November 25, 1999-Message from Melanie C for Fans in the UK; "It's Only Rock 'n Roll Music Video

Melanie C posted a message both at the Spice Girls' official site and her own Northern Star home page inviting fans from the UK to watch her perform (you have to be at least 16 with valid photo ID) on CDUK. The information is listed below on the picture. Chances are that if the performance lives up to her Goin' Down performance and interview last time, you won't want to miss it!

SOTW has always promised to bring you the latest in Spice Girls news and multimedia, but if SOTW can't give it to you personally, at least you can be pointed in the right direction. Down Under Spice has posted the "It's Only Rock 'n Roll" video for the Spice Girls & Crew's upcoming charity single. which is being released on December 13th in the UK. You can find it in the Audio/Video Section. As SOTW previously reported, the Spice Girls are featured in the video recording the track in the studio and Melanies C & G have a few solo video shots. Surprisingly this hyped single for the first # 1 single of the millennium hasn't been featured either audio or video-wise on any Spice sites yet. The single is slated for release on December 13th in the UK.

November 25, 1999-Spice Girls: Immortality in Wax to Tabloid Talk with Ex-Spice; News Update from C3; Mel C Radio Promo Audio Posted

Spice Girls: From Immortality in Wax To Rumors of Ex-Spice Girl Pleading For Friendship; Spice Girls News Update from C3; Melanie C Northern Star Radio Promo CD Tracks Posted

The Spice Girls will forever be immortalized (finally) at Madam Tussaud's Rock Circus Museum, which features Wax statues of some of the biggest names in rock culture. The Spice Girls (minus Geri) will be revealing their doubles on December 17th. The Spice Girls will be the most recent complete pop group since the Beatles' status in 1964. The Spice Girls' idol, Madonna, will also have her own Tussaud Twin added along with other such modern artists such as Jay Kay of Jamiroquai.

The British Tabloids are apparently following a story in which ex-Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell, is trying to finally make amends between herself and her former bandmates. Supposedly, Geri has already contacted both Melanie C and Emma recently on a few occasions and has suggested speaking and visit sessions in order to patch up the odds and ends since she departed the most popular girl group of the 90s in late May of 1998. Not surprisingly, Melanie G was not noted as being contacted (which implies truth to the rumors of the great divide between the two in which the tabloids allege that Melanie forced Geri out of the group). Victoria also has not been contacted by Geri. However, Victoria and David did meet Geri and George Michael at a restaurant in France last year. One of those ever-reliable and mysterious "friends" was quoted as saying, "Geri and the girls go back a long time. Now she feels it is time to start talking and seeing each other again"

The Spice Girls Official Site at C3, finally updated their news section of the site with three stories:

It was dreams-come-true time for Emma Anderson from Reading who won a competition on the Top Of The Pops website--and got to meet her heroine and namesake Emma (me!!!) Emma (A) showed her awesome girl power by answering questions about our website and she was so--oo sweet when we hooked up backstage at Top Of The Pops. Talking of Pops, she also brought along her dad Tim and told me all about her studies at school where she's learning Russian...! Good on ya Emma and good luck with the schoolwork--it was a blast meeting you

Both Melanies recently appeared on Channels 4's Music of the Millennium show in the UK and wowed the crowd with their renditions of classic tracks over the past thousand years. Mel G appeared with Jocelyn Brown and Beverly Knight to perform the Aretha Franklin track, "Think" Melanie C sang an incredible rendition of Madonna's "Like A Prayer".

November 4th saw the Spice Girls back in the limelight when they held a press conference and book signing for their brand new book, 'Forever Spice'. It was a busy day for Spice Girls Melanie C, Mel B, Emma and Victoria as they spent the morning with the world's media at a press conference followed by a book signing. To end the hectic day's publicity for the new book and a break from recording, the girls celebrated with a party for friends and family.

Emma Bunton and Tin Tin Out recently celebrated a number two hit with their version of 'What I Am'. The single has sold 250,000 copies in the UK so far and the number is rising. Emma told the UK's Radio One she was overjoyed with chart place because they never expected to get higher than top 10.

