It's a wrap. Chart-topping and award-winning boy band JLS is officially splitting up. The group broke the news in a surprising interview with The Sun Tuesday, confirming that they will be going separate ways after a final arena tour.
"It’s just that time. We are still best of friends and always will be — but this is the end," Aston told The Sun.
JLS' journey began in 2008, when they auditioned and nearly captured "The X Factor (UK)" title. Placing second in the competition, just behind Alexandra Burke, the group went on to record and release four studio albums, including the multi-Platinum selling debut JLS and its follow up "Outta This World." They also toured, selling out arenas in Europe, before attempting to crack the U.S. market.
The group's single "Everybody In Love" had some traction in the U.S., but failed to reach no.1 like many of their singles did in the UK.
"It’s an emotional time. There’s no getting away from that. We have been through so much together. But we have to be mature and look at this decision as a celebration of what we managed to achieve. We never wanted to overstay our welcome. We never wanted to be that band where people said, ‘Oh, bloody hell. It’s JLS again.’ We wanted to finish on a high," Marvin told The Sun. "We’re finishing with an arena tour — our third arena tour — and that is a massive achievement. The last five or so years have been nothing short of incredible. It has been an incredible journey."
JLS has sold over 10 million records and had five no.1 singles, more than any other act from a reality talent competition series in the UK.
While it is the end for the group, Oritse did confirm that other ventures are on the horizon.
"It has been amazing. I remember that moment in my bedroom when JLS was just an idea and I was determined to make this dream a reality," said Oritse. "They say all good things come to an end and for us it just felt like it was the right time to move forward and pursue different ventures."
After five years of success, award-winning British boy band JLS are set to part ways after their forthcoming arena tour. Fans around the world have been devastated by this announcement and can’t quite believe it’s true – but is this really goodbye for good?
JLS rose to fame in 2008 following an appearance on The X Factor, quickly becoming one of Britain’s biggest acts with a string of hit singles and four multi-platinum albums. They’ve toured all over the world, picking up numerous awards along the way including two BRIT Awards, three MOBOs and two Urban Music Awards.
Speculation has been rife since the news broke last week that they’d be splitting at the end of their current tour – what will become of these talented young men? Will they all go their separate ways or could there be solo projects in store? Read on to find out more about why JLS are calling time on their career as a group…
History Of Jls
JLS first rose to fame when they finished as runners-up on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. They quickly established themselves as one of the most successful British boy bands of recent times, winning two Brit Awards and selling over 10 million records worldwide.
Their debut album JLS went straight to Number 1 in 2009, spawning four Top Ten singles – Beat Again, Everybody In Love, One Shot and The Club Is Alive – each achieving Platinum status. Their second studio album Outta This World was released a year later and also reached number one in the UK Albums Chart. It featured three top ten hits – She Makes Me Wanna, Eyes Wide Shut and Love You More.
After five years together as a band, JLS announced that they would be splitting up after finishing their arena tour which kicked off at London’s O2 Arena on December 3rd 2013. Fans were shocked but understanding of their decision to go their separate ways following such an illustrious career together. Many will now look forward to seeing what new projects each member goes on to pursue individually.
Farewell Tour And Future Plans
To mark the end of their career together, JLS embarked on a farewell tour in December 2013. The band performed 22 dates around the UK, bringing to an end their five year musical journey with a series of spectacular shows. Fans from all over the country travelled far and wide to see one last performance from the quartet they had grown so fond of.
With such success as a group behind them, each member is now looking forward to beginning his own individual projects. Marvin Humes has already begun presenting on Capital FM Radio whilst Aston Merrygold plans to focus on writing and producing music for other artists. Oritsé Williams will be embarking on solo pursuits within both fashion and music – launching his very own record label ‘3 Beat Productions’ alongside his clothing line ‘The A-List Collection’. Finally, JB Gill will take part in various TV presenter roles including hosting BBC’s Countryfile.
It certainly looks like it won’t be long before we start seeing more successes come from each former JLS member. As four individuals they have achieved remarkable things but now it’s time for them to continue their journeys separately; something that no doubt fans across the world are excitedly waiting to witness.
Conclusion
It’s been an incredible journey for JLS. After forming on the X Factor in 2008, they went on to become one of the UK’s most successful boybands and were awarded with multiple awards during their time together. They achieved a huge amount for such a short period of time, and will be remembered as true pioneers of British pop music.
Their final tour will no doubt be emotional for fans who have followed them since day one. Although it is sad that this chapter has come to an end, there are still exciting things ahead for each member of the group – Aston, Marvin, Oritsé and JB. We look forward to seeing what new projects they embark upon in the future and wish them all luck!
JLS have had a monumental impact on British music over the last decade; from releasing chart-topping tracks to performing sold-out arena tours, they’ve certainly left their mark. It’s been great having them around but now it’s time to say goodbye – thank you JLS for all the memories!
