When the boy band 98 Degrees first hit the road in 1999, the group—comprising Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre—was still a handful of years away from the fame and fortune that would later define their careers. Yet even then, the band carried a surprisingly practical tool on their tour bus: a book that listed the age‑of‑consent laws for every state in the United States. In a candid interview for the new documentary Boy Band Confidential, Nick Lachey explains why the guide was deemed essential and how it reflected the realities of touring as a young pop act.
A Shocking Roadside Manual
Nick Lachey recalls the moment the guide first appeared on the bus. “It was going to sound super shady, but when we first went out, someone at the label gave us a book, and it was the age of consent in every state in the country,” he says. The book, a straightforward reference, was meant to protect the band from legal pitfalls that could arise when interacting with fans, especially in an era when the boundaries between celebrity and public were still being negotiated.
While the idea of a legal handbook on a tour bus might raise eyebrows, Lachey emphasizes that the intent was precautionary. “We kept that book on the tour bus as a safeguard to keep us out of trouble,” he explains. “Unfortunately, there were people out there looking to tear you down.” The band’s early days were marked by a mix of adoration and scrutiny, and the guide served as a reminder that the law applied to everyone, regardless of fame.
Living on a Shoestring While Touring
Signing with Motown in 1999 brought 98 Degrees a modest advance, but the contract came with a catch: all expenses were recoupable. “We knew that all expenses were recoupable and so we took the opposite approach from other bands,” Lachey says. Instead of splurging on luxury accommodations or private transportation, the group adopted a frugal lifestyle that mirrored the financial reality of many touring musicians.
- Minimal Accommodations: The band often stayed in budget hotels or shared rooms, keeping lodging costs low.
- Public Transit: After late‑night recording sessions, the four members would hop on the A train back to Brooklyn at 4 a.m., even in the middle of winter.
- DIY Meals: Rather than dining out, they would grab quick, inexpensive snacks or cook simple meals in shared spaces.
- No Car Services: The band avoided expensive rideshares or taxis, opting instead for the subway or walking when possible.
- Careful Spending: Every purchase was scrutinized, with the band prioritizing essentials over indulgences.
These habits not only kept the band’s finances in check but also fostered a sense of camaraderie. “We’d take a break, go around the corner to Wendy’s, and then head back to the studio,” Lachey recalls,
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