*NSYNC Shoots Concert For IMAX Film
(7.19) Source - MTV: "An *NSYNC concert in Detroit at the Pontiac Silverdome on Tuesday night was shot for an upcoming IMAX feature film that producers are hoping to have on screens in October. "Variety" reports that Really Big Film Corporation, a Los Angeles-based outfit that specializes in producing and distributing IMAX motion pictures, is handling the project, currently dubbed "*NSYNC: Bigger Than Live."
*NSYNC's JC Chasez recently confirmed the project during an interview with MTV Asia, indicating that the film was how the group planned to get it's live show out to the rest of the world. JC also said that the group was still sorting through scripts for the flick that the group was promoting during an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in France earlier this year.
*NSYNC, who is producing that film, plans to make some executive decisions about that movie after wrapping it's summer tour on August 1st in Joliet, Illinois. "We don't know if it's gonna be a musical or if it's just gonna have high music content," JC told MTV Asia. "We're battling it out, really. August is the time we're gonna be trying to figure out what we're gonna do. We have a bunch of scripts we're looking at [at] the moment. We'll make the choice in August and then put the team together, because we're planning to be producers and writers in the films as well."
*NSYNC Blows Up Big
(7.19) Source - Wall of Sound: Ever dreamed of seeing your favorite member of *NSYNC so close up that you could count his nostril hairs? The wait will soon be over � the record-breaking boy band's concert in Detroit on Tuesday was shot for an upcoming giant-screen film, reports Variety.
*NSYNC: Bigger Than Live, produced and distributed by Los Angeles' new Really Big Film Corp., promises to magnify the tiniest details of the quintet's gig at the Pontiac Silverdome to IMAX-size proportions. The film, the first big-screen concert since The Rolling Stones--Live at the Max rocked the large-format screen back in 1990, is scheduled to hit theaters in October.
"We are really thrilled to be working with *NSYNC on our very first project," admitted Really Big Film's Johnathan Sanger. "Their explosive staging, mixed with their energetic music, is a perfect fit for our giant-screen format."
Meanwhile, work on the group's as-yet-untitled feature film project will reportedly start in earnest after August 1st, when the group's tour concludes in Joliet, Ill. Although *NSYNC attended the Cannes Film Festival in May to promote the project, it's members have yet to decide on a story line or screenplay. But the producers probably won't let little details like that interfere too much. "*NSYNC's an international musical treasure," observed Gerald Green of Total Film Group, which is co-producing the film with *NSYNC's own Phat Free Productions, in April. "By turning to film, they will give their fans around the world a new medium in which to enjoy their remarkable talents." The world of acting isn't completely foreign to *NSYNC. Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez are both vets of The Mickey Mouse Club, and Timberlake also starred in a TV movie, Model Behavior, opposite Kathie Lee Gifford. Lance Bass played himself on both an episode of 7th Heaven and the celebrity edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. All five members are slated for cameos in Jack of All Trades, an independent crime thriller, co-written and produced by the group's founder, Lou Perlman. The film is currently in post-production.
Eminem Matches *NSYNC's Chart Power
(7.19) Source - Rolling Stone: Eminem may have fallen short of beating *NSYNC's record-breaking first-week sales, but give him one more week and he'll at least have bragging rights for more consecutive weeks at No. 1. "The Marshall Mathers LP" tops this week's SoundScan chart with sales of 257,371, tying *NSYNC's exhausting eight-week stand as chart kings. And unless Britney Spears fans rally behind her perennial second place "Oops!...I Did it Again" in the name of teen pop and pull off a coup, Slim Shady looks certain to make it nine straight next week.
The controversial Detroit rapper has a ways to go before he can claim bragging rights to the best-selling album of 2000; *NSYNC's "No Strings Attached" still holds that title with total sales of 6,849,695 copies sold after seventeen weeks in stores. But Eminem's album, currently at 4,974,166 copies sold, should pull past Santana's Supernatural (5,161,046) for second place by next week.
Three Teens Trek 160 Miles to See *NSYNC
(7.19) Source - Wall of Sound: "Three Michigan teenagers walked 160 miles to check out today's *NSYNC concert in Pontiac, Mich. But don't worry, they did it for a good cause. No, not just to cheer on Justin, JC, and the boys � they're hardly charity cases � yet. The trio used its eight-day trek to raise funds for a local children's hospital and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Hey, if you spent eight days trudging alongside a highway, you'd be worried about drunks behind the wheel, too.
