Every member of Spice Girls was given a specific identity by the British press from the outset, and each label was as much an extension of their own personality as it was a marketing tool, since each name derived from their debut single and video, "Wannabe." Geri Estelle Halliwell was the "sexy Spice"; Melanie Janine Brown was the "scary Spice"; Victoria Adams was "the posh Spice"; Melanie Jayne Chisholm was "the sporty Spice"; Emma Lee Bunton was "the baby Spice." Each one of these personas were exploited in the group's press articles and videos, which helped send "Wannabe" to the top of the charts upon its summer release in 1996. If all of the invented personalities makes Spice Girls seem manufactured, that's because they are to a certain extent. Every member of the group was active in England's theatrical, film, and modeling circuit, and they all responded to an advertisement requesting five "lively girls" for a musical group in the summer of 1993. The manager who placed the ad chose all five members of Spice Girls, yet the women rejected his plans for their career and set out on their own two months after forming. For the next two years, the Girls fought to get a record contract, since most record labels insisted that the band pick one member as a clear leader, which is something the group refused.

Eventually, Spice Girls signed a contract to Virgin Records, but they were without a manager, which made recording a debut album nearly impossible. All five members moved into a house and went on the dole as they searched for a manager. By the end of 1995, the group had signed with Annie Lennox's manager Simon Fuller, and began writing songs with Elliot Kennedy. "Wannabe," Spice Girls' first single, was released in the summer of 1996, and it became the first debut single by an all-female band to enter the charts at number one in England. It remained at number one for seven weeks, and by the end of the year, "Wannabe" had hit number one in 21 other countries. Immediately following the success of "Wannabe," Spice Girls became media icons in Britain as stories of their encounters with other celebrities became fodder for numerous tabloids, as did nude photos of Halliwell that she posed for earlier in her career. All of this added to the group's momentum, and their second single, "Say You'll Be There," entered the charts at number one in the fall, selling 200,000 copies a week. Spice, their debut album, was released at the end of the year, accompanied by their first ballad, "2 Become 1." Both the album and single went directly to number one, staying there for several weeks; both records were at number one over the Christmas week, making Spice Girls one of three artists to achieve that feat.

Having topped the charts in virtually every other country in the Western world, Spice Girls concentrated on America in early 1997, releasing "Wannabe" in January and Spice in February.

They became massive stars in the U.S. as well, also scoring the hits "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1"; Spiceworld, their second LP, appeared later in the year in conjunction with their feature film of the same name. In May 1998, Geri Halliwell departed from the band, not citing major reasons for leaving the group. She did release a solo album, Schizophonic, a year later, but nothing chart-topping to match the success of her former band. Still not deterred by the absence of Ginger Spice, Spice Girls trudged on -- Melanie B. married Spice Girls dancer Jimmy Gulzar and released the solo single, a duet with Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot called "I Want You Back." By Christmas, Spice Girls scored a number one hit with Goodbye and with a career floating high, their personal lives were moving as well. Melanie B. gave birth to a daughter named Phoenix Chi in February 1999, and Adams followed a month later with a son, Brooklyn Joseph. And now only known as Victoria Beckham, Posh Spice married Manchester United soccer star David Beckham later that summer. Becoming now more noticeable for their social status than their singing, Spice Girls took a well-deserved break while Melanie C. took over the English charts with her successful solo effort Northern Star, which was released in the U.S. in fall 1999. The following year, the girls headed back into the studio with high-profile producers Rodney Jerkins, Terry Lewis, and Jimmy Jam (Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige) to record a follow-up to their pop-friendly Spiceworld.

In the middle of recording, Melanie B. divorced Gulzar and endured a bitter custody battle throughout the remainder of 2000. Spice Girls' creative power overruled media scrutiny so that they could fully focus on the new R&B sound they were trying for and a the new collaboration united the foursome once again to release the third album Forever, which hit American shores in fall 2000. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide 

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1994 

January: Chris Herbert distributes advertisements looking for 5 "lively girls" for a musical group ("R. U. 18-23 with the ability to sing/dance? R.U. streetwise, outgoing, ambitious, and dedicated?"). The adverts were placed in pubs, dance studios as well as in 'The Stage'.

March: 400 applicants audition at London's West End dance studio 'Danceworks'. After very strong competition the finalists were selected, and the group 'Touch' was formed.

May: The group leave the Herbert's management and sign up with 19 Management, run by the renowned Simon Fuller.

July: Michelle Stephenson quits the band for family and personal reasons.

