February 2003 24/02 >"We danced to our old hits" said Emma EMMA Bunton today tells the FULL inside story of the sensational Spice Girls' reunion - and says: "We had a real blast." Speaking ONLY to The People, Baby Spice reveals the secrets of the five stars' emotional get-together at the dinner we told the world about last week. She says: "It was fantastic. There were tears and lots of laughter - and we even ended up dancing to our old hits." Emma, 27, tells how the former band members - together for the first time in five years: -FORGOT old feuds as they sang and performed the dance routines to their debut No1 Wannabe and chart-topping Stop. -HUGGED each other tearfully as they made up with Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell - whose walk-out in 1998 led to the band's eventual break-up. -ENJOYED a tour of the party venue Beckingham Palace conducted by Posh. -CHATTED excitedly over plans for a multi-million pound Spice Girls comeback tour. -VOWED to fix another meeting and promised never to lose touch again. Emma says: "It was the perfect evening. I was on top of the world when I left." She recalls the nerves as she waited with Posh, Mel B and Mel C for Geri to join them at the £2.5 million Hertfordshire mansion. Emma says: "As we gathered in the hall I had butterflies in my stomach. But when Geri came through the door and we were finally all back together again it was an unbelievable feeling. "There were quite a few tears but no bad feelings between any of us. Having Geri there was great. She looked so well and seems very happy." Then the girls who notched up nine No1 hits headed for the kitchen where a buffet dinner of chicken salad, seafood and wine was waiting. The girls loaded their plates and sat together at one end of the dining room's large table. Emma says: "We cracked open a bottle of wine and made a toast to being back together. "We were all so happy to be in the same room to have dinner in private. As we sat there eating we were constantly chatting and catching up." Mel C was worried because she had criticised Geri's role as a judge on TV's Popstars: The Rivals. But there was no friction. Emma says: "Mel was very nervous about it all - she's quite shy. But it was fantastic to see Geri at the dinner. It was about getting together for the first time since Geri had left and clearing the air a bit. It turned out to be very emotional and was a very special night." With the wine flowing well, the girls had no qualms about discussing their personal lives and relationships. Geri quizzed Victoria about life with soccer ace hubby David - who was away in Manchester, leaving the girls to enjoy themselves. Sons Brooklyn and Romeo were safely tucked up in bed. As the girls relaxed they decided to play some of their old Spice tracks. They were soon in fits of giggles as they ran through the steps for Wannabe and Stop. Emma reveals: "We had a dance round the room, laughing and joking about. It was just like when we first got together all those years ago." The Girl Power reunion was masterminded by Victoria, 28. First she phoned Emma, Mel C, 29, and Mel B, 28, to sound out their reaction to her idea. All agreed it was a great plan but at first they were wary about inviting Geri, 30. But after more talks, they decided it would not be a proper reunion without her and the invitation went out. Blonde Emma insists fun was the main motive for the bash - but the talk did turn to possible future Spice projects. She says: "I don't want to say too much about our plans. But we did discuss a possible reunion although it's a long way off if it does happen. We all have our own careers and solo projects to worry about. I'm in the studio until May finishing my album." Proud Posh later led her guests on a tour of her home, leading them up the staircase to the first-floor bedrooms. The girls were delighted by Brooklyn's room, which has a mural of Cinderella and Princess Charming with Victoria and David's faces. Victoria also showed them the room she has dedicated to Audrey Hepburn with pictures of the movie actress on the walls. Next stop was David's games room in the basement where the England captain has a full-size snooker table. The party started to wind up when Mel C left at 10.30pm, explaining that she had to get up early to promote her new single Here It Comes Again. Emma went 20 minutes later, followed by Geri. Mel B was last out at 12.30am. The five promised each other to stay in regular contact - and another girls night in can be expected soon. The Beckhams' housekeepers John and Nicky Giles-Larkin, both 27, cleared up. It had been such a good party that the task took the couple - who used to be on the Queen Mother's staff - an hour and a half. Referring to our scoop last week about the reunion, Emma says: "We couldn't believe the amount of attention caused by us meeting up for dinner. "The night was all about us remembering that we were - and still are - really good friends who went through a lot together." She adds: "You don't spend five years as a band and forget all those brilliant times. "I'm just so glad that meeting up went so well. It was a blast and we'll try to meet up again soon." source: the people 23/02 >Geri backs out of band's reunion plan I have sad news for girl power fans this morning— GERI HALLIWELL has decided to back out of the Spice Girls reunion. Geri, who