Lance Bass Claims NSYNC Members Were Paid Only $35 Daily During Band's Peak

Lance Bass has revealed that he and his NSYNC bandmates were paid a mere $35 per day during the group's peak popularity in the 1990s. Bass, 47, shared in an interview on The Zach Sang Show that the group's initial earnings were significantly less than what fans might expect, despite their immense success.

"We had a per diem: $35 a day," Bass stated. He further recalled that their first collective paycheck after achieving numerous number-one albums and sold-out tours was only $10,000. "I mean, I don't know how many millions I made off our merchandise because merchandise was insane," he added. "And then they finally give us a check for $10,000."

Bass expressed surprise at the common perception of his financial success from NSYNC, stating, "It's so weird how people think I'm so filthy rich from NSYNC. No, not at all." He clarified that while he has done well financially since the band's hiatus, his earnings during the NSYNC era were minimal. "I mean, the label made a f*** ton and Lou Pearlman, of course. You know, one of the biggest scam artists of all times, made a lot," he said, referring to the band's late former manager.

Lou Pearlman was sued in 1999 for defrauding the band out of earnings, a lawsuit that was later settled. In 2008, Pearlman was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud-related charges and died in prison in 2016 at age 62.

Bass admitted to having held resentment towards the situation in the past, questioning the role of adults in protecting young artists. "God, like, who was there to protect us?" he asked. "And so, I was kind of mad at the adults in the room." He criticized the prevailing attitude that their youth excused their lack of financial security for the future, stating, "Everyone just kept saying, 'You're young. You're young.' Well, who cares if you're young? You still need to make a living and set yourself up for the future."

NSYNC was formed in 1995 and gained initial fame in Germany before signing with RCA internationally. Their debut album was released in 1997, followed by subsequent albums including 'No Strings Attached' in 2000, which featured hits like 'Bye Bye Bye' and 'It's Gonna Be Me.' The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2002.

The members have reunited on occasion, including receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018 and recording the song 'Better Place' for the movie 'Trolls Band Together' in 2023. Earlier this year, Joey Fatone indicated that there are no immediate plans for a full NSYNC reunion, stating that the members recently discussed the possibility but concluded it was unlikely.