Unfortunately, with Thanksgiving occurring on a Thursday, the shipment of the Northern Star Import Singles has been delayed so you may have to wait a few more days until the tracks are posted on SOTW. But you can be sure that as soon as they become available, SOTW will have them right here for you. In the meantime, SOTW was able to obtain the Radio Promo of Northern Star, which features an edited version of Northern Star (4:08) as well as a ten second call out hook. Just what is a call out hook? A call out hook is generally a clip of a track, which is used to promote the song on radio stations. Sadly because the Spice Girls have a lackluster success on radio, generally the radio promos are not heard and just gather dust at radio stations since they're not on the heavy rotation play list...but fear not, SOTW plans on providing for the fans if the radio stations won't, but please help support Melanie C on radio by requesting the single. You can check out the additions on the multimedia page by clicking here. Melanie C's Northern Star UK CD 2 has 4 limited edition postcards (the picture inserts from the album), so make sure you pick it up when it becomes available.

SOTW was able to compile a release list of upcoming Spice singles and even a box set? Well, although nothing has been confirmed, but so far, the Spice Girls, as rumor goes, will be releasing "Spice Box," a Spice Box Set...Unfortunately, retail stores have little to no new information about this set. The rumor began when Sam Goody, a popular store, began accepting cash to pre-order the "new Spice Girls LP," which had a variety of titles. The Spice Box was set for release in September, pushed back to October, and now has a tentative date of November 30th. Whether or not, the Spice Girls will actually release a new album, it appears all or nothing will be revealed on the 30th. Here's the rest of the set-up of releases for new material.

November 22, 1999-Melanie C releases her title track from her album Northern Star in the UK

November 23/30, 1999-Possible release date of Melanie C's "Northern Star" US Single

December 14/21, 1999-Geri Halliwell releases "Lift Me Up" as a domestic single to the US in time for Christmas

While nearly all of the release dates are either tentative or estimated (minus the Northern Star UK Singles, which were delayed a week), the release dates are uncertain because of the shipping rate of singles. US Retail Stores do not carry release dates for singles and receive them without notice. However, once anything becomes confirmed or available, you can be sure that SOTW will be posting it. According to UK listings, Melanie C's "Northern Star" cd singles already have tracklistings and SOTW's got them for you. Please note that according to DK and SpiceNews.com (the first site to feature the tracklist and the US listing) the US version of Northern Star single will be the same as the UK CD 2, with the exception of track two being the Acoustic Version, while track 3 is the b-side "Something's Gonna Happen." Of course, you can expect SOTW to have the entire singles uploaded as soon as the imports cross over to the American shore, so keep checking back!

The Spice Girls just updated their main site on C3 today with brand new news pertaining to their upcoming Charity Single, Northern Star (the single), and have confirmed that the Spice Girls will not be releasing a Christmas single this year. Here is the message, right from C3:

Ok, so the Spice Girls won't be releasing a Christmas song this year... but just try and keep them away from the festive action!

A few months ago, the Girls were asked by the BBC to take part in a follow-up to Perfect Day. This time the song is called "It's Only Rock n Roll" - a hit for The Rolling Stones in 1974.

It features a huge range of pop and rock stars, ranging from Iggy Pop, The Rolling Stones and Lionel Ritchie to Natalie Imbruglia, Ronan Keating and Jay Kay.

The release date will be 13 December 1999 and all proceeds will be donated to the Childrens Wish Appeal.

Northern Star, the title track to Melanie Cs debut album will be released on Monday 22nd November"

November 15, 1999-Melanie C Shows Off New Tattoo (Pic Available) & Launches Digital Audio Network; Northern Star Mix-Up; Spice Girls Top UK Charts with Best Selling Albums & News on Charity Single

Sporty Spice Melanie Chisholm launched the United Kingdom's first ever commercial digital radio network on November 15th, one which is being promoted as being the largest of its kind C has launched the UK's first commercial digital radio network - which is being billed as the largest of its kind in the world. Five radio stations are already part of this digital radio system including Talk Radio, Classic FM, Virgin Radio, Planet Rock, and the newest station, Core. Core's first perfect quality song ever to hit the air waves on digital radio was Sporty Spice Mel C's new single "Northern Star." Core's target audience hopes to beat BBC Radio 1 for young listeners, who are an asset to the pop market.

Core is working with BBC Digital Audio to speed up the development of Digital One The network is collaborating with BBC Digital Radio in a bid to speed the development of the new service. This effort is to gain an advantage against BBC Radio 1 listeners.

