Way back in 1998 Boy Bands were all the rage. In my 6th grade class the girls were split in three camps: Backstreet Boys, N Sync, and 98 Degrees. I wasn’t a very cool kid and had no idea who any of these groups were but a girl had to belong somewhere. 98 Degree was the smallest contingent and immediately out as an option. Backstreet Boys looked ok but Justin and JC were cuter so I joined Team N Sync.
I played up my fandom so well Mom decided to take me to their concert for my birthday. I was excited but not too excited since I was mostly feigning interest to belong but I didn’t want to tell her that. We waited in a long line for tickets and then a couple more months for the December show.
I’m not sure how we made it to the Palace since my Mom didn’t drive on the express way but somehow we made it. Knowing us we probably got snacks and we definitely picked up a t-shirt (see above). Britney Spears was one of the opening acts and I’m probably more excited about that now than I was at the time. When the boys came on stage everyone around us started screaming and singing along. Mom asked me why I wasn’t singing too and I finally admitted I didn’t know their songs. As a grown-up I can imagine my poor and quite young mother way not thrilled by this news but lucky for both of it turned out I did know their songs I just didn’t know I knew them!
I left the concert a sincere N Sync fan and my fangirlness hasn’t died. I don’t watch award shows anymore but with rumors of a reunion I had to check it out. I’m glad I did. Justin was as amazing as he always is. He’s truly talented. Although the N Sync set was short, it was sweet. A fond memory for 2013.
CarrieDaway 