Lance Bass Claims *NSYNC Members Earned Only $10,000 After Years of Free Labor
Lance Bass revealed on 'The Zach Sang Show' that he and his *NSYNC bandmates received a total of $10,000 for their initial years of success, despite producing number-one albums and sellout tours. Bass stated he was paid a per diem of $35 a day and was told to be grateful for the check after working for free for two to three years. He attributed the majority of the profits to the record label and manager Lou Pearlman, noting that while he receives residuals, they are minimal. Bass emphasized that he earned significantly more money after the band's 2002 hiatus than during their active years, clarifying that the group was famous but not wealthy.
Key points
- Bass stated the band received a single check for $10,000 after years of commercial success.
- He claimed the members were paid a per diem of $35 per day during their rise to fame.
- Bass asserted that the record label and manager Lou Pearlman profited significantly from the band's work.
- He noted that his post-*NSYNC career has been more financially successful than his time in the group.
- Bass indicated he no longer holds resentment but acknowledged feeling cheated by the initial deal.
Background
This revelation aligns with broader industry discussions regarding the financial exploitation of young talent in the 1990s. Recent coverage of other 1990s celebrities, such as Tiffani Thiessen, has highlighted similar issues where cast members received negligible compensation or minimal residuals for iconic roles. While *NSYNC was a global phenomenon, Bass's account suggests the financial benefits were heavily concentrated among management and labels rather than the performers themselves.
Why it matters
This account highlights the historical power imbalance in the music industry, where young artists often signed unfavorable contracts that left them with minimal earnings despite massive commercial success. It underscores the long-term financial impact of early career deals and the disparity between public perception of celebrity wealth and actual earnings for many 1990s pop stars.
What to watch
There are no immediate legal or industry actions reported following Bass's comments. The focus remains on his personal narrative and the historical context of *NSYNC's management under Lou Pearlman, who was convicted of fraud in 2008 and died in prison in 2016.
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