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Lance Bass surprised many when he described how little he and his *NSYNC bandmates were paid during the group’s rise. His recollections paint a stark contrast between fame onstage and the small paychecks behind the scenes.
How a $35 Per Diem Became Part of the *NSYNC Story
Lance Bass told a radio host that the group was handed tiny daily allowances in the early years. According to his account, the band received a modest per diem while building their audience. He said their first personal pay packet arrived after several years of chart-topping albums and stadium tours. That initial band check was reportedly $10,000. He also recalled booming merchandise sales, but said the performers rarely saw the windfall.
- Small daily allowances during tours.
- Merchandise brought massive revenue, he believes.
- Their first real payment arrived years into success.
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Royalties, Residuals and the Illusion of Wealth
Bass explained he still receives some residual money today, but described it as limited. He pushed back on the public image that the boy band made its members instantly wealthy. He emphasized that fame did not equal financial security in those early years. He pointed out that his personal fortune grew more in the years after the group paused activities than during the peak *NSYNC era.
Where the Money Went: Record Labels and Management
Bass suggested that record executives and management reaped far larger financial rewards than the singers did. He singled out the group’s former manager as a major beneficiary.
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Lou Pearlman later faced criminal charges tied to financial crimes and was sentenced to prison. He died while incarcerated. Bass framed the situation as one where the business side profited most, leaving the artists with comparatively little.
Emotional Fallout: Feeling Cheated, Then Letting Go
At times Bass admitted to feeling wronged by the compensation arrangements. He said being young was often used as an excuse to justify the setup. Over time he said the resentment faded, but the sense that the group wasn’t properly prepared for life after pop stardom remained.
- Initial anger over missed earnings.
- Criticism of being dismissed with “you’re young.”
- Acceptance followed, though the sting remained.
Life After *NSYNC: Earnings, Identity, and Brotherhood
Bass noted his later work brought greater financial stability. He spoke positively about the personal benefits of being in the band, including lifelong friendships. He described his bandmates as a support network that helped keep him grounded during sudden fame. He credited the group with changing his path, even if the money was limited then.