But Melanie C proved to be more than a poster girl at its premiere. Melanie explained the appeal of Digital Audio, "It gives (musicians) more scope. The technology we make music with is now of such high quality, often we lose that on car stereos. Digital radio will provide better quality, more choice of stations and make things like tuning easier."

Melanie C also marked the occasion as the official exposition of her latest tattoo, a Chinese dragon. Melanie added, "It's a Chinese dragon and compliments the phoenix on my back. In Chinese tradition the phoenix represents the female and the dragon represents the male - because before I was a little out of balance." Melanie also divulged that the tattoo was not strictly for balance in her life, but hopefully an item of discussion with a new date, "I'm hoping it will find me a boyfriend, but he will have to be a mad biker or tattoo freak." Please note that the pics above are all provided by the BBC, to read the rest of the article pertaining to the availability of Digital Audio in the UK please click here.

Melanie C's latest single is apparently involved in a record-label mix-up. The release date originally set for November 15th in the UK. However, the Spice Girls official site and the BBC report the single has been delayed for a week, so that it will be released on the 22nd. One possible reason for this delay, is Robbie William's # 1 single this week in the UK, which dethroned ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell's "Lift Me Up" which Virgin might fear will jeapordize Mel's single placement, having only hit # 4 in the UK with her debut solo single, "Goin' Down."

The Spice Girls have yet another complement to add to their stock: the top selling act in the UK of the decade, having sold off 33 million albums. Dotmusic reports that the Spices' debut album "Spice" featuring their smash # 1 singles: "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There," "2 Become 1," & "Mama/Who Do You Think You Are" was the # 1 album sold in the UK of 20 million units, beating closest rival Elton John's "The Lion King" who clocked in at 14 million sales. To make things even more Spice-y, the girls followed Elton with the soundtrack to their movie, "Spiceworld" with the hits "Spice Up Your Life," "Too Much," "Stop," and "Viva Forever," failing to tie "The Lion King" by 1 million.

As previously reported, the Spice Girls will join Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Robbie Williams, Steps, and many others in a charity cover single slated to be the first # 1 song of the new millennium, "It's Only Rock 'N Roll." This cover is of the Rolling Stones' 1974 hit, which was not a # 1 topper. MTV cites that the British Press Association is reporting that the cover will be released in the United Kingdom next month (currently set for release on December 13th in Great Britain) to help raise funds for Children's Promise, a non-profit Children's organization. This money, focused on getting people to donate their last hour's pay from the last work day of 1999, will be divided among several different charities, including two very close to the Spice Girls' hearts: BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief. "The Hollywood Reporter" has suggested that the ensemble single is hoping to bring in about $320,000 from the popularity of all the enlisted talent. Not surprisingly, there is no confirmation on the availablity or domestic release of the single here in America. SOTW will bring you the latest on this new single as it becomes available.

November 13, 1999-Geri: Spices Up MTV European VMAS & Splits From Chris; Spice Girls News for Single and TV Special; Emma Chats with TOTP

Geri Halliwell: Spices Up MTV EMAs & Splits from Chris; Spice Girls News on Charity Single & "Music for the Millennium" Emma Steps in on New Spice Girls Material & Solo Career in TOTP Chat

Geri Halliwell might not have captured the Best Female Award at the Euro MTV Awards in Dublin last night. But if a smile is a good measure of success, than Geri was already a winner. Stepping out in a see-thru dress, Geri showed that even life after Spice could be beautiful. Geri made her appearance solo following rumors in the tabloids that Chris and Geri had split after Chris was caught with an ex of his. Geri knew that she might not win her nomination for Best Female, but smiled modestly that she would be just as happy for Britney Spears (who did win) or Whitney Houston to capture it...with both artists performing. And that she was thrilled just to be there. Geri caused quite a stir from the audience when she went up as the presenter of the Best Dance Act award, followed with chants, which she managed to hush down. "Hello. Hello, everybody. How are you? (Laughs in response to the constant chanting of Geri). Ok, that's enough now. (Laughs again). Look, I've got to tell you. Shhh! Look You need to be a bit gentle with me because I'm feeling a little bit fragile from my weekend. (Gets a loud applause) But, but we all need an excuse to have a party and tonight I want you to do just that. (More applause from the crowd) Alright? So let us find out who's going to get carried out of the party tonight. In other words, we're going to find out who the nominees are for the best dance Act." Apparently, the European MTV Award Show neglected to designate a winner, so Geri selected Fatboy Slim. Despite performances from Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and Whitney Houston, Geri still was able to generate the most excitement from the audience, which shows that they still stand behind her with or without Chris Evans in the picture.