September: Emma Bunton takes her place in the line up. Simon Fuller later closes their deal with Virgin Records, reported to be for 2 million UK pounds, this was then followed by a further deal with Windswept Pacific.

1995
The group work from Trinity Studios in Woking Surrey, putting together their infamous 'Girl Power' style and full-on personas. They live in a rented house in Kent. Their name changes from 'Touch' to 'Spice' (the name is normally accredited to Geri H.) and finally to The Spice Girls. During this time they produce some poorly received songs including 'Take Me Away' and 'We're Going To Make It Happen' - which is a very aptly named track.

1996
April: The Spice Girls shoot their debut video for their single 'Wannabe'.

June: Promotional machine is in full swing with a very carefully managed publicity campaign. This promotes their ground breaking feminist 'Girl Power' message, which somehow appeals to both women and men.

July: 'Wannabe' is released and jumps straight in at number 3 in the UK charts, two places behind Gary Barlow's 'Forever Love'. The following week it takes the top spot and stays there for 7 weeks, and spends 26 weeks in the Top 75. This achievement makes it the fastest and biggest selling single by an all female group in the UK to date. The girls first national newspaper interview appears in the Daily Star.

September: 'Wannabe' tops the charts in 22 countries, 31 by Christmas, selling an unstoppable 4 million copies. The video for there next single 'Say You'll Be There' is filmed in the Mojave Desert, after which they fly to Hong-Kong.

October: 'Say You'll Be There' enters the charts at number 1, staying there for 2 weeks, and holding a place in the charts for 17 weeks. Many praising reviews are published, although unwarranted backlash against this 'manufactured' band starts appearing.

November: Debut album 'Spice' is released and instantly enters the UK charts at number 1 staying there for 9 weeks, and selling in excess of 1.8 million units in the UK by Christmas, making it 6x platinum. By the end of March 1997 it will have worldwide sales approaching 20 million. The Spice Girls are rumoured to be offered £1 million pounds to appear on a late night adult cable channel - they never did appear. The Oxford Street lights are turned on by the band, which must have come to a shock to the older generation.

December: The Smash Hits awards honour the girls with the following titles: Best British Group, Best New Act and Best Pop Video (Say You'll Be There). The band are interviewed for 'Spectator' magazine. Geri dubs Lady Thatcher, previously the UK Prime Minister, as 'the first Spice Girl' - presumably due to her Girl Power attitude.

'2 Become 1' goes straight to the top of the Christmas chart, holding the number one slot for 3 weeks, and staying in the charts for 19. The special Christmas Day edition of the BBC's TOP of the POPs is presented by the band.

They are now endorsing over 35 products and have 8 sponsorship deals - totally over £5.5 million, including Asda, Sony Playstation, Walkers Crisps and Pepsi each signing them for £1 million.

1997
January: The girls take the US by storm with their #1 single Wannabe hitting the Top 40 and debuting at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band gets more press than the Royal Family and start to symbolise a 'Cool Britannia'. 
They are nominated for 4 Brit Awards - Best British Group, Best British Newcomer, Best British Single (Wannabe) and Best British Video (Say You'll Be There). 
Absolute (Paul Wilson and Andy Watkins) and Stannard & Rowe are nominated for Best Producer for their work.
20,000 members of the American public vote for the girls winning them Favourite New Pop Band, Favourite Band and Favourite Album at the 25th Annual American Music Awards.

February: The Brit Awards ceremony at Earl's Court, London, is opened by the band performing 'Who Do You Think You Are'. They go on to wind Best British Single (Wannabe) and Best British Video (Say You'll Be There). After this success their LP 'Spice' returns to it's #1 chart position.
In the US their debut LP 'Spice' is released, spawning two #1 US hit singles - 'Wannabe' and 'Say You'll Be There'; '2 Become 1' also reaches the Top 10.
'Who Do You Think You Are' video is filmed for Comic Relief featuring the hilarious Spice wannabes 'The Sugar Lumps'. The next serious video Mama is filmed.
The Spice Girls shared their thoughts about fame with MTV: Melanie B said "You can do what you want in this group, it's great! You can be as mad as you want, as normal as you want or as loud or as proud as you want!" "And be whoever you wanna be!" bandmate Emma added. Victoria added, "Just be happy, have a laugh so if you want you can run up and down with no clothes on, but if you do feel the need to all of a sudden do that... feel free."


