I mean I have an actual picture on the original stairs 😍🤣

 

I mean it will be nice for international fans who have never got the chance to stand on the stairs.

 

I mean universal are just trying to come up with ways to gain traction on social media and please fans with zero help from the girls.

I mean it will be nice for international fans who have never got the chance to stand on the stairs.

 

I mean universal are just trying to come up with ways to gain traction on social media and please fans with zero help from the girls.

 

 

I was kidding, I think it's a lovely idea.

Oh I wasn't meaning anything against you, it's lovely you have a pic on the stairs.

If the girls done even slight TV promo it would have a big influence.

Today’s the anniversary day! Happy anniversary to the Spice Girls, Wannabe and to us! :cheer: :wub:

 

What a song and what a moment in pop history, truly iconic. I’ll definitely be making this a spicy day for myself and watching back some of the old DVDs. :heart:

 

Here’s a new BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57734073 “ The Spice Girls at 25: Here's the story from A to Z”

There is a montage video of Wannabe on Spotify, you can see it on the All out 90s playlist cover.

25 years since the Spice Girls invented music :cheer: :cheer:

The singles have stories below them on Spotify with a few little facts and quotes from the girls.

'Wannabe' is track #1 on Spotify's Throwback Thursday with the playlist celebrating hits from 1996. Can it re-enter the Spotify Top 200? :thinking:

And mean absolutely nothing as streaming figures on Thursday are estimated #sigh

And mean absolutely nothing as streaming figures on Thursday are estimated #sigh

 

Honestly this is so lame. It's all digital, cant they really not work it out better than this?

 

The Spice Girls at 25: Here's the story from A to Z

 

BBC News

 

It came out of nowhere. It changed the course of pop music. It was Wannabe - the scrappily brilliant debut single by The Spice Girls.

 

The record label had been worried. Wannabe was too weird, too anarchic. They hated the video. BBC Radio 1 was refusing to play it. Breakfast show DJ Chris Evans told the band to go back to kids' TV.

 

But the girls knew better. "It's not negotiable as far as we're concerned," they insisted. "Wannabe is our first single."

 

And "if they decided they wanted to do something, then that's what was going to happen," Wannabe's co-writer Richard "Biff" Stannard told the BBC.

 

History proved them right.

 

Released 25 years ago, on 8 July 1996, Wannabe spent seven weeks at number one in the UK and four in the US. In the process, it made five unknown girls - Victoria Caroline Adams, Melanie Janine Brown, Emma Lee Bunton, Melanie Jayne Chisholm and Geraldine Estelle Halliwell - global superstars.

 

Here's a story from A to Z of how the band started, rose to fame, fell apart and put themselves back together again. So grab a cup of tea, slam your body down, wind it all around, and we'll begin.

 

See the A to Z story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57734073

Wannabe at 25: How Spice Girls’ debut single changed the pop landscape

 

“So here’s the story from A to Zee, you wanna get with me you gotta listen carefully…”

 

There was nothing else quite like Wannabe on the radio back in summer 1996. There was lots of dance music, there was plenty of guitar rock, a few boybands here and there, no shortage of R&B, a smattering of rap, and even a bit of reggae thanks to Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl. But what was missing? Pop! Enthusiastic, unashamed, gutsy pop, and with an all-girl band behind it. This was something new.

 

Sure pop wasn’t dead, but you could argue its definition as a genre had become confused over time. And then the Spice Girls came along. Their nicknames would come later, thanks to Top Of The Pops magazine, but for the moment, the women known as Victoria, Melanie B, Melanie C, Emma and Geri were about to change the pop landscape in just three minutes.

 

Debut single Wannabe was a breathless, energetic romp through rules on friendship, romance and, of course, in that middle-eight rap, the kind of chat you might see on a Twitter bio. Imagine: @easyV – doesn’t come for free, she’s a real lay-deeeee.

 

Penned by the girls in conjunction with Biff Stannard and Matt Rowe, Wannabe was a wonderful introduction to the spirited fivesome who would enjoy unprecedented, relentless chart success all over the world in less than two years.

 

The story with Wannabe goes that Victoria Adams (as was) had to miss the writing session and so gave her feedback over the phone, something she's always regretted. The track was done and dusted in about half an hour, but the record company thought it could do with some more work and sent it off to the US to be mixed as an R&B track, then the hot sound for pop. In what would become a common theme throughout their career, the girls rebelled, and mixing duties went to Spike Stent, who’d worked with Madonna.

 

Wannabe was a hit all over the world, but it was very nearly never their debut single at all. Label bosses and their manager Simon Fuller reckoned another song was the perfect launch single (conflicting reports say it was Say You'll Be There or Love Thing) but the girls disagreed and Mel B and Geri – a formidable duo at the best of times – led another coup that saw Wannabe finally released.

 

Helped by a fantastic, one-take video – in which Emma appears to steal a hat from a homeless man – set on what was then the unused chambers of the hotel in London's St Pancras station, Wannabe went in at Number 3 on its first week on sale. It then deposed Take That star Gary Barlow the following week, sending his debut solo hit Forever Love flying, and remained at the top for seven straight weeks. See the chart the week Wannabe climbed to Number 1 here.

