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Entertainment • Pop Music

The Wanted

The Wanted are a British-Irish boy band formed in 2009.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Wanted are a British-Irish boy band formed in 2009. The group originally consisted of Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, and Nathan Sykes, and became known for UK chart hits including "All Time Low" and "Glad You Came". They achieved international success, with their music receiving airplay in North American markets such as Canada. The group was active from 2009 to 2014 and reunited in 2021; Tom Parker died in 2022.

Formation and early years

The Wanted were formed in 2009 through open or mass auditions arranged by Jayne Collins. They were marketed as a manufactured pop group and signed to major labels early in their career.

Commercial success

The band achieved several hit singles in the UK, including "All Time Low" and "Glad You Came." Their early albums also charted in the UK, helping establish them as a prominent pop act in the early 2010s.

Albums and releases

The group's studio albums include *The Wanted* (2010), *Battleground* (2011), and *Word of Mouth* (2013). A US EP titled *The Wanted* was also released in 2012.

Hiatus, reunion, and later developments

The Wanted were active from 2009 to 2014, then reunited in 2021. Their later history has been shaped in part by the death of Tom Parker in 2022.

Key facts

  • The Wanted formed in 2009 after open auditions.
  • Their debut single "All Time Low" and "Glad You Came" both reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
  • The group originally consisted of five members: Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, and Nathan Sykes.
  • Tom Parker died in March 2022 after a brain tumour.
  • The group released three studio albums: *The Wanted*, *Battleground*, and *Word of Mouth*.
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Canadian context

The Wanted had international pop success and gained radio and chart attention beyond the UK, including in North American markets during the early 2010s.

Frequently asked questions

Who are The Wanted?
The Wanted are a British-Irish boy band formed in 2009, originally made up of Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, and Nathan Sykes.
What are The Wanted best known for?
They are best known for UK pop hits such as "All Time Low" and "Glad You Came," both of which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart.
When did The Wanted form?
The band formed in 2009 after open auditions.
What albums did The Wanted release?
Their studio albums are *The Wanted* (2010), *Battleground* (2011), and *Word of Mouth* (2013).
Is The Wanted still active?
The group was active from 2009 to 2014 and reunited in 2021; current activity may vary by member projects and public appearances.
What happened to Tom Parker?
Tom Parker died in March 2022 after a long battle with a brain tumour.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wanted
    Supports: Formation, original lineup, years active, management, labels
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wanted
    Supports: Albums, chart positions, debut single reaching number one
  3. Official Charts — https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/6393/wanted/
    Supports: UK chart achievements, lineup, Tom Parker's death
  4. BBC Newsbeat — https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10804106
    Supports: Early formation, manufactured boy band description, debut single success
  5. Last.fm — https://www.last.fm/music/The+Wanted/+wiki
    Supports: Years active, reunion timing, formation through auditions
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4015241/bio/
    Supports: Open auditions, debut single and first album timing