Lance Bass Says *NSYNC Members Earned Little Despite Chart Success
Lance Bass said on The Zach Sang Show that *NSYNC received a $35 daily per diem and that his first band paycheck was $10,000 after years of chart-topping albums and sold-out tours. He explained that residuals from the group's music are modest and that people incorrectly assume he became wealthy from *NSYNC. Bass also said former manager Lou Pearlman and the record label profited heavily while the young band members lacked protection.
Bass discussed the pay disparity on The Zach Sang Show on Oct. 8. He said the group received a $35 daily per diem, and his first band payment was $10,000 after years of chart-topping albums and sold-out tours. He added that merchandise generated large sums, while residuals remain modest.
*NSYNC performed together from 1995 until an indefinite hiatus in 2002. Bass said former manager Lou Pearlman, sentenced in 2008 to 25 years in prison, profited heavily, as did the label. Bass recalled feeling unprotected as a young performer and said members had to rebuild careers afterward.
This disclosure could challenge fans’ assumptions that chart success automatically means lasting wealth. It may resonate with young performers and entertainment workers who face complex contracts, limited protections, or pressure to accept low pay. Listeners might reconsider *NSYNC’s legacy, separating commercial achievements from individual earnings. The story may also encourage broader conversations about financial guidance and legal representation for minors in music, though its direct impact on industry practices remains uncertain.