Five (band)

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"5ive" redirects here. For other uses, see 5ive (disambiguation).
5ive
Origin London, United Kingdom
Genres
Pop dance-pop pop-rap Hip hop R&B
Years active
1997�2001 2006�2007 2012�present
Labels
BMG RCA Arista
Website twitter.com/official5ive
Members
Sean Conlon
Ritchie Neville
Scott Robinson
Past members
J Brown
Abz Love
Five (stylised as 5ive) are a British boy band from London consisting of members
Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, and Scott Robinson. They were formed in 1997 by the
same team that managed the Spice Girls before they launched their career. The group
were mostly known as a five-piece, consisting of Robinson, Neville, Conlon, Abz
Love and Jason "J" Brown. Five enjoyed remarkable success worldwide, particularly
in their native United Kingdom, as well as most of the rest of Europe and Asia.

According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Five has been certified for
1.6 million albums and 2.4 million singles in the UK.[1]

They split up on 27 September 2001 after selling 10 million copies of their records
worldwide.

Robinson, Love, Neville, and Brown briefly reformed the group without Conlon (who
departed before their 2001 split) in September 2006, with a new management team
headed by music manager Richard Beck. Eight months later, having secured a
lucrative tour but failing to gain enough record company interest, Five made an
announcement via their official website that they would again disband.

In 2012, the group announced that they were planning another reunion, this time
with Conlon on board. Lead singer Brown initially agreed to take part in the
reunion, but later changed his mind, claiming that he no longer wanted to be in the
public eye.[2] The group continued with only four members, but decided to keep the
name Five. Alongside Blue, 911, Atomic Kitten, B*Witched, Honeyz and Liberty X,
Five were featured in the ITV2 documentary series The Big Reunion, which began
airing on 31 January 2013.[3] This was followed by a comeback performance at the
Hammersmith Apollo on 26 February 2013 and an arena tour around the UK and Ireland
in May, which was their first ever tour without Brown. In November and December
2013, Five headlined their own tour, the 5ive Greatest Hits Tour, their first solo
tour as a four-piece. In August 2014, Love announced his departure from the band
via a tweet, leaving Conlon, Neville and Robinson to continue as a trio.

Contents
1 Career
1.1 1997�98: Formation and 5ive
1.2 1999�2000: Invincible
1.3 2001: Kingsize, Conlon's departure and split
1.4 2006�07: First reunion
1.5 2012�present: Second reunion and Love's departure
2 Members
2.1 Current members
3 Discography
4 Tours
5 Awards
6 See also
7 References
8 External links
Career
1997�98: Formation and 5ive
In 1997, an advertisement was placed in the UK performing arts newspaper The Stage,
asking for young male singers/dancers to audition for a boy band-style group with
"attitude and edge". Bob and Chris Herbert, the two men who had earlier created the
Spice Girls, thought the time was right for a male group. Over 3,000 hopefuls
auditioned, including Russell Brand, and they were finally narrowed down to only
14, five of whom had arranged themselves into a group while waiting for their
audition. The auditions resulted in a provisional casting of nine members: Richard
Breen (now better known as Abz Love), Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Sean Conlon,
Jason "J" Brown, and stand-by members Peter Montpellier, Paul Taylor, Anthony Baker
(rapper) and Ric Hershon. Because his first name was Richard, Breen created the
nickname 'Abs' (from his middle name, "Abidin") to avoid confusion with Neville
(born Richard Neville Dobson). Montpellier and Taylor were later cut when the final
five were chosen in May 1997 and Hershon couldn't attend the final selection.
Anthony Baker made it into the band originally, but doubt was cast over Anthony's
rapping style as his North Eastern accent came through.

The band subsequently were signed by Simon Cowell and BMG/RCA for a six-album deal.
Five practiced and demoed their work at Trinity Studios in Knaphill � the same
place the Spice Girls did a few years previously. In November 1997, Five released
their debut single "Slam Dunk (Da Funk)", which debuted at number 10 in the UK
Singles Chart. The song was also released in the U.S. in 1998 but had little chart
success, although it was chosen as the NBA's new theme song. In 1998, Five earned
their first major international hit, "When the Lights Go Out", which cracked the
U.S. top 10 and earned Gold status there soon after. Five then went on an eight-day
tour to promote their upcoming album, appearing in a concert special for the Disney
Channel with Irish girl group B*Witched, in Times Square in New York City and on
MTV's TRL. The debut album 5ive peaked at number 27 in the U.S. Billboard 200 and
topped the charts in other countries worldwide, including the UK.

"It's The Things You Do" was released in late 1998 in the U.S., only to receive a
lukewarm reception. The group embarked upon a U.S. tour with the American boy band
NSYNC, but soon after pulled out due to exhaustion, flying back to England to rest
and start work on a new album. Still from the first album, "Got the Feelin'",
"Everybody Get Up", and "Until the Time Is Through" were all released as singles in
the UK throughout 1998. Five reached the top 5 in several countries around the
world, and the latter two singles each rose to the number two spot in the UK. A
significant element in Five's popularity was their resemblance to American boy
bands such as New Kids on the Block, the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC in their uptempo
musical style and 'street' image, in contrast to Take That, Boyzone, and 98
Degrees, who at the time were primarily known for their ballads. Five also wrote or
co-wrote almost all of their own songs, something boy bands had never done much of
until then. According to Cowell, Five almost broke the US. Unfortunately they made
some bad decisions. When Cowell heard "...Baby One More Time", he wanted Five to
have it, but writer Max Martin had given it to Britney Spears. Five were later
offered "Bye Bye Bye", but upon hearing the song, they turned it down and dissed
it.[4] "Then they went out to Sweden a few weeks later to record a song which they
famously turned down, called "Bye Bye Bye." And it really was bye bye bye after
that. That would have been the record that broke them. I would have broken that
band," Cowell said.[5]

1999�2000: Invincible
In August 1999, the first single of their second album, Invincible, the catchy
dance tune "If Ya Gettin' Down", was released and became a major hit worldwide but
yet again failed to go to number 1 in their home country, kept out of the top spot
by Ricky Martin. Finally, in October 1999, after three consecutive number-two
peaks, "Keep on Movin'" became their first UK number 1, as well as their biggest
selling single to date. The second album hit the top five shortly thereafter.
"Don't Wanna Let You Go" was released in early March 2000, peaking at number 9. On
3 March 2000, Five opened at the BRIT Awards with rock legends Queen, performing an
updated version of that band's hit, "We Will Rock You". That night Five won their
first BRIT Award, as "Best Pop Act", and their cover of the Queen song went on to
become their second number 1 in the UK in July 2000. The first half of 2000 found
Five on a successful world tour, performing concerts in the UK, Europe, Russia,
Australasia and�as a foursome�South America, after Neville contracted chickenpox
and had to be flown back to England. After finishing the tour, Five continued to
perform at many concerts in the UK, including Party in the Park with Queen. A re-
issue of Invincible included remixed versions of a couple of songs and five live
tracks from their tour, as well as a bonus track, "Don't Fight It Baby". Due for
release in July 2000 in the US, the song was pulled from release after the group
was dropped by their stateside label, Arista Records. Five also had problems with
their Asian record company, and subsequently cancelled their Asian tour. Suffering
from this major blow, the lads headed back to the studio and started writing songs
for their next album. They continued to win awards in the UK and Europe, and in
December 2000 launched their second big tour, in their home country.

2001: Kingsize, Conlon's departure and split

In January 2001, Five went to perform at one of the biggest festivals in the world,
Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, to an audience of almost 500,000 people. In May
2001, after many months of creative writing and "developing their own personal
sound", Kingsize was completed. When it was time to begin filming the video for
their first single off the album, however, Conlon was unable to appear as he was
suffering from a mental breakdown from stress caused by being part of the group.
This was not publicly revealed at the time, however, and it was claimed he was ill
from glandular fever instead.[6] The "Let's Dance" video was released with a life-
size cardboard cut-out standing in for the singer, and rumours that he had in fact
left the band had to be quashed. Robinson also needed a time temporarily to be with
his son, Brennan Rhys, who borns premature. The remaining three members, Brown,
Love and Neville pressed on with heavy promotion of the group's third album and the
"Let's Dance" single. Whilst performing at a concert in Belgium in July, Neville
tore the tendons in his left foot, putting a halt to all promotion and prompting
the group to have a few meetings to re-think their options and future. "Let's
Dance" was released in mid August 2001, however, and became their third UK number
one, holding the top spot for two weeks. Kingsize debuted two weeks later at number
three, and went on to achieve Gold status. Two weeks after the release of Kingsize,
the band announced the Conlon's departure. Neville said in an interview several
years later that the band's management kept Conlon's departure from the band a
secret, so they were not aware that he had left when they filmed the "Let's Dance"
video.[7]

