Five – Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon, Abz Love and Jason ‘J’ Brown – were a pop phenomenon in the late 90s and early 00s. The boyband sold millions of records, racked up an impressive run of hits – including three number one singles – and released three studio albums. The cracks began to show following the release of third album ‘Kingsize’ in 2001 when Conlon stepped away from the group due to mental health reasons. The group eventually split in September of that year and they haven’t performed as a five-piece for 24 years. Along the way there have been various reunions with the members, but J Brown refused to take part.
Earlier this year, Five surprised fans by announcing that the original line-up was back together and they would be embarking on the “Keep On Movin’ 2025” arena tour. The reaction to the announcement was huge and the band added further dates, with anticipation for their comeback reaching a fever pitch. Currently in the midst of the tour, I went along to the band’s second sold-out night at The O2 in London to see if they could still pull off the dance moves and the vocals.
With a show that ran for almost 2 hours, Five delivered the hits and then some. Backed by a live band and with minimal production – there was some clever video screen work behind them on the main stage, they had a semi-circle catwalk and a b-stage – I wondered if Five would be able to deliver a show that was worthy of their legacy as pop icons. Within seconds of opening song ‘Slam Dunk (Da Funk)’ starting, it was clear that the audience was in for a night filled with nostalgia as the band moved beyond their previous conflicts and united to celebrate what they had achieved together.
The audience screamed and sang at the top of their lungs for the entire duration of the show and it was a real thrill to see all five members back together. The first half of the set was packed with banger including fan favourite ‘Shake’, the catchy summer single “Got the Feelin’ and the absolute pop classic ‘When the Lights Go Out’. The dance moves were there and the guys sounded great, performing with an infectious energy that backed up the excitement they told the audience they were feeling.
The set list for the night really did celebrate Five’s legacy. All of the hits were there – standout moments included “If Ya Gettin’ Down”, ‘We Will Rock You’ and “Let’s Dance” – and there were plenty of deeper cuts too. Songs such as ‘Partyline 555-On-Line’ were well received, particularly as the band worked their way through the audience from the main stage to the b-stage while performing it, and the ballads – ‘Closer to Me’ and ‘Until the Time is Through’ to name a couple – showcased the softer side of the band.
Something I’d never really noticed before is just how integral J Brown is to the band. His raps really drive some of the band’s biggest songs and his presence is electric. Together with Abz, he forms the back bone of Five and it’s incredible to see him back in the fold, and loving what he’s doing. Ritchie, Sean and Scott take care of the singing, bringing a mix of soul, rock and pop. It’s worth noting that Five sung live for the whole too. At a time when many pop acts are miming to pre-recorded tracks or only singing parts of their shows, it’s refreshing to see a proper pop act delivering a truly live show. The fact that they were dancing too made that all the more impressive.
The night came to a close with a covers medley of ‘Jump Around / Place Your Hands / Get Lucky’, before Five launched into their signature hit “Keep On Movin’”. With beaming smiles on their faces, the band rounded out a triumphant performance that put them well and truly back on the pop map. You could see how genuinely happy they were to be back on stage together, and their heartfelt speeches throughout the night reinforced the claim that the five members had worked out their differences and found a way forward.
Seeing Five last night made me hope that they will continue to perform together and make new music in the near future. They were the best boyband of the 90s, appealing to both boys and girls, and they’ve lost none of that edge that set them apart from the likes of Take That and Boyzone. Pop music really is in the doldrums in 2025, and we need pop bands like Five more than ever. With their “Keep On Movin’ 2025’ Tour, Five delivered the most spectacular pop comeback of the year and if they want to, they can resume their career and keep touring for years to come. I hope they do.
Set list: 1. Slam Dunk (Da Funk) 2. Shake 3. Got the Feelin’ 4. Straight Up Funk 5. It’s The Things You Do 6. Lay All Your Lovin’ On Me 7. When The Lights Go Out 8. Invincible 9. Human 10. Patryline 555-On-Line 11. If Ya Gettin’ Down 12. We Will Rock You 13. Rock The Party 14. Closer To Me 15. Serious 16. Until The Time Is Through 17. My Song 18. Rapper’s Delight / Good Times 19. Let’s Dance 20. Everybody Get Up 21. Jump Around / Place Your Hands / Get Lucky 22. Keep On Movin’ Venue: The O2, London Performance date: 12th November 2025
