#Nostalgia 28 Vintage Photos Of 90's Boybands That Every Fangirl Needs To See
Boybands. Where would the fangirls be without them? The boyband hype might have always existed, going as far back as The Beatles "Beatlemania" craze, but there is no denying that the 90s were a decade that was filled with boy groups that had everyone fangirling. Even our moms. Back then, everyone had to wait for a TV performance to air or for the new magazine to be on the stands to get a piece of their favorite group. Now, the millennials are quite spoiled, having their favorite member of One Direction updating them about their life every hour of their day on social media.
Have any posters on across the bedroom wall? Held banners at the concerts? Tried to sneak into the sold-out performance in a local mall? Attended the album in-store signings? Shed a tear when Kevin left the Backstreet Boys? If so, these vintage photos of everyone's favorite boybands are for all the fangirls! Here we are going to take a journey back to retro photoshoots some may or not remember, other singers they became associated with, and some candid ones we've found.
Get ready to feel nostalgic, as we have 28 golden photos for everyone to reminisce on!
28 Backstreet Boys Puppy Love
And they called it PUPPY LOVE <3. Here are the Backstreet Boys posing with cute little puppy dogs. You're welcome. As if the fangirls didn't have enough to drool over. Nick's expression is pretty comical - but the real comedy factor in this photo comes from Brian. It looks like he's a little concerned with what's going on with his dog, almost as if he knows the dog needs to go to the bathroom but can't do anything about it during the shoot…
27 A Young 3T And Their Familiar Uncle
3T was born into the entertainment industry by default. Their father, Tito Jackson was a member of The Jackson 5 so they obviously grew up with fame. This photo, taken in the 80s, features their very famous uncle Michael Jackson who is referred to as the "King of Pop". Remember him? Jackson is photographed in one of his iconic shiny outfits with the gloves to match. The sunglasses he is wearing were also a staple piece throughout his career. The young 3T brothers, Taj, Taryll, and T.J., in this photo are all wearing sunglasses too within the same style as their uncle. Talk about learning how to be iconic at a young age.
26 Backstreet Boys Matching Outfits
Backstreet Boys burst onto the music scene way back in 1996 and dominated the decade with their concert tours and super catchy singles. Nothing says a 90s boyband photo like one where all their outfits match! Their black leather Backstreet Boys jackets actually have the band's name on the right. Can we have one of these as merch on your 2019 tour, please?! AJ is rocking his signature sunglasses look and of course, Nick and Kevin are rocking the "curtain" hairstyle that has surprisingly made a comeback 20 years later. These guys are fashion icons.
25 5ive And Their Pepsi Deal
A boyband from the UK, 5ive released their debut top 10 single "Slam Dunk (Da Funk)" way back in 1997. Since then they achieved 10 more singles that charted in the top 10 consecutively in the UK, with three of them going to number one. In 1998, their second single "When The Lights Go Out" was a top 10 success in the US. With the hits, came the endorsement deals. In 1999, the boys signed a deal with Pepsi which seemed to be a bit of a theme with music artists in the 90s. In this photo, the Pepsi logo is seen on Ritchie's cheek in the shape of lips. Did we forget to mention the 90s was a little cheesy too? Let's also not ignore the fact that Scott's hair has been dyed the Pepsi colors too…
24 A More Spiced Up Backstreet Boys!
This early photo of The Spice Girls with Backstreet Boys is pretty special. This photo must have been taken around 1996 when The Spice Girls were around the corner from achieving worldwide phenomenon. In their signature clothing that matched their Spice personas, the girls were always loyal to their brand. Scary is shouting, Sporty in a soccer kit, Posh in all black, Baby in pigtails and a cute pink dress and Ginger with her fiery red hair. If there was any photo that would sum up the 90s pop scene then this photo would be a great one to start with. One of the biggest 90s boyband and girlband all in one photo.
