December 30, 1999-Saint's Father Opens Up Old Spice vs. Saint Wounds; Spice Girls & Geri in BBC Review of 1999; Victoria Beckham: TV Presenter to Advice Giver; How Brooklyn Had A Merry Christmas; Geri Real Estate Horrific Report; Spice Girls SALE!

Reports from Pepsi cite that David Blatt, father of Melanie Blatt (of All Saints), has already stirred tabloid headlines of a battle royale between the Spice Girls and All Saints. This stirring report comes just months before both groups are to release first new singles in over a year. David supposedly worried that the fanbase of All Saints may be in decline and have joined legions with "manufactured bands such as the Spice Girls." He commented further on the girls' new album and how they've integrated into pop (he's not really helping the situation by insulting the Spice Girls, what on earth is he trying to do?), "The All Saints new album is even better than their first album, so we have to hope it does well. The girls come from a hard-core rap music background and that is their personal choice but their record company is making them more and more user-friendly and their new single is a bit like pop. As long as they keep the base of the music true, they'll be all right. Unlike all these Spice Girls, S CLUB 7 and B*WITCHED - they're all marketing phenomena, manufactured bands as there is not much depth there music wise. The All Saints are a genuine music band and do everything live and that is what separates them and hopefully in the minds of the public that separates them."

The BBC's Chris Charles gave a really harsh review over this year's music scene from Ricky Martin living la vida loca to Britney Spears' hitting many things one more time. Here's a Spice-y excerpt from the article. It mainly focused on the girls going solo, Geri's Spice War of the Singles with Emma, and Melanie C attacking Sir Cliff and his "Millennium Prayer":

"It was a quiet year for the Spice Girls, except for their recent tour, but individually, babies, weddings and solo careers meant there was no stopping them. Former group member Geri Halliwell won an over-hyped singles battle with Emma Bunton, but was less lucky in love when her romance with Chris Evans was called off no sooner than it had been declared officially on.

Sir Cliff Richard's Millennium Prayer was "banned" nearly everywhere, but still managed to hog the number one spot for three agonizing weeks. Sporty Spice and George Michael led the ritual slaggings which, if anything, generated a wave of sympathy for the born-again rocker. George certainly had no room to talk after releasing an awful covers album."

Apparently Victoria Beckham is about to branch out on a solo career following a busy Christmas Holiday. Victoria is auditioning to be a temporary TV presenting for the UK's "This Morning" show hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan as a replacement whenever Judy is absent. Victoria and her advisers have already been debating with Carlton TV execs over a deal which will first include a trial presentation in January concerning January sales so they can screen her performance. Another infamous "SOURCE" (this one of "This Morning") was quoted as saying: "We would like to ease her in gently, and then, when the audience are used to her, make her the regular stand-in." Victoria, however, is no novice as an interviewer, she has already scored points interviewing celebrities for the UK Channel 4's "Secrets."

Victoria Posh Spice Beckham was able to shell out some advice to a game show millionaire on TFI Friday, hosted by former-Ginger Spice lover, Chris Evans. An out-of work divorced dad, Ian Woodley, became the first game show millionaire on Chris Evan's station. But backstage, Victoria, who was making an appearance on the show as a guest, approached him with a warning. "Don't lose the plot. You are going to have the most fantastic Christmas ever. But it's so important that you stay totally grounded. You mustn't let the money change you in any way." Ian disclosed in an interview that he will heed the Spice Girl's advice, even though he managed to forget her married name, "Victoria Adams said that I had to stay grounded and she's right, I won't let the money change me." Ian's winning answer for the one million pounds was in response to what type of pie "American Pie," the US Pop Culture Mega-Hit Movie featured. The answer was apple. Ian explained that if his ex-wife wanted to quit her job, he'd support her as well as the children he is fathering.

Victoria was also spotted by the tabloids on a last-second Christmas Shopping spree with Brooklyn, who was the image of his father as a toddler, which means that hopefully he doesn't develop Victoria's talent as a singer. Following an alleged attack by an over-zealous fan, Victoria had Brooklyn wrapped protectively in her arms with a warm fleece as she hit her favorite Gucci store in London browsing the merchandise. Another "onlooker" at the scene commented that, "She held Brooklyn very tightly and kept checking everyone out." The Sun also reported what present Brooklyn received from his Sporty Aunt, Melanie C: £1,000 of designer clothes from Versace jeans to Timberland shirts and shoes, all Brooklyn-sized. The Sun confirmed that Victoria's £10,000 white & gold necklace from David was also under the Christmas tree at home as her £10,000 platinum and diamond cufflinks present to David was. However no mention of Brooklyn's Ferrari was given, so it looks as though the tot will have to wait a few Christmases before he can get his little hands on the wheel.

In Real Estate-Spice News, Dotmusic is going nuts over the possibility of Geri Halliwell buying a haunted house! BOOOO! Tabloids have been speculating the purchase of a £4 M mansion at which the horror film, "The Omen" was shot. This real estate venture follows reports that Geri Halliwell and pseudo-lover Chris Evans (for the Lift Me Up promotion) were planning on buying a country mansion, which was dropped after Geri won the # 1 spot against Emma and Chris got those ratings for the radio gig. The mansion is 20 acres in countryside and required a staff of 20 cleaners and gardeners to keep it maintained. Not surprisingly, the satanic setting has no neighbors around for miles...which might make the ex-Spice Girl think twice about checking herself in the mirror...just in case "The Omen" wishes to repeat its terrifying tale. Not surprisingly, there's no confirmation in the report from the Halliwell camp. So file this real estate deal under "R" for RUMOR.

