Simon Cowell admits he came close to ‘punching 90s boyband icon in the face’ as he opens up about ‘horrible and disgusting’ music industry

Simon Cowell admits he came close to 'punching 90s boyband icon in the face' as he opens up about 'horrible and disgusting' music industry

As an ardent fan and connoisseur of boybands since their inception, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia reading about Simon Cowell’s harrowing tales from the dark side of the music industry. The behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded in the ’90s with 5ive is nothing short of fascinating and terrifying all at once!


Simon Cowell shared insights into the unpalatable and unsavory aspects of the music industry during its Nineteen-Nineties era, as revealed in a fresh documentary that exposes the shadowy side of the boy bands from that time.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about my unforgettable encounter with the legendary music maestro, aged 65. In our shared journey on the BBC series Boybands Forever, I was privy to a moment that still sends shivers down my spine – a heated exchange so intense, it nearly had me swinging a fist at one of the singers!

5ive, comprising Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Sean Conlon, J Brown, and Abz Love, were contracted by Simon and BMG/RCA for a six-album agreement in 1997. However, they found it challenging to manage the stress of fame and their demanding routines.

In 2001, Scott, aged 44, admitted he had reached his limit, reminiscing: ‘I pushed one of the high-ranking executives at the record company against his desk using my foot, forcing him into the wall, and said, “I am going to quit this band, and you try to stop me,” with Simon Cowell attempting to hold me back.’

Simon admitted: ‘We almost ended up in a fist fight. I was that close to punching him in the face.’

Simon Cowell admits he came close to 'punching 90s boyband icon in the face' as he opens up about 'horrible and disgusting' music industry

Simon Cowell admits he came close to 'punching 90s boyband icon in the face' as he opens up about 'horrible and disgusting' music industry

According to The Sun, Scott later admitted, ‘I’d completely lost control. Security had to escort me out of the building, shouting and struggling like a frantic animal.’

Five broke up in 2001, but they’ve reconnected on various occasions since then. At present, the band consists of Ritchie, Sean, and Scott as a three-piece group.

Reflecting on the music industry’s complex nature, Simon pondered, “There’s a great deal of wealth to be earned, but it can be truly appalling and unsavory at times. A strong constitution is necessary.

Even so, he argued that stars had no reason to grumble since they had been made aware of the situation beforehand.

Simon clarified, “You agree to certain terms that require your availability for handshakes and photo opportunities whenever asked, and your personal privacy becomes quite limited. That’s just the reality of it.

‘If you don’t want that, be an accountant. You can’t have it both ways.’

Louis Theroux’s documentary titled “Boybands Forever” explores the careers of 90s and 00s groups including Take That, Westlife, and Blue, and it will be aired this coming Saturday.

The upcoming series consists of three lengthy segments, each delving into the transformative realities faced by celebrities who rose to fame in their youth. Topics such as substance abuse, conflicts, misuse of power, and exploitation will be explored.

Simon Cowell admits he came close to 'punching 90s boyband icon in the face' as he opens up about 'horrible and disgusting' music industry

Louis had conversations with individuals such as Robbie Williams, Brian McFadden, and music executive Louis Walsh during his interviews.

Before the premiere of his boyband series, Louis expressed great excitement, saying, “I am absolutely ecstatic about this series! It’s an extraordinary tale filled with a constellation of stars and talent-shapers, covering a span of three decades. Some of the most influential figures in modern British pop music are included in it.

We follow their journey, ups and downs included, listening to the main contributors, as we trace the shining era of boybands.

Discussing their journey, they encountered the shock of rapid celebrity, along with the prospects and enticements that arose, internal disputes among team members, rivalries between groups, and tensions between the bandmates and their management.

The story is an engaging allegory that explores the reality of attaining everything one has dreamt of, which often turns out to be far from the imagined, focusing on a group of young men and their managers who enjoyed great success yet remained incredibly fragile. They lived life to the fullest, but some ultimately succumbed to the pressures.

The group of young men we all used to enjoy watching as they sang and danced in synchronized style – Take That, East 17, Westlife, Blue, Five, Damage, 911 among many others – have now grown into middle-aged men with the leisure and wisdom to ponder over their past experiences. It’s been over a year in the making for us to produce this series.

‘Now I’m just excited for people to see it.’

The first two episodes of Boybands Forever air on Saturday at 9.15pm and 10.15pm on BBC Two

Simon Cowell admits he came close to 'punching 90s boyband icon in the face' as he opens up about 'horrible and disgusting' music industry

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2024-11-13 12:33

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