Former member of the iconic 90s band East 17, John Hendy, has recently published a revealing memoir recounting his experiences during the band’s heyday. The 55-year-old, now extensively tattooed, has returned to his former job as a roofer, reminiscing about his rise to fame alongside bandmates Brian Harvey, Tony Mortimer, and Terry Coldwell, which saw them sell 20 million singles worldwide and tour globally.
Despite the glamour of mingling with celebrities and jet-setting around the world during their peak, Hendy confessed that he now feels more comfortable enjoying a pint at the pub and sharing laughs with his fellow roofers. Thirty-four years after their debut single, Hendy, who currently resides in Epping, has released a new autobiography titled “Stay, Just for Another Day,” chronicling his life as one of the rebellious figures in the nineties pop scene.
The memoir delves into Hendy’s challenging yet affectionate upbringing in Walthamstow, East London, raised solely by his father after his mother’s departure when he was a young child. Contrasting his past, Hendy now enjoys family life with his partner, Nina, and their children Aaliyah and Usher.
Reflecting on his reunion with his estranged mother, Hendy shared poignant moments of reconciliation and understanding, shedding light on her sacrifices and challenges. Despite a close relationship with his father, Hendy recalls weekends spent at his grandparents’ home, offering his father respite.
Fame unexpectedly found Hendy at 16 when he and Mortimer began creating music together, eventually leading to the formation of East 17 with Terry and Brian. The band’s distinctive image and sound quickly propelled them to stardom, establishing a niche in the music industry alongside other boy bands of the era.
Their journey was marked by whirlwind experiences, from signing their first record deal to performing on national television, showcasing the demanding yet rewarding nature of their success. Hendy reminisced about the fast-paced lifestyle, balancing work commitments with occasional indulgences, including encounters with music legends and glamorous events.
However, the band’s meteoric rise was met with a tumultuous end in 1997 following controversies and internal conflicts, ultimately leading to the disbandment of East 17. Despite subsequent reunion attempts with mixed outcomes, Hendy expressed contentment with his past and the irreplaceable thrill of performing on stage.
“Stay, Just for Another Day” is now available for pre-order globally, offering readers a glimpse into Hendy’s remarkable journey through the nineties music scene.