On a more Christmas-New Years Note, if you have some extra cash this season, you might want to head on over to Amazon.Com where the Spice Girls on stage collection (the 2 Become 1/Lady is a Vamp Costume Set with Mirror Ball keychains) are on sale by 50%!!!! Each girl (minus Geri, since she was left out of the set) is $5.24 EACH (plus shipping and handling)! That's 1/2 of the price. For reasons unknown, Amazon's pics are not downloadable so I've linked to them in order for you to see a small pic of each girl with her accessories. Click on the small pic for a larger pic! (Thanks to Collin for the report!!!). If you're interested in ordering, here is the link to the find and you can click on each girl and order appropriately.

December 24, 1999-Spice Girls & Geri Halliwell Send Best Wishes and Merry Christmases! Tabloids Speculate Spices Breaking Up, Spokeswoman Denies Claims; C3 Updates

Spice Girls & Geri Halliwell Send Season Greetings! Spice Girls Want To Publicize Split Following 3rd Album Release-Spokeswoman Denies Tabloid Claims; Victoria Goes Shopping For Brooklyn & Mum; Emma Campaigns Against Drinking And Fireworks; Melanie G Shows Tabloids Off With Hot Kiss! C3 Updates! Earl's Concert Posted!

Both the Spice Girls and Geri Halliwell took the time out to thank all the fans for their support and wished them all Happy Holidays!

I just wanted to write and say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your great support this year. 1999 has been a fantastic year for me and I couldn't have asked for more - you've been brilliant!

The Sunday Mirror is already blasting rumors of a Spice Girl split following the release of their third album. The Girl-Power group had called a series of meetings with lawyers and record company execs last Friday on how to make their split public to the fans. Supposedly, the group had a private meeting in London's Metropolitan Hotel (before moving on to the Girls' headquarters) about making the split public as soon as possible. The meeting lasted two hours and the idea was readily rejected. The Girls, particularly Melanie C and Victoria, wanted to make the split public, but Virgin Records and the band's legal team objected. Another one of those infamous sources said that: "The girls are showing a united front but privately they are finding it difficult to juggle the band with solo projects and family commitments. Something has to give, and it looks likely to be the band." However, following the release of this story, Rolling Stones reported that a Spice Girls Spokeswoman, Elizabeth Freund, was on record of saying: "It's absolutely baloney. It's hogwash. They love what they're doing, they're on a high, and they're looking forward to their future, not planning their demise." So score another one for the Spice Girls!

Apparently Victoria Beckham will try to reveal what Santa is bringing young Brooklyn for Christmas, but you can't tell him...SHHH! The Sunday People reports that Victoria sat down with them for an exclusive interview and that the Spice Boy-in training is getting a drum set for Christmas along with a slew of other presents for the tot's first Christmas. Victoria commented that the two are trying to nurture his musical side early: "We have got him a little drum kit and some sticks so he can bang around on it. And we are going to get some other little musical instruments as well. He just loves it when we put music on in the house. He can't keep still. He bounces up and down and moves around to the music. He waves his hands in the air and even tries to sing along." Victoria also revealed Brooklyn's favorite Spice Girls song, one that he's already singing live-over audio to. "And he is really musical." Obviously Spice Girls are his favourite. He loves it when I put Mama on the stereo. He sings along in the chorus, repeating Mama, mama, mama. Brooklyn loves music so much we're even thinking of getting him a little Walkman to take around with him." However, Victoria agrees that Brooklyn is both athletically balances as well as musically, "He's got strong legs like his dad and he's very advanced for his age. He isn't quite walking yet but he can stand already." Victoria revealed these Christmas plans at the Spice Girls' final tour party in Earl's Court (in West London) wearing a black leather jacket and figure-hugging black trousers. Of course, David, wearing his signature bandana with a sleeping Brooklyn in his arms. The Sunday People also found out that Victoria and David decided to get each other presents at a set price, which is far back from their lavish spending habits. They reduced their price at a mere five digit price, say £10,000. Both visited Asprey jewelers at the infamous Bond Street (where Victoria turned the lights on for Christmas) and got an exclusive tour by the owner, Edward Asprey. Victoria bent the rules a little bit buying a pair of platinum and diamond cufflinks, just over the £10,000 mark. David, was obedient and bought her an exquisite £10,000 white gold necklace. Of course, just to make sure the article wasn't too non-fictitious a "close woman friend of the couple" revealed they decided not to be too outgoing for each other. She also stated, "I know it sounds strange to say that spending £10,000 on a Christmas present isn't being extravagant. To most people it is a lot of money, but to them it is a relatively small sum. Compared to the £150,000 Ferrari Maranello that Posh bought David for his birthday this year, it's a drop in the ocean. They realized that was over the top and have reined in on the price of gifts to each other." The Beckham family will be enjoying their Christmas Day at Victoria's parents in Goff's Oak (Herts). David will however have to venture to Old Trafford for a match against Bradford on Boxing Day. But the friend added, "Victoria wanted to spend the first Christmas with Brooklyn at her family home rather than at their house in Alderley Edge in Cheshire. Sadly, it also means David's parents Ted and Sandra Beckham will play second fiddle to the Adams again. But I think they are getting used to it - they didn't put up much resistance when David told them. It's little drummer boy Brooklyn, though, who'll be centre stage. This Christmas is all about Brooklyn. Both Victoria and David have have been looking forward to it for months and I know they have been stockpiling gifts for their son. But he deserves it - he has put up with all the fuss around him this year and they just want to reward him. Instead of spending a fortune on each other they are going to shower Brooklyn with toys. The little one's set for a giant stocking full of presents."

