I can’t believe it’s been 20 years! I should though, because I’m turning 30 this year and I’ve liked them since I was 9. They may be some boy band to people, but in many ways these guys were the some of the most influential people in my life. I learned so much about myself through them. I also met some amazing people through their fandom. I got to see them over the country. 2002, NYC to see Joey in RENT for my 14th birthday. I met Joey that night (2 times really) and it was the one and only time I’ve truly been star struck. Literally frozen, couldn’t form words. When we met him again I blabbered super fast, “today’s my birthday, I just want to thank you for performing and making my birthday” He stopped signing autographs looked up at me and said, “it’s my pleasure Happy Birthday sweetheart!” I died. 2002-Orlando for CFTC. We were outside by the performer entrance with all the other fan girls. Some “random guy” pulls up in a motorcycle. I being a far too obsessed fangirl recognized one of the tattoos on his leg & knew it was Chris. I said quietly to him, “hi Chris, nice to meet you!” He nodded at me in acknowledgment. None of the other girls realized it was him. It still amuses me to this day. Then all those Phoenix trips, I saw them 3 times. And somehow danced all the dance moves in the nosebleeds. After going to shows in the nosebleeds as an adult, I don’t understand how accomplished such a feat haha. As a child we serendipitously happened to catch a performance of Lance with the Mississippi Showstoppers at an event. We were on a trip to MS to visit a family friend. If only I knew haha. But yeah, they’re the group they had me full on ugly crying when they reunited in 2013. Ask anyone who knew me between age 10-15 and they’ll say I was obsessed. I guess everyone has that one band. Now I just need to meet JC, Justin, and Lance and my life will be made. 😊
