“Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam” is a Netflix documentary series directed by David Terry Fine.
Netflix’s new documentary, ‘Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam’, takes more than a glance at the intricately complex world of business and the inherent risks that trail behind it. This fascinating piece of work draws focus on the life and endeavors of Lou Pearlman, the man who shot two of the world’s most famous boy bands, Backstreet Boys and N’Sync, into stardom. But don’t stop there, the documentary digs deeper, revealing the grim business and music world beyond these bands.
Their journey, under Trans Continental – a company founded by Pearlman – from an anonymous group to the top of charts is explored in detail. Pearlman, a businessman who majored in aviation related businesses and advertising, revolutionized the concept of businesses by introducing a one-stop solution for promotion, production, and development, all under one roof, his.
The documentary takes us back to the 90s, a prime time for Backstreet Boys and N’Sync. The advent of New Kids on the Block, a boy band that had the girls swooning and earned roughly a billion dollars, was the turning point for Pearlman. He recognized the potential and decided to capitalize on it.
The Backstreet Boys, formed in Orlando and consisting of Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, and Howie Dorough, made their first public appearance in 1993. However, their success wasn’t overnight in the US, but they gained popularity in Germany in 1996.
Another creation by Pearlman, N’Sync, acted as a competition to Backstreet Boys. N’Sync and Backstreet Boys later sued Trans Continental, claiming that Pearlman had swindled billions from them. They eventually bought their freedom through a settlement.
When forming more boy bands didn’t work out, Pearlman shifted to investments, leading to a Ponzi scheme, and leaving $300 million in debt. He was captured in Bali in 2007 and passed away in 2016.
‘Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam’ brilliantly captures the essence of the contrasting worlds – the glamour and entertainment industry with limousines and singers, and the dark financial backdrop of music producers. So brace yourself, the real excitement kick-starts from the second episode, chronicling the downfall of a man and an era.
