Even though the group was first launched in the United States by Boyband Titan Lou Pearlman - who was responsible for the success of bands like Backstreet Boys, N'SYNC, O-Town and Natural, US5 is firmly rooted in Germany. US5 started their careers in America, but only managed to break through in Europe.
Their first single, "Maria", was ranked #6 of the Billboard Single Sales Charts in the US and held four weeks as the number-one spot on the German single charts. Even abroad, their debut single was, for several weeks, in the Top 5 of the European countries.
In Poland, US5 reached gold status with their first album even before its release, due to enormous pre-orders. US5 achieved much success in Eastern before conquering the Asia music market.
All US5 singles, albums, and DVDs were ranked at the peak of all charts throughout Europe.
Apart from heartbreaking ballads like "Come Back To Me Baby", "Mama", "One Night With You" and "Too Much Heaven", the boys show repeatedly with trendy, up-tempo numbers, that they can be different. The videos for "In The Club" or "Rhythm of Life" are two examples of what happens if US5 is ready to party and enter the dance floors.
The boys mostly write their songs along with their production company Triple-M Mysic as a team. Their second single, "Just Because of You", was a successful mix of both styles, that impressed not only the media, but also important people and musicians from home and abroad. So great was the impression that Bee Gees member Robin Gibb let the worldwide hit, "Too Much Heaven", be re-recorded and even produced with US5 within a duet.
The boys have agreed: "Without our great fans it would be no fun. Our fans give us so much energy. And as long as they do, we will give them something back." (citation needed)
In fall 2007, band member Mikel Johnson decided to leave. He was replaced by Vincent Tomas.
In August 2008, Christoph “Chris” Watrin decided to leave the band because of "burnout". He was later replaced by Cayce Clayton.
In February 2009, Vincent Tomas quit the band.
Band members
2005–present: Christopher "Richie" Stringini (born November 28, 1988, in Wheaton, Illinois, United States)
2008–present: Cayce Clayton (born December 03, 1988, in Atascadero, California, United States)
2005-present: Izzy Gallegos (born September 19, 1983, in Stockton, California, United States)
2005-present: Tariq Jay Khan (born 31 March 1982,in London, England, UK )
] Former band members
2005–2007: Michael “Mikel” Johnson (born July 18, 1987, in Mainz, Germany)
2005–2008: Christoph “Chris” Watrin (born August 7, 1988, in Cologne, Germany)
2007-2009: Vincent “Vince” Tomas (born August 27, 1992, in Mansfield, Ohio, United States
Discography
Studio albums
Here We Go (2005)
In Control (2006)
Around the World (2008)
[edit] DVDs
US5 – The History (2005)
Here We Go – Live & Private (2006)
US5 – Live In Concert (2006)
US5 On Holiday (2008)
Awards and nominations
2005
Gold for - Maria“ (Germany)
Gold for - Maria“ (USA)
Gold for “Here We Go”
Platin for „Here We Go“
Goldener Bravo Otto to "Superband Pop"
Yam! Award "Superstar 2005" for Richie
German Radio Award als "Best Newcomer Male"
ADTV Music-Award for „Maria“
2006
XPress-Award "Goldener Pinguin" to "Best Band"
Platin for „Here We Go“ (Austria)
Gold for “US 5 - The History “
Jetix Kids Award "Best Band"
Goldener Bravo Otto "Superband Pop"
2007
Gold for 'Here we go' in Poland (10.000)
Gold for 'In Control' in Poland (more then 100.000)
Radio Regenbogen Award "Popgroup of the Year"
Steiger Award "Nachwuchs"
Goldene Kamera "Pop International Band"
Goldener Otto "Super Band Pop"
Vivalicious Style Award
Viva Comet in Polen "Superband // Show of the Year"
Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards "Favoriteband"
Jetix Kids Award "Best Band"
2008
Goldener Otto "Beste Band"
Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards "Favoriteband"
Jetix Kids Award "Best Band"
Singles
Year Title Chart Positions Album
GER AUT SW UK POL EU
2005 “Maria” 1 4 8 38 5 9 Here We Go
“Just Because of You” 3 3 8 – 42 14
2006 “Come Back to Me Baby” 3 4 4 – 58 9 Here We Go – New Edition
“Mama” 4 6 18 – 77 16
“In the Club” 2 2 15 – 1 13 In Control
2007 “One Night with You” 2 8 38 – 2 15
“Rhythm of Life (Shake It Down)” 4 6 25 – 4 18 In Control - Reloaded
“Too Much Heaven” (featuting Robin Gibb) 7 26 – – 61 68
2008 “Round and Round” 7 17 – – – – Around the World
“The Boys Are Back” 14 29 – – – –
