Johnny Wright switched on his computer screen and with one simple click of the mouse opened up a new web browser window. He punched in the address for MTV.com and leaned back in his chair to wait for the website to load. Rubbing his tired, blood shot eyes, Johnny sighed. As the manger of NSYNC, he had endured a long couple of days answering phone calls from all sections of the international media regarding the tragedy that killed a young man he considered a son.
He pulled himself closer to his desk and stared at the screen in front of him. Just beneath the global navigation bar at the top, Lance stared at him with pale green eyes and a crooked smile. “Lance Bass: 1979-2002” read the headline beside the publicity photo that was months old now. “Complete coverage from MTV News.” He clicked on the link, which sent him to a new web page that spotlighted the main news story. Below the links to related material – stock photos, music clips and past interviews – was the one he was searching for “You Tell Us”.
Another quick click to another web page featuring yet another photo of Lance but with different words:
He scrolled down the page a bit and began reading.
“I can’t believe that Lance is gone. He was so young and so talented. I’m sure there was so much inside of him that even he hadn’t had the chance to explore. The world won’t be the same without him. – Tiffani, 20, Seattle, WA”
“I don’t know what to think. I want to be angry and I want to cry. I’ve been an NSYNC fan since they started and I don’t think it will be the same without Lance. – Marcia, 13, Baton Rouge, LA”
“I may not have been in the group’s typical fan base, but I really like NSYNC’s music. Somehow I just don’t think it will be the same without Lance. – Jacob, 16, Tuscon, AZ”
“He may not have been at NSYNC’s frontman, but Lance will definitely be missed. He was a class act when my daughter and I had the opportunity to meet him backstage here in Montreal. My heart goes out to family and friends. – Renee, 42, Laval, Quebec”
“Thank you, Lance, for sharing your music and yourself with the world in the short time you were here. But thank you also for showing us how easy it is to live a dream. – Michelle, 20, Queens, NY”
“What a senseless tragedy. My prayers are with Lance and his loved ones. – Michael, 24, Boston, MA”
“I just hope that Joey, Justin, Chris and JC are okay. I know I really miss Lance. – Mya, 10, Jacksonville, FL”
As Johnny continued to read the heartfelt sentiments of NSYNC’s fans and peers, he couldn’t help but allow the tears fall. For the past two days, his duties as the pop group’s manager and its members’ mentor forced him to be strong. Now, in the darkness of his own office, Johnny Wright was able to succumb to the emotions that twisted his insides and whirled in his mind. He felt as though he be pulled into that vortex.
He remembered the first day he met Lance. The teenager had come from Mississippi with his mother Diane to audition to be the final member of NSYNC after a recommendation from Justin’s voice teacher. Lance’s shyness didn’t negate his rich bass voice or his natural talent and he was accepted into the group immediately.
Years later the once introverted boy turned into a savvy, business-minded young man. Lance had come to Johnny on numerous occasions asking for advice on matters regarding his own management company Freelance. Johnny considered Lance nearly his equal and told him so when two collaborated in business ventures for their movie production company A Happy Place.
He remembered consoling Lance after the company’s first movie On the Line failed both commercially and critically. During NSYNC’s nearly year-long hiatus, the duo had planned to sit down and restructure their original vision for A Happy Place. Now, Johnny would be directing the project as a solo venture.
After scrolling back to the top of the page, Johnny stared once more at the photo that led off the section. So full of life. He wondered if the fans really understood who Lance was as they looked at that picture.
Wiping the stray tear off his face with his left thumb, Johnny used his right index finger to click on one more link at the top of the page. He typed quickly, hit submit then switched off his computer screen.
The next morning, those that logged onto the Remembering Lance message board at MTV.com were met with a new message:
"The world will never know the true impact of Lance’s influence. He was a good friend, a talented musician, a smart business partner. I can only hope that we will continue to feel his guidance now that he is in a better place. We miss you, Lance. I miss you. – Johnny, 42, Orlando, FL."