 

During its tenure at the summit of the Official Singles Chart, Wannabe sold over 879,000 copies – 148,000 in its third week at the top alone – and kept some big names off Number 1. Robbie Williams’ debut solo hit Freedom had to settle for second place, as did Los Del Rio’s holiday hit La Macarena, 3T with uncle Michael Jackson and Geri’s future BFF George Michael, with Spinning The Wheel.

 

It was the summer of Spice and there was absolutely nothing anyone could do about it.

 

The rest, as they say, is history. Music channels couldn’t get enough of the video, and the girls went on the promo trail in a big way. In the UK, they scored their very first TV appearance on Surprise Surprise. You can see here that even though the girls don't seem polished, the images they would eventually carve out for themselves were already well on their way to completion.

 

Prepare yourself for some iconic footage here (skip to about 3:00 in if cheesy hosts and surprised, mortified teenagers are not your thing.

 

Wannabe has sold 1.4 million (excluding streams), would take the BRIT for Best British Single, and bagged an Ivor Novello Award too. Their debut album Spice went on to be a massive seller worldwide and there’d even be another million-selling single to come in 2 Become 1.

 

But this week in 1996, it really did feel like friendship would never end.

I really really cannot believe that Wannabe is 25 years old. I’m pretty sure I have a cassette somewhere of either the single or the first album from waaaaay back in 1996 when that was a legit Format. I don’t bin things so it must be at home somewhere.

 

 

This makes me feel so old. They were the First Music Act i ever really stanned (I had the Geri tin for Spiceworld) and was heartbroken when Geri left. Still a little young to have ever gone to like a signing or a concert at the time but there’s no doubt that Wannabe and all that followed had a definite impact. The fact that the title of that bbc article made me immediately start to sing „you wanna get with me you better listen carefully“ :lol:

 

Insane. BRB gonna go claim my old age pension

Wannabe will certainly never be forgotten, it represents something much bigger than just a pop song. I think Baby One More Time is the only other debut from that 90s period that had and continues to have a similar “power”. Wannabe has more substance though as the girls wrote it themselves.

 

Happy 25th birthday :magic:

The A-Z article was fun, and nice to be reminded about that really funny interview with Jamie Theakston in 1997 :lol:

 

Interesting to be given a specific figure of 879,000 sold during the 7 weeks at #1. Data/estimates from the time added up to 882,000, so very close.

