East 17's Brian Harvey rages 'I'm entitled to benefits' despite selling 22 million records

Edinburgh Live

30-04-2025

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East 17's Brian Harvey, who soared to fame with the band's staggering 22 million record sales, has shockingly admitted he's on benefits despite his nineties stardom. The 50 year old former frontman, who created smash hits like Stay Another Day and If You Ever with Gabrielle, has faced financial hardship since the group parted ways in 1999 and following Tony Mortimer's exit two years prior.
After an unsuccessful attempt at a solo career, Brian has retreated from the public eye, only to resurface with a startling revelation on TikTok. While puffing on a cigarette and angrily addressing "trolls" criticising his benefits claims, he exclaimed: "I'm entitled to benefits. I sold 22 million records, that's not a big-up, it's a fact!".
In a video taken outside his local council building, Brian erupted with a tirade aimed at council staff declaring, "Who put Walthamstow on the map?"What are you on about, wasting your time?
You wouldn't have a job here if it weren't for me paying tax on 22 million f*****g records. F**k you! F**k you!, reports the Mirror.
Returning home, the East Anglian music icon – once romantically linked with Danniella Westbrook – continued ranting on TikTok: "How much tax have I paid and how much tax have you d***head trolls paid? 22 million records! Could you do that? No, you couldn't do that, you're just jealous."
Despite the explosive outburst, many of Brian's followers rushed to his defence, suggesting he has every right to claim benefits, while some pondered about the whereabouts of his fortune, hinting that perhaps an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother might help bolster his bank account.
Following a public spat with Tony that led to his exit from East 17, Brian made headlines for controversial remarks about ecstasy use during a radio interview. He then tried his hand at a solo career, releasing True Step Tonight in 2001.
However, he found it challenging to replicate the commercial success he had enjoyed with the band.
In 2006, an attempt was made to reunite all four original members of East 17 for Channel 4's Bring Back... series. Another reunion took place in 2010, but Tony departed again in 2013.
Brian left once more in 2014, marking the end of the line for the Walthamstow Four.
In 2005, Brian survived a severe accident outside his East London home when he fell under the wheels of his reversing Mercedes. The incident resulted in serious injuries and necessitated a lengthy recovery period.
Throughout the 2010s, he occasionally surfaced in the media to talk about his ongoing struggles with mental health and financial issues.
Brian has been remarkably open about his life post-fame, using social media platforms to engage directly with fans and share his experiences.
In recent years, the Deep star has been trying to revive his career via YouTube and TikTok, setting up a channel to connect with his followers and share his journey.
(Image: Tik Tok)