Sarah Hayes, 16; Jamie Johnson, 15; and Stephanie Flick, 14, came up with the idea while they were waiting in line to buy copies of *NSYNC's "No Strings Attached," according to a story in the Detroit Free Press. In the course of pledging their allegiance to the chart-topping boy band, the Portage, Mich., residents swore to see the show in Pontiac by any means necessary, even if they had to walk all the way.
Taking a tip from *NSYNC's charity endeavors, the threesome opted to turn the adventure into a fundraiser, and, in the weeks leading up to the hike, drummed up over $2,000 � earmarked for the Children's Hospital at Bronson and M.A.D.D. � via bake sales, car washes, and pledge sponsors. Now that they've completed their journey, they estimate they'll collect another $4,000 in proceeds.
The girls set out July 8, with Johnson's father accompanying them by car. They hiked 25 miles each day for the first three days, 14 miles per day for the next two, and picked up the pace to 18 miles per day for the final three. The Hampton Inn hotel chain provided free accommodations along the way. "I don't know if we'd do it again," Hayes told the Free Press. "We'd need at least a year to recuperate."
For those interested in chipping in for a good cause in the name of boy pop, contributions can be sent to *NSYNC We Can Make a Difference, c/o Jaimie Johnson, 1609 E. Rock, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001 (where they will be placed into an account at the Kal-Postal Federal Credit Union)
More Charities Get *NSYNC Help
(7.17) Source - Undercover: *NSYNC has added Camp Good Days and Child Watch to benefit from this year's Challenge For The Children II. Camp Good Days is a non-profit organization that provides a camping experience for children who have been touched by cancer, HIV/AIDS, and violence. Child Watch is a non-profit organization that aids the recovery of missing and abducted children. *NSYNC's Challenge For The Children II kicks off Friday, July 28, 2000 at Planet Hollywood in NYC with a VIP Reception and Press Conference. Some of this year's confirmed celebrity guests included Usher, Pink, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Queen Latifah, Antawn Jamison, Dennis Scott, Isaiah Thomas, Shannon Elizabeth, Stephon Marbury, Beverly Mitchell, Youngbloodz, Dean Winters, Duane Martin, Darren Henson and Donell Jones.
*NSYNC Tickets Up For Auction
(7.17) Source - LiveDaily: The members of *NSYNC have donated some of their personal tickets for auction on the Internet via Yahoo.
The group is holding 10 separate auctions, each one for a set of four tickets. The highest bidders and winners of each set of four tickets will also get a meet-and-greet pass allowing them to hang with *NSYNC before or after the concert. The auctions begin Saturday (July 15th) and continue through July 29th. The auctions benefit both the Justin Timberlake Foundation and *NSYNC's Challenge For The Children Foundation. *NSYNC singer Timberlake recently told LAUNCH what his namesake foundation is all about. "It's to improve the arts programs and schools--not just inner-city schools, but also public schools," he explained. "I just want kids who are at a young age and have dreams to have the opportunity to actually try them. I think if kids find a positive way to channel their emotions, they can channel them in a positive way." The starting bid for each set of tickets is $500, and the packages will be auctioned as the date of each concert approaches. In other *NSYNC news, the group's first-ever live televised concert will take place at New York City's Madison Square Garden on July 27th at 9:00 PM ET , and it will air on cable's HBO.
JC Says No *NSYNC Lip Balm
(7.17) Source - MTV Asia Asks JC: "It sure seems like it... Okay, now you guys have a crazy market out there for merchandise. But did you guys really give the approval for *NSYNC lip balm recently?
JC: We're actually shutting the lip balm thing down, 'coz it wasn't us who okayed it. And as far as ideas for merchandise, we all kind of play a part in it... the people will tell us like "this is what the Rolling Stones do, this is what these other people are doing... what do you want to do?" So we talk and come with stuff."
