FIVE

Five is a British pop group that captured the frenetic energy of the 1990s British charts. Formed at the height of the boy-band boom, the group carved out a slightly grittier identity by blending tight harmonies with rap sections and punchy dance production.

The formula produced a string of memorable hits, including Slam Dunk (Da Funk). Their music travelled well beyond the UK, helping the band build an international following during the peak of their success.¹

Score Five tickets now on AXS and hear the songs that helped define an era of British pop.

Five’s story began in 1997, when Spice Girls music managers Bob and Chris Herbert launched an extensive audition search to form a new pop group.

Thousands applied, but five performers ultimately made the final line-up: Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love, and Jason “J” Brown.²

From the beginning, the group leaned into a sound that felt more rhythm-driven than many of their contemporaries. Their debut single, Slam Dunk (Da Funk), introduced that attitude immediately. The track gained strong attention in the UK and helped set the stage for subsequent songs, which later gave the band significant exposure overseas as well.³

At their peak, Five weren’t just chart regulars — they were a visible presence at major music events across the UK and Europe. Their success also translated into industry recognition:

• MTV Europe Music Awards – MTV Select (1998): Five won the regional MTV Select – UK and Ireland category for the song When the Lights Go Out, highlighting their early popularity with European audiences.⁴
• MTV Europe Music Awards – Best Pop (1999): The nomination in this category placed the band among leading international pop acts during the late-1990s pop era.⁴
• BRIT Award – Best Pop Act (2000): Five received this BRIT Award, an honour that reflected how firmly the group had established itself within the UK’s mainstream pop scene.¹

Five built their reputation on songs that landed quickly and stayed memorable. Their catalogue mixes pop choruses with rhythmic verses, a style that helped distinguish them from many traditional pop acts of the period.

• Five (1998): The group’s debut album introduced their energetic blend of pop, dance, and hip-hop, including the tracks Until the Time is Through and When the Lights Go Out.³
• If Ya Gettin’ Down (1999): This energetic single showcased the group’s hip-hop style and became one of their notable 1990s releases.³
• Keep On Movin’ (1999): One of the band’s most recognisable singles, the track became closely associated with the confident, rhythmic pop sound that defined Five’s success.³

Five’s live performances tend to reflect the energy that made their music so effective in the first place. Expect a set built around well-known hits, delivered with a lively pace and plenty of audience participation.

Find Five tickets on AXS and experience the group’s enduring pop catalogue performed live.