A Story

The year was 1992. In the Sunshine State of Florida, the city of Orlando with Disney & Universal studios was a haven for those seeking fame & recognition. Nicholas, Alex and Howard were no different. Nicholas, born in upstate New York and raised in Florida was all of 12, but dreamed big. So did Howard, a native of Florida, older but barely out of his teens. Alex, 14, perhaps wanted to give meaning to his existence, lost in a dream world, away from his troubled home, raised by his loving mother & grandparents. The three used to meet regularly while auditioning for musical theater, TV shows and became good friends. They soon discovered their common interest in music & began working together. Later they also met Scott, 20, a native of Kentucky, former church choir singer and currently performing theater, who soon joined them. A businessman, owning an airline company, but who wanted to make a fortune out of managing a music band, auditioned them & decided to manage them. But he wanted one more member, and Scott thought of his cousin Thomas back home in Kentucky, also a church choir singer. Thomas was on his way to join missionary school, but in his heart was a born performer. So, he made his mind to try out his luck with the group. In no time, he bonded with the rest. And so began their journey.

The path was not easy. They spent 3 long years practicing, performing in schools, theme parks. Finally, they landed a recording offer. But, they met with little success in America. So, they went across the Atlantic to Europe. Slowly, people started taking notice, and soon, before even they realized it, the five were becoming something of sensations. Riding high on their newfound success in Europe, they came back to their homeland, and this time, they were greeted with a huge welcome. Now, they became the Fabulous Five!!! They became a worldwide rage. They worked hard, and they loved what they did. However, the world around is not as simple. Their manager was out to squeeze every penny using their talents. They found themselves being stretched to the limit, with not a lot of payback for themselves. Howard performed with the group hours after losing his sister. Thomas survived a health scare, but barely took any rest before hitting the road again. But, they had grown up & realized none of this is worth without health & family. So, they laid out their terms and said that they wanted things their way. And they got it. They were now more successful than ever, and they were now doing things on their own terms.

They were maturing, but unfortunately not all in the right way. Alex, with the ghosts of his past, became lost in the dizzying world of fame. Rather than his friends with their feet firmly on the ground, he enjoyed nights at clubs. Alcohol was just the beginning, soon he became addicted to drugs. Suddenly, his friends found him floundering & exhausted. Then, one day, Alex lost his dear grandmother & suffered a breakdown. Scott, troubled by his friend's changed behavior, confronted him. But they had a fight and Alex told Scott, who, being the eldest was like the caring big brother of the rest, that he didn't want to see him again. Later, Alex felt guilty and knew he needed help. With the support of his family and his friends, he entered rehab. His friends too, took this time to be on their own. Cousins Thomas & Scott married their childhood sweethearts. Thomas soon also became a father. Howard spent his time in business. Nicholas was still the growing boy, and he utilized this break to make music on his own. The friends spent time apart, but never left each other's side. When Alex finished his rehab, his four brothers were there to greet him. The biggest hug he got was from Scott.

Then they decided it was time. In 2005, they announced they had a big & refreshing break, and it was time to work. Things had changed now. Over a decade of experience had also humbled the Fab Five. But behind all the glitz & glamor, their amazing talents had left a indelible mark on their followers. The craze, though now more reserved rather than the prime-time TV news material of before, was still there. Moving on, Scott decided he needed time for his family. Giving his blessings to his friends, he went back home & is now a happy father. The others continue to worth together & on their individual music. Thomas has followed his calling, and together with his work with the group, is also a Christian musician. Scott meets his friends occasionally. He even joined them once in a performance in 2008. Through it all, they have still remained the five friends that used to hang out & make music together near the Backstreet Market in Orlando.

[ This is a fictional story inspired by real events. Any resemblance to living legends and their lives is a result of their inspiration to this story along with some fictional, but probably closely accurate elements :) ]