FIVE UNFILTERED! 'WE WERE TORTURED FOR 25 YEARS'

As they prepare to return to Aotearoa, the newly reunited boy band opens up about wild nights, awkward chats and famous exes

- Words: Sebastian van der Zwan.

In an era packed to the brim with boy bands, Five was the British group who seemed to be having the most fun in the late ’90s, with dancefloor-dominating number-one hits, including Everybody Get Up and If Ya Gettin’ Down.

But behind the baggy pants, dodgy hairstyles and 20 million records sold worldwide, things weren’t so rosy away from the spotlight, with members suffering from mental breakdowns and exhaustion.

Now 25 years after they last toured Aotearoa, Sean Conlon, 44, Richard “Abz” Breen, 46, Jason “J” Brown, 49, Ritchie Neville, 46, and Scott Robinson, 45, have reunited – and they’re bringing their cheeky, energetic brand of pop to Auckland for one night only.

Here, the lads chat to Woman’s Day about the backstage drama and how they healed each other...

What are your memories of last time you were in New Zealand?

Scott: Blimey, it was a long, long time ago!

Ritchie: Last time I was there, I came down with chickenpox. It was pretty full-on. But I do love New Zealand – it’s beautiful. Scottish people always say God put New Zealand there as a gift to Scottish people, so they could be as far away from English people as possible and still feel like they were in Scotland.

OK, pop quiz time. Can you each name a place in New Zealand?

J: Auckland.

Ritchie: Christchurch.

Sean: Wellington.

Abz: That’s the three I know. Not fair! Tasmania?

Scott: New Zealand Land?

I’ll give you guys a pass. Can you name a famous New Zealander?

Scott: Someone from Crowded House.

Abz: Rhys Darby!

Sean: Robbie Hunter-Paul played rugby league. Oh, and Jonah Lomu! Is Ladyhawke from New Zealand?

Ritchie: I was going to say Jonah! Jacinda Ardern then.

J: Er, God?

We would’ve accepted Lorde. Hmm, let’s Keep On Movin’... How is band life different these days?