It’s been 25 years since 1990s boy band Five performed together and this week all five members kick off a UK tour: Keep on Movin’ 2025.
Boy Band Five To Kick Off Reunion Tour in Brighton
Ahead of their Brighton date and UK tour, here’s 10 things you should know about one of the UK’s biggest ever boy bands.
1) Keep On Movin’ Was A Turning Point
There’s no doubt people attending the Five Reunion Tour will be excited to sing along to Keep On Movin”. This song marked a real turning point for Five. Before that, they were known for high-energy pop tracks like “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)” and “Everybody Get Up.” This single showed a more mature, soulful side, with uplifting lyrics, smoother harmonies and a hint of R&B warmth.
The chorus “Keep on movin’, don’t stop, no / Like the hands of time” is optimistic and so relatable.
“Keep On Movin'” reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in October 1999. It went Platinum in the UK, selling over 600,000 copies. The hit charted across Europe and Australia and made an impact on US pop radio. It became Five’s biggest commercial hit and remains their signature song. They won Best British Pop Act at the 2000 BRIT Awards.
2) Sampling I Love Rock & Roll
I’ll put money on everybody attending the Five Reunion Tour wanting to ‘get up’ when this iconic track comes on. But did you know it samples Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll?” “Everybody Get Up” peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart in September 1998. It also made the top 10 in several countries including Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands.
3) Slam Dunk Was Their First Single
I bet you know the lyrics to “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)”. Did you know it was Five’s debut single? It was released on December 1, 1997 and reached number 10 in the UK Singles Chart, a strong start for a brand new pop group! It managed to get to number three in New Zealand too.
4) “When the Lights Go Out” Broke America
Five managed to be one of the UK boy bands to have success in the US. “When The Lights Go Out” was the first song they released in America and the video was shot in Los Angeles to help with their success. It got number four in the UK Singles Chart and at 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. A rare achievement for a 90s boy band.
5) Spice Girls Producers
Did you know the track “If Ya Gettin’ Down” was produced by Richard “Biff” Stannard & Julian Gallagher, the powerhouse team behind the Spice Girls’ hits? This late 90s hit peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1999, held off the top spot only by Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” “If Ya Gettin’ Down spent 15 weeks on the UK chart and went platinum in Australia where it hit number one. It made the top 10 in at least 12 countries, including Ireland, Sweden and New Zealand. and sold over 700,000 copies worldwide.