Wahlberg Hopes For *NSYNC Participation
(7.27) Source - Infobeat: Actor Mark Wahlberg hopes to persuade pop act *NSYNC to star in a dark comedy he is developing about a boyband. Wahlberg, currently starring with George Clooney in Perfect Storm, says the project is called 'Four Of A Kind.' "It�s actually going to be a tragic tale and I think *NSYNC would jump right in." he told the New York Post. Wahlberg was singer for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch in the 80s and brother Donnie was in New Kids On The Block.
HBO Concert Looms Nearer
(7.15) Source - HBO: "The hottest group in pop music today takes the stage of New York City's entertainment mecca for their first live TV concert! Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and Justin Timberlake make up the electrifying pop quintet who will perform this show as part of their "No Strings Attached" U.S. tour. The set promises to include such hits as "Bye Bye Bye," "It's Gonna Be Me," "I Want You Back," "Tearin' Up My Heart" and "I Drive Myself Crazy." Check Airtimes
*NSYNC, Britney Spears, Sisqo & Joe To Participate In McPress Conference
(7.15) Source - Launch: "Do you want fries with that? You can ask *NSYNC, Sisqo, and Joe that very question next week when all three acts will take part in a press conference at a McDonald's located on Grays Ferry Avenue in Philadelphia at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday (July 20th). The media event is to announce the artists' participation in the global food retailer's summer music promotional campaign, says a spokesperson for McDonalds, who added, "McDonalds has been working closely with several artists including *NSYNC, Sisqo, Joe, Britney Spears, Carlos Vives, and others to make three new CDs and a home video."
The full details of the summer music campaign will be announced at the press conference. *NSYNC's labelmate Britney Spears will participate in the event via satellite from the Ronald McDonald House in San Antonio, Texas, reports a Jive Records representative. Spears performs live in concert at San Antonio's Alamodome that same evening, while *NSYNC will stay in town to play the Philadelphia Spectrum that night."
So Why Is Justin Growing Out His Hair?
(7.15) Source - Interview: Asks Justin: "This is every girl's question, why are you growing your hair long?"
Justin: "Well I'm shooting a movie next month and I have to braid my hair, but when we are done making the movie I am going to cut it off, I don't like it long."
Dave Homes Backs *NSYNC
(7.15) Source - Television: On today's episode of "Say What? Karaoke" on MTV, one of the contestents came out wearing a *NSUCK T-shirt. He performed Nookie and when the stylist judge was judging him, she remarked that "I think Fred Durst would really like the shirt too." The then began trashing *NSYNC by saying such comments as "Down with *NSYNC." But never fear *NSYNCers, Dave Holmes came to the rescue and told him, "Hey, don't talk about my boys like that or you'll get the back of my hand."
Fans Pose A Health Threat
(7.14) Source - People Magazine: "Having millions of screaming girls as fans has become a health hazard for the megapopular boy band, *NSYNC. "It started affecting our ears, actually," says Lance Bass, 21, whose group also includes Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. "We had a doctor a couple of years ago say that our ears are going bad because there is a certain pitch that those girls send out that will deafen you. So we have these in-ear monitors now that block out most of the screaming." Bass says he won't miss all the high-pitched pandemonium when *NSYNC brings their sold-out tour to New York City's Madison Square Garden July 27th for a concert airing live on HBO. "Not really," he says. "It's actually better when there is less of it."
*NSYNC Claim Title Track on "Space Cowboys" Soundtrack
(7.14) Source - Me: *NSYNC's hit "Space Cowboy," appearing on their record-breaking album "No Strings Attached", took it's riteful place as the theme song for the new Clint Eastwood movie, collectively titled "Space Cowboy". The film is scheduled for release August 4th and stars Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, and Donald Southerland. Check out previews in theatres now. The Soundtrack to the film can be pre-ordered from CD Now
Crew Plays Practical Joke On Spears
(7.13) Source - Launch: Britney Spears may not be engaged to *NSYNC singer Justin Timberlake, but that didn't stop the teen queen's crew from playing a practical joke on her at her concert at Detroit's Pine Knob Music Theatre on Sunday (July 9th)--the very same day British tabloid reports about the rumored engagement started surfacing.
Sources in Spears's camp tell LAUNCH that as the 18-year-old singer was on stage performing live in front of the sold-out crowd, her crew decorated her tour bus by tying cans to strings and attaching them to the rear end, topping it all off with a "JUST MARRIED" sign! Timberlake was at the Detroit shows, but there's no word on whether or not he knew of the crew's prank.
