Lance Bass, a member of the iconic boy band *NSYNC, has recently shared insights that challenge the common assumption of pop star wealth. Reflecting on his experiences with the band, which rose to fame in the late 1990s, Bass revealed that their financial journey was far from the glitzy image often associated with celebrity life.
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During a recent episode of The Zach Sang Show, Bass, now 47, recounted the humble beginnings of *NSYNC, revealing that their first cheque amounted to only £10,000 despite considerable success that included chart-topping albums and sell-out tours. Bass noted that this meagre amount came after years of hard work and dedication to their music. He described the disparity between their public fame and their financial reality during the early years, stating, “I mean, I don’t know how many millions I made off our merchandise because merchandise was insane. And then they finally give us a check for $10,000.”
The singer elaborated on the factors that contributed to the slow release of their music in the United States, attributing it to a strategic decision by record executives. According to Bass, *NSYNC was deliberately held back while the Backstreet Boys were given priority. He expressed his frustration at the time, recalling, “They were purposely sandbagging us so that we would not come out first in America.” This delay not only impacted their fame but also their financial earnings.
Bass explained that during the initial phase of their career, they received a daily per diem of only $35, which he suggested was inadequate given their success. He shared that for a significant period, he and his bandmates effectively “worked for free,” which put into perspective the struggle many artists face behind the scenes. Despite the fame and recognition, *NSYNC members were often not compensated in a manner that reflected their popularity.
Over the years, Bass has seen improvements in his finances, particularly thanks to residuals from their past success. However, he insisted that much of his financial stability came after the disbandment of *NSYNC. “It’s so weird how people think I’m so filthy rich from *NSYNC,” he remarked, clarifying that he had to work hard to build his wealth subsequent to the band’s rise. He distinguished between the financial reality for *NSYNC as a group and his personal financial success later in his career.
Bass also acknowledged the emotional toll of their early experiences, stating that while some members of the band did manage to prosper during their time in *NSYNC, he was not among them. He expressed that, at times, he felt a sense of betrayal by the adults in charge, who pushed the young group without prioritising their long-term welfare. “I did at a time. I’m like, God, like, who was there to protect us?” he said, reflecting on the pressures they faced as young performers.
The backlash against being associated with a boy band often made it challenging for *NSYNC members to be taken seriously in their career pursuits following their peak. Bass pointed out the stigma that came with their early fame, which he felt limited their opportunities and made it challenging to transition into other ventures. “Thank God we had amazing families. They kept us going,” he noted, emphasising the importance of personal support during those trying times.
In conclusion, Lance Bass’s reflections on his time with *NSYNC open a window into the complexities of fame in the music industry. Despite achieving immense popularity, the reality for many artists can be starkly different from public perception, characterised by financial struggles and emotional challenges. Bass’s story serves as a reminder of the hard work and perseverance required to succeed in a business that often prioritises image over substance.