March: The release of the double A-side single 'Mama' and 'Who Do You Think You Are?' is released, and storms to the top position for 3 weeks. This makes the girls record breakers as the first act in British Pop history to have their first 4 singles all reach #1. The single stays in the charts for 15 weeks. Sales from 'Who Do You Think You Are' go to Comic Relief. 'Wannabe' is certified gold and platinum in the US. The girls launch the new terrestrial UK TV channel 'Channel 5'. The Spice Girls' official book 'Girl Power' is published in the UK; the initial run of 200,000 prints are instantly sold out - it is eventually translated into over 20 languages.

April: 'Spice - The Official Video, Volume 1' is released, this video will sell over half a million units in the UK alone. The girls upset Maori Tribal leaders by performing a ritual dance which is culturally only to be performed by men. It is not know how this effected their sales in New Zealand. The LP 'Spice' is certified double platinum (2 Million units) in the US. 'Say You'll Be There' hits the Top 40.

May: London's Grosvenor House Hotel hosts the Ivor Novello awards, 'Wannabe' is sited as Best Selling British-Written Single and wins International Hit of The Year. The Spice Girls' are accused over being 'flirtatious' and 'over familiar' at the Prince's Trust Royal Gala Show. Prince Charles confessors to being 'a bit of a fan', something the girls never forget.

June: Production beings on the Spice Girls' full length feature film 'Spice World'. 'Spice' is certified 3x platinum! Pepsi give away the single 'Step To Me' in exchange for 20 Pepsi can ring-pulls.

July: 'Spice' goes 4x Platinum, and is nominated for the 1997 Mercury Music Prize, which they fail to win.

September: At the MTV Video Music Awards in New York the girls win Best Dance Video for 'Wannabe'. They perform 'Say You'll Be There' in honour of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. 'Spice' LP is certified 5x platinum! Poloroid cameras feature the girls in yet another commercial. '2 Become 1' is certified gold.

October: The Spice Girls entertain 85000 fans in a live concert just outside Istanbul, Turkey. 11,000 Pepsi prize winners are privileged to attend the extravaganza. The girls have a deodorant named after them, and British TV airs the 'Impulse Spice Body Spray'. The first single from their next album 'Spice World' is delayed to allow Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind' to reign at the charts top spot - in honour of Princess Diana. The group launch the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, reading exerts from the poem "The Fallen" by Laurence Binvon. 

November: Their second album, 'Spice World', was released exactly 12 months after their first. By the end of the year it will have achieved the position of fifth best selling album, with 'Spice' coming in third. At the Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party at London Arena they win the 'Best Band' award, and also walk away with the 'Worst Band' award! Geri Halliwell wins worst dressed female.

December: The Queen samples the delights of the Spice Girls at the Royal Variety performance in London

Photos open in new window.

Friday March 4 1994 in the UK, after reading an ad in the british entertainment paper the Stage, 300 girls turned up for an audition, held by the father and son management team Bob and Chris Herbert, of what was going to be the new singing girlgroup "Touch". Melanie Janine Brown, Melanie Jayne Chisholm, Victoria Caroline Adams, and Michelle Stephenson got accepted. Geraldine Estelle Halliwell who missed the first audition, got a second chance. 



Michelle who were considered the most talented singer and dancer of the girls, left the group after two months of rehearsals. The reason was said to be that she was going back to drama school and her mother was sick. But Ian Lee, who worked closely with the girls in their early days at the Trinity Studios in Surrey, has said in a Spice Girls documentary that: "She wasn't a Spice Girl, she didn't have the right attitude, she was the wrong character." 

The girls singing coach Pepi Lemer then introduced her personal student Emma Lee Bunton, whom she remembered from teaching at a local school in Barnet, to try out in the group to replace Michelle. For some reason, Emma's "thick" legs made the management-team doubt Emma as a possible member, but they change their minds and let her join. The girls all moved into a house in Maidenhead, near London. 

If you can't dance! 

Why these girls were chosen for the group, became more and more unclear. Working with the girls, Ian Lee noticed that: "They weren't much but average. Some of them were better singers than others, some of them could dance better, but they weren't what you would call exceptional in terms of their performing ability." Their singing coach noticed that: "Pitching for Geri was very hard", "Mel C and Mel B had slight tuning problems", and "Victoria was a very tiny little voice, and it all always used to go right back inside her". 

Not the real Touch! 



September-October 94, after the knowledge of their existence had reached the already existing group named "Touch", the new group was forced to a change of name. Tim Hawes, who was a song-writer based at Trinity Studios, had written a song he thought would suit the girls, called "Sugar and Spice", and suggested that they would call themselves "Spice". They did, but have later claimed it was Geri's idea. 

