G4 (band)

G4
Former G4 line-up in concert; from left to right: Matt Stiff, Mike Christie, Ben Thapa, Jon Ansell
Background information
Origin	Guildhall, London
Genres	Operatic pop, rock, swing
Years active	2004 (2004)–2007 2014–present
Labels	Sony BMG (2004–2006) BMG (2004–06) Amick Productions
Website	www.g4official.com
Members	Jonathan Ansell – high tenor/lead Ben Thapa – low tenor Mike Christie – baritone Nick Ashby – bass (2014)
Past members	Matthew Stiff – bass (2004–2007) Tom Lowe – bass (2003)

G4 are a four-piece British vocal troupe who first came to prominence when they finished second in Series 1 of The X Factor in 2004, and are known for their operatic delivery of modern pop songs. Originally a barbershop quartet, the members met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which the name G4, standing for "Guildhall 4", derives.

In 2007 the band disbanded, citing disagreements among the members, but reunited in 2014 to celebrate their ten-year anniversary with a number of concerts nationwide, leading to a new album for Christmas 2015.

The group currently consist of tenors Jonathan Ansell and Ben Thapa, baritone Mike Christie, and Nick Ashby, with the latter replacing former bass singer Matt Stiff in 2014.

In 2004, shortly after Stiff replaced original bass Tom Lowe, G4 spontaneously applied to The X Factor with the intention of using the show to obtain a quote on posters for upcoming concerts and gain publicity - prior to this they performed as buskers during their free time at college to earn extra money and gain experience. Although the band members originally took it in turns to sing lead, Simon Cowell - who had dismissed them as "fat buskers" - suggested that Ansell be promoted to the group's frontman. Mentored by Louis Walsh, they reached the final, and to date G4 remain one of only two classical-based acts to compete in the live shows, the other being Welsh baritone Rhydian - coincidentally, both placed second in Series 1 and 4 respectively, but outsold the eventual winners. Cowell, who had mentored Series 1 champion Steve Brookstein, later admitted that G4 were the real winners of the competition.

Despite their success on the show, G4 later branded The X Factor as a pantomime due to staged conflict between the judges which overshadowed the contestants. Bass singer Stiff also stated "Backstage Simon would say we were great, but then on camera say nothing. I don't think he wanted us to win and by choosing what he said on camera he knew he had the power to sway votes. He is the ringmaster". In 2013, none of G4's singles appeared on The X Factor – Greatest Hits album, despite their status as one of the biggest-selling acts in the history of the show.