Siva Kaneswaran has shared an update on his bandmate Max George's health, revealing that life on the road is very different now after Max underwent heart surgery. Speaking to the Mirror before performing at Girlguiding's Big Gig at OVO Arena Wembley, Siva said Max is in bed by 9pm after gigs, rather than hitting the town.
Max George's health journey
In December 2024, Max George, 38, was rushed to hospital after medical staff discovered a blockage in his heart. At the time, his heart rate dropped to just 24 beats per minute. During urgent surgery, a pacemaker was fitted, which Max said was a "shock". Months later, he underwent a second operation to correct the placement of the pacemaker after experiencing "flickering" sensations and discomfort in his chest.
Siva, who tours with Max as The Wanted 2.0, said: "It's always good to play and have fun, but it's not as crazy as it used to be back in the day. That comes with age. Max is in bed by 9pm. I went out in Nashville when we were there for a songwriting camp and watched bands."
Changes on tour
Siva admitted that things have changed since performing as a five-piece, with him taking on a lot of the weight of the rest of the guys. He said: "Initially, it was a bit challenging, but I knew the lines already, so it was learning to adapt to a new way of singing. It's different when it was Tom's voice - Tom had such a presence, but it sounds just as good with Max and me, in my personal opinion."
He added: "People are relieved that we're back out after like a decade of being away. Initially, when we got on stage, people thought we were a tribute act, and they realised it's actually the boys. The festival crowds have been packed. We laugh every day with each other and have the best time. It's a dream, and we have so much gratitude every day for our job."
Remembering Tom and supporting Kelsey
Their bandmate Tom tragically died aged just 33 in March 2022, two years after being diagnosed with an inoperable grade IV glioblastoma. Prior to Tom's death, Max, Siva, Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuiness joined forces for a nationwide arena tour for Tom, which saw him perform with his bandmates for the final time.
Max and Siva have remained close to Tom's widow, Kelsey, who recently welcomed her daughter, River, with her partner, Will. Siva said: "I have visited her over the years and sent a comment on Instagram. A new baby is a celebration and a blessing. When I'm not in the middle of a tour, I'll message and go and see her. I'm very happy for them."
Performing for Girlguiding
Siva spoke about the band's relationship with Girlguiding, having performed at the Big Gig last year as well. He recalled: "We did a meet and greet in Oxford and one of the first girls that came up to us was like said she'd followed us since she was 12 and first saw us at Girlguiding's Big Gig and it was the loudest crowd she'd ever heard."
He added: "It's an honour to perform for them again as Girlguiding is such a great message to the UK of teamwork and confidence, and it helps them follow their dreams. There's so much love in Girlguiding. They're making a change in the world, and there's lots of service for each other, and teamwork."
Siva also touched on environmental issues, noting: "I live in LA, and the wildfires were pretty terrifying. I had a fire in front of my apartment, and a lot of my friends evacuated. Climate change is a real thing. I've visited Indonesia and Malaysia a lot - my dad's family is from Singapore. Around the airports in Malaysia, it used to be thick rainforests full of orangutans, and now it's all gone - the palm trees used for palm oil. We have to get guidance from the young because they're the custodians of the planet."
