The SpiceWorld 2019 tour has just finished, bringing true the dream of millions of fans worldwide to see their idols on stage again.

They first exploded onto the music scene in July 1996. The release of their debut single stayed at Number 1 on the charts for ten weeks. The accompanying music video which was shot in one take at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, cost them just £10. The group I am describing is of course the Spice Girls! 

In 1992, five girls: Victoria Beckham (née Adams), Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown, Geri Horner (née Halliwell), and Michelle Stephenson responded to an ad calling for a girl band. Originally named ‘Touch’ one member, Michelle left to pursue her studies, and was replaced by Emma Bunton. 

Immediately following the release of their first single, Spice mania set in. Merchandise was everywhere, and in November they released their first album. By Christmas they were releasing their third single, which went straight to Number 1. 

1997 saw the release of SpiceWorld The Movie, four more Number 1 singles, a second album, and their first live concert in Istanbul. 

1998 saw the 103 SpiceWorld Tour kick off in Dublin. The girls would be touring Europe, America and the UK. 

However, on May 31st, fans were shocked when Geri Halliwell, also known as Ginger Spice announced she had left the Spice Girls via a statement from her solicitor. The four remaining girls went on to complete the world tour without her, releasing 3 singles that year, 2 of which went to Number 1. 

 

In 2001, after releasing a third album and 2 more Number 1 singles, the Spice Girls took a break to focus on their solo careers. 

For several years, rumours came and went of a reunion until finally in 2007 there was a dramatic announcement. 

All five Spice Girls held a press conference where they announced that they were reuniting for a world tour and would also be releasing a Greatest Hits album, along with a new single.

The tickets for The Return of the Spice Girls Tour sold out in 38 seconds.

After touring the UK, US and Canada, continually adding dates to meet demand, the tour wrapped up in February, 2008. 

Fans didn’t have to wait long, because 2012 saw the Spice Girls collaborate with Jennifer Saunders to create Viva Forever the Musical in honour of their journey. They also reunited at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony for an exclusive performance. 

 

Then in November 2018 an announcement fans had long been waiting for arrived. The Spice Girls would be reuniting for a six show UK tour in 2019. However, this time Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) would not be attending due to work and family commitments. Tickets sold out almost immediately, and once again more dates had to be added to meet demand.

I personally was fortunate enough to attend the very last show at Wembley Stadium in London. One of 91,000 people, I was surrounded by people in Spice Girls t-shirts, pigtails, platform shoes and Union Jack dresses. 

 

Check out my own personal recording of ‘Viva Forever’ from that night below!

So, after over 20 years and two reunion tours, I ask: Why do the Spice Girls still provoke so many hardcore fans of all ages? 

When many people think of the Spice Girls they think of the catchy tunes, crazy outfits, big hair and which girl they are most like. What we often forget is what they did for our society behind the scenes. 

From the beginning, the Spice Girls catch phrase was “Girl Power”, empowering women to be whatever they wanted to be, and not be overshadowed by men. 

During this movement they had to break down barriers for the most mundane music industry actions like getting a magazine cover, making a music video and even appearing on television shows. 

There is something about their energy that is so contagious, and the fact that they were five ordinary girls with ordinary backgrounds is proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. I think this was the biggest appeal the girls had to offer, along with five very different personalities and appearances that everyone either liked, or could relate to. Girl power was so contagious that it spread to become boy power, and people power too.

“I just hope and I believe that the Spice Girls make everyone feel special because we are…we’re all the same.” – Melanie C

However, for me personally the part that brought me to tears was something Geri said, 

“It’s the band for everybody. Everybody belongs in it. As long as you’ve got a heartbeat, you’re in it. That’s it.”

In a world where despite the progress we have made, discrimination is still everywhere, this is the most reassuring thing. That no matter who you are, you know you are special. You know you have a place, and you know that you belong.

If the Spice Girls have taught me anything it is the importance of friendship, love, laughter and having fun. So many things in life need to be taken seriously, but never ourselves. Life needs to be fun, and part of that is learning to take the mickey out of yourself, laugh and enjoy life. Before I wrap up this post, please watch this video interlude from the tour below. To say the least, it was emotional, and brought many fans including myself to tears. (Please note A Word From Brett does not own this video).

With the tour now over, many people are now asking: What next for the Spice Girls? Not only is there a huge new set of merchandise for sale at thespicegirls.com, but the Spice Girls have also teamed with Roger Hargreaves, and released their own set of Little Miss Spice Girls books. Click here to get your own set!

Apart from this, Melanie B accidentally and too early announced a visit to Australia next February, which she later retracted due to family and work commitments of other band mates. There have also been unconfirmed reports of the girls meeting with Victoria to collaborate on another project. Whatever the truth is, the Spice Girls have guaranteed that there is much more to come. When the word is out, I promise to keep you updated.

Hasta manana, always be mine…Spice Girls Forever.