After Spears's Detroit performance, she took a five-day break and is currently hanging out with Timberlake and other *NSYNC members, according to the same sources. Her concert tour resumes on Sunday (July 16th) at the Riverport Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
No Authority Moves In On Territory
(7.13) Source - Yahoo: "No Authority's Ricky G says the group's recent tour opening for Britney Spears provided a good opportunity to remind fans that the fleet-footed quartet is still going strong, just prior to the July 18 release of its self-titled second album and the kickoff of its next tour. The Britney dates also afforded the four young men the chance to go a little girl crazy....But what about Britney herself? "Oh, God...you know, I wanted to [ask her out]," says G, 18, who was discouraged by the occasional presence of *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake. "They're both really happy," he admits. "They look really happy." But she might be happier..."with me!" G says with certainty.
Anticipation For New Home Video Rises
(7.13) Source - IGBM Single: With *NSYNC's '00 Tour well underway and the guys topping the charts left and right, it's no wonder that they would go even farther for their fans as to release a much anticipated new home video. *NSYNC, who released their first home video, "*N The Mix," in '98, have also appeared in concert specials aired nation-wide, such as their Disney Concert, Pay-Per-View Concert, & soon-to-be aired, Live HBO Concert. The guys have set the release date for their upcoming home video for October 10th.
Leno Knocks Justin/Britney Engagement
(7.12) Source - Television: Last night's episode of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" proved to be a most interesting one. With all the hype circulating about the rumored Justin/Britney engagement, Leno couldn't help but mention it. However, the usual knocks to the two were toned down somewhat. He mentioned the engagement, seeming to believe it though it's just a rumor, and stated how happy he was for the two. He went on to say, "Sorry boys, but he's taken." Then, in his usual joke-spewing fashion, remarked that it would be the first wedding in history where they "lip-synch their wedding vows."
Is One Hour of *NSYNC Bliss Worth $6.99?
(7.12) Source - USA Weekend: An article printed in this weeks edition of USA Weekend, contained information regarding *NSYNC and MCY. According to the article, MCY.com will air a webcast from the '00 *NSYNC Tour on July 15th. The concert will cost $3.99 for 30 minutes and $6.99 for 90 minutes with a 3 minute preview available for free at usaweekend.com.
Justin & Chris Dish About Their Favorite Scary Movie
(7.12) Source - Entertainment Weekly: The July 14th edition of EW features a section on 'Favorite Horror Movies' to celebrate the release of "Scary Movie" located on the FLASHES page. *NSYNC's Justin is quoted as saying, "When I was 4, I saw 'When a Stranger Calls.' It was really lame, but scared the crap out of me." Chris was also quoted saying, "'Ishtar.' I sat through the whole thing and, trust me, that was scary."
*NSYNC Gets Puppet Makeover
(7.12) Source - MTV Online:
If you've ever dreamed of making Justin Timberlake dance like an organ grinder's monkey, you may soon get your chance. The complete 'NSYNC roster has been captured in a series of marionette puppets that will soon be made available via the group's official online store at nsyncdirect.com. The site is currently taking orders for the ten-inch tall versions of Justin, Joey, Chris, J.C., and Lance, and the puppets are expected to ship the week of July 25. The collectibles were inspired by the group's video for "Bye, Bye, Bye" and can be yours for $25 each.
Meanwhile, the group managed to sell out its upcoming "Challenge For The Children II" charity basketball game when tickets went on sale on Monday. As we previously reported, the game is set for New York's St. John's University on July 29th and is expected to draw such stars as Joe, Aaliyah, Method Man, Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, Jermaine Dupri, Pink, Rosie O'Donnell, and the Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett, among others."
Is Marky Mark the New Kid on *NSYNC's Block?
(7.12) Source - Undercover: Could Marky Mark and *NSYNC be getting together? Maybe! Mark Wahlberg has written a screenplay for a movie titled "Four of a Kind" and says that *NSYNC would be perfect for the main role. "Four of a Kind" is described as a dark comedy and Wahlberg is reserved as to whether he based the sorry on his own life or of that of his brother Donnie. As Marky Mark, Wahlberg fronted Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch and had a couple of hits in the early 90's. His brother Donnie was a member of New Kids On The Block. For now, "Four of a Kind" is still in development stages.
