GROUPS | Through the years

The Beatles became America's first boy band in 1964. Since then, many groups have tried to mimic the Fab Four's combination of upbeat, bubblegum pop, clever marketing and good looks. Here is a look at boy bands through the years:
Band: The BeatlesMembers: George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo StarrYears: 1960-70Memorable songs: "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Yesterday," "Hey Jude"Fan reaction: "It was a scene out of 'The Charge of Light Brigade' with cops on horseback and kids screaming 'We love you Ringo' and 'We love you Paul.' Ringo said, 'You Americans are just crazy.'" -- Vince Calandra, program coordinator/production assistant with the "Ed Sullivan Show" for The Beatles' 1964 performances, on the scene the day of the Fab Four's first appearance on the show
Band: The MonkeesMembers: Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter TorkYears: 1965-69Memorable songs: "I'm a Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," "Daydream Believer"Fan reaction: "It was just wild. The electricity from the excitement in arena was just so high. ... There were guards all over the place making sure the stage wasn't rushed. It was even hard to hear over the screaming. At times that roar was so [loud] you could just vaguely hear the concert." -- Leslie Nofoagatoto'a, on The Monkees' first concert Dec. 3, 1966, in Honolulu
Band: The Jackson 5Members: Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito JacksonYears: 1966-76Memorable songs: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save"Fan reaction: "There was some girl in the front row they had to carry out ... Every time I've been to a concert, someone faints. There was screaming, crying, just weeping like they've seen God. Yeah, I love 'em dearly. But I'm not gonna faint. The ticket costs too much." -- Sheryl Price, Jackson 5 fan on a 1971 show in the Jackson's hometown of Gary, Ind.
Band: New Kids on the BlockMembers: Donnie Wahlberg, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyreYears: 1984-94Memorable songs: "You Got It [The Right Stuff]," "I'll Be Loving You [Forever]," "Hangin' Tough"Fan reaction: "I had a video, and I had people over for my 11th birthday. We were watching the concert on video, and one of girls really liked Donnie and kept kissing the TV whenever he came on." -- Jenny Albrecht, former fan
Band: *NSyncMembers: Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Joey FatoneYears: 1996-presentMemorable songs: "Bye Bye Bye," "Tearing Up My Heart," "Pop"Fan reaction: "There were little girls all dressed up with makeup on. They had posters and all that. It was a little bit extreme." -- Megan Winters, *NSync fan on the band's 2000 "No Strings Attached Tour"
Sources: Scripps Howard, All Music Guide