 

~~~~~

 

Spotify has announced a first-of-its kind catalogue partnership with the Spice Girls, which will allow fans to go behind the scenes and reflect on the group’s beginnings and later fame.

 

“Spice Girls have always been about unity and inclusion, and it makes us so proud that after 25 years our music is still inspiring a whole new generation,” the group said in a statement.

 

“Thanks to Spotify for keeping us connected to our fans around the world. Streaming has been a huge part of keeping our music alive and it’s amazing that so many people around the world listen to us on Spotify.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertai...s-b1880226.html

 

 

Glamour:

 

No, the Spice Girls weren't perfect, but they helped me – and an entire generation of girls growing up in the '90s – feel seen, powerful and strong

On the 25th anniversary of 'Wannabee', this is what the Spice Girls meant to girls like me.

 

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/s...rls-love-letter

 

 

Independent:

 

WANNABE IS 25: THE KEY SPICE GIRLS LOOKS WE’D STILL GENUINELY WEAR TODAY

From Victoria Beckham’s chic LBD to Mel C’s take on sportswear, Liz Connor reminisces.

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fa...s-b1880312.html

 

‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls was a breath of fresh air. Here’s to dividing rooms with it for another 25 years

If you find the song irritating, it’s because it wasn’t written for you

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/spice-...m-b1875692.html

 

 

The Telegraph:

 

Why the summer of '96 was a British year to remember - starting with the Spice Girls' success

Radio 2's Summer of 96 season reached its zenith celebrating 25 years since Wannabe - a bumper year, especially for one member of royalty

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/what-to-l...ice-girls-boys/

EMMA:

 

View this post on Instagram

Zigazigahhhhhh!!! 🎉🎉

 

Feeling very emotional, what an amazing 25 years it has been. Thanks to our wonderful fans for making 5 girls dreams come true, loving the songs that we wrote, copying our dance routines and embracing our individuality! My beautiful girls @melaniecmusic, @officialmelb, @therealgerihalliwell, @victoriabeckham - the best girl squad ever!!! ✌️

 

💗 25 years of Wannabe

💗 25 years of amazing memories

💗 25 years of zig a zig ah

💗 25 years of incredible fans!

 

#wannabe25 #IAmASpiceGirl

 

 

View this post on Instagram

I remember seeing this picture on a poster for the first time in Finchley next to my favourite chicken shop and I knew this was gonna be something very special! 💗

 

#wannabe25

 

 

 

GERI:

 

View this post on Instagram

25 years of ‘Wannabe’. Wow. The song that changed the lives of five girls from Britain.

 

The first picture was taken in my back garden on a Sunday - we were all listening to the radio together that day we went to number 3 in the charts!!

 

The black and white picture was from our first ever photoshoot!

 

And the famous ring... I bought a gold ring for each of the girls when we first got together, as a symbol of our friendship. It’s a special bond that continues to stand the test of time. I’m so proud of everything we have achieved together, girls. BIG thank you to our amazing fans from all over the world for your support and loyalty. Love, Ginger. 💓 @emmaleebunton, @melaniecmusic, @officialmelb, @victoriabeckham

#wannabe25

 

 

 

MELANIE C:

 

View this post on Instagram

25 years! Can you believe it?!

 

With the help of our amazing fans this song catapulted us on our incredible journey, so much love and thanks to you guys today, the wonderful Matt and Biff, and my darling Spice Girls ❤️

 

So many memories! The Strongroom, St Pancras, those stairs! And backflipping all over the World!

 

Happy Birthday Wannabe!

 

Can't wait until we Zig a zig ahh again!!! 🇬🇧✌🏼#Wannabe25 #iamaspicegirl

 

 

 

VICTORIA:

 

Amazing coverage! No wonder the albums were selling again today.

 

And specifically good news about the Spotify support. This bodes really well for the future of the catalogue, although I dont quite get what 'going behind the scenes' means ah

Spotify Article:

 

ZIG-A-ZIG AH

The Spice Girls Continue to Find Fans 25 Years After Their Hit ‘Wannabe’

 

https://newsroom.spotify.com/2021-07-08/the...ir-hit-wannabe/

https://twitter.com/SpotifyNews/status/1413105836654796803

 

In July of 1996, the Spice Girls burst onto the music scene with their platform heels, Union Jack clothing, and their single “Wannabe.” Their lyrics of female empowerment made waves and started a global “girl power” revolution unlike anything the music and pop culture industry had witnessed before, with a lasting impact ever since.

 

So to celebrate the anniversary of their debut hit, on July 9 the Spice Girls will be releasing an EP, Wannabe 25, that includes a demo of the original single, a remix by Junior Vasquez, and a new ballad called “Feed Your Love.”

 

On the platform, Spotify’s celebrating the occasion with This Is Spice Girls, the ultimate destination for fans of the girl group. There, listeners will find a new long-form version of the “Wannabe” music video that’s exclusive to Spotify. The playlist also includes new storylines from the band, where they share details on their biggest hits.

 

Spotify may not have been around during the group’s ’90s inception, but that doesn’t mean fans aren’t listening to their music on the platform two decades later. In fact, “Wannabe” has been streamed more than 590 million times on Spotify, with listeners in the United States streaming the most, followed by Germany and the U.K.

 

“We continue to see a huge number of streams daily for their music, ranging from the songs we all know and love, such as “Wannabe,” “Stop,” and “Spice Up Your Life,” to niche releases that only a die-hard fan would play on repeat,” shares Sulinna Ong, Head of Music at Spotify U.K. and Ireland. “They truly changed the pop landscape forever, giving women a voice in the industry and giving fans the confidence to be their true selves.’’

 

Music from the Spice Girls has also found a home on millions of user-generated playlists—20 million, to be exact. As to the age of those streaming the British pop sensation’s tracks on Spotify? You may be surprised to learn that 18-to-24-year-olds are the ones streaming the Spice Girls’ music most (despite being born after the group’s first single was released).

 

Remarking on this, the band said, “Spice Girls has always been about unity and inclusion, and it makes us so proud that after 25 years our music is still inspiring a whole new generation. Thanks to Spotify for keeping us connected to our fans around the world. Streaming has been a huge part of keeping our music alive and it’s amazing that so many people around the world listen to us on Spotify.”

 

For fans looking to dive a little deeper into the archives, there’s plenty of podcast content on Spotify that offers a glimpse into the lives and minds of Sporty, Baby, Ginger, Scary, and Posh Spice. The WANNABE podcast shares insights into where the famous five are now, and how their careers progressed since their time in one of the world’s most famous girl bands. BBC’s Raw, a podcast that curates “rare and newly discovered interviews,” released an episode that highlights sound clips from the group members from 1996 and 1998.

 

Whether you want to practice the dance moves to “Stop” or hear the WANNABE podcast cohosts discuss Melanie C’s single “Who I Am,” there’s plenty of Spice on Spotify.

 

Revisit the Spice Girls’ catalogue and sing along to your favorite girl power anthem below.

 

 

https://newsroom.spotify.com/2021-07-08/the...ir-hit-wannabe/

https://twitter.com/SpotifyNews/status/1413105836654796803

 

~~~~

 

"This Is Spice Girls" playlist has a new picture (Team Spice is loving this particular picture, aren't they!) and it includes a new Wannabe playlist video at the start of it.

 

The playlist has been refreshed slightly. I'm pretty sure it used to have both Holler album and radio edit versions included, but now it's just the album version. Still find it bemusing that it includes Midnight Fantasy. Why not Out of Your Mind!

And specifically good news about the Spotify support. This bodes really well for the future of the catalogue, although I dont quite get what 'going behind the scenes' means ah

They really have been supportive! This is the top banner on the main page of the desktop version of Spotify:

 

 

And this is shown on mobile: