The iconic British boy band Five is set for a mysterious reunion as all five original members come together for a massive UK arena tour, 25 years after their initial split.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the group, consisting of Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love, and Jason “J” Brown, achieved immense success with popular hits like “When The Lights Go Out,” “If Ya Gettin’ Down,” and “Slam Dunk (Da Funk),” selling over 20 million records.
Having not performed together as a full five-piece since their breakup in 2001 due to burnout, mental health struggles, and backstage conflicts, the members are excited to reunite. Scott expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “This reunion has been a long time coming and feels right for all of us. We can’t wait to hit the stage once again. Get ready!”
The announcement coincides with the 25th anniversary of the band winning the Best Pop Act at the 2000 Brit Awards. Abz added, “We are thrilled to reunite and perform for our fans. It’s going to be amazing!”
Five was formed in 1997 through a rigorous audition process overseen by former Spice Girl managers Bob and Chris Herbert, where they stood out for their chemistry and talent. Despite initial tensions and challenges, the group quickly rose to stardom, achieving chart success with hits like “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)” and “When The Lights Go Out.”
With commercial triumphs and memorable performances, Five made a mark in the music industry before disbanding in 2001. Now, fans eagerly anticipate their long-awaited reunion tour, set to bring back the nostalgia of the beloved boy band’s heyday.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Sean Conlon, a former member of the iconic boy band Five, made a difficult decision to step away from the limelight. His departure came amidst immense pressure to perform on television, all while his young son battled for his life in the intensive care ward of a hospital. Recalling the moment that led to his exit, Conlon revealed, “I was crying in the corridor and I think [Ritchie] looked at the boys and said, ‘This is done’.”
The untold story of Five’s near brush with stardom in the United States emerged in a recent BBC documentary, “Boybands Forever.” Simon Cowell, the music magnate known for shaping the careers of many artists, lamented the missed opportunity, labeling Five as the band that had “got away.” Former manager Chris Herbert echoed this sentiment, expressing his belief that the band was on the cusp of breaking into the American market before their premature disbandment.
Despite the setbacks, Five attempted a comeback in 2006, sans Sean, but their plans to record a new album were derailed by the absence of a record deal. A subsequent reunion in 2012 saw the group missing another original member, “J” Brown, who opted out for personal reasons. The band’s journey was further documented in the ITV documentary “The Big Reunion,” where they shared the stage with fellow pop acts from the 2000s like Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, and B*Witched. However, internal discord surfaced when Abz, one of the group members, abruptly exited in 2014, citing personal reasons.
The news of Abz’s departure unfolded on social media, catching his bandmates off guard. Scott, a member of Five, expressed his astonishment, replying, “Wow what a way to find this out!” Despite the turbulence, Abz, born Richard Breen, surprised fans by announcing his return to the band, sparking speculation about a potential full reunion.
The much-awaited confirmation of Five’s reunion was made on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show by Scott Mills. The band is set to embark on a 12-date tour, commencing in Brighton on October 31, 2025, with ticket sales slated to begin on March 7, marking a new chapter in their musical journey.
As the stage is set for Five’s comeback, fans eagerly anticipate the rekindling of the band’s magic and the revival of their iconic hits. The emotional rollercoaster of their past struggles and triumphs serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and camaraderie that define the essence of their music. Stay tuned as Five prepares to reclaim the spotlight, bringing their electrifying energy and infectious tunes to audiences once again.