23 NSYNC And Nelly
NSYNC and Nelly collaborated on the song "Girlfriend" which was on NSYNC's 2001 "Celebrity" album. The track was released as a single in 2002 and became NSYNC's last single released to date. It was their sixth top 10 single in the US and got nominated for a Grammy. This photo sees a vintage Nelly from when he used to wear bandaids on his cheek during the early noughties with two sweatbands across his head like every cool rapper did at the time.
22 MMMMTV BOP!
Remember Hanson? Named after their surname, the brothers Isaac, Taylor, and, Zac are most well known for their hit single "MMMBop". Their third studio album released in 1997, "Middle of Nowhere", sold over 10 million copies worldwide. In this photo, we see the brothers holding two MTV awards however they have never won an award. In 1997, they were nominated for Best New Artist but lost to Fiona Apple. Despite never winning an award, they seem to be happy in this photo regardless. If you were asked to hold an MTV Award and be photographed with it, you probably would too!
21 Mariah Carey Featuring Boyz II Men
In 1995, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men teamed up for a duet called "One Sweet Day" which became legendary. It was ranked first in Rolling Stone's reader's poll for the Best Collaboration of All Time and it's no wonder since it topped the US singles chart for 16 weeks becoming the longest running number one song on the chart! The photo shown is of their performance at the at the 38th Grammy Awards ceremony, held on February 26, 1996. That same night, the song was nominated for two awards. You can tell this photo is from the 1990s with Boyz II Men wearing matching suits. There's something about this decade and matching!
20 Baby Backstreet!
An early photo from where it all began. The group formed in 1993 and released their debut single in 1995 and this would have been one of their early photo shoots. Nick is yet to have his curtains hairstyle however, it's all good because Kevin has them in this photo. He's also got denim dungarees on and without any surprise, A.J. has sunglasses on blocking any bit of light that might appear. Backstreet Boys' debut single "We've Got It Goin' On" went on to become the first of many hit singles for them. Their highest charting single "Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)" peaked at number 2.
19 A Baby Miley And Trace Cyrus With Hanson! MMMazing!
Shared to her millions of Insta followers, Miley Cyrus posted this photo of herself and her siblings with the band Hanson. The photo from 1996 is when they all went to see Hanson in concert. Miley took to social media to say to her older sister Brandi “you were & still are the absolute cutiestttt of all cuties… sorry to embarrass you in front of millions but that's what a big sis is for!” she continued. “UGH this pic is suchhhhh a GEM. Top 5 best day of my life 1000000% I will never forget sharing this concert with my sibs!” Adorable.
18 Is This When Backstreet's Back Was Made?
It took us some time but we finally found a photo of A.J. without a pair of sunglasses to be seen on his face or head. Here we have a super vintage photo of the Backstreet Boys recording music in a studio. Is this when they recorded "Backstreet's Back"? Maybe not. It looks like they are all belting out a ballad. Maybe it was "Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)" or "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely". With over 100 million records sold worldwide, I'm pretty sure when they were in the studio at this time they never thought their music would live on over two decades later.
17 Take That
Take That are still going strong with their studio albums and stadium tours but they currently only have three members remaining. This photo taken from the early 90s contains all five original members. From the 90s hairstyles to the smoldering looks (minus Gary), this was a time before the five of them became household names across Europe. Robbie Williams, bottom left, always rocked a confident look from the start and this photo proves that. We wonder if he would have guessed that he could conquer a solo career that would be just as or even more successful than the group back then.
16 NSYNC In The Studio With Kandi
Kandi started off her career in girl group Xscape before venturing out into a solo career. She is more well known these days for being a part of the reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta but she has a lot of songwriting credits on a lot of hits you know and love. From Destiny's Childs Bills Bills Bills to TLC's No Scrubs to Ed Sheeran's Shape Of You, Kandi has been writing those hits since the beginning of time. Kandi wrote on NSYNC's song "It Makes Me Ill" taken from their album "No Strings Attached". This happy looking photo must have been taken during the process of making it in the studio.