The Spice Girls may have been a bit annoyed with the mention of Geri Halliwell at their press conference for "Forever Spice" in which they document the tour and life post-Ginger Spice. However, the Spice Girls commented on their solo careers and goals for the future. One of the areas not discussed was a collaboration with other acts for the cover of "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" in which the Spice Girls would host a few lines of the track. Supposedly Top of the Pops has started playing a video of it, which features the Spice Girls recording the track it in the studio. No word yet on the authenticity of the video, so its current status is a rumor, but one possibly to be considered true given the theme of the single, which is slated to hopefully be the first # 1 single of the new Millennium in the UK. In other joint Spice-related news, SpiceNews reports that Melanies C & G ran off to Elstree Film Studios to record "Music of the Millennium," a three hour special supposed to have run today (November 13th) on Channel 4 in the UK.

Having to settle for the # 2 spot, Emma Bunton may be down, but certainly not out. Emma recently chatted and answered some very excellent questions at a TOTP chat online. Emma settled the debate on her solo album, the new material of the Spice Girls, her own image, what she thinks about Melanie C's new style, and about All Saints. To check out the full Q&A session click here from TOTP.

A: "I do intend to bring out my own album, but I'm gonna take my time with it so it'll be 2001. It'll have Tin Tin Out on it I hope and I'm gonna work with them again."

Q: "Emma, do you think you will be staying with pop or trying out different sounds?"

A: "I'd like to try out different sounds but I'm a big pop fan - I like music that makes me smile."

A: "Actually it was Tin Tin Out that came out with the idea and they sent me a track - I was really flattered to be asked. I loved the original song. It was nice to stick with the original sound as it was such a classic track."

A: "Yeah we sing all the time when we go out. Maybe - Nick and Nat are great friends of mine."

A: "Yeah I do like it, although I must admit I do like her long dark hair. We all like a change. Mine might go spikey."

A: "The album will be out in the middle of next year. We still have to choose a single. It's the same direction, but working with American producers our vocals have improved 100 percent."

A: "That's really hard to answer: I grow up slowly and I don't drastically change my image."

Emma finished up the interview with a question on whether she owned a horse (she doesn't but has two dogs) and had this to say in response to all the fans out there: "Thank you to everyone who's been supporting me and the Spice Girls. Have a great Christmas - and remember to come to our Christmas gigs at Earl's Court and Manchester."

November 12, 1999-Geri Halliwell: From Bisexuality to Becoming Engaged to being DUMPED; Who Hit # 1? Mel G Hits Another # 1; Victoria A Comedian? Emma's Pokemon Track For Download;

Geri Halliwell: From Bisexuality to Becoming Engaged to being DUMPED; Who Hit # 1? Melanie G Tops Worst Dressed List; Victoria as a Comedian? Emma Wants Everyone To "Free Up Your Mind" and SOTW has the Audio!

What a wild week in the Spiceworld. As if there wasn't enough hype over Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton's showdown on the UK Charts with their singles, "Lift Me Up" and "What I Am," Geri Halliwell dodged a question during an interview concerning her experience with lesbianism. Geri refused to comment, but added that "You should be open to everything." Not soon after, reports from tabloids all over claimed that Geri is dating Chris Evans, TFI Friday Host. The Ex-Spice Girl who has a rather cheeky history with Chris (he told the Spice Girls to go back to Live & Kicking before they made it big and mocked Geri's demo tapes on air after she wanted his opinion), is supposedly engaged with the TFI Friday host. While tabloids have been skimming the relationship for the tiniest details...the quarter million engagement ring for Geri or the details about how Geri would sneak over to his house by walking one of her three dogs, the fact remains that (even though both have been reserved about the subject) they were pictured as a couple. Of course, before the week was through, there was alleged commentary about Baby Spice, Emma Bunton, being asked out for a bite by Chris Evans before he began the SPICE-y relationship with Geri. Then before the final chart figures, Chris was allegedly caught cheating with an ex-lover. Of course, by the end of the week, the tabloids had claimed Geri had already been dumped by Chris Evans. Geri, not the least bit affected by this odd case of promotional relationships (which worked quite successfully), made a strong showing with a smile at the MTV Video Music Awards in Dublin (see story above). If you want to relive the entire Chris-Geri relationship in full detail, you can check out Trixie Firecracker at her brand new domain here.