Posh Spice Victoria is also showering her mother with Christmas presents in addition to spoiling her son and giving her husband a rather modest present. Victoria is giving her mother both an eye operation and a facelift! The facelift was £14,000. Victoria actually had to persuade her forty-seven year old mother to get the "doodle" of a gift to make her look much younger. Victoria thought of the present after catching a segment on cosmetic surgery Richard and Judy's This Morning Show (UK). The operation is a multi-step procedure. The first step took place in North London at the exclusive Wellington Hospital. Jackie's first procedure lasted two hours and was 4,000 to remove bags from under her eyes and lines around her mouth under anathesia. As her mother came out from the medication, Victoria and her father, Tony, of fifty-three were there to make sure she recovered nicely. However, the operation resulted in a swollen and bruised face as noticed by Victoria the next day when she picked her up to take her home in her Porsche. Her next treatment (requiring £10,000 and a three-day stay) is scheduled later in the New Year, because one of her "friends" stated that, "She didn't want to go through Christmas looking as if she'd done three rounds with Mike Tyson." Oddly enough Victoria also gave her mother a £4,000 eye operation, which means that her mother will be able to lose the specs. What's striking about this gift, is that it has the same price and followed the same set of circumstances: a Wellington Hospital visit, an overnight stay, a visit by husband and daughter, and a pick-up by Victoria in her Porsche. However, a "pal" of hers had something different to say than her "friend" did, "Jackie has never liked wearing glasses, so Victoria decided to give her mum a special present. It all went very well. Jackie took a bit of persuading but she's really pleased she had it done."

Emma, Baby Spice, Bunton took some time out following a hectic eight concert stop-over, to launch a government safety program. Emma's warning extends to all those that plan on drinking and handling fireworks to kick off millennium. Emma's warning is being broadcasted on television and she warns that: "My advice would definitely be to remember that alcohol affects your judgment. It also affects your co-ordination and you tend to take more risks, so just make sure that someone else lights the fireworks this year if you are going to have a drink. Please, let's make the millennium more fun. Also pets - my dogs hate fireworks, so make sure that the kids are safe... let's have a fantastic millennium and let them have a good a time as you are having." The ad is especially aimed at those working on fireworks displays because of alcohol's effect on judgment and reaction as well as their ability to take care of children.

Melanie G decided to show off the tabloids by giving her husband Jimmy a big kiss behind a curtain following the Spice Girls' after-show party following their performance at the Spice Girls' Spiceworld X-Mas Tour. The kiss follows rumors of a marital break-up and continuous relationship problems, which are clearly exaggerated. However, while the tabloid was not about ready to apologize for printing a mistake, the Sunday Mirror said that Melanie has been planning a vacation trip for Boxing Day for a while now. Melanie, Jimmy, and Phoenix Chi were headed off to Thailand to tour the islands.

The Spice Girls' Official UK Site, C3, has been undergoing MASSIVE renovations following the Girls' concert at Earl's Court. The Spice Girls have encoded their entire concert into .mov form song by song!

One of the coolest things about being online is that we can replay bits of our lives over and over again - and share it with the people we love the most...you lot!! So, whether you were with us on the night (14 Dec 99) at Earl's Court (or online), here's another chance to catch up with our show - cos now you can watch it whenever you want!! We have now added all of the songs from the night. (Click HERE!)

The Spice Girls even added some official news, including a fan report from the winner of their ticket competition. Here it is!

Major big Spice hugz and congrats to Alix Austin... who not only won our competition for tickets to our Manchester show, but has now also become a very special Spice reporter with her review of the show - glad u liked it Alix... hope u have a wonderful Xmas.

Hi All, I just thought I'd tell you all about my night at the Spice gig! The tickets arrived on time and I went to the show. My seats were excellent, and David Beckham and family were sat in the executive suite behind me! As for the show itself, it blew me away.

The group have certainly come a long way since the early days of Wannabe. I loved the karaoke Christmas songs... very amusing. The gospel choir and mini orchestra added to the excitement also, with a brilliant version of Goodbye. The rest of the show was fantastic also, all the songs were sung well.

I'd like to express my gratitude once again to the Girls and the c3 gang for making that special night possible, it was the first and best prize I've ever won. I would also like to thank the Spice Girls for all their hard work and effort over the past 4 years, the've certainly spiced up my life.

Meet the guys who have created our fantastic costumes and the superb set for our concert...!

From Spice Girls to Ice Girls - on December 5 Scary, Sporty, Baby and Posh played the first of eight sell-out Christmas concerts that were destined to be the most stunning and spectacular concerts their fans have ever seen.

With costumes designed by the world-famous Julian McDonald and a set that looked like a winter wonderland, the 20,000-plus people in each audience were blown away by an experience that captured the spirit of Christmas festive fun.

The concerts - four at Manchester Arena and four at London's Earl Court - were sell-out dates for the Spice Girls who were determined to give their fans a night out that they would never forget. Months of planning went into designing the costumes and stage set to create a spectacular that had to be seen to be believed. So grab your tinsel and hold onto your party hats as we go behind the scenes to find out how it was done.

We have just added the pictures from our latest photo shoot to the site - just for you. We hope you enjoy looking at them as much as we did taking them. There are also some of our favorites from our other photo shoots for you to enjoy!

