change of tune
Nineties boyband star unrecognisable as he reveals horrific treatment in chart-topping band
Watch the ex-boybond star describe his ordeal in the video above
A NINETIES boyband star looks completely different from his days in the limelight.
The former pin-up, now 50, has also lifted the lid on his experiences during the early days of 911.
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James Spike' Dawbarn looked back on his time in the trio and joked that he was treated like Harry Potter at the Dursley's house.
He and co-stars Lee Brennan and Jimmy Constable sold out arenas thanks to their hits like Bootyshakin' and A Little Bit More.
Making an appearance on BBC's Boyband Forever, Spike spoke about his bizarre living arrangements when the band were in their heyday.
"Jimmy got one bedroom, Lee got another bedroom and I was in the cupboard like Harry Potter," he explained.
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"On a mattress, in a cupboard. It's literally where you'd just throw a load of coats in there."
"And I just didn't care to be honest, I wasn't bothered," he laughed.
The band formed in 1995 when Jimmy met Spike whilst working as a dancer on the show The Hitman and Her.
In their early days, the band would tour schools across the country and perform for students.
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"I used to come in, press play, do your singing and dancing routines, do your bit then load yourself back in the van and go to the next school," he said.
Spike now heads up a youth pop academy, PopSkool.
Nineties rock icon unrecognisable as he appears on TV 26 years after global hit that was number one for 11 weeks
He launched the school in his hometown of Warrington, and now there are franchises across the UK.
The school offers afternoon programmes where children between ages 8-16 are taught modern dance and vocal training.
Former co-star Lee Brennan also provides voice coaching to students.
After the curtains closed on 911 at the end of 2000, Spike decided to change his tune.
He followed his heart’s desire, embarked on a journey into education, and rose to the role of director at PopSkool.
911's epic success
911 were an English boyband made up of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Simon 'Spike' Dawbarn
In their five years together, 911 had 10 UK top 10 singles, including Bootyshakin'.
They sold 10 million singles and six million albums around the world.
They split in February 2000, but reunited in 2013 for a special world tour.
Spike's transition from pop star to school director at PopSkool is a testament to his versatility and dedication.
The stage may have changed, but his commitment to capturing hearts and minds remains as vibrant as ever.
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Co-starts Jimmy Constable and Lee Brennan also went into different jobs after 911.
Jimmy drove ambulances during the Covid outbreak and Lee became a lifestyle coach.
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