Justin Timberlake draws the most flak for the breakup of ‘N Sync in former bandmate Lance Bass’ new memoir, “Out of Sync.”
Formed in Orlando in 1995 by Lou Pearlman, a Florida businessman turned music impresario, the group’s five teenage members — including JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick — quickly became global stars. Along with Pearlman’s other creation, the Backstreet Boys — whom the ‘N Syncers were taught to consider rivals according to Bass — they dominated the pop charts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. ‘N Sync sold more than 50 million albums.
Timberlake’s status as the breakout star and his decision to go solo are depicted as selfish acts in Bass’ book.
“I felt completely betrayed,” Bass writes. (Timberlake declined to comment.)
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By 2000, ‘N Sync had severed ties with Pearlman. By Bass’ account and others, Pearlman was a manipulator who constantly lied about financial dealings. He is now in jail in Orlando, awaiting trial for defrauding investors of over $300 million.
Bass says he regrets ‘N Sync isn’t making music now.
“I mean, at one point we were the biggest band in the world,” he said. “We could’ve definitely kept that going.”