The story of The Wanted wasn’t just about chart-topping hits and screaming fans; beneath the polished surface, a quiet fracture was growing. Nathan Sykes, reflecting on those years, reveals a truth many fans suspected – a deep rift formed between the members, a silence that descended even at the height of their success.
The band initially exploded onto the scene in 2009, a whirlwind of youthful energy and catchy melodies. But by 2014, the dynamic had irrevocably shifted. Sykes admits that when The Wanted initially disbanded, the members weren’t even speaking to one another, a stark contrast to the camaraderie they projected publicly.
A glimmer of hope appeared in 2021 when The Wanted briefly reunited, a poignant decision made just a year after Tom Parker received a devastating brain tumor diagnosis. The reunion wasn’t about reliving past glory, but about offering support and making precious memories with a friend facing an unimaginable battle.
Parker’s illness and subsequent passing in 2022 profoundly impacted the band, casting a long shadow over any lingering tensions. Sykes emphasizes that he wouldn’t trade that difficult period for anything, cherishing the time they had with Parker during his final months.
Despite the shared experience of loss, the fractures remained. While some members, like Siva Kaneswaran and Max George, have continued to perform together as The Wanted 2.0, Sykes has definitively ruled out another full reunion. He acknowledges the complexities of revisiting a past filled with both joy and pain.
Sykes maintains a close bond with Jay McGuinness, who attended his recent wedding, a testament to a connection that endured the turbulence. He notes a natural affinity with McGuinness, perhaps stemming from their similar ages when the band first formed – Sykes was just 16, while others were already in their early twenties.
He insists there’s no animosity, stating he’d readily offer help to any of his former bandmates if asked. The reunion tour, though challenging, ultimately proved to be a healing experience, a chance to process the past and honor Parker’s memory.
Recent speculation about a feud, fueled by social media unfollows between Sykes and George, seems to hold little weight for Sykes himself. He appears unaware of the digital drama, a sign perhaps that some bridges, while not fully rebuilt, haven’t entirely collapsed.
Looking back, Sykes acknowledges the challenges but ultimately expresses gratitude for the incredible journey. He’s found contentment in accepting the past and navigating forward, carrying the memories – both the bright and the difficult – with him.
