S Poddar
After 25 years apart, British boy band Five is making a long-awaited return, reuniting with all five original members for an exciting UK arena tour. Once a dominant force in late 90s and early 2000s pop music, the group sold over 20 million records with hits like When The Lights Go Out, If Ya Gettin’ Down, and Slam Dunk (Da Funk). Now, after years of performing in various lineups, the band is officially back together.
The reunion is the first time Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love, and Jason “J” Brown will perform as a whole group since their 2001 break-up. Their abrupt break-up occurred at the height of success due to fatigue, psychological issues, and backstage tensions.
“This has been a long time in the works, and it really does feel like the perfect time for all of us,” said Scott Robinson in a release. “I know I’m speaking for all the boys when I say we can’t wait to do this all again. Hope you’re ready!”
The news comes on the 25th anniversary of the band’s Brit Award for Best Pop Act in 2000. Abz Love further said, “We really can’t wait to get back on stage together and see the fans. It’s gonna go off!”
The Road to Stardom
Five’s journey started in 1997, after a rigorous audition process where more than 3,000 aspirants, including a young Russell Brand, vied for a place. The group was the creation of Bob and Chris Herbert, the management team behind the Spice Girls. But the final five were cemented when the selected members naturally gelled during rehearsals, showing unmistakable chemistry.
“I do recall Simon Cowell being there, and he said, ‘You’re the band. I’m signing you to RCA Records on a five-album deal. This is going to happen very soon,’ ” Scott remembered in Michael Cragg’s book Reach For The Stars, which chronicles the 2000s pop music scene.
As preparation for their entry into the public eye, the band was housed in a council house in Surrey together to promote unity, but not everything was always smooth. “They needed an edgy band, and that’s what they got,” Ritchie Neville explained. “None of us were the type to be bossed around. So when you have five willful people constantly, conflicts are going to ensue.”
A Meteoric Rise to Fame
Untroubled by in-house discord, Five swiftly established themselves as one of Britain’s top pop bands. Debut single Slam Dunk (Da Funk) reached the UK Top 10, while When The Lights Go Out was a US Billboard smash. They were one of the first acts to work with hitwriter Max Martin from Sweden, even turning down .Baby One More Time, which became a career-topper for Britney Spears in the end.