Of course even with a romance, all eyes were still on the main event: SPICE WORLD WAR I. And oooh was it hyped up. However, both Emma and Geri played the confrontation down. Geri seemed quite angry that her management set her up against Emma and warned fans to buy neither single. Emma, cool and calm, announced that she was quite happy with the results and that she wasn't too concerned about chart position. Both backed impressive live presentations and promotions. However, chart figures were leaked all along the way and it was quite close. Alas, there could only be one winner and Geri triumphed, having had a small lead, which eventually grew. Geri sold about 140,000 copies of her double set single, while Emma was able to push off about 106,000 copies (with Melanie C backing her a few singles). Geri was "absolutely gobsmacked" that she had won and was celebrating that night. She later added: "I am the happiest girl in England. I've got the biggest grin on my face. What a week I've had. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me and sent me such goodwill, whether you bought my record or not. I am so happy." When asked about any responses to Emma, Geri answered, "I'd like to congratulate everyone. It was a fantastic week and it's been a hard one. Well done to everyone this week." The Spice Camp, though obviously discouraged by the loss, put on all the bright smiling faces, and congratulated Emma on the runner-up spot on their C3 Site, here's the excerpt: "Emma B's new single zoomed straight into Number 2 in the Charts!! Yep - her first outing as a soloist, singing the SUPERB cover of Edie Brickell's What I Am with tip top dance outfit Tin Tin Out was a chart topping mega-success!!!". Not surprisingly, the "G words" did not appear anywhere in the statement. During your next stop at the Spice Girls Official C3 Site, you might want to check out the excellent live video [.mov form] of Emma performing live with Tin Tin Out at London's Jazz Cafe. In response to Geri's win on the charts, Emma congratulated her and was equally thankful the "silly" contest was over.

Melanie G, also known as Scary Spice, was a bit too outrageous this year. While she released a top twenty single this year, "Word Up" as a follow up to her smash # 1 UK hit, "I Want You Back," Mel G has entered at another # 1. However, this is one chart, Melanie might regret entering: Heat Magazine's The Worst Dressed List. Apparently Mel's own leopard-skin outfits are considered unfashionable. This placement comes as a shock after Melanie's catwalk gig during London's Fashion Awards in September in which Scary donned an Afro Wig and Pink Dress. SOTW posted the Best Dressed List to Draw Comparisons...did Madonna and Mariah Carey really deserve to be on with Mel?

In other strange events of the week, Victoria flew to Los Angeles in hopes of pursuing a solo career in Comedy. While in the glamorous LA, Victoria set up discussions about a possible future in movies. "I don't want to play the glamorous stereotypes. I want something which is a lot more challenging. I'd love to play comedy roles," Victoria was quoted as saying. Victoria also commented to Dotmusic on a dream role she wished she had in Notting Hill as one of the main characters. "That's one of my favourite films from the previous year and everyone would expect me to say I'd love to play the Julia Roberts part. But really I would have preferred the wacky, dippy sister role which was done brilliantly by Emma Chambers from 'the Vicar of Dibley'," Victoria added. However, per usual with the Spice Girls, Victoria's solo career is surrounded by secrecy. However, Melanie C has revealed that Tor has been in the studio doing bits of writing and even recording, so this Spice Girl may soon see herself as a solo artist.

While Emma might be recovering from the shock of landing at only # 2, Emma will officially launch a solo career so to speak on Tuesday (the 9th) when the Pokemon Soundtrack is released here in America. Emma will join such successful acts as 98 Degrees, Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Blessed Union of Souls, Billie, Vitamin C & B*Witched. Emma will contribute her track: "(Hey You) Free Up Your Mind," which features almost unnoticeable background vocals by Melanie C. This soundtrack for the Pokemon Movie (out on the 10th) is almost sure to make a big hit, so get it now! For the record, The Way of Spice, had this audio track a few days BEFORE its release! Wowza! SOTW was able to upload the track to our own server. Please be sure to check it out right here!!!

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