Blue - The Group Story

The Blue boys sit down nervously listening to the UK chart countdown as it's announced that their debut single 'All Rise' has crashed into the UK Top Ten chart at an amazing Number 4. The single goes on to spend 5 weeks in the UK Top 10.

Rewind to January 2001: four lads shiver on top of a snow-capped mountain near the coastal town of Trondheim. They've been working with top R 'n' B producers Stargate (Sisqo, Mariah Carey) on what is set to be their first ever single release. 'Blue have only one agenda', says Duncan. 'We're a vocal group. We want to perform decent songs with tough grooves and soulful vocals." Antony adds: 'I know it's been said a million times before, but we want the music to speak for itself. We want to be respected for being a quality act, and not known for being as in-yer-face as some other bands.'

Blue comprises London-based lads Duncan James (22), Antony Costa (20), Lee Ryan (18) and Simon Webbe (22). Meeting initially through the audition circuit, the boys got together early last year when Duncan and Antony decided to form a vocal group, enlisting Lee (whom they had seen on the audition circuit and regarded the best singer around) and his flatmate Simon to make up the numbers. Vocally, the four soon realised they had something special going on, and both management and a deal with Virgin's Innocent Records quickly ensued.

As well as the aforementioned Stargate, Blue have recorded tracks with Jonny Douglas (All Saints, George Michael), Quiet Money (Sade, Dane Bowers), Elliot Kennedy (Five) and singer songwriter Ray Ruffin, son of Motown legend Jimmy Ruffin.

Tracks range from the smooth disco-tinged R 'n' B of 'Too Close' to the languid funk of 'Step A Little Closer' and classic pop harmonies of mid-tempo future single 'If You Come Back' (produced by Ray Ruffin), which beautifully showcases Lee's vocals. And you'll already know about the brazenly funky debut smash 'All Rise', a seriously hook-filled blend of melodic harmonica, crisp percussive beats and plenty of vocal attitude - not to mention a nicely low-slung rap from Simon