We Went All the Way to the Bahamas to Hang Out With R5, and We Got Way More Than a T-Shirt
1/9“Atlantis is such an amazing place. Obviously! We’re in the Bahamas! The water is so blue, and warm. It’s a nice change from California’s dark and cold waters,” lauded Ross as we sat down for breakfast at Olive’s. “Swimming here is like taking a salt water bath,” added Ellington between deciding what he and Rydell should order to share.
The family band, plus one Ellington Ratliff, is composed of Ross, Riker, Rocky, and Rydell Lynch — names that sound like the '70s sitcom, The Partridge Family, riffed off of the ever-popular Kardashian clan to create a successful musical group. The lot of them is unapologetically L.A., boasting bleach blond tresses and a relaxed vibe you just can’t fake. They’re young, they’re talented, they’re beautiful, and they’re navigating growing up in the public eye.
“I think our new album is naturally more mature because we wrote it kind of selfishly. It was for us. We didn’t choose to write an older sound, it’s just what’s happening in our lives,” explained Riker when asked about their forthcoming studio album, Sometime Last Night. “There were actually a few times where we realized maybe the progression was too much,” said Rocky, chiming in mid bite, “we had to reel it in because nothing’s worse than when you like a band and they suddenly do their own thing,” he added as he cut into his meal.
“We’re curious to see what the reaction to our album is. I really don’t want it to blow over people’s heads even though I think it’s more interesting than the last,” said Riker. “Honestly I think it’s going to be great,” Ross tacked on, assuring his older bro of it’s sure success.
The family who moved to L.A/ from Colorado has come along way since their days living in a motel, where they all stayed for the first month following their big move. “I was so sad at first, but we were kept busy and always doing things together because our Mom is very family oriented,” said Rydell. That isolated togetherness is what aids their writing processes. Having been so close their entire lives, the band members can riff off of their similar life experiences, resulting in songs with a strong familial symbiosis. “We go into writing sessions with other people and it’s almost like a blind date, but when we write as a group it’s easier because we’re not nervous around each other,” explained Riker.
“I really want our fans to enjoy themselves,” said Rydell before jetting off to hit Atlantis’s many water slides and underwater shark tanks. After an extended day of fun in the sun, the band took the stage for a big Fourth of July concert on Paradise Island’s pristine sandy beach, much to the delight of the hundreds of young fans vacationing there. Their contagious energy fueled an interactive crowd who remained engaged during the entire set, which included covers of classic rock songs that kept the parents equally as entertained.
Ross kept things interesting by bringing his girlfriend, actress Courtney Eaton, on stage for an impromptu swing dance session just before fireworks went off for the big finale. The miraculous display was the perfect ending to a magical night of music which is cemented as one of the best Independence Day celebrations ever.
2/9The band showed up in true California style wearing relaxed clothing and ready for the beach. Here they are arriving at the resort and taking a pause in front of Poseidon's massive throne.
3/9Over a delicious breakfast at Olive's, R5 opened up about growing up in the biz, life on the road, working with family, and their brand new album.
4/9First stop was Dolphin Cay where everyone met some of Atlantis's star attractions. Here they are in the shallow waters of their state-of-the-art habitat. Wetsuits never looked this good!
5/9Jumping for joy before heading off to Aquaventure Waterpark! The incredibly fun Adventure Time obstacle course can be seen floating in the background.
6/9Waterslides and tubing were the most fun! Rydel and Ellington especially loved the tubes built for two.
7/9At night, it was time to hit the stage on the beach. The crowd went wild as soon as they played their first chord. The weather was perfect for a seaside soirée!
8/9R5 played all of the fan favorites as well as some classic rock covers for the parents in the audience. Ross kept things exciting by bringing girlfriend Courtney Eaton on stage for a quick dance break!
9/9The last song finished with a bang — literally! Fireworks lit up the dark water for a brilliant 4th of July display.
