Four members of the iconic pop group *NSYNC are in active discussions to launch a major arena tour to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary. According to sources familiar with the plans, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick are exploring proposals for a tour that would proceed even without the participation of Justin Timberlake.
Key Takeaways
- Four *NSYNC members—Bass, Fatone, Chasez, and Kirkpatrick—are in talks for a 30th-anniversary tour.
- Proposals are being considered for an arena tour without Justin Timberlake.
- Promoters believe a four-member lineup can successfully sell out major venues.
- This follows a previous stadium tour offer in 2023 that Timberlake did not engage with.
- Recent public appearances and song placements have significantly increased fan interest in a reunion.
Anniversary Tour Plans Take Shape
As *NSYNC approaches its 30th anniversary, momentum is building for a significant reunion project. Sources close to the group confirm that Bass, Fatone, Chasez, and Kirkpatrick have been actively discussing plans for a large-scale tour. The current focus is on a series of arena shows designed to meet the high demand from their dedicated fanbase.
These discussions are reportedly serious, with various proposals being reviewed. The members are said to be aligned on the desire to commemorate their milestone anniversary with a live production that celebrates their extensive catalog of hits. The potential tour would mark the first major outing for the group in over two decades.
While the door remains open for a full five-member reunion, the current planning is proceeding with a four-person lineup. This strategy allows the group to move forward and capitalize on the current wave of nostalgia and renewed interest in their music.
Promoter Confidence and Market Demand
Music industry promoters are expressing strong confidence in the viability of an *NSYNC tour, even without its most famous member. Major tour organizers, including Live Nation and AEG, reportedly believe that a four-member version of the group holds substantial commercial appeal. Their assessments suggest that fan loyalty is strong enough to fill arenas in major cities across the country.
Background on Previous Offers
In August 2023, both Live Nation and AEG presented a substantial offer for a full stadium tour to all five original members for a run in 2026. However, sources indicated that Justin Timberlake did not engage in those discussions at the time. The current arena tour proposals are a recalibration of that initial interest, tailored for a four-person lineup.
Promoters have drafted new proposals specifically for an arena circuit. This approach is seen as a more manageable but still highly profitable venture. The belief is that the group could schedule multiple nights in key markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, demonstrating the depth of their enduring popularity.
The financial projections for such a tour are robust. Nostalgia tours have become a highly successful segment of the live music industry, and *NSYNC is considered one of the most anticipated potential reunions. The success of tours by their contemporaries, like the Backstreet Boys, serves as a strong precedent.
The Justin Timberlake Factor
The central question surrounding any *NSYNC reunion has always been the involvement of Justin Timberlake. While the four other members are moving forward with discussions, sources say they remain hopeful that Timberlake will eventually decide to join. His participation would undoubtedly elevate the tour from arenas to stadiums, unlocking a higher level of ticket sales and media attention.
It is important to note that Timberlake's non-engagement with the 2023 stadium tour offer occurred long before his recent health issues were made public. The decision was based on other professional and personal priorities at the time. The other members are reportedly respectful of his position but are also keen to not let the 30th-anniversary milestone pass without a celebration for the fans.
Should Timberlake join, the scale of the reunion would change dramatically. Promoters would likely revert to stadium-level planning, with the potential for a global tour. For now, the practical approach is to plan for the confirmed interested parties while leaving the possibility of a full reunion on the table.
A Series of Reunion Teases Fuels Excitement
The current tour discussions are the culmination of several years of renewed public interest, fueled by a series of high-profile appearances by the group.
Coachella 2019 Performance
A significant test of the group's appeal without Timberlake occurred at Coachella in 2019. Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick joined Ariana Grande on stage for a surprise performance, which was met with widespread fan and media excitement.
This was followed by several key moments that kept the reunion buzz alive:
- 2023 MTV VMAs: All five members appeared together on stage to present an award, their first full reunion in a decade, sparking immediate speculation.
- "Trolls" Movie Track: The group recorded their first new song in over 20 years, "Better Place," for the soundtrack of the film Trolls Band Together.
- Movie Premiere: They walked the red carpet together for the film's premiere, further solidifying their renewed public presence.
- Justin Timberlake Concert Surprise: In early 2024, the other four members joined Timberlake on stage during his one-night-only show in Los Angeles, performing several hits together.
Adding to this momentum, the group's iconic 2000 hit, "Bye Bye Bye," experienced a massive resurgence in 2024. Its prominent feature in the blockbuster movie Deadpool & Wolverine introduced the song to a new generation and sent it climbing up streaming charts globally.
This sequence of events has demonstrated a clear and sustained public appetite for more from *NSYNC. As the members and promoters continue their discussions, fans are watching closely, hopeful that an official announcement is on the horizon.