As one fifth of The Wanted, Max George has shot to fame across the globe with bandmates Nathan Sykes, Tom Parker, Jay McGuiness and Siva Kaneswaran.
Now, with news of their putting the band on a break and cancellation of European gigs, we got the chance to chat to Max about what the lucky fans who will be going to their final tour in some time can expect, the real reason behind the split and just what we can expect from him going forward.
How have you guys been preparing to go out on the Word of Mouth tour this March?
Well, we had like two weeks rehearsals with the band who we've flown in from America - they're already working on it - and we actually start next week. We've got a good 10, 12 days to get it mastered, and we've been talking about what sort of content we want during the show, and I think it's very much gonna be as personal as we can get it, for them, the fans I guess.
You've touched on my next question really - what can fans expect who are coming to a live show?
It's gonna be the last one we do - especially for a while - so we want to show our appreciation for the last four years because you know, without them, none of this would have been possible and I think it's important that they know how much we thank them and appreciate them.
Can you tell us about any surprises we might find on the tour?
Well, until we get into the rehearsal room I don't know what's gonna happen, but I think we'll probably throw a couple in there - but it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you! (laughs)
You hear bits and pieces from all over about why the band are to split, but from you now - what led to the decision to put the band on a break?
The label's discontinuing. It didn't really give us a choice, and all of us were in - well, there's nothing to agree on - it's just a fact that we couldn't, there's nothing we could do. We're just put in a position where this has happened, the label have done one more single and then we're on our own, so who's doing what next? There was no other real discussion we could have, which is a shame because, none of us wanted it to happen, but it did and we are where we are.
They'll be solo projects I imagine from each of you; what are your plans going forward?
For now actually I just wanna get in my new house! I've just bought a new house in Manchester so I wanna get in there and settle for a while, and then I've got some bits of work to do over here in America from campaigns and stuff that I've done - so I've still got some work to do here - and I keep writing and stuff all the time, but I've got no solid plans yet, other than just to focus on the tour and maybe have a little break from everything and, re-evaluate I guess.
Which member do you think will surprise us most?
I've no idea! I think Jay's always full of surprises, so possibly Jay.
Would you ever consider more reality television following The Wanted Life?
Nah, I don't think that's for me really. I'd never say never, but it's not something that's on my agenda, or on the to-do list right now.
At the beginning of your career with The Wanted, did you ever think you'd get to where you are today?
No, I didn't. I don't think you ever expect anything - I've been in a band before that were always doing pubs and clubs for two years and I loved it, but it never occured to me that I might actually have songs that are topping the charts, or be performing at arenas on tour so, when it happened it was a big shock, but fans have been there from the first minute. It's been an amazing journey and this is gonna be the last one - especially for now anyway - and hopefully at some point we'll come back.
What would you say are some of your favourite memories of your career so far?
I think I would say the day we found out that our first single had gone to number one. That was a real special moment and one that will, you know - it was such a shock that we'd actually got to number one, all the work and just doing tiny little venues all the time, even in front of no people sometimes, and then all of a sudden we were at the very top, and it was just an amazing feeling.
What would you say is the strangest fan gift you've been sent?
Probably the voodoo doll things we get - they're pretty weird. They have like pins in them on different parts on the body with a note saying what they wanna do to this part of the body. Yeah, it's a weird one!
So, how would you describe the whole experience?
It's changed my life! It'll have changed my life forever - we've had ups and downs - but the ups outweigh the downs massively and I feel really, sort of honoured that I've been able to travel the world and see so many different people and the fans have just been unbelievable, and they still are, and I think they will be to the very last minute, and I owe it to the fans.
You'll continue to keep in touch with all of the guys I imagine?
Yeah, of course.
Max George and the rest of The Wanted are currently preparing to kick off their UK and USA farewell 'Word of Mouth' tour this March. Tickets are on sale now and can be found through various ticket outlets.
Click here for a chance to win free tickets to one of the live shows.
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