A NOUGHTIES pop star has hinted he’s quitting fame after 25 years in the spotlight as furiously ranted online.
The 42-year-old took to his Instagram to share some hard truths about the industry and told how he’d rather live a simpler live.
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British pop group Blue found fame in the early 2000s Credit: Getty – Contributor
Singer Lee Ryan hinted he’s quitting fame after 25 years Credit: Getty
Lee Ryan, a star of the 90s boyband Blue, explained that he’s “been through hell and back” and said he now “hates the public eye.”
The singer found fame in the early 2000s after the band achieved massive success with their debut album All Rise in 2001.
Blue, who have three UK Number 1 Platinum-selling albums, are still going strong, with tours lined up for the rest of this year and next.
Alongside Antony Costa, Duncan James and Simon Webbe, Lee has been taking to the stage but it seems he’s not entirely happy.
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The 42-year-old said he’s been through ‘hell and back’ as he ranted about the ‘toxic’ industry Credit: Getty – Contributor
The boyband took a hiatus in 2004 but later reformed with the original members in 2011 Credit: Getty
He posted a picture of himself singing at a concert on Instagram and captioned it with the statement: “As much as I love my career I’ve had for 25 years singing in Blue, sometimes I just want to go home to be a husband and father to my baby’s.
“There’s no place I feel more at peace than with them. This industry sucks you in and spits you out the other end… I’ve been through hell and back in the public eye and I actually hate it now.”
Lee continued: “I don’t like the fame part of this job anymore, it’s fake and quite toxic. People use you and abuse you and use your success as a weapon.”
“Don’t get me wrong I love singing and being creative making music and seeing the fans at shows,” said Lee.
“The rest I could leave behind and never step foot into that space again happily… I have no interest in the industry bs anymore…. Rather be home being a dad and a husband x”
Fans took to the comments to support Lee while some felt annoyed that they had brought tickets and could see he “didn’t want to do it anymore.”
One fan wrote: “I love blue, I still do. But at the concert I feel like I could see that you don’t really want it anymore. It‘s sad because people pay money to see the absolute best of you…”
Another fan said: “Thank you for carrying on and bless us with your beautiful voice. There is no place like home and I am sure your family is forever proud of you.”
A third fan added: “You would be missed, your voice, stage presence and banter is truly in a small minority BUT you have to do what’s best for you.”
Lee’s wife Verity also rushed to support her man. She said: “You get to do both!!! Be a pop star and come back to reality and live on the farm in the sunshine!!! We love you Mr, keep going nearly home time xxx”
The couple, who married in Gibraltar in 2022, share four children together.
Blue took a hiatus in 2004 but later reformed with the original bandmembers in 2011.