Justin/Britney Spears Marriage Rumor False?
(7.11) Source - Local OH Radio Station A Local Cincinnati, Ohio radio station spoke to *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake last night regarding the engagement issue. Justin was quoted as saying, "[It's] the most rediculous thing I've ever heard! This has really gotten out of hand. Me and Britney are not dating, much less getting married. I have said this many times before and I will say it again, we are friends, nothing more. We hang out, yes, and we do fly out sometimes to catch each others shows, and we hook up while in the same city, but we are not a couple." He then asked, "Where did this come from again?" The DJ informed him that it originated from a British tabloid and he responded, "Well, there is your answer."
Britney has also been quoted as saying, "We're just friends. We have hung out before, although it's nothing serious."
A spokesperson for the two also issued a statement which read, "Contrary to what has been erroneously reported, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake are neither engaged or married. The story, which began in the British tabloid News of the World is, not surprisingly, completely without merit."
Rosie Shows Love For *NSYNC
(7.10) Source - Television: On today's episode of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," Rosie was driving to the set of MI-2 for her interview with famous movie star Tom Cruise. The highly-talented comedian had the radio on as she drove and the station played "Bye Bye Bye." She remarked, "Man I love *NSYNC!" and started dancing in her car!
Engagement Rumor Confirmed To Be False
(7.10) Source - Access Hollywood: Tonight's edition of Access Hollywood, reassured *NSYNC fans of the falsehood to the Justin/Britney engagement rumor. "A note about pop star Britney Spears and *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake getting wed: Totally not true. Until next time..."
*NSYNC To Make Apperance on Pokemon Movie Special
(7.10) Source - Company PR: "The Power of One: The Pokemon 2000 Movie Special" Airs Nationwide Sunday, July 16, on The WB at 8 PM. The special will feature behind-the-scenes recording sessions and interviews with some of the music industry's stars who have contributed to the movie's soundtrack, including Donna Summer, who sings the inspiring theme "The Power of One." Pop bands Youngstown and Nobody's Angel will join forces in a live rendition of "Pokemon World."And among the show's highlights will be a special segment introduced by David Gallagher ("7th Heaven") and spotlighting messages from LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant, Christina Aguilera, and the boys from *NSYNC, profiling stories of real-life hero kids from across the country. These are kids who truly demonstrate the movie's message, 'the power of one,' by making a difference in their own communities on a daily basis in youth groups, church and other community organizations.
*NSYNC Tickets Make One of The Largest Jumps In Price
(7.10) Source - LiveDaily: Ticket prices for top concerts continue to rise in 2000, but the trend doesn't seem to be keeping fans out of the seats, according to data collected by concert industry magazine Pollstar. In fact, the concert industry is on track to gross a record $1.8 billion this year, and attendance for the top 50 tours reportedly is up 5% over the same period a year ago. The average price to see one of Pollstar's top 50 tours in the first half of 2000 was $44.80, which is up $1.17 from the average ticket price in 1999 (and up more than $11 from the 1998 average).
All told, however, most fans shelled out much more: Pollstar's data doesn't factor in taxes, facility fees, and ticketing charges, which can in some cases add a premium of more than 50% to the price of a ticket. In addition, Pollstar's statistics don't include tickets sold by brokers, which can be priced at an even higher premium. The statistics also mask the fact that three of Pollstar's top 50 grossing tours of 1999--the Rolling Stones, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti--had an average ticket price of more than $100. Only one tour in 2000's mid-year top 50--Andrea Bocelli--has a ticket price of more than $85. That suggests that lower-priced tours lifted the average.
*NSYNC tickets made one of the biggest jumps in price: 1999 *NSYNC tickets sold for an average of $28.62, according to Pollstar's year-end report, whereas an average 2000 *NSYNC ticket set a fan back $46.72, a whopping 63% increase. However, the group's performances still sold out quickly in most markets. Fellow boy group Backstreet Boys tickets averaged $37.24 in 1999. In 2000, tickets have sold for an average price of $42.42, according to Pollstar statistics.