John Hendy, the 55-year-old former East 17 star, now works as a roofer, 34 years after rising to fame with the popular Nineties boy band alongside Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey, and Terry Coldwell.
Daily Life on TikTok
Hendy regularly posts videos on TikTok, where he has over 5,000 followers, showcasing his roofing jobs—a profession he held before music. Fans often praise his content, though some question why he continues working instead of retiring on royalties from hits like ‘Stay Another Day’ and ‘It’s Alright.’
His wife, Nina, a tattoo artist, quickly defends him in comments. When one fan asked why he still works despite past sales, she replied, ‘He’s rich, it’s me spending his money.’
No Regrets from Band Days
Hendy has stated he has no money left from East 17 and owns no house, driving a worn roofing van while friends pilot Porsches. Still, he expresses no regrets, saying, ‘It’s people’s dream, innit, we’ve had the dream.’
The band signed a million-pound deal in 1991, but their manager paid just £125 weekly, rising by £25 every four months. Fame ended abruptly in 1997 when Brian Harvey left after controversial ecstasy remarks following Leah Betts’ death.
Hendy urges perspective: ‘You wanted to be in the band, you want to become famous, so it’s part and parcel. You can’t have one thing and not the other.’
Memorable Highlights
Despite financial outcomes, Hendy cherishes adventures like meeting Pamela Anderson at the 1994 MTV Awards in Berlin, performing with Phil Collins—’a proper cockney geezer’—filming a Pepsi ad in Moscow, and swimming with dolphins in Israel after a massive concert.
He reflects, ‘I don’t ever regret anything… Life’s too short. I don’t let it get to me… We should have all come out with a house, at least.’
Broader Boyband Reflections
Hendy understands public skepticism, comparing it to views on overpaid footballers earning £300,000 weekly. He notes other ex-members’ struggles, like Boyzone’s Mikey Graham fleeing fame’s toxicity, Robbie Williams feeling insecure in Take That, and Zayn Malik regretting One Direction.
Though not living lavishly, Hendy says wealthy friends envy his unique experiences.
