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Virtual boy band hits one million followers to secure US visa
A newly formed boy band has gone viral after reaching one million TikTok followers in a month-long campaign to help their fourth member obtain a US visa. The catch? The group, Boy Throb, has never performed together in person.
From Zoom calls to viral fame
Boy Throb's breakthrough moment came during their first live performance at a Hollywood retirement home last month. While three members-Evan Papier, Anthony Key, and Zachary Sobania-stood on stage in matching pink velour tracksuits and bright yellow sneakers, Darshan Magdum, the fourth member, sang via Zoom from India, his face displayed on a laptop beside his bandmates.
The unconventional setup didn't hold them back. The performance stopped the audience in their tracks, and the band's follower count skyrocketed, hitting their one million target in just 30 days.
A band built online
The four members met virtually, but Evan and Anthony's connection traces back to their shared experience auditioning for American Idol. Anthony tried out for the show's 2021 season with a BTS cover, while Evan auditioned a year later with Katy Perry's E.T., though his performance never aired.
Undeterred by rejection, Evan built a TikTok following before teaming up with Anthony, Zachary, and Darshan to form Boy Throb. Their mission? To create a band that stands out.
"We all wanted to get a band together that wasn't just a carbon copy-everybody looks the same, they sound the same. We're all different, very different backgrounds, you can never confuse us."
Anthony Key, Boy Throb member
Pink tracksuits, green screens, and visa anthems
Boy Throb's signature style is hard to miss. Their baby pink uniforms, rapid-fire video edits, and frequent use of green screens to include Darshan set them apart. Even their lyrics reflect their unique journey, often reworking hit songs to highlight their visa struggle.
Their take on Sabrina Carpenter's Manchild includes the line: "Oh I'd like Darshan in the USA, oh I need him here by New Year's Day."
Their fans, dubbed "Throbbers" or the "Throb Mob," have embraced the band's quirky charm, even encouraging them to change their original name, @boyband2026.
Serious about success
Despite their playful approach, Boy Throb insists they're not a joke. Critics have questioned whether the band is satire, but Evan pushes back.
"People love to say something is satirical and people are just having fun, people love to just throw that word around. We're doing it seriously."
Evan Papier, Boy Throb member
The band has faced skepticism online, but Evan says negative comments only fuel their determination. "Honestly, I'm not even fazed because it's just people's opinions," he told Newsbeat.
Next steps: Visa, Grammy, and spreading joy
With their one million follower milestone reached, Boy Throb's immediate focus is securing Darshan's O-1 visa, a category reserved for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in the arts. An immigration lawyer advised the band that their viral success could strengthen the application, with hopes of Darshan joining them in the US by spring.
Long-term, the band has two major goals: winning a Grammy and continuing to bring joy to their fans. "Our number one goal is to get Darshan's visa and get him into America so he can perform with us," Evan said.
For now, the band remains tight-lipped about their next moves but promises their fans "something to smile about."
"I think if we're able to spread the joy that we have through TikTok and Instagram and social the way we have the past few months, that feels like we're doing something right."
Evan Papier