December 17, 1999-Spice Girls Wax Models Unveiled; Geri Plans Y2K Extreme Bash; Victoria: Defending Brooklyn, Mel C Attacks Millennium Prayer; Spices Meet Royalty

Spice Girls Wax Models Unveiled to Public; Geri Plans Extreme Y2K Bash; Victoria: Defends Brooklyn against Attack; Loving Wife; and Extravagant Christmas Spender; Mel C Attacks "Millennium Prayer"; Spice Girls Meet Royal Fergie; Spice Girls' Bad News on Charity Single and about Crew Member

If eight # 1 singles, a sold-out worldwide tour, a successful movie parody, revolutionizing the pop industry with girl power, and having a leading member split from the group to pursue a solo career is the characteristics of an effective band, then the Spice Girls certainly measure up to and surpass that standard. The Spice Girls have achieved such a great success in such a short amount of time that they have already been immortalized in wax at Madame Tussaud's Rock Museum as the first full group to be displayed in succession to the Beatles. Today (December 17th), the Spice Girls wax doubles made their public debut, showing that the Spice Girls are the female equivalent of the Beatles. Each model is worth an estimated £35,000 and is nearly identical (with a few slight variations after the modeling session) after being carefully put together, including all seven of Melanie C's tattoos. The only one requested adjustment according to the BBC is the enhancement of Melanie C's boobs.

The Spice Girls attended the premiere and were totally taken by surprise of the models' turnout. Scary Spice Melanie G confessed that "I'm a bit spooked by it" as she lifted off the wrapping of her model. However, in the six-month period for the completion of the models, the Spice Girls have changed their looks dramatically. Melanie G's double was a slight bit heftier around the bottom following her pregnancy with Phoenix Chi. Melanie explained "It was bigger when I had it done." However, Mel C joked, "Anyone that comes to see it, check out Mel's behind." Melanie C's hair has now become a short spiky blond. Victoria's double, non-surprisingly was the only Spice Girl not smiling for the pose, demonstrating her signature pout and sideways glance which was the embodiment of the actual Mrs. Beckham. Victoria proved herself to be not the most serious one in the group by peering down the top of her dummy just to make sure everything was in order. The wax models are pictured wearing the "Lady Is A Vamp/Say You'll Be There Costume Set" from the US leg of the tour. Melanie C was the last of the four Spice Girls to be done, while Emma and Mel G, who had her tongue piercing as her highlight of the double, sat through three sessions.

Even with a Y2K gloom forbidding, ex-Ginger Spice, Geri Halliwell is not about to surrender the ideal opportunity to party. Geri is going all out, throwing a £200,000 Millennium party for some 1,000+ guests including a few celebrities like George Michael, Elton John, Boyzone, and Westlife along with her family, friends, and coworkers at her record company and management offices (plus they're allowed to bring a few friends). The party will naturally be catered and a hefty rate wage for the staff, but Geri is throwing the majority of her money on a fireworks display to ring in the year 2000. Geri is shelling £100,000 on light show, which will illuminate the sky for miles around. Geri's fireworks show spectacular is being ordered from a company, which is attempting to kick start their business following an accidental fire last month, which nearly folded the business. However following Geri's interest in Shine Enterprises, almost 30 other displays have been ordered for the Christmas/New Year's Eve Holiday. Geri wanted a show to rival the lightshow being staged at the River Thames for the Dome Millennium Celebration. Geri didn't mind settling for second place though, the initial display would have cost £2 million. Not surprisingly a "source" at the Shine for the Sunday Mirror added commentary about Geri's attitude for her party stating that, "Geri is really excited about her party. Most big private displays cost around £20,000 but she wanted much more than that. We haven't costed the whole thing yet but let's just say she'll be having a far-from-modest display." Geri's good friend, George Michael expressed his interest in attending Geri's party as well, "Geri's the only person who has the guts to throw a party like this. I don't know anyone who's planned anything. I think most people are staying home." Additional extras for Geri's millennium party include a live band, three-course meal, and a wide-screen TV so that all of Geri's guests can ring in the New Years from New York to London and all over the world.

Victoria Beckham was never the most athletic of the Spice Girls but Victoria proved that she picked up a few moves from the Say You'll Be There music video shoot when she "floored" a fan after he reportedly grabbed at son Brooklyn. Victoria attacked the fan only when after he tried to take the nine month old from David's arms. The incident occurred as David and Victoria left Harrods in Knightsbridge, central London on December 14th. A spokeswoman for the Spice Girls stated that: "The guy tried to grab Brooklyn. Victoria did what any mother would do and hit him. She knocked him over and managed to stop him. She was pretty shook up by it all, as they both were, but everyone is fine." The Sun reported the fan took the couple by surprise as he reached for baby Brooklyn's arm and yelled, "I just want a picture of me and Brooklyn together. Please, please let me." In an interview with UK tabloid, The Sun, Victoria explained her maternal instinct, "I was defending my baby and didn't want anything to happen to him. I feared for Brooklyn's life. I just didn't know what was going on. A lot of things went through my mind but my priority was Brooklyn. I was really scared." After Victoria fended off the man, she and David, clutching Brooklyn tightly left the scene in a waiting car. The spokeswoman for the Spice Girls said, "They just wanted to get away and drove off in the car. They were upset by it." The police were not notified of the incident.

Despite being a professionally talented female artist and a protective mother, Victoria is also a loving wife looking out for her husband's best interests and intent on setting the record straight about their relationship. Victoria went on record of saying that she believes her football star husband, David Beckham, deserves a pay raise even with Beckham earning about £20,000 a week as a Manchester United midfielder (excluding promotional deals with sponsors). Victoria expressed her interest on BBC's Radio One in her husband's salary but admitted that she was not too knowledgeable of the game itself, "I don't know what kind of difference it's going to make - I know that David's money should go up though." Victoria also divulged that David has been considering quitting United to play overseas, "At some point he will move. I think that playing abroad is something he would like to do - but not yet, it's not right at the moment." Victoria also denied reports that she was unsatisfied with North Western shops not living up to her designer style. "As if I'd not like somewhere because of the shops. The funny thing is, there are some really good shops," Victoria asserted matter-of-factly. Victoria summed everything up saying that "David's happy up there, I'm happy up there."

