Will.i.am said “honesty” was the secret of The Black Eyed Peas’ success as they looked back on their career for an ITV special.
The US pop group – made up of Will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo – established themselves in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s, releasing their debut album in 1998.
They have since gone on to be one of the biggest-selling acts of their generation, with songs including Where Is The Love?, I Gotta Feeling and Meet Me Halfway becoming huge worldwide hits.
The band’s success will be be celebrated in ITV’s 20 Years Of The Black Eyed Peas.
Will.i.am, who is a judge on The Voice UK, said the band mates are not scared of being honest with each other.
He said: “I think the secret to our success is that we’re honest with each other. Like very honest. And we know how to take it. If I write something and Apl’s like ‘err I dunno….this is whack’ or says something a certain way.”
Apl added: “And as well, personally too, if someone’s going overboard it’s like check ‘em, y’know? And it’s alright to listen and to have brothers to watch out for you.”
The Black Eyed Peas were originally named The Black Eyed Pods when they formed in 1995.
Singer Fergie joined in 2002 but left earlier this year. Taboo joined Will.i.am and Apl shortly after the band formed and said their friendship remains stronger than ever.
He said: “I have to say it’s amazing that our friendship has evolved. From teenagers to adults, to be able to say that we’ve remained friends through thick and thin, through heartache and pain.
“It’s an amazing feat because a lot of people who start out as friends can disconnect and we’ve managed to be a group but also best friends. Black Eyed Peas is a brotherhood, we’re more than a band or a group or a crew. We’re best friends.”
20 Years Of The Black Eyed Peas will be presented by Joanna Lumley, who became friends with Will.i.am after working together on a 2014 BBC documentary.
She revealed the pair did not stay in touch after filming the programme, adding: “People like me don’t stay in touch with Will. ‘Hi Will, I’m your grandmother’s age.’ But he is wonderful and it’s been lovely to see him for this programme.”
Absolutely Fabulous star Lumley praised The Black Eyed Peas for their “remarkable” reinvention.
She said: “They always seem to be new, they always seem to be ahead of stuff. They always seem to me to be brand new. They’re never peddling old stuff.”
20 Years Of The Black Eyed Peas airs at 10.05pm Saturday on ITV.