The Wanted 2.0: Interview
For a generation of pop fans, The Wanted soundtracked the 2010s. Now, founding members Max George and Siva Kaneswaran are back as The Wanted 2.0, returning to the stage on their own terms. After playing Brighton’s iconic Concorde 2, they dive into everything from seaside sunsets to new music and life on the road with a renewed sense of gratitude.
What has it been like returning to the stage as The Wanted 2.0?
S: It’s been emotional because we get to see all the fans again who we haven’t seen in over a decade. It’s great to be reliving it, but also creating something new. We obviously make a special moment for Tom, and it’s just feeling that energy again in the room with the fans and each other.
What made Brighton special?
S: I was so blown away by the set-up. The venue was so beautiful – the disco ball and lasers. The sound was great. You really felt on top of everyone in that venue, and then you step outside and you’ve got the beach right in front of you.
M: Brighton never lets us down. We stayed up till like seven in the morning the next day, as we just couldn’t get enough of Brighton. We went for a few drinks in different places, like Barbara’s Bier Haus and Molly Malone’s, and then sat in our hotel room and watched the sun come up from the Harbour Hotel. It was an absolutely beautiful spot.
S: I went down to the beach and there was this one girl busking in the beach bars. She was on her own in the rain, so I sat and listened to her whole set. It was pretty magical there.
How has being a duo changed the band?
M: Tom was very much a lead voice, which we can never replace. But in terms of the songs themselves, Siva in particular has stepped up and just smashes it out of the park with all the parts of the other boys.
How has your relationship changed?
M: The first time around with the band, Siva and I weren’t that close. Siva would hang out with Jay after shows, and I’d always be with Tom. With everything that happened with Tom, we started spending more time together and talking about music and our personal ambitions. We realised we had a lot in common. It just works.
You’ve both experienced a lot of life since the band first broke through. Has your approach to looking after yourselves changed?
M: I’ve been alcohol-free for seven years and, after having a couple of health issues, I know how important it is to rest. I love performing – it’s my favourite thing in the world – but I have to make sure I recover afterwards, otherwise I’ll be knackered.
S: Over the past two years, I’ve started meditating more. I meditate for around 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night, especially on tour. It helps me stay grounded.
This is our November edition, when men’s mental health is an important conversation. What have you learned that you’d like to share?
M: Keeping the people closest to you close and being open with them. Holding things in has really held me back. You can keep doing it until you reach a breaking point. That’s one of the reasons it’s so nice doing this together. I struggled when I was on my own. I like being part of a team and having people I love around me.
As The Wanted 2.0, what’s next?
M: Next year there will be new music. We might be dipping our toe in a bit of country at some point.
S: The next tunes are going to be leaning more into dance, too.
Will you be back in Brighton soon?
M: Absolutely. Brighton is an amazing place, and the people are awesome.
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