Well, Robbie's managed it, Ronan's not doing bad and it looks like Justin Timberlake's going to do it as well.
But let's face it, the chance of a member of a manufactured pop act going on to make it after their initial success has faded is slim.
Former Boyzone bad boy Shane Lynch has formed his own real band Redhill. No, not named after a commuter-belt town in Surrey, though with bands such as Northern Line (yes, that really was inspired by the London Underground) and A1 (did they really think they could avoid association with that infamous North/South link?), it wouldn't be an unlikely mistake to make.
"Red Hill's actually a track from a U2 album," said Shane. "It's a town in America where they closed down all the mines then built a whole load of new projects on top. Which is basically how we see ourselves. Shutting down the old to start up something new."
Hmm. Problem is, that song's all about how a town and its people are destroyed by the closure of the mines. There's nothing about a fresh start. And why the change of spelling? Red Hill isn't great as a name but the alternative is clearly worse.
"Boyzone was great for what it was but I've grown up and it's time to move on," says Shane.
To do this, he's graduated into the rock world. Redhill are a cross between Nirvana and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, complete with guitar, bass and even drums. Shane's job is to rap.
"I don't write the songs but I contribute by writing the lyrics that I rap. It's more creatively satisfying than being in Boyzone and so I'm a lot happier."
Good for Shane because he seems a nice boy. It's just worrying how long it will be before his bubble bursts.
It isn't that Redhill are that bad. Their sound is authentically grungy, singer Mark has a pretty amazing rock voice and even Shane's rapping will do. But they sound dated and, apart from their frankly appalling lyrics, it's difficult to see what sets them apart from the rest of the pack.
Robbie, Ronan and Justin have succeeded because they've gone on to produce by themselves what they were doing already, which is processed chart pop.
They didn't have to convince a whole new fan base of their worth. Particularly when the fan base that's required is one that sees manufactured bands as the anti-Christ. And it's very unlikely anyone would be writing about Redhill unless Shane was in the band.
Starts at 7.30pm, £5. Call 01273 702333.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article