Lance Bass has said *NSYNC members made virtually no money during the boy band’s most successful years, despite sold-out tours and hit records.
Speaking on The Zach Sang Show, the singer-songwriter described the group’s finances at the height of its fame. He said members received a daily allowance of $35, while their first significant payment was reportedly only about $10,000.
Bass said that payment arrived after *NSYNC had generated millions for its record company. He also indicated that the group did not receive money from merchandise sales.
He criticised the adults involved in the group’s business affairs for telling the teenage performers to focus on doing their jobs, rather than standing up for their interests.
Bass said he has nevertheless done well in the years since *NSYNC, despite the difficulties often faced by boy band members after their groups come to an end.
He also expressed regret that *NSYNC did not continue working together in the way the Backstreet Boys have, instead splitting up after their period of major success.
The singer’s comments suggest that the band’s commercial success did not provide the financial security its members might have expected, although Bass said he and his former bandmates continue to work hard.