Victoria Beckham proves that she just lives for the Christmas spirit. After giving her brother and sister matching cars (Mel C gave her mother a house!), Vic and David went out to buy Brooklyn's first present during a recent shopping spree at Harrods in London, a red $75,000 toy Ferrari! Victoria and David decided to pick the car for their son because its a scaled-down version of David's own car, which he will be unable to be behind the wheel of following a suspension of his driving permit after he was speeding in his Ferrari Maranello. David joked to the Harrods staff about his recent suspension, "At least one of us might get the chance to be on the road." And Brooklyn has already been in the driver's seat (Victoria took photos) to make sure he'll be comfortable, though it will be a while until he's able to take it out for a spin. "David can't wait for Brooklyn to drive," beamed Victoria. David was caught speechless and was only able to tell a store assistant that "It's absolutely fantastic." A "family friend" was quoted as saying that price was no matter for the affluent couple, "They just had to have the car." However, Brooklyn's safety was an issue so they spent about forty-five minutes going on about the ins and outs of the toy car's motor. One shop assistant commented, "They were here nearly an hour and wanted to know every detail about the car. They paid as much attention as if they were buying the real thing. It is clear they want the best for their child by the amount of attention they paid to all the car's features." Here's the low down of the car:

*two-seater convertible can reach a speed of 30 mph and runs on diesel. It comes

*Brooklyn has his own keys to his car, but his parents have a manual switch box to control it themselves

Duchess Fergie and her daughters and a goddaughter had their lives SPICE-d up backstage at the Earl's Court concert gig being webcast over the internet after meeting the Spice Girls. Fergie's daughters, Bea, 11 and Eugenie, 9, were able to see their favorites before Victoria, Emma, and Mels C & G brought the house down. Fergie's goddaughter, Poppy Cotterell, also 11, was also enthused to meet the girl group. Her mother, Carolyn, died of skin cancer this October. Fergie was quoted as telling the Spice Girls that, "We're all big fans."

Apparently Melanie C followed in the footsteps of George Michael and the seemingly endless line of disgruntled pop stars who are against Cliff Richard with his controversial "Millennium Prayer," which had occupied the British Charts at # 1 for the past three weeks. However, Melanie C labeled the song a "complete pile of $h*t." Melanie explained her reasoning behind her assessment of the "manipulative song targeted at preying on religious beliefs" as George Michael first described the song as well "vile," "It's nothing new. It's put together very cheaply and it's ripping off the fans. If it was any good, I'd say 'Good on you Cliff,' but it's not, it's terrible.'" Melanie C was later criticized herself by a Cliff supporter female artist who insulted that she wouldn't need an image makeover to sell her debut album with a change of haircut and an additional tattoo for her next album.

While many fans will not be able to see the Spice Girls in action as a foursome since the group finished up its eight concert set Winter Wonderland in Spiceworld, the fans will have to relive it via reviews, pictures, and audio (and hopefully a forthcoming video...). SOTW has a copy of the Dotmusic review by Andy Strickland. Andy must have been over-zealous upon writing his review not to mention getting the names of the songs wrong such as "Something Kinda Funny (Something Kinda Fun)" and "Stop (Stop Right Now)." All in all, its a comical, but fair review of the girls, if you'd like to comment on it, you can click on Andy's name at the bottom to send him an e-mail, feel free to be opinionated on it. Congratulations are also extended on behalf of SOTW to Geraldo Tou of Farnborough in Hampshire (UK) who won Dotmusic's Earl's Court tickets to check out the girls, hope Geraldo enjoyed the show! The following pic below was a composition by SGC (new Christmas-y style!) and the rights belong to them, the pictures actually originated from Kathryn of Spice Odyssey, normally SOTW waits for permission before posting but these pics were too good to pass up, if anyone has an objection to this please let me know by e-mailing me. I plan on keeping the collage up until I am told by Kathryn to take it down if she does not desire it to be posted. The link to Spice Odyssey will be added to this article later, so check for it.

If you want a beer tonight, no problem, no queues. But if it's burger & chips, sweets, glittery bouncing Alice bands or – God forbid – the girls toilets you're after, forget it! 15,000 under 10s, and their harassed looking mums are gathered to witness the return of the Spice Girls and they all appear to want to do exactly the same thing at the same time.

Inside the massive hall a raised circular stage sits beneath a throbbing, giant icicle. David Beckham and ickle baby Brooklyn are shown to their seats by a security team obviously concerned about the threat posed by this mass of My Little Pony fans, and the show begins.

Darkness, lasers, more throbbing and then there they are coming up through the floor at the end of a Winter Wonderland walkway straight from a Percy Ingle window display. Bang! Flames shoot to the ceiling, little girls wet their wooly tights and 'Spice Up Your Life' gets underway.

It's very impressive. Huge and gleaming, dusted in glitter and transfixing – and that's just Mel G's bosom. I don't know what it cost, but boy it was worth it. Bigger than Emma's thighs, more impressive than Melanie C's cod-karate kicks and more upturned than Posh's nose. Magnificent. The smattering of previously terrified dads in the crowd are now wearing smug grins.

There's a band hidden beneath the 'in the round' stage. We can just about see men wearing headphones bobbing in time with huge stabs of keyboards which propel old favorites like 'Say You'll Be There' on as the girls work the stage and wave to the fans while Victoria tries not to worry about baby Brooklyn's ear drums.

