The new Paramount+ documentary Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands reveals the unique and sometimes ‘Crazy Boyband Rules’, that boyband members had to follow to maintain their public image. Members from popular groups like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and New Edition share insights into the “crazy” guidelines imposed on them by management.
Strict Guidelines for Boyband Image Maintenance
In the documentary, NSYNC’s Lance Bass and Chris Kirkpatrick describe how record label managers maintained control over their behavior to appeal to a family-friendly audience. Bass recalls being told not to follow certain actions, often with references to other boybands’ members as examples to avoid.
“You have to remember with boybands, it’s a family audience,” Bass explains in the film. Kirkpatrick adds, “And, because of that, there were some crazy boyband rules.”
Members faced restrictions against drinking and smoking, even backstage, to preserve their wholesome image. Kirkpatrick shares how he rebelled by purchasing a motorcycle, breaking an unofficial “no motorcycles” rule set by the management.
Additional Restrictions on Personal Lives
New Edition’s Michael Bivins shares that physical appearance was also controlled, with managers asking members to shave and maintain a youthful look. Bivins recalls hearing comments like, “Hold on to your youth,” while Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean adds humorously, “We can’t be Fatstreet.”
Another rule, described by Bivins as the “no girlfriend” policy, aimed to sustain fans’ fantasies and keep the band members seemingly available. This rule, like others, was intended to enhance fans’ perceptions and ensure a strong following.
Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands, directed by Tamra Davis, chronicles these pressures, along with boybands’ history and fan culture. The documentary features interviews with members of iconic boybands, including Donny Osmond, Nick Lachey, and members of Seventeen. The film is now available on Paramount+.
For more updates on Larger Than Life, tune in to Vviptimes.
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