On 27 September 2001, after a month of serious meetings with record management, the
band announced on MTV Select that it would split after releasing a compilation
later that year. The following day, Robinson married his fianc�, Kerry Oaker, at a
ceremony with all of his former bandmates in attendance. Years later, Breen
revealed he was strongly against the idea of splitting up; he described the break-
up as feeling something had been taken from him. On 19 November a Greatest Hits was
released with 15 past hits, two remixes and one new song. On 24 November, a double-
A-side single with "Closer to Me" and "Rock the Party" was released in United
Kingdom with an animated video. The two songs was included in their previous album
Kingsize, but after the Conlon's departure, they decided to release as a single
from Greatest Hits. The album was released on United States on 15 February 2002. In
the band's short life-span, they experienced success around the world, racking up
three number-one singles in the UK and selling an estimate of 15-20 million copies
of their records worldwide,[8] including 7 million copies of their albums worldwide
and 2 million in the United States, and picking up numerous awards along the way.

2006�07: First reunion

On 17 September 2006, an announcement was made via Five's official Myspace page
that a press conference was to be held at The Scala in central London on 27
September.[9] After a venue change due to a shooting at The Scala, the conference
was moved to the Bar Academy Islington. It was rumoured that four of the five
members would be reuniting (Conlon now being committed to his Sony deal),[10] and
this was confirmed at the press conference. Five recorded new material for what was
to be their fourth studio album, working with Guy Chambers, Swedish
producer/songwriter Anders Bagge, and French DJs Trak Invaders. They also planned
to tour in 2007.[11] By January 2007, Five had completed half of their album and
were looking to be signed to a record label with new manager, Richard Beck, who
also secured an MTV documentary series titled Five - The Revive. The album was
expected to be released within the next few months.[12] On 8 March 2007, at
midnight, Five premiered one-minute clips of three brand new songs that were to
have been on the new album. The songs, titled "70 Days", "Settle Down" and "It's
All Good" can be heard on the band's official website and also on their Myspace
page. On 19 May 2007, only eight months after reforming and having failed to secure
a lucrative enough record deal, 5ive announced via their website that they would no
longer be pursuing a comeback.[13]

2012�present: Second reunion and Love's departure

In 2012 Conlon reunited with his former bandmates to discuss the possibility of a
second reunion.[14][15] Brown initially was willing to take part in the reunion,
but later on pulled out and the other members then stated that they would continue
as a four-piece.[16] The return was announced on 18 October. In 2013, the group
took part in The Big Reunion,[17] where they talked about their time together and
the difficulties that came with being in a band. Robinson also expressed his
annoyance toward Brown's refusal of reuniting.[18] In January 2013, it the group
were looking to find a new member to replace Brown,[19] and they were also having
disagreement over the group's name.[20] The group auditioned three men to become
the new member of the band, but in the end the plan for a fifth member was dropped
and Five decided to continue as a four-piece.[21] Brown eventually appeared on The
Big Reunion: On Tour to deny the accusations made by his bandmates in September
2013.[22] He acknowledged his behaviour could have been seen as loud and
overbearing, but he denied bullying Conlon. During a meeting with Love on the show,
Brown explained how he had moved on and that he did not feel comfortable returning
to Five.

On 16 September 2013, the band picked up the award for Best Music Act (On a Reality
TV Show) at the National Reality TV Awards.[23] In November and December 2013, Five
embarked on their own tour in UK and Australia, the 5ive Greatest Hits Tour.[24] In
March 2014, it was rumored that Love had quit the group, but at the time they
denied it.[25][26] In June 2014, Five supported McBusted on four dates of their
McBusted Tour and later that month Love stated that the group's future is
uncertain.[27] Love eventually announced that he had left the group in August 2014
via Twitter, without telling the other members beforehand.[28] In an interview a
few days before the announcement, Love revealed that he only agreed to reunite with
Five because of financial necessity.[29] The band has since continued as a three
piece. In February 2016, they released another album, entitled Keep On Movin' - The
Best of Five.[30]
Members
Current members
Sean Conlon
Ritchie Neville
Scott Robinson

Discography
Main article: Five discography
5ive (1998)
Invincible (1999)
Kingsize (2001)
Tours
Headlining

5ive in Tour (1998�1999)

Invincible Tour (2000�01)
5ive Greatest Hits Tour (2013)
Loud and Intimate Tour (2015)
Live in Concert (2016�present)
Co-headlining

The Big Reunion (with various artists) (2013)

Christmas Party Tour (with various artists) (2013)
The Big Reunion: Boy Band Tour (with various artists) (2014)
Awards
Awards won:[citation needed]

Brit Awards

Best Pop Act � 2000[31]

MTV Europe Music Awards

The MTV Select Award � 1998

National Reality TV Awards

Best Music Act (on a Reality TV Show) � 2013[32]

