TV HITS (UK) Magazine - January 2001
RITCHIE REVEALS ALL!
It may be the depths of winter, but Ritchie Neville's so hard he's still wearing a t-shirt! We warm him up with a steaming cup of cocoa and a fireside chat! [note: this interview was obviously done about 1 Dec 2000]
Are you all set for the tour then Ritchie?
Ooh, it's all coming together very nicely indeed actually! We just had our first night a couple of days ago, and it was a real blinder. You forget how much excitement you drum up in yourself when you're on stage. It really is how everyone describes it - amazing!
How's it all going?
Well, being our second UK tour, we've changed a few bits in the show, so it's been great getting a grip on the new stuff. But really, what with the tour, promotion, appearances and even Christmas, it's all so busy!
Do you all have to prepare and work out, looking after your vocals when you're on tour, or can you still get up to mischief?
Heh-heh! Take it like this, we work our lil' booties off, and come the end of the day, if we fancy a drink or two, no one is gonna stop us!
So, is it all rock 'n roll and groupies then?
Heh! What do you think? No, really, we're quite good boys - honestly!
Any surprises in store?
You'll just have to come and see us to check it out. No, seriously! You may be in for a real treat!
How's life in Five treating you at the moment?
It's still fantastic! We're still working our little socks off, as we have been since we started, but in the time it's taken to become as successful as we have, it's all become second nature. I really wouldn't change a thing.
Nothing? Not even the huge amount of front page tabloid and gossip stuff you and the other guys have got this year?
You know, it can be really annoying at times, especially when 90% of the stuff they print is complete and utter tosh. But, as many an artist will tell you, you can't really knock them too much 'cos they can just as easily turn on you. It's quite a vicious circle at times.
Do you find it hard to avoid the papers - especially with all the Westlife stuff of late?
No matter how much you try, you can't just walk past a newsstand with 'Ritchie Five Shocker' on it, can you? When all the Westlife stuff was happening - most of it completely untrue may I also add - we couldn't help but take a sneaky peek. If only to put a smile on our faces!
There seems to have been a lot of scuffles in pop lately. Do you think that's the spirit of true 'rock 'n roll' worming it's way back in?
Yeah! Too right! It's about time things got a little exciting in the charts again. But really, we've always acted the same and never felt the need to change in the slightest.
Do you find the more successful you've become, the easier the workload?
You're kidding me, aren't you? You do think everything gets all hunky-dory when it all becomes so similar, but then all of a sudden you realise that you've got another 20 massive countries to do, say and perform all the same stuff in. It's like 'Crikey! What? Another time?'
Do you like your new Five dolls, or like Britney, do you think they're a bit dodgy?
I think mine's really really cool! It's only a toy after all, but it's me. People will be pulling my pants down and making me snog Barbie and everything. Fantastic!
Last time we saw you, you were having a whale of a time at the TV Hits Awards. Enjoy yourself?
I had a really good time, ta very much! It was an honour to open and close the show, as well as win an award. And that party! You guys sure know how to throw a good bash!
Ta mate! So, any plans to follow Abs and his DJ-ing and branch out into another specialist field?
He's really good, isn't he? You know, he's playing in places where all the top DJs play, and not just because he's in Five either. I think it's important to have something under your belt. I'd still love to do some acting myself, to tell the truth. What could I play? Anything!
What plans do you have for Christmas this year? Anything swanky?
We finish this tour on December 24th and we've got two weeks doing nothing. Hopefully, I'm going to pop up to Brum and see my mates and family!
Do you splash out on the other lads come Xmas time?
They'll all have to wait and see, won't they? If I tell you, one of them is bound to read it and the surprise is all spoilt, innit?
Do fans ever send you anything really decent over Christmas?
I've had a few amazing gifts where I've been like 'Wow!'. But honestly, I know it's the old cliche but it really is the thought that counts. Everything a fan sends us is special - bless them all!
Do you think you'll be giving Five dolls to anyone this Christmas?
Hah-hah! Top idea, that! Who knows, the other lads could wake up on Christmas morning and find they've all received a doll of me! Now that'd really do their heads in!
