Uncovering the truth behind UK Boy band Blue
Apparently, a lot of what you might have read about UK pop band Blue is inaccurate.
Formed in 2001 and famous for their debut single "All Rise", the group comprises Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Antony Costa.
The quartet, who were in Singapore for ION Orchard's free outdoor concert, "cleared the air" at its 55th storey ION Sky - sharing with Yahoo! Singapore the truths behind the rumours that hit the group through the years.
Rumour 1: It wasn't 'All Rise' again in 2009
Two years ago, the boy band headlined UK radio station Capital FM's Help a London Child charity gig. That "false start" had tongues wagging.
Blue began supporting Capital since 2001 but that project ignited uncontrollable reunion tales.
Said Webbe, "We were doing solo projects and had contracts we could not get out of. But receiving that kind of love made us think a good milestone would be our 10th year anniversary and that was always it."
Added James, "We officially reunited this year."
Rumour 2: 'If you come back', it wasn't via a 'Best of Blue' reunion tour — it's Eurovision and a fourth album
When BBC approached Blue last November to represent UK in TV station Eurovision's Song Contest, they used the opportunity to announce their comeback. That was their official reunion gig.
Despite finishing in 10th place for the contest, Blue defended Eurovision as a great platform to announce to Europe that they were back.
Webbe said, "We only sold 16.5 million albums worldwide so there are more who don't like us than those who do. So we don't bother about what people say about that (contest)."
"Eurovision was successful because we returned to a proud nation. We carried UK on our backs."
Rumour 3: Sir Elton John not 'guilty' for their break-up
Blue dismissed claims that they disbanded for solo careers after Sir Elton John said the group's popularity dropped.
However, having "been there, done that", they "definitely" agree they prefer being a group.
Despite other opportunities and ventures, the boys have decided that Blue is where they belong and that it's time to huddle again for another album. They also felt that having pursued their own solo careers would help make their new album one of their best.
Said Ryan, "My solo album was a nightmare doing what I really wanted to do. Leaving Blue, I thought I had more creativity and control but actually I had a lot less. As four, we were a lot stronger."
"I didn't realise that till now. Leaving Blue, I thought, 'this will be wicked and I could totally do what I wanted' but the idea, the way I saw myself never turned out like that," he added.
Rumour 4: 'Sorry seems to be the hardest word'? Not for Blue
When asked about critics who condemned them as has-beens, Costa didn't mince his words.
"Don't listen to our music," he said.
While good and bad music exist throughout all genres, Blue thinks boy bands suffer from so many negative connotations that cloud out the music.
"We have always produced good music," said Ryan.
"We have sold hundreds and millions of albums. We're still here, still strong and got another album coming out."
They also had a message to critics - Sir Elton John and Stevie Wonder have collaborated with them after rating the group highly - a strong testimonial from the duo on their music.
So after clarifying untruths with Blue's own words and chart-topping songs, we also uncover two facts.
First, they lip-sync... when sick.
Duncan shares, "It has happened! We get the crowd to sing and help us out. Yes, we have mimed."
Lee adds, "It's not something we like doing but people get ill."
Second, the British boys love tea. Even Asia's favourite bubble tea.
Exact feelings about their first time?
Antony: "It's not bad — a nice little kick. I can't have a lot of it but it's nice."
Lee: "Don't like the balls, but I like the tea."
Antony: "You don't like balls in your mouth. Haha."
Simon (lactose intolerant but gamely tried): "It's like condensed milk."
Duncan: "Actually I do like the balls!"