15 3T And Diana Ross
The 3T brothers must have met some incredible legends growing up. I mean, having Michael and Janet as your uncle and auntie is one thing but to also have memories with the legendary Diana Ross is another thing to boast about. The stories they must have to share! T.J. in the middle is seen to be wearing a Jackson 5 jumper looking really happy as it appears Ross is saying something to him. I wonder what? Say cheese? Little did anyone know at this time that the three brothers would go on to sell millions of records.
14 Backstreet's Back with NSYNC!
What's better than one boyband? TWO BOYBANDS. Especially when it's a photo with a mix of members from Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. It seems this photo was taken backstage at an event as they all have lanyards on them implying they are allowed in this building. Good to know no rules were broken in this photo. JC Chasez is wearing a visor hat. Remember them?! And Justin Timberlake's iconic curls are still alive at this period in time. If these two groups were to make every fangirl's heart complete and form a supergroup, what would you name them?
13 A Leathery 98 Degrees
98 Degrees released their debut self-titled album in 1997 which was followed up by "98 Degrees and Rising" a year later which went four times Platinum in the US becoming their best selling album. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles in the U.S. In this photo they are seen to be rocking the all black everything look in matching leather jackets. Here they are at the WB Radio Music Awards presenting Faith Hill's performance. The four-piece were applauded by screaming girls. Clearly, the leather was the magic touch and notched it up to 100 degrees.
12 98 Degrees In Boiler Outfits
Here 98 Degrees are at Nickelodeon's The Big Help which was a yearly show that kids from around the country would call in to try to get one of their local parks refurbished by Nickelodeon. Maybe that was their excuse to all wear matching jumpsuits? Although it's usually mechanics who wear these kinds of overalls. Obviously, it's a fashion statement that only 90's kids can relate to. Maybe it was 4 degrees outside and they felt 94 degrees less like themselves. Staying on brand is very important in the entertainment industry. The shows original run was 1994 - 2001 but in 2010 it got revived.
11 NSYNC With Britney Jean Spears!
Well, what do we have here! A young NSYNC with a young Britney Spears! Justin Timberlake and Britney dated each other from 1998 until the early 2000s but we wonder when this photo was taken? Were they already secretly dating? In 1998 NSYNC went on their “Second II None Tour” and had Miss Spears as their support act. Irish group B*Witched and Mandy Moore also supported during some of the tour dates too. What a show that would have been! Were you lucky enough to go? While Justin and Britney were on tour together, Timberlake and Spears' romance blossomed and began an iconic pop culture couple.
10 Dru Hill
Dru Hill are one of R&B's slickest groups and this photo proves that. Sisqo's shaved bleach hair became his signature look and in this picture, he clearly oozes confidence. The other three members remain calm and collective with their smoldering boy band expressions. A lot of serious looks from a decade that was very carefree, has anyone else noticed that? Releasing their self-titled debut album in 1996, the group achieved four studio albums and a Christmas EP. Their best selling single in the US is their second released single "In My Bed" which went Platinum and charted in the top 5 on the US Billboard 100.
9 A Christmassy NSYNC
I don't know about you but by looking at this very festive photo of NSYNC, I just want to sing "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" out loud. In 1998, the group released their Christmas album "Home for Christmas" which charted inside the top 10 in the US and sold over two million copies there alone going double Platinum. The album also went Platinum and Canada and sold over four million copies worldwide. Which member of NSYNC would you want to kiss under the mistletoe? You can only choose one. Also, don't forget to stream "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" this holiday season!
8 Is It Getting Warmer In Here?
Mariah Carey, Joe, AND 98 Degrees. It's definitely warm in here. Brett Ratner, photographed with the lanyard directed the music video for "Thank God I Found You" which all these acts were a part of. The single topped the US album charts making it Carey's fifteenth chart-topper. 98 Degrees look really honored to be in the same presence as Carey who looks happy to be there too. It looks like she is wearing a bright and colorful top which is fitting since the song they recorded the video for is taken from her album titled "Rainbow". Joe might be a solo act but his smoldering boyband look is very much present here.
