20 October 2023 , 07:00
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The pop group Babylon Zoo's lead singer, Jasbinder Singh Mann (Jas Mann), was a big deal in the 90s. His signature look of short hair tucked behind his ear with a goatee beard and geek chic specs was iconic. The group's song Spaceman was the fastest selling single in the UK for 30 years. It hit the number one slot in 20 countries, keeping the star at the top of the charts.
After forming a band called The Glove Puppets at 15, the Staffordshire-born star joined The Sandkings as their vocalist in 1998 and they went on to open for the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. Shortly after, Jas, now 52, separated from the band over 'creative differences' and formed Babylon Zoo in 1992 with another gang of friends.
Jas Mann rocked an iconic '90s look (Sunday Mail)
He wore his long hair tucked behind his ears (Sunday Mail)They achieved massive success when Spaceman was featured on a Levi's jeans TV advert in 1996. The single sold 420,000 copies in its first week alone. Their debut album, The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes, was ranked in the top 20 of the charts in 17 countries. Jas said of the record: "Like an actor, the album is a platform for my personal feelings about my surroundings and the people around me."
Three years later, the band hoped to emulate their earlier success but neither their follow up album, King Kong Groover, or single All the Money's Gone made it into the Top 40. The pop star, whose father is from India and mother is of Sioux descent, moved back to India after the group disbanded and co-founded film production and distribution company Virgin India.
Jas Mann shows off his slick new style alongside American rapper Chuck D (WireImage)It was in 2008 that the former frontman turned businessman, becoming CEO and co-chairman of the multi-million dollar film studios Indomina Group. With this he produced two instalments of the Cabin Fever franchise. And his '90s look is long gone with the star having cut off his long hair in favour of a smart, short style perfect for his new business career.
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