YM interview with Ritchie (April '99)

What makes the group so unique?
I know it sounds daft, but very much the people in it. Someone said individually we're dynamite, together we're explosive. We're about uplifting, catchy songs that you bob your head to and sing along.

So, boppin' boy, what's the craziest thing your fans have ever done?
They stand outside hotels all night in the pouring rain. We always say to them "Look, we are so grateful and we love that you like what we do, but please, don't stand outside in the rain. Go home and have a warm shower and a cup of hot chocolate!"

How did you guys all meet?
We answered a short ad in a newspaper. It was placed by the Spice Girl's management, so then the media started calling us the Spice Boys.

You guys used to live together. When you moved in, how well did you know each other?
We didn't. We were five strangers. It was just like MTV's The Real World.

How do you keep harmony when everybody gets stressed?
We have arguments, but we've never had a major bust up with punches thrown or anything. We snap at each other, but we all know that it's due to tiredness and stress.

We hear you're way sensitive and really liked Titanic. How many times have you seen it?
Six. I really loved that film. I love acting, and Leo's was definitely a role I would have loved to play. I was Romeo in my school's production of Romeo and Juliet. There are other parts I'd like to do, but I really love playing the lover!

Typed up by me!