7 3T In Black And White
Here, we see a more grown-up 3T. This time, in black and white. Again, more smoldering boyband looks. Maybe they needed Diana Ross to help them smile. In 1995, the brothers released their debut album "Brotherhood" which went on to have huge success in Europe. Their debut single "Anything" became their biggest single going Gold in the UK, US, and Australia. Their single with Michael Jackson titled "Why" had a black and white music video and this photo is slightly reminiscent with that. Comfy clothes always seemed like a thing with the 3T boys judging by their early artworks and music videos.
6 A1
Pop band A1 released their debut top 10 single "Be the First to Believe" back in 1999. Since that hit, they achieved seven more consecutive top 10's. Two of those singles topped the UK and Norweigan charts. One of them was a cover of A-ha's iconic "Take On Me". This colorful photo is when the boys attended the Disney Channel Kids Awards. To match their colorful clothing, they have the happiest cheesy smiles to set the mood. Ben, on the far left, was always known for the curtains hairstyle when in the group but Christian next to him appears to have the hairstyle here too. Who knew?!
5 … And Gloria Estefan!
NSYNC get around with musical legends, don't they? Here they are with Latin Pop sensation Gloria Estefan. In 1999, they both teamed up on the single "Music of My Heart" which was taken from the "Music of the Heart" movie soundtrack. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999 going Gold selling over half a million copies in the US alone. The single got nominated for an Academy Award and two Grammys. It won the Billboard Music Award for Top Song from a Movie and the Blockbuster Award for Best Pop Song in a Movie. This photo was taken at the 1999 Teen Choice Awards where they performed the song together.
4 Boyz II Men And Their Grammy Win!
Taken on February 24, 1993, at the 35th annual Grammy Awards, Boyz II Men won an award each for their single "End of the Road" for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The songwriters for the song also won Best R&B Song that same night. Dressed in all the same suits, they also all have pretty much the same facial expression. Joy! The single was a worldwide success going to number one around the world including Australia, UK, and US. It became the seventh best-selling single in the US throughout the 90s decade and remains one of their signature singles.
3 5ive Performing With Queen
In July 2000, Queen did a re-make of their iconic single "We Will Rock You" with 5ive who got their second number one with the song in the UK. The legendary rock band performed the single at the Brit Awards that same year with the boyband like seen in the photo. Brian May literally never ages and looks happy to be on stage with the boys. With their hands in the air, they must have been doing the legendary clap to the song, surely? 5ive wore black leather which went with their bad boy persona. Brian May obviously didn't get the leather memo.
2 Queen Of Knowing The Boybands: Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey covered Phil Collin's hit "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)" in 2000. The cover was taken from Carey's 1999 seventh studio album "Rainbow". Mariah re-released the cover with Irelands very own Westlife. The single topped the UK charts giving Westlife their sixth consecutive number one single. It became Mariah's second UK number one. The song also topped the singles chart in Ireland. In this photo, Carey is posed with Shane Filan, a member of the group. It seems that Mariah is smiling with her teeth and Shane is smiling with his eyes. Tyra Banks would be super proud.
1 She Doesn't Know J-Lo But She Does Know 98 Degrees!
Mariah is well known for not knowing who Jennifer Lopez is but she clearly knows 98 Degrees and a whole load of other boy bands. Mariah collaborated with 98 Degrees on her number one single "Thank God I Found You" but she clearly found the time to hang out with them several other times. When this photo was taken, both acts had already reached a lot of success in music so it's nice to see a bunch of stars dressed so casual for an event. We stan humble legends. We don't know where Nick Lachey is looking but it's clearly at the wrong camera.
References: Wikipedia, E! Online, YouTube, People, Heavy.