The Wanted

The Wanted are a British-Irish boy band formed in 2009 through mass auditions. The original lineup consisted of Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, and Nathan Sykes. The group was managed by Scooter Braun, who is also known for managing acts like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.

Career Breakthrough and Success

The band's debut single, "All Time Low," was released in July 2010 and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. Their self-titled debut album was released in October 2010 and peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart. They went on to release two more studio albums, "Battleground" (2011) and "Word of Mouth" (2013). The band achieved international success with their hit single "Glad You Came," which peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their songs "Chasing the Sun" and "I Found You" also topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Over their career, The Wanted have sold over 12 million records worldwide. In 2013, they starred in their own reality series on E! called "The Wanted Life".

Musical Style

The Wanted are known for their dance-pop and teen pop sound. Their music often incorporates elements of contemporary pop/rock.

Hiatus and Reunion

In January 2014, the band announced they would be taking a hiatus to pursue individual projects. After a seven-year break, The Wanted announced their reunion in September 2021. They planned a greatest hits album, "Most Wanted: The Greatest Hits," and a charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall to support band member Tom Parker, who had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

Tom Parker's Death and Legacy

In October 2020, Tom Parker announced he had been diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma. He passed away from the illness on March 30, 2022, at the age of 33. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from his bandmates and the music community. In his memory, the band released a new version of their song "Gold Forever" titled "Gold Forever (For Tom)," with all proceeds going to The Brain Tumour Charity. In February 2025, a special show by 'The Wanted 2.0', consisting of members Max George and Siva Kaneswaran, is scheduled in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity.

Band Members

Max George

Maximillian "Max" Alberto George was previously a member of the boy band Avenue. He is a singer, dancer, and DJ.

Siva Kaneswaran

Siva Kaneswaran was born in Ireland and began modeling at age 16. He has also pursued acting.

Jay McGuiness

James "Jay" Kevin McGuiness attended the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama. In 2015, he won the British television dance competition "Strictly Come Dancing".

Tom Parker

Thomas "Tom" Anthony Parker grew up in Bolton. Before joining The Wanted, he was part of a Take That tribute band.

Nathan Sykes

Nathan James Sykes is the youngest member of the group. He began singing at the age of six and has also had a successful solo career.