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Boy bands.
Every decade has their share. Some, like The Beatles, inspire LOVE and a legacy. Others yield punchlines, or are forgotten altogether. (Let’s hear it for LFO - Lyte Funky Ones... anybody?) After the inevitable break-up comes the solo careers of varying success and, sometimes, a fun reunion with all (NSYNC) or most of the original remaining members (this summer's Monkees tour minus Davey Jones). The really lucky ones continue to re-invent themselves, building on their songbook with new material. Or, sometimes they just head off in an entirely new direction. Jeff Timmons of98 Degrees has done all of the above. And, like the boy band he founded, Jeff still manages to keep temperatures rising.
Jeff Timmons seems to be a smart man. He’s weathered the ups-and-downs of fame, focused on his personal life when boy bands fell out of favor, and took a chance at Rio when invited to guest host Chippendales. His wife, Amanda, saw it as a great opportunity and urged him to give it a try. A few scheduled weeks turned into a few successful months, which led to guest stints by Joey Lawrence, Jake Pavelka and Ian Ziering. Jeff was suddenly in demand once again, especially in Las Vegas. Pool parties, nightclub gigs, and a parade down The Strip with the Jubilee showgirls toprotest resort fees. Despite what happened later, we’ll forgive him. We’re guessing he was nudged into participating by Caesars Entertainment while on their payroll.
That was two years ago. And, since then, he’s settled permanently in Las Vegas, getting acclimated to life in Sin City with his wife and family. He's also appeared on the Miss USA Pageantat Planet Hollywood, had his own headlining gig at Green Valley Ranch’s Ovation Lounge (now closed), and rejoined his former 98 Degrees bandmates (as well as NKOTB and Boyz II Men) for the very successful Package Tour this summer, which stopped at Mandalay Bay in July. Whew, no wonder he's always working up a sweat.
Timmons has also embraced his sex appeal which, unlike the Britneys of the music industry, is somewhat uncommon for male singers. From his soulful voice and Tom Jones-reminiscent open shirts to his Elvis-worthy body language, Jeff knows how to makes hearts race and isn’t afraid to use it. That makes him a great fit for the Vegas stage. He’s also peformed at all-gay clubs, showedLas Vegas Pride in 2011, and is a part of the NOH8 Campaign to promote marriage, gender and human equality.
These days, Timmons is taking the Chippendales experience to a younger audience, Magic Mike-style, by creating his very own male revue called Men of the Strip, which we told you about last November. He wants his show to be hipper, bigger, and have more singing (which is why he will perform as well as host). With an eye on a permanent Vegas residency, Men of the Strip will tour the country and be covered in a docu-series, possibly for television.
Although Jeff is busy getting his show ready to tour, we were able to get ahold of him and ask about his favorite Vegas secrets, fun spots and tips. We also tried to get to the bottom of all those unbuttoned shirts. Here's Jeff's Vegas, in his own words:
Favorite Vegas Restaurant: It's a toss up between Sugar Factory (Paris), and Andiamo's(Steakhouse) at The D hotel.
Best Thing Off The Strip: All of Fremont Street.
Best-Kept Vegas Secret: The 'burbs - Summerlin and Henderson. People that don't live here think nothing exists but the strip.
Best Hangover Cure: Tons of B vitamins and water at the end of the night, and TIME...
The Sin I'd Like To See Sin City Lose: Those dudes handing out pamphlets and fliers for hookers.
Favorite Place To Stay Fit: Life Time Fitness
Who Is Your Dream Duet With?: Christina (Aguilera)
Favorite Sexy Look On Stage - Tight Shirt, Unbuttoned Shirt, Or No Shirt?: All three work at different times.
Jeff Timmons and his Men of the Strip are currently preparing a multi-city tour. We'll check back and give a review of the show once it finds a permanent home in Las Vegas.
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