March 1995 the girls had one of their regular arguments amongst the group, and for no obvious reason they decided to leave their management-team Bob and Chris Herbert, and hired Simon Fuller as their new manager. In a Spice Girls documentary Mel B has said: "Even before we'd decided to sign to our manager we had created about 35 songs, we'd already found the Spice package and spice movement. We got alot of control and we didn't want anybody else to make judgment on it or try to spoil it." 

September 1995, the girls signed with Virgin Records, and the summer next year, 1996, the Spice Girls released their first single "Wannabe". 

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The Spice Girls' credibility! 
Spice Girls, products! 



The Spice Girls are often referred to as the biggest girlgroup in the world, or ever. But counting in musical achievements and time rather than sales, the Spice Girls are comparably small. 

The Spice Girls have never been known as exceptionally good singers, songwriters, dancers, or instrument players. But that didn't stop them to become successful in that business. They strongly marketed an image of themselves, in the forms of lollipops, perfumes, cameras, motorcycles, soft drink cans, dolls, video games, chocolates, crisps and what not. Appearing on all these items all around the world, made them appear to be a big act. It left the Spice Girls with alot of money and attention, and left parents of Spice Girls fans broke. 

While most singers rely on themselves and the regular ways for singers to market themselves, that's something the Spice Girls have proven to not be able to. In an interview on the Spice Girls weekend on MTV, Victoria said: "It's easy to turn around and say oh god, you know we shouldn't have done it, you know it's tacky, or whatever. But at the time it was great for us, and it helped make us what we are now." 

But what are the Spice Girls now, the backlash of an overexposed image? The Spice Girls can now relax, they have products enough to survive, and can afford to put over the responsibility of their career on their connections. Or as Ian Lee, who worked alot with the Spice Girls in their early days, said in a Spice Girls documentary: "They can now sit back and enjoy life, and they can do what they want to do, not necessarily what they need to do, and that's a nice position to be in." 

Relationship gimmicks! 

Geri's ability to appear in the right place, at the right time, and with the right company, is a strange ability which seems very popular among the Spice Girls. 



Pictures have shown up of Geri supposedly on a romantic holiday in France with the singer Robbie Williams. Newspapers have come to the conclusion that this doesn't look like a couple in love, but more like something called "relationship gimmicks", which is a trick some celebrities use to get more attention in the media. Some of the signs of this are that Robbie had just released a new single "Rock DJ" which he needed publicity for, and Geri had recently released a book called "Look At Me". They are also both signed to the same record company EMI. Robbie has later denied that he and Geri are a couple. 



Another Spice Girls member, Melanie C, who while releasing the singles of her solo album, had a big reason of wanting to be seen in the media with someone like Jason Brown, from the group 5ive. But it's not necessarily about love, like Melanie C has asserted many times, but rather friendship like Jason has stated. Though friendship doesn't seem very believable neither, according to how Jason has talked about Melanie C in several earlier interviews. 

4 become 5 again! 

Geri having left the Spice Girls is clearly looking like a hoax to make the Spice Girls more popular than ever. Their hope is probably that even people who weren't fans of the Spice Girls before, will want to take a side, the Spice Girls or Geri, either way they all win. 

Remember the "good bye" letter that Geri wrote, which was read up on TV all over the world, she ended by writing "I'll be back". 

The more negative things the four remaining members of the Spice Girls say about Geri on TV and in interviews, the more surprised people would be about a reunion. The result of an reunion would be alot of attention for the Spice Girls and many more sold records, which means alot more money to the Spice Girls. 

Now even the four remaining members of the Spice Girls are trying soloprojects. Probably in the hope that people will forget their part in the Spice Girls, and be surprised when they all get togheter again. Each member has recorded atleast one duet with more or less professional singers, which gets the same effect as "Relationship Gimmicks", as mentioned above. Last one to do a duet was Victoria, who was also last to sing in the Spice Girls, since she only appeared in the music video of the first single the Spice Girls released. 

Mel B shoplifted! 

In a newspaper interview, Melanie B said that she used to shoplift in a store in her neighborhood, but got caught when she refused to pay for the school food. 

Spice Girls in court! 



When Geri left the Spice Girls, there were only four groupmembers left. That was a problem and loss for the italian motorcycle company Aprilia, which was sponsoring their 1998 tour. The company lost money on marketing campaigns that included pictures of all five Spice Girls on "Sonic Spice" scooters. As a result, the Spice Girls were sued. In court Emma confessed that the Spice Girls had been lying, because the Spice Girls actually did know very well that Geri was going to leave the group. The Spice Girls lost in court, but were only sentenced to pay around $63,000 for the scooters they had received for personal use. The Spice Girls had also launched a claim back at Aprilia for £218,000, which was dismissed.