'Almost like imprisonment': the shocking truth about life for boybands in their 'golden era'

11/11/2024 11:00 AM

Mobbed, groped, overworked, paid a pittance and given little time off … ahead of a major TV series about boybands, former members of 5ive and 911 reveal what success was really like for many

'People often don't get it," says Ritchie Neville. "They think being in a famous band is a dream. But I've had situations where I'm out with friends and, when I start talking, jaws drop to the floor. They're like, 'Oh my god, is that really what it was like?'"

Neville was a member of mega boyband 5ive. Formed in 1997, the five-piece were famous for singles such as Got the Feelin', When the Lights Go Out and Slam Dunk (Da Funk). And Neville is one of many former boybanders taking part in a new documentary series about the era when ab flashes, knee slides and vocal harmonies ruled.