I came across this awesome collage of ill-conceived boy band photoshoots, and couldn’t resist sharing it here. All your favorites – 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men and Hanson – grace the webpages in some of the weirdest poses I’ve seen in a long time.
But what happened to most of these groups?
Backstreet Boys
Riding high in 1999, the Boys were headed for splitsville in 2006. Kevin Richardson left the group, and the Boys continue without him. They still play here and there, but haven’t released an album in a while. I’m sure Nick’s reality show on E! didn’t help matters.
N*SYNC
The group went on hiatus in 2002. It was at this point that Justin Timberlake became a big star (thanks, Britney!), Lance Bass came out of the closet and the other guys…well, they went their separate ways. Better to heed the writing on the wall than to continue doing something that no longer works (see above).
98 Degrees
These guys pretty much broke up when Nick married Jessica. We all know how that one ended up, but did you know that another member, Jeffre, ran for mayor of Cinncinnati? I didn’t!
Hanson
So I had no idea these guys were so into actual music—and that, apparently, is their label’s fault. In 2000, Mercury Records merged with Island Def Jam, and the brothers’ more creative songs were rejected for a lack of marketability. The boys toured that summer and fall on their own funds, releasing a documentary about breaking free from Island. They now run their own independent label, 3CG Records.
Boyz II Men
After label conflicts and health issues (Michael McCary developed scoliosis and Wayna Morris discovered a polyp on his vocal chords), the Boyz went on hiatus in 2003. They’ve released several albums since II, but none had received the same critical acclaim. They resurfaced in 2007 to take part in the upcoming Motown 50th anniversary celebrations, recording and performing classic Motown hits. Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA is available on iTunes.
New Kids on the Block
By 1994, the group was facing a bit of a backlash. Grunge and gangsta rap were heating up and these guys didn’t fit into either category. After experiencing increased anxiety and panic attacks, Jonathan Knight left the group. The remaining four decided to disband, and began the next phase of their lives: families, marriage, career changes, etc. A reunion tour in 2008, however, brought the fans right back to them (with both hearts and wallets open—including mine!).
Love them or hate them—either way, take a look at those terrible photos and tell me you didn’t get a good, hearty laugh. Ski goggles. Frosted tips. Shiny pants. O. M. G.
