Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
After the success of his bandmate Justin Timberlake’s solo CD “Justified,” JC Chasez had his work cut out for him. But thanks to controversial songs like “All Day Long I Dream About Sex” and “Some Girls (Dance with Women),” Chasez seems to be doing just fine himself. The other ‘N Sync heartthrob phoned from Los Angeles on his way to rehearsal to chat about his solo album “Schizophrenic,” Clay Aiken and his love for classic rock.
With “Justified,” Justin Timberlake has declared his independence. From ‘N Sync, the boy band that made him famous. From his female counterpart Britney Spears. And from critics who gleefully depicted him as a bubble-headed, curly-haired playboy.
It’s obvious ‘N Sync has spent quite a bit of money on its tour. In the first of two consecutive nights Thursday at the Allstate Arena, the world’s most popular boy band captured its young audience’s attention with a series of flashy explosions, a handful of costume changes and a slew of hit songs. Still, something was lacking from this concert. Or, perhaps it wasn’t that the boys were missing anything but that they were trying to do too much.
Envy me, girls. I am in Lance Bass’s hotel room and guess what? He happens to be here, too.
Never mind that we’re surrounded by his assistant, makeup artist, a handful of publicists and a photographer. I think I saw love in his eyes. OK, maybe it was just the sunlight reflecting from the windows of the W Hotel on Lake Shore Drive. But the point is, Bass–one-fifth of the phenomenally popular boy band ‘N Sync–is so charming he can even make cranky reporters smile.
Don’t use the “B” word around Vi3. That’s right, the Chicago-based trio doesn’t like to be lumped with boy bands. But let’s face it–if it looks like a boy band and dances like a boy band, well …
Let’s get this out in the open now: I am three times older and twice as tall as many of the ‘N Sync fans who attended the band’s sold-out show Tuesday night at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet. I do not listen to their records at home. Nor do I own any of their collectible dolls, T-shirts or posters. But once or twice a year, when the Sun-Times sends me out to review their concerts, darned if I don’t end up having a good time.
Sure, Britney, Christina, ‘N Sync and the Backstreet Boys look pretty cool dancing around onstage at their concerts. But let’s face it–so could you if you had a personal choreographer showing you how to position every part of your body.
On their second album, “No Strings Attached,” the members of ‘N Sync get down and even a little dirty. But is that such a good idea? Do we really want to hear them shout out “Ho, ho, ho!” on the rambunctious “Just Got Paid,” and wonder if they’re repeating Santa’s mantra or are referring to that other kind of ‘ho?
For as long as Justin Roman can remember, he has wanted to be a singer. Even as an all conference pitcher at Roselle’s Lake Park High School, he deejayed in his spare time, and thrilled to the music of his idol, Michael Jackson.
Who knew that the ‘N Sync crowd would be familiar with the Beatles, much less the Sugarhill Gang? But when photos of the former were flashed on a screen above the stage Friday night at the Rosemont Horizon, the young crowd gave a knowledgeable ovation to the Fab Four.