98 Degrees Reveal Tour Bus 'Age of Consent' Guide from 1999

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In a recent interview, Nick Lachey, the former lead singer of the 1990s pop group 98 Degrees, has revealed that the band kept a book detailing the age of consent laws in every U.S. state on their tour bus during their early days on the road in 1999. Lachey admits this practice "sounds super shady" in hindsight, but explains it was a safeguard to help the band, who were between 21-24 years old at the time, navigate the legal landscape and avoid potential issues. The interview also sheds light on the financial constraints the band faced, with a modest advance from their label Motown and every expense being recoupable, leading to a frugal lifestyle. Lachey contrasts this with the intense pressure and lack of mental health support artists faced during that era, compared to more recent pop stars who have prioritized their well-being.

Why it matters

Lachey's revelations offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of pop stardom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. From the legal precautions taken to the financial challenges, it provides valuable context on the complexities and sacrifices artists navigated, even at the height of their fame. The insights also highlight the evolving attitudes towards mental health support in the music industry.

The details

According to Lachey, the 98 Degrees members, which included his brother Drew, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre, kept a book detailing the age of consent laws in every U.S. state on their tour bus during their 1999 tour. Lachey acknowledges this practice "sounds super shady" in hindsight, but explains it was a safeguard to help the band, who were between 21-24 years old at the time, navigate the legal landscape and avoid potential issues. The band was signed to Motown and received a modest advance, with every expense being recoupable, leading to a frugal lifestyle where they opted for public transportation and budget-friendly meals instead of lavish perks. Lachey contrasts this with the intense pressure and lack of mental health support artists faced during that era, where they were expected to perform regardless of their well-being, in contrast to more recent pop stars who have prioritized their mental health over performances.

• 98 Degrees formed in the mid-1990s.
• The band embarked on their tour in 1999, when the members were between 21-24 years old.
• 98 Degrees rose to fame alongside other iconic boy bands like *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
• The band members pursued solo projects in the early 2000s, effectively going on hiatus before reuniting for tours later on.

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