Boy bands have been a worldwide phenomenon since the 90s, with millions of fans around the world, chart-topping hits, and massive tours. However, behind the glitz and glamour, many of these bands have been hit by personal tragedies that have deeply affected their members.
Industry pressure, exhausting work pace, and mental health issues have been recurring factors in the lives of these young artists. Below, we review some tragic cases that have marked the history of boy bands.
The tragic deaths that affected and forever changed my bands
Anthony Galindo, former member of Menudo and MDO, passed away in 2020 after a suicide attempt. Galindo, who was battling depression, despite his success in music, his withdrawal from the stage, and the impact of confinement worsened his emotional state. His family shared his painful outcome through social media, where they also highlighted that in his last days, Anthony seemed optimistic.
Stephen Patrick David, a member of Boyzone, is also remembered for his tragic death in 2009. Despite publicly confessing his homosexuality at a time when this was not common among pop stars, Stephen unexpectedly passed away during a vacation in Mallorca due to an undiagnosed pulmonary edema.
In the world of K-pop, Lee Seo Hyun, a member of M.Street, took his own life in 2008 due to financial problems and the pressure of the industry. On the other hand, Sung In Kyu, from the group A'st1, passed away after a tough battle against cancer in 2013. His diagnosis came late due to the hectic work pace that prevented him from receiving proper medical attention.
The "boy band curse" not only affects direct members
Another tragic case is that of Aaron Carter, who rose to fame in the 90s alongside his brother Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. Although Aaron was never part of a true boy band, his career was directly related to that of his brother and to the entire late 90s boy band scene.
Despite his early success, Aaron struggled with a life full of addictions, legal issues, and scandals. On November 5, 2022, he was found dead in his home in Los Angeles, having inhaled toxic substances. The autopsy revealed a fatal combination of drugs and chemicals, reflecting his years of battling his personal demons.