Chas Newkey-Burden - The Wanted: The Unauthorized Biography

First published in Great Britain in 2010 by

Michael OMara Books Limited

9 Lion Yard

Tremadoc Road

London SW4 7NQ

This electronic edition published in 2012

ISBN: 978-1-84317-966-5 in ePub format

ISBN: 978-1-84317-967-2 in Mobipocket format

ISBN: 978-1-84317-556-8 in hardback print format

Copyright Michael OMara Books Limited 2010

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t is the dream of every pop act to have a number one hit. The harsh reality is that most will never achieve that dream, however hard they try, or however wonderful their material. Even the lucky few that do enjoy a number one hit rarely reach that all-too-elusive target as quickly as The Wanted. But then, in the world of Max, Nathan, Tom, Jay and Siva, life is often exceptional

Their first single, All Time Low, had all the makings of a chart-topping hit. The strings that begin the song are iconic and attention-grabbing. The song then builds wonderfully: the poetic, lyrical refrain about being in pieces, and how peace is something that the protagonist will never know, was as deliciously infectious as pop music got in 2010. Towards the end of the recording, a song that had started with a sense of understated heartbreak and despondency explodes into a defiant, hands-in-the-air chant. It is a dance-floor filling moment that hints at better times to come for the songs heartbroken hero. The track then closes with a return to the gentler mood of its beginnings. The pop market had rarely known a song to so perfectly sum up the gamut of emotions people go through after a romantic break-up.

In the run-up to the singles release, Max had admitted he was genuinely hoping to get a number one hit with the song. All the same, he was realistic. He had tasted the bitterness of pop disappointment with a previous boy band, called Avenue. Max showed how nervous he was when he said of All Time Lows prospects, But, like, its so hard, innit? Top five would be awesome. It would be, but number one would be even better.

As for young Nathan, he had predicted All Time Low would finish no higher than number forty-one. He was joking, but Nathans comment demonstrated that the band were not taking anything for granted. But still, they dreamed.

It was a nervous week in The Wanteds shared south London home. The band felt on edge, and more than a few fingernails were chewed on. Then, on the Thursday, the website Amazon announced that it had already sold its entire stock of CDs. This was a good sign, as was the bands position in the overall mid-week chart. What mattered to them most, however, was where they were at the end of the week, when the actual chart positions are declared. That news, when it finally came, was exactly what they had dreamed of: The Wanted were number one. They had outsold their nearest rivals (Yolanda B Cool vs D Cup with the single We No Speak Americano) by over 10,000 copies to claim the top spot.

They received the news and almost exploded with joy as all the tension lifted in a wonderful, life-affirming moment. They had been officially together only a matter of months, yet here they were at the top of the charts, ruling the land of pop.

When we got told it was number one, it was just like what?! said Max, looking back later. So were literally just trying to come down at the moment, from somewhere up in the clouds, wherever our heads are.

As for Tom, he was in bullish mood. I genuinely believe the boy band thing is back, he declared. He also took the time to compose a brief message of thanks to the fans, which was posted on The Wanteds official website. It read: You wouldnt believe how much we adore all you lot, youve got us to #1 and we owe it all to you :) Tom xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Then there was more jumping, whooping and embracing. They had done it!

The band members got into their gladdest of glad rags and headed out for a proper celebration at the exclusive Whisky Mist club in Londons super-posh Mayfair district. Whisky Mist is a plush establishment, where A-list celebrities and even members of the royal family are often seen partying. Very fitting surroundings for the pop band of the moment. It was a raucous night: there were toasts, cheers and laughter as the festivities continued and the boys partied hard. Well leather it at any party. I like to get stuck into the booze, Tom said.

International pop diva Leona Lewis joined them for a while, adding extra glamour to the party and sparking tabloid speculation of a potential dalliance between her and Max. The band bought some champagne fireworks as the evening wore on, and the comically accident-prone Tom somehow burnt one of his nipples with one of the drinks. It was that kind of night. Messy, said Jay, looking back later with a wince.

It was only as the excitement died down that the band members suddenly remembered a promise they had made. We said if we get a number one, were all going to run down our street naked, recalled Jay. That would have been a welcome spectacle. Every member of The Wanted is a heart-throb, and each has a distinctive look. There is Siva, who is tall, dark, smouldering and the owner of a pair of cheekbones many a supermodel male or female would die for. Jay is the other giant of the band, but his height is offset by his sweet face and curly, flopping hair. Then there is Tom, spiky of both hair and facial features the boy-next-door that girls would love to peek over the fence at. Sweeter still is the youngest band member Nathan, the real boy of the boy band with cute features that have broken many a heart. Then there is the more imposing presence of their de facto leader, Max, the crop-haired, more muscular hunk of The Wanted.

At the time of writing, the band have yet to run down any street naked. If that day ever comes, they can count on an enormous and hysterical audience. Youd better be able to run fast, boys

Fullname: Maximillian Alberto George

Hometown: Manchester

Date of birth: 6 September 1988

Star sign: Virgo

Height: 58

Eyes: grey

Hair: dark brown

Favourite food: Dominos pizza, full English breakfast, rare steak

Favourite band: Queen

Football team: Manchester City

Favourite animal: Great white shark

Favourite TV show:The X Factor