mxdwn.co.uk » Melanie Brown https://www.mxdwn.co.uk all that matters in music in the UK Sun, 14 Jun 2026 19:57:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1 Tributes For Queen Elizabeth II Flood In From Artists And Musicians https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/tributes-for-queen-elizabeth-ii-flood-in-from-artists-and-musicians/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/tributes-for-queen-elizabeth-ii-flood-in-from-artists-and-musicians/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:31:18 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=58647 The devasting news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing sent shockwaves worldwide; the longest-reigning monarch in British history tragically passed away at the age of 96. The announcement made yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 8th September 2022) confirmed that the beloved royal family member had passed at her Scotland residence surrounded by her family.

As soon as the tragic news was confirmed, tributes from the music world followed; Sir Elton John was amongst the first to pay his respects. Sir John had a famously close relationship with the Queen and has received several accolades from her; in 1995 he was appointed a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and in 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II herself for his work in various charities and in 2020 he was appointed CH (Member of the order for the Companions of Honour) for his musical legacy and influence.

Speaking on social media, Sir John issued the following emotional statement, “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing, She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

Sir John was also one of many artists who dedicated their live performances to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Whilst appearing in Toronto, the “Rocket Man” singer halted this set to give a speech remembering his dear friend and late monarch. Before starting his 1974 hit “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me“, Sir John addressed the crowd, “We have the saddest news about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, She was an inspiring presence to be around – I’ve been around her and she was fantastic. She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine care and warmth.”

The singer continued, “I’m 75 – she’s been with me all my life and I feel very sad that she won’t be with me anymore. But I’m glad she’s at peace, and I’m glad she’s at rest, and she deserves it because she’s worked b**ody hard. I send my love to her family and her loved ones. She will be missed, but her spirit lives on and we celebrate her life tonight with music – okay?”

Fellow British rockers The Rolling Stones also paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II; the legendary group released a statement, “The Rolling Stones extend their deepest sympathy to the Royal family on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who was a constant presence in their lives as in countless others”

Frontman Mick Jagger continued, “For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has always been there. In my childhood, I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much-beloved grandmother of the nation.” Members of the British girl group Spice Girls also took to social media to pay respects; Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) and Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) both posted emotional tributes.  

The prince of Darkness himself has also joined the long list of musicians and artists who wanted to pay tribute, within the post Ozzy Osbourne utilised a beautiful picture of Queen Elizabeth II paired with an equally beautiful caption.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/tributes-for-queen-elizabeth-ii-flood-in-from-artists-and-musicians/feed/ 0 Spice Girls Announce 25th Anniversary Debut Deluxe Album Release https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/spice-girls-announce-25th-anniversary-debut-deluxe-album-release/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/spice-girls-announce-25th-anniversary-debut-deluxe-album-release/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2021 17:01:31 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=40970 In celebration of their 25th Anniversary, the Spice Girls have announced that they will be releasing a deluxe Album of their debut album Spice.

The deluxe album entitled Spice25 will feature the original songs,  remixes, bonus songs, previously unheard songs and B sides. The group shared a version of their previous number 1 single “Say You’ll Be There” on September 1st with the harmonica replaced with a saxophone solo in celebration of the album.

The band were originally called Touch and were formed in 1994 with band members Victoria Adams (Posh Spice), Melanie Brown (Mel B/ Scary Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Mel C/ Sporty Spice) and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice).

The band are known for promoting Girl Power and their success began with their iconic debut single “Wannabe”. The single sparked global success and hit the number 1 spot in the UK Official Singles Charts when it was released on June 26th 1996.

The band achieved further success with the release of their debut album Spice originally released on September 19th 1996. The album sold over 23 million copies with the follow-up album Spice World released on November 1st 1997 selling 14 million copies.

The band has scored 9 number 1 singles and has sold 100 million albums worldwide thus making them the biggest selling girl band of all time. The bands popular singles include their first Christmas number 1 single “2 Become 1″ (1996), “Who Do You Think You Are” (1996), “Mama” (1996), “Spice Up Your Life” (1997), “Stop” (1997), “Viva Forever” (1997), “Holler” (2000) and “Goodbye” (2000).

Halliwell left the band on May 31st 1998 and embarked on a solo career. The band continued as a four-piece until they all sought solo careers. The band reunited on June 28th 2007 for their tour The Return of The Spice Girls as a five-piece.

On November 5th 2018 the band returned as a four-piece without Adams (Know known as Victoria Beckham following her marriage to ex-footballer David Beckham) for their tour entitled The Spice World Tour 2019.

All members of the band have children and have continued to pursue solo projects over the years with T.V presenting roles coming from Mel B with X-Factor, America’s Got Talent and Lip Sync Battle UK. Mel C released solo material.

Bunton also embarked on a solo career and Halliwell following her solo career presented All Together Now and was a judge on Australia’s Got Talent. Beckham also went on to release solo material, she also created her fashion line and continues to work in the fashion industry.

The release of the 25th Anniversary album includes all band members, who to mark the 25th Anniversary of their single “Wannabe” released an EP that included previously unreleased demo’s. In respect to the upcoming release, Bunton said “It’s been 25 years of pure magic. Spice Girls forever!”

Chisholm stated, “This is the record that set us off on our incredible journey. A huge thank you to our fans and family all around the World” Halliwell said, “Whoever you are, whatever your dreams – live them, be them. The Spice Girls motto is testament to that”

Brown said, “I thank everyone who has ever bought a Spice Girls record or stood in the rain to greet us” and Beckham concluded “We couldn’t let 25 years pass without thanking the fans for their incredible support” Spice25 is to be released on October 29 and is to be packaged as a 2 cd set, with an A5 hardback book.

There is to also be a variety of vinyl and cassette versions of the album, as well as the use of Dolby Atmos for an exclusive Apple remastered edition of the original album. Bunton said that she is sure that the band will tour again in the future.  

Listen to the Spice Girls album Spice25 via the free streaming link here and see the tracklist below

CD1
Wannabe
Say You’ll Be There
2 Become 1 (Single Version)
Love Thing
Last Time Lover
Mama
Who Do You Think You Are
Something Kinda Funny
Naked
If U Can’t Dance

CD2
Wannabe (Dave Way Alternative Mix)
Say You’ll Be There (7-inch Radio Mix)
2 Become 1 (Orchestral Version)
Mama (Biffco Mix)
Love Thing (12-inch Unlimited Groove Mix)
Take Me Home
Last Time Lover (Demo)
Feed Your Love
If U Can’t Dance (Demo)
Who Do You Think You Are (Demo)
One of These Girls
Shall We Say Goodbye Then

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