When they chat between numbers, they all chat at once and you can't hear a word. Mel G's got the loudest voice (that'll be the lung power) and Posh tries not to say anything at all. This is helped by the fact that her microphone is switched off and that when her vocal line comes along (she has one in each song) we miss the first half of it while the sound man turns her up. She's the best dancer by far though, her wrist rolls and toe points echoed by a legion of bopping Princesses in the crowd.

Of the three new songs on show tonight, 'Holler Holler' is the best – a TLC 'No Scrubs' guitar intro mashed by a latter day EBTG type synth shuffle. 'Right Back At Ya' and 'Woman' will both make decent enough album tracks and the Spice Girls need them. They've been singing some of these songs, 'Something Kinda Funny', 'Mama', 'Stop' – which they do twice – for too long now.

The only surprises tonight are a hydraulically lifted orchestra, with their violins wrapped in clingfilm for the brilliant 'Viva Forever' and two costume changes. The first change features a tight fitting, electronic looking outfit with evidently creeping underwear (not easy to adjust your knickers with 20,000 people watching), followed by a finale of Christmas taffeta and fake fur which ushers in a triumphant karaoke of Slade's 'Merry Xmas Everybody' and Wizzard's 'I Wish It Could Be Xmas Every Day'. Brooklyn bounces on Daddy's lap and the rest of the kids bounce off the walls all the way home – after they've queued up again for the toilets of course.

Saving the worst and sad news for last, the Spice Girls apparently should have stuck to a Christmas single to tie them with the Beatles' record four years in a row with a Christmas # 1 hit. The Spice Girls who had the last three years all tied up with "2 Become 1," "Too Much," and "Goodbye" were too busy preparing the forthcoming third album to release a single and instead participated on the charity single cover, "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll." However, Spice Girls and charity singles haven't always been successful, "(How Does It Feel To Be) On Top of the World" featured the girls along with the other members of England United and only hit # 9 on the singles chart in the UK. However even with an all-star charity single, the Spice Girls can't save the Rolling Stones' cover from disaster...on first day sales, it clocked in at # 18. Maybe the best Christmas present for the Spice Girls to give their fans is sending their single and album a little ahead of schedule!

Sadly, a workman dismantling the Spice Girls' Earl's Court stage set fell 80 feet to his death last Thursday following the Spice Girls' webcasted and sold out performance. Grant Colville, party organizer, stated, "I was standing 20 feet away and saw this thing hurtle past me. I thought at first it was a counter weight from the rigging but when the dust and masonry had settled it was this poor guy. He didn't stand a chance." The Spice Girls have not commented yet on the rigger.

December 11, 1999-Spice Girls WEBCAST LIVE Concerts, Get Interactive, Plan Worldwide Tour; Spice Girls Charity Single; Spices to Debut Wax Doubles

Spice Girls Webcast Live Concert on Tuesday, December 14th, Sign Deal To Webcast Follow-up Concert Tour & Get Interactive; "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" Released on Monday, December 13th in UK; What Melanie C Really, Really Wants About Her Wax Double and Placement

C3, the Spice Girls Official Homepage in the UK, has FINALLY updated fans about the webcast of their Earl's Court Gig on December 14th. The details are below. The concert will air at this link (and also below) on the Tuesday. (the link is temporarily inactive at present), the concert starts at 8 PM (UK Time) and will air at 3:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) in the US. Be sure to stay tuned, you will not want to miss this.

The Spice Girls are gonna be webcasting their gig on the 14th December!!!!! And they want you to join 'em for the biggest party in cyberspace EVER!!!!

Apparently, the Spice Girls will be following suit with webcasting their December 14th concert online. The Spice Girls will start transmitting their concerts live over the web following a contract deal with Arthur Shaw, an online music company. The Spice Girls were quoted as being "very eager to get involved" by Arthur Shaw Director Bryan Morrison. The agreement between Arthur Shaw and the Spice Girls could result in future interactive activities with the girl group. The Spice Girls will join such acclaimed artists as Boy George and his Culture Club as well as Shirley Bassey.

Even with a new album on the way and an eight-concert set, the rumors still abound that the Spice Girls will split. Fans need not worry. The Spice Girls, according to Britain's Sun Tabloid EXCLAIM: "It's far from over - we're gonna do it all again in the year 2000." That's right, the Spice Girls will follow up their sold-out Spiceworld Tour with yet another Spicey Worldwide Concert Tour. Following a Manchester Arena concert, an interviewer from the Sun caught up with Melanie G and Emma and got a load of information out of them as well as commentary on the future and next step for the Girl-Power Group.

Melanie G started, "People keep saying we're finished. Well, I've got news for them. We've got our third album out next year and we're gonna play again for our fans. We're entering phase three of the Spice Girls. The first one was Spice, the second SpiceWorld, now it's going to be Spice 2000." [Of course, with the Spice Girls we're never sure if that means if the third album is to be titled "Spice 2000" or not...]. Emma supported Melanie by adding, "We've all done solo projects but it's exciting now we're the Spice Girls again. It's woman power now, not girl power. We've grown up and are doing our own things but we're still the Spice Girls, just a bit older."

This interview comes right before the final four dates for the Spice Girls' Winter Wonderland tour at Earl's Court, starting with a live webcast of their concert on Tuesday, December 14th at www.spice.sky.co.uk and this link on the girls' official site. The concert will also be broadcasted live on Sky TV for all those fans in the UK and those with satellite servers. Dotmusic is still giving away tickets to the girls' concert in London, click here for a chance to win!!! Melanie C will be launching her American solo in-depth tour in February with the promise of a Spice Girls American Tour in the Summer 2000! SOTW will keep you updated!

