98 Degrees member Jeff Timmons reminisces about the daring antics that their fans would pull to get closer to the adored boy band.
Wild Fan Encounters
In the documentary Larger than Life: Reign of the Boybands, the “My Everything” singer Jeff Timmons reveals how the band experienced a sudden surge in fans after appearing on MTV’s Total Request Live.
Transitioning from driving themselves in a Winnebago to being swarmed by fans wherever they went, Timmons shares, “Fans would sneak on our tour bus and we wouldn’t even realize they were there until the next city.”
Fans Gone Wild
Timmons recalls instances where fans would go to extreme lengths to get close to the band, even hiding in room service carts to surprise them.
Admitting that some encounters were too crazy to discuss, Timmons and his bandmates found themselves in surreal situations due to their newfound fame.
Unexpected Popularity
Reflecting on their rapid rise to fame, Nick Lachey acknowledges the unique experience, stating, “I’m sure it doesn’t rival the Beatles, but it felt special to us.”
Initially hesitant to embrace the boy band label, the band members eventually recognized the cultural phenomenon they were part of and embraced their role in the movement.
The Boy Band Conundrum
Despite their original intentions to be an R&B group, 98 Degrees found themselves categorized as a boy band due to industry trends and fan frenzy.
While lacking the dance skills of some contemporaries, the band humorously referred to themselves as the “non-dancing boy band,” highlighting their unconventional journey to stardom.
Larger Than Life is available for streaming on Paramount+, offering fans a deeper look into the boy band phenomenon of the late ’90s.
FAQs
Q: How did 98 Degrees react to being called a boy band?
A: Initially resistant to the label, the band eventually embraced their role in the boy band movement.
Q: What sets 98 Degrees apart from other boy bands?
A: 98 Degrees prided themselves on their vocal harmonies and R&B influences, distinguishing them from more dance-focused boy bands.
Credit: ew.com