Silver Clef Awards

Best Newcomer � 2000

Smash Hits Poll Winners Party

Best New Act � 1997

Best Haircut (Scott) � 1997, 1998, 1999
Best British Band � 1998, 1999, 2000
Best Album � 1998
Best Cover � 1998
TMF Awards (Netherlands)

Best Single � 2000

Best Album � 2000
Best International Group � 2000
TV Hits Awards

Best New Band � 1999

Best Single ("We Will Rock You" (Queen cover)) � 2000
See also
icon 1990s portal
2000s portal
List of 1990s one-hit wonders in the United States
List of UK Singles Chart number ones of the 1990s
List of UK Singles Chart number ones of the 2000s
References
"Certified Awards". Bpi.co.uk. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
Anisiobi, J J (31 January 2013). "The not-so Big Reunion". Daily Mail. London.
Retrieved 2 January 2014.
"Boy band comeback is a 5ive star success". The Visitor. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
Brissey, Breia (1 May 2012). "Simon Cowell's biography -- I read it so you don't
have to!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
"Exclusive Q&A: Simon Cowell on One Direction's Rise to Stardom". Rolling Stone. 9
April 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
"'We were a train crash": 5ive talk tears, breakdowns and anger on The Big
Reunion". Daily Mirror. 31 January 2013.
"Whatever Happened To... Five?". This Must Be Pop. 23 January 2011. Archived from
the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
"5iveUSA". Discography. Archived from the original on 25 December 2005. Retrieved
10 November 2005.
"Official Myspace Page, September 2006". Major Announcement on 27/09/2006.
Retrieved 17 September 2006.
"The Sun.co.uk". Five are back... as Four. London. Archived from the original on
23 September 2006. Retrieved 23 September 2006.
"5ive: "we're gay"". MTV.co.uk. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
"Official Myspace profile". Message from Five. Retrieved 26 January 2007.
[permanent dead link]
"Five Fan Site". Five no more. Retrieved 20 May 2007.[permanent dead link]
"The Vg star Sean Conlon's comeback ends early on new show". Metro. 24 March 2012.
Retrieved 21 April 2012.
"5ive Sean Conlon has another shot at fame after The Voice boot". The Sun. London.
30 March 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
Eleanor (30 March 2012). "Sean Conlon plans 5ive reunion after The Voice
rejection". Uk.omg.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved
13 May 2012.
"Kerry Katona and Atomic Kitten pals reunite". London: The Sun. 18 October 2012.
"Big TV Reunion For Boy And Girl Bands". MTV UK. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 25
January 2013.
"Boy band 5ive hunting for new member". MSN. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 23 January
2013.
"5ive post plea for fifth member on Facebook ahead of reunion 12 years after
parting ways". Metro News. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
"'Big Reunion' stars return to the stage at Hammersmith Apollo - pictures".
Digital Spy. 27 February 2013.
"The Big Reunion: On Tour Episode 1".
"The Big Reunion take home two Reality TV Awards". The List. 18 September 2013.
Retrieved 18 September 2013.
Eames, Tom (30 April 2013). "5ive announce headline winter UK tour". Digital Spy.
Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
McGarry, Lisa (18 March 2014). "Splitting? Abz Love leaves 5ive as band loses
manager". Unreality TV. Archived from the original on 18 March 2014. Retrieved 18
March 2014.
Heath, Olivia (20 March 2014). "Celebrity Gossip Big Reunion's 5ive deny Abz
rumours, confirm only 3 will perform on tour". Reveal. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
"'I didn't know Ritchie and Natasha were even together': Abz Love talks to HELLO!
Online about life in 5ive". Hello Magazine. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
"5ive's Abz Love shocks bandmates by quitting - on Twitter". Reveal. 29 August
2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
"INTERVIEW : Abz (5ive)". auspOp. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
http://store.hmv.com/music/cd/keep-on-movin-the-best-of-five
"2000 - Best British Pop Act - Five". Brits.co.uk. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 4
June 2014.
 "ITV2's The Big Reunion tops National Reality TV Awards". BBC - Newsbeat. 17
September 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
External links
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Five
vte
Winners of MTV Europe Music Award for Best UK & Ireland Act
Authority control Edit this at Wikidata
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Identities (via VIAF): 247386795
Categories: Brit Award winnersBritish pop music groupsEnglish boy bandsEnglish
vocal groupsMusical groups established in 1997Musical groups disestablished in
2001Musical groups reestablished in 2006Musical groups disestablished in
2007Musical groups reestablished in 2012Five (band)
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