If you can't get enough SPICE from the concerts above, you'll be relieved to know that the cover of the Rolling Stones' hit, "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" will be released in the UK on Monday (December 13th). The single features the ever talented Spicey four, as well as Rolling Stoners Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, James Brown, the Corrs, BB King, Natalie Imbruglia, Robin Williams (the actor!), Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi, Annie Lenox, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Jay Kay, the Womack family, Lionel Ritchie, S Club 7, Joe Cocker, Chrissie Hynde, Herbie Hancock, Eric Idle, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt. None of the artists were paid for their services and guested on the track voluntarily. The single is an all-star smash single hoping to hit the Christmas # 1 Spot. A spot, which has been occupied by the Spice Girls for the past three years in a row with "2 Become 1," "Too Much," and "Goodbye." Though the Spice Girls declined a chance to tie the Beatles' 4 consecutive Christmas # 1 singles, it would be an honor at least to be among those artists on the charity single. All proceeds from the single will be awarded to the Children's Promise, a union of charities which is asking people to donate their final hour's wage from 1999 to children's charities. The single was conceived by BBC radio football correspondent Mike Ingham and his wife Lorna Dickinson, who spent much of her summer ringing agents and trying to convince acts to guest on the single. Arthur Baker (not to be confused with Arthur Shaw, the company which the Spice Girls signed a deal with to webcast concerts) ventured 'round the world to record contributions to the single and director Simon Rinkoff shot the video in the same manner over six weeks. If you live in the UK, you can check out: "Rock 'n' Roll in the Making," a special documentary about the making of "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" on Sunday (December 12th) at 2300 GMT on BBC One. The charity single faces several competitors in line for the # 1 spot including the highly controversial "Cognoscenti Versus Intelligentsia," which has the foundation of the music from Hamsterdance.com (the dancing hamsters!). Solid Gold Chartbusters have another odd basis for a Christmas single called "I Wanna 1-2-1 With You" which has mobile phone ringing audio. Popular Irish boyband Westlife who met defeat against a certain ex-Spice Girl's # 1 single "Mi Chico Latino," will be covering Abba's "I Have A Dream," while a re-release of John Lennon's "Imagine" track will also be making trouble. Nevertheless, the Melanie C "Northern Star"-defeating Sir Cliff Richard with his "Millennium Prayer" single has been holding onto the # 1 spot for the past three weeks and is the favorite to win the Christmas # 1 spot. On the plus side, all profit from that single also go to the Children's Promise. So either way, charity will make out...though it wouldn't hurt for the Spice Girls to be on a # 1 collaboration.

While the fans of the Spice Girls are awaiting the arrival of the Waxed Spice Doubles at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum on December 17, Melanie C expressed that she wanted an early Christmas present as an adjustment to her wax figure: "I'd like bigger bosoms." Each of Melanie C's seven tattoos, including her latest flaming phoenix, have been copied along with every feature onto the Sporty Spice double. Talented sculptors at Madame Tussaud's went all out reproducing Melanie C's buff physique. Melanie C's replica was the last of the four Spice Girls to be modeled before the Spice Girls Wax Models are premiered along with Madonna, as well as contemporary artists like Jay Kay. However Mel also requested the spot to her idol, the "original Miss Girl Power," Madonna. Madonna will be premiered on display the same day as the Spice Girls. The Spice Girls will be the first full group (even though Geri left) to be displayed since the Beatles were the star attraction of Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus in 1964.

December 4 & 5, 1999-Melanie C and Spice Girls "Win" Big at Smash Hits Poll Party; Spice Girls Kick off New Concerts; Geri Too Sick to Perform

Spice Girls and Melanie C "Win" Big At Smash Hits Poll Party; Spice Girls Kick off NEW Concerts; Geri Bows Out of Performance Because of Illness, Takes Second Place; Victoria Beckham: From Having An Eating Disorder to Being A Barbie Girl; Spice Girls Go Casual on Photo Session; Tabloids Report Geri Under Hypnosis

Apparently, even with Geri Halliwell bowing out of the Smash Hits Poll and the Spice Girls launching the first of eight concerts to preview new material, the Spice Girls no longer have what Smash Hits Subscribers really, really want. The Spice Girls won the "Worst Group of 1999" after being awarded the "Best British Group" two years ago. Of course, to be fair the Spice Girls were not at all present during 1999 except in the form of solo projects with Melanies C & G and Emma and the only Spice Girls material released was "My Strongest Suit" on the Aida Soundtrack. But Smash Hit Subscribers weren't quick to forget Melanie C's solo career either...Melanie "won" several other awards: "Worst Female Singer," "Worst Single," Worst Video," "Most Tragic Haircut," and "Worst Dressed Person." However, on a positive note, Geri, who left the now "Worst Group of 1999" took second place in the Best Female Solo Star, but due to her illness (see story below), couldn't claim the honor and perform. Of course, even the Spice curse landed on Geri's "ex-lover" Chris Evans, as he was named "Worst Person on Radio." The Backstreet Boys, Boyzone, and 5ive were the top three acts for "Best World Band."

