraderie. These experiences, reminiscent of college days, played a vital role in shaping their relationships and strengthening their bond as a group.

Despite the whirlwind journey from sharing rooms and hustling through tours to their current settled lifestyles, Kirkpatrick acknowledges the significance of those early days in grounding them and fostering a deep sense of camaraderie among the band members. These memories serve as a reminder of their humble beginnings and the shared experiences that have shaped them both personally and professionally.

As Kirkpatrick prepares to grace LadyGang’s forthcoming LadyWorld retreat in Destin, Fla., he is filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought him to where he is today. His reflections on the evolution of touring dynamics and personal growth serve as a testament to the enduring bond forged through years of shared experiences and the transition from carefree youth to responsible adults with families.