Homegrown talent
Someone call 911... From boybands and breakdancing to bodyshakin’, Sarah Hooley catches up with Jimmy Constable from 911... SINCE the first episode of smash-hit reality TV programme The Big Reunion aired earlier this year, it’s fair to say that life’s been a bit of a whirlwind for popstar Jimmy Constable. The singer, originally from Liverpool, makes up one third of boyband 911 who first hit the charts in 1996. And, following the ITV2 show’s huge success, the band are now about to embark on a collaborative UK tour – coming to the ECHO Arena next Wednesday, May 8. So, how are preparations with fellow bandmates Lee Brennan and Simon ‘Spike’ Dawbarn going? “Rehearsals are going really well,” the 41-year-old says with a laugh. “Lee, Spike and I said it had to be all or nothing, so the break-dancing and dance tricks are all in there. We may be older this time round, but we’ve still got the moves! “My average [rehearsal] day is a bit different now though because I’m married with three kids,” he continues. “So although there is a lot of work involved for The Big Reunion tour, my wife and I are juggling being parents. I still do lots of every day ‘normal’ things like the school run, gym and just being a dad.” For those who have been living under a rock, reality documentary series The Big Reunion brought together some of pop’s best-loved bands from the 90s and early noughties for a concert at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. The line-up included, 5ive (minus member Jay), Atomic Kitten, B*Witched, Liberty X, 911, Honeyz and Blue. And, with the show’s mix of tears, tantrums, and painfully honest interviews – not to mention Andi Peters’ genius narration – it became an instant hit. Unsurprisingly, demand for the show to go on tour was huge as fans of the bands jostled to get their slice of pop-nostalgia. “We’ve had an amazing response from the show,” Jimmy says. “The TV series was ITV2’s highest-rated programme in five years, and The Big Reunion tour in May has pretty much sold out. Our new four-date arena tour in December has also sold out, and we’re making a new album due to demand so we are very happy indeed! “Being back with the lads is very easy. We have a great friendship, and can be open about everything.
“Our workload’s not as hectic this time round so we can enjoy it more.” He adds: “We strangely get on with everyone in the other bands too, mainly because we’re all a lot older and wiser. Everyone seems more laid-back which is nice. Most of the talk is about our kids! The lads from 5ive can be on an ego trip at times though, but they will be brought down if it gets out of hand!” Jimmy, who was born in Toxteth, is also extremely excited about performing in his native city. “Coming home to Liverpool is the one show I’m most looking forward to,” he says. “When 911 were doing our arena tours back in the day we had to do Manchester, as the ECHO Arena wasn’t built. So I’m thrilled we can play a big arena in Liverpool at last!
“When 911 were doing our arena tours back in the day we had to do Manchester, as the ECHO Arena wasn’t built. So I’m thrilled we can play a big arena in Liverpool at last!” “I was born on Mozart Street in Toxteth,” he adds fondly, “and moved around from Wavertree to Halewood so I spent most of my late teens in clubs like Fallows, Hippodrome and [the ones around] Concert Square. “A lot has changed over the years, but Spike and I used to be the dancers on the City FM roadshows before the band, so there are lots of really enjoyable memories for me. Liverpool people are so friendly and down to earth, it’s a great city with fantastic people.” Jimmy, who co-founded 911 with Spike back in 1995, was at the time working as a dancer on late night music show The Hit Man and Her. A short while later the duo were joined by baby-faced singer Lee Brennan,
Jimmy with fellow 911 band members, Lee and Spike Image by Andy LeSauvage
Jimmy Constable Image by Andy LeSauvage
and signed by Virgin Records with whom they scored their first top 10 hit – Don’t Make Me Wait. The likes of Bodyshakin’, More Than A Woman and chart-topper A Little Bit More quickly followed, and the band went on to score 10 consecutive top 10 hits, as well as becoming one of the biggest selling tour acts in the UK during that period. And that’s not all – they enjoyed world-wide success with huge fan-bases in Asia where their records went platinum more than 20 times. Jimmy recalls some of their highlights. “It’s things like playing stadiums of 60,000 people in Singapore, going to the Brits, experiencing four years of sell-out arena tours, and flying round the world. Even though we didn’t always get much chance to see each country because we were always so busy working!” Pop stardom wasn’t without its pitfalls though, and Jimmy who, in the past, has had well-documented battles with depression, alcohol and drugs is the first to admit there were low points. However, this time round, the star is confident things will be different. “I personally don’t have any reservations,” Jimmy says earnestly. “It’s great to be given a second chance in the business, and we feel very lucky. We’re all looking forward to the tour and meeting old and new fans. We’re currently writing a new album as well, and after The Big Reunion Tour we will be going to Asia and touring there – putting on our own 911 tour, as well as doing lots of radio, TV and promotions. And solo-wise we may even do some reality TV. Who knows?” So with the future looking bright, Jimmy leaves his fans with this parting message: “For all those coming to see us, I’d just like to say a huge thank you, and 911 look forward to giving you an exciting, lively show like the old days! I can’t wait to embrace the Liverpool culture and air again. There is nowhere in the world like Liverpool, and it will always be my home.” l For news or to book personal meet and greets with
Jimmy visit www.jimmyconstableofficial.com. The Big Reunion is at the ECHO Arena on Wednesday, May 8. To buy tickets, visit www.echoarena.com
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