Lance Bass, renowned for his role in the popular boy band *NSYNC, recently shared insights into his musical journey and expressed admiration for several iconic groups that preceded his own. Now 47 years old, Bass reflected on his experiences in a recent conversation with PEOPLE while celebrating his new position as Chief Cheer Officer at QVC during the channel’s 39th annual Christmas in July event.
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The singer’s discussion provided a nostalgic glimpse into his early influences. He cited the legendary band The Beatles as one of the groups he would have liked to join if he had the opportunity. According to Bass, the 1960s represented a captivating time in music history, characterised by its absence of social media, which he believes fostered a different relationship between artists and their audiences.
“Imagine being part of The Beatles during that era, where everything felt more genuine and live,” Bass suggested. “It would have been such an incredible experience.” He reminisced about an era that allowed artists the freedom to express themselves without the constant scrutiny that comes with modern technology.
However, it was the boy band New Kids on the Block that Bass particularly cherished. He revealed that his sister was a staunch fan and that attending one of their concerts was a pivotal moment in his life. “The first stadium concert I ever went to was theirs, and that’s when I realised, ‘I want to do that. That looks amazing,’” Bass recalled. He celebrated the nostalgia of the late ’80s and early ’90s, a period he described as more innocent due to the absence of smartphones and pervasive social media.
Bass explained how this era allowed for a unique experience both for performers and fans. “The late ‘80s and early ‘90s was simply more fun. You could revel in performances without worrying about the camera clicks and social media posts. It was more about the moment,” he reflected. His enthusiasm for New Kids on the Block clearly resonates, as he expressed how deeply he admired the group for their music and stage presence.
New Kids on the Block, formed in 1984, included members Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Their distinctive sound and energetic performances played a significant role in shaping the boy band phenomenon of the era, paving the way for groups like *NSYNC.
In 1995, Bass joined *NSYNC at the age of just 16, replacing Jason Galasso and joining fellow members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Joey Fatone. During their tenure, the group enjoyed tremendous success, releasing four studio albums before taking an indefinite break in 2002. Reflecting on his time in *NSYNC, Bass identified tracks from their discography that he feels deserve more recognition.
While conversing with PEOPLE, Bass highlighted the song “It Makes Me Ill” from the 2000 album No Strings Attached as one of the most underrated tracks in their catalogue. “That song was my favourite from the album. I really pushed for it to be a single, but there were other strong contenders. It was a challenge to select just one,” he explained.
Another track that Bass holds dear is the acapella version of “O Holy Night” from their 1998 holiday album Home for Christmas. He considers this song to be another overlooked gem and remarked about the emotion it invokes. “That recording ties me back to our beginnings in 1995. It’s just our voices, showcasing our foundation as a group,” he explained with fondness.
Bass’s reflections serve as a testament to the powerful legacy of boy bands, highlighting how they have shaped not just the music scene, but also the lives of the individuals within them. As he embraces his new role at QVC and continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of entertainment, Bass remains deeply rooted in the influences that sparked his passion for music and performance.
In sharing his journey, he not only celebrates his own achievements but also pays homage to the artists that inspired him. As the nostalgia for past musical eras continues to flourish, Bass’s perspective offers a refreshing look at the enduring appeal of boy bands and the timeless joy they bring to audiences.