With Geri pulling a Ginger (this time actually being sick) cancelling her performance at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, all eyes were on the Spice Girls as they launched the first of the first of eight concerts at the Manchester Evening News Arena on the fourth of December (they'll head to London's Earl's Court following the 4 Manchester sets). A bandanna-sporting father and son, David and Brooklyn, were in full support of wife and mother, Victoria Beckham, who would be performing with her bandmates for the first time as a group in over a year since the Spice Girls' highly successful Spiceworld European-American tour in 1998 which caused quite a controversy after Geri, Ginger Spice, Halliwell bowed out of the group for unspecified reasons. Victoria showed off a dazzling, fit figure in contradiction to her critics that accused her of having an eating disorder, though in comparison to the other girls, Victoria did look slim. Victoria showed off a boob-tube purple style tasselled dress. The Spice Girls opened their new set of concerts with a fantastic light show, only to appear from underneath the stage in a mist of smoke in different colored sequined outfits. The girls opened up the show with a personal dance number favorite, "Spice Up Your Life." The girls further went on to perform three new tracks, "Comin' Right Back Atcha," "Holler," and the much publicized evolution track, "Woman" as well as "Mama," "Wannabe (twice!)," "Viva Forever," and "Goodbye." Here's the remainder of the Spice Girls Tour Dates and be sure to check out the concert set list forthcoming:

The Spice Girls told the audience they missed being together as a group. Sporty Spice, Melanie Chisholm, "complete with requisite trainers," started to cry as she said "We've missed you." Mel G followed suit in a yellow sequined outfit and to the crowd announced that: "We're back."

Geri Halliwell was scheduled to perform her last appearance of 1999 at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party. Unfortunately, Geri has been ordered by her doctor to stay bedridden at home in Langley, Berkshire, after being affected by viral pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the lungs. Geri has already been replaced by Charlotte Church, a 12 year old singing prodigy. Geri's spokesman announced that Geri has been quite ill the entire week, but only now, in the last few days was diagnosed. He commented, "She is laid up in bed, really not very well at all. She has not been well all week. Doctors have been visiting her but she has become sicker and sicker." Geri was to perform her thee hits, "Lift Me Up" and "Mi Chico Latino," her # 1 smash singles, and her debut # 2 single, "Look At Me" in a seven-minute medley. All Smash Hits Winners are selected by the subscribers of the popular teen magazine.

Victoria Beckham has responded to the attacks on tabloids that she has an eating disorder and refuses to wear short miniskirts as a result. The controversy surrounded the loss of weight following her pregnancy. Victoria agrees that she has lost weight but responded that the "vicious" reports were destroying her spirit as well as affecting her family. Not to mention that her football star husband, David, was "annoyed and upset" by the allegations. Victoria revealed all in an interview with the Mirror. "They keep saying how thin I am, hinting I must be anorexic or bulimic or something. It is so upsetting. I'm not anorexic, I'm not bulimic and I'm not a skeleton. I'm 7.5 stone, very fit and I feel great," Vic asserted. Victoria says that the tabloids are right since she lost about a "stone" since Brooklyn was born, but she has not altered her eating schedule. "I haven't changed what I eat or anything. I honestly feel my metabolism has changed as I've got older and had Brooklyn, I just seem to burn up food faster," she explained. To show that she was certainly not starving, she even divulged her typical day's menu: "For breakfast I had two bowls of Sugar Puffs, for lunch two chicken fillets with loads of vegetables. I'm eating some cod and more vegetables now, and when I get home my mum will have a dinner ready." Victoria exclaimed that she was heavily busy preparing for the Spice Girls Concert Set in December and expressed her fear of the impact that the false rumors might influence on the fans. "With the other girls I have a responsibility as a role model. Some young fans might get the wrong idea." But Victoria simply stated that, "All that matters is I'm healthy, and so are my lovely baby and my lovely husband. I would never put myself in danger by going on crash diets or anything because of them."

Victoria Beckham, Posh Spice, proved that she too could be a Barbie Girl in the Spiceworld by co-hosting the Barbie Ball at London's Natural History Museum on December 1st (Wednesday). Victoria was joined by Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish. The ball billed as a not-to-miss celebrity event supported the Elton John Aids foundation. Victoria sported a quite revealing pink dress, backless, in contradiction to the tabloid attacks that she was too anorexic. The collection of Barbie Dolls will be auctioned for charity in April of next year. They will remain a public exhibition until then. The Elton John Aids foundation raised an estimated £100,000 just from the ball.

The Spice Girls for the first time in over a year have gathered together to shoot an official portrait, which will launch their first concert tonight (December 4th, Saturday) at the Manchester Evening News Arena. In a casual style, the Spices wore jeans and T-shirts ditching the leopard skin outfits, the baby doll dresses, and the Gucci & Prada style. Since their last show at Wembley Stadium, Melanie C and Emma Bunton have both released solo material which launched them into the top five in the UK. Melanie G, who's first single, "I Want You Back," topped the charts scored another top 20 hit with a cover of Cameo's "Word Up." Since the "Wedding of the Millennium," Victoria Beckham has also had a baby boy, Brooklyn, and backed many charities and causes of awareness including meningitis. The picture above is one of the two released to the BBC. The other black and white picture is at the top of the article about the Smash Hits Awards.

Britain's Sun Tabloid is claiming that Geri Halliwell, under nervous stress, has spiced up her live performances after the help of a popular TV hypnotist, Paul McKenna. Apparently Geri has been going to McKena's sessions for a confidence booster since her last stage performance was back with the Spice Girls on their Spiceworld Tour back in May of 1998. Supposedly at one session, he put the solo star in a hypnotic trance for an hour. Another one of those infamous "friends" of Geri, disclosed that Paul told her to recline on a big sofa with the directions that, "When you arouse from this trance, you will be refreshed and full of motivation power. Your motivation will get stronger until you have all the confidence you need to achieve your targets." According to her "friend," the sessions were very successful and that, "Afterwards she felt ready to take on the world. For a long while after splitting from the Spice Girls, she just wanted to hide away." Geri, allegedly, was quite reluctant to give hypnosis a try, but gave it a chance after hearing of the success Paul had had with other celebrities. But the Sun denied the rumor that McKenna put Geri in a trance on the couch and said repeatedly: "You can sing, you can sing, you can sing." The Sun randomly revealed that Geri had bought a £4,500 sexy sketches featuring naked women at a gallery in Camden Town, North London.

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