5ive's Ritchie Neville reveals he only earned £100 a week in band's hayday and was left 'flat broke' when they split
Former 5ive star Ritchie Neville has revealed that he only earned £100 a week at the height of the band's fame.
The singer, 43, admitted that he was left "flat broke" when the group split in 2001, despite selling millions of records worldwide.
"We were earning £100 a week each at the height of 5ive," Neville told The Sun.
"We were selling millions of records, but we weren't seeing any of the money.
"When we split, I was flat broke. I had no money in the bank and I had to start from scratch.
Neville said that he was "naive" about the music industry when he joined 5ive.
"I was only 16 when I joined the band and I didn't know anything about the music industry," he said.
"I just thought that we would be making millions of pounds and living the high life.
"But it didn't work out like that. We were all very young and we were taken advantage of.
Neville said that he is now "grateful" for the experience of being in 5ive.
"It was an amazing experience and I wouldn't change it for the world," he said.
"But I do think it's important for young people to know that the music industry can be a tough business.
"You need to be prepared to work hard and you need to be aware of the potential pitfalls.
Neville's comments come after it was revealed that the Spice Girls are planning to reunite for a stadium tour in 2023.
The group, which includes Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Mel C, Emma Bunton, and Geri Horner, have not toured together since 2008.
It is not yet known whether Neville will be involved in the reunion tour.