left the band in 1998, told friends her decision this week—but I hear MEL B has been ringing the former Ginger Spice, trying to change her mind. A source close to Geri revealed: "After their dinner together last Monday, Geri hasn't been herself. It's brought back all the memories of when she split from the band." And I can reveal that halfway through the dinner, Geri got so stressed she had to do some yoga to calm herself. My source said: "She told me she was really upset and yoga was the only way she could think properly. "But on Thursday she said she was still really confused as to whether she should join the band. "She did a lot of soul searching and has now decided she doesn't want to do it. It was hard enough walking out on them and now having to go back to it all was a bit too much for her." Geri broke the news to the other girls individually, but MEL B is still trying to change her mind. "Geri thinks the timing is all wrong. She's busy doing an American TV show and will also be recording a new album," said the source. MEL C, who is also against a Spice Girls reunion, is set to be a support act at ROBBIE WILLIAMS' massive Knebworth gigs later this year. Talking at her record label Virgin's post-Brits party, she said: "I've said it once and I'll say it again, I don't want to go back to the band. If they want to do it, that's fine by me, but I won't be on stage with them." I revealed a couple of weeks ago that Pop Idol's SIMON FULLER had signed up Geri to front the TV show All American Girl. She will scour the States looking for a wonder woman who can cook, clean and sew...and still be as cheesy as a cheerleader. source: News of the World 21/02 >More news on "All American Girl" In its search for the perfect "All American Girl," ABC is getting some help from across the pond.The show, which is produced by the British team behind England's "Pop Idol" and the U.S.'s "American Idol," has enlisted former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell as one of three coaches to help the finalists realize their dreams.Fifteen finalists will be split up into groups of five, each of which will be assigned to either Halliwell, NBA veteran John Salley, or entertainment industry middle weight Suzanne de Passe to go through a rigorous "training camp" to enhance and test their athletic ability, mental agility, performance in the popular arts and beauty. The coaches will be responsible for reducing their groups to four and then three finalists before viewers at home are allowed to call in and vote who they think should win the title "All American Girl" and all the lucrative contracts that go with it."All American Girl" premieres Wednesday, March 12 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. source: Zap2it.com 19/02 >What really happened at the Spice reunion
Sporty Spice Mel C — the most successful solo artist following the band’s demise — is the sticking point. Perhaps significantly, she was the first to leave the party at 11.45pm. She told her ex-bandmates: “There’s no point in ever going back.” But now they are getting on well again, the other four are keen to regroup — possibly next year — for a Christmas 2004 greatest hits album and a one-off gig. If that was successful and if the money was right, they felt that a proper reunion could take place. The five former Spices have been speaking more frequently on the phone since Christmas. Scary Spice Mel B was the catalyst for the meeting after her solo career flopped and she had money worries. But Baby Spice Emma was the peacemaker who made it all happen. First to arrive at the dinner was Emma at 8pm in a chauffeur-driven silver Mercedes. She was closely followed by Mel B, in another silver Merc. Mel C turned up at 8.30pm and Geri arrived soon after. Scary told Geri: “You’re the best friend I ever had. We spent two holidays together on a beach drinking cans of lager and we shouldn’t ever forget that.” And in an emotional speech, Baby Spice told them: “Look, we’re all victims here. “People have been stirring up problems and making things difficult between us but we’re like sisters. We’ve got to stick together.” Sources close to Posh, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Baby said their reunion dinner on Monday night was “emotional, but relaxed and fruitful”. Geri immediately defused the tension between her and Victoria by apologising for the way she had treated her old pal. Victoria attacked Geri in her autobiography Learning To Fly for not contacting her when an untrue story broke about husband David’s alleged fling with a lapdancer. Friends of the band say a reformation is possible IF Mel C can be persuaded to change her mind — and depending on how she continues to fare as a solo artist. One source close to Mel B said: “It was a nice and easy-going evening. A lot of bridges have been built and memories shared. “The girls lived through a unique experience and time has healed their wounds. It was an amazing adventure. “They didn’t want it to be like The Beatles with a bitterness hanging over them, taking any issues they had with one another to their graves. “They felt that if they left it any longer it would never happen — they’d never be able to pick it up again and make up. “They are all realistic about what happened — they were just a pop group who lost a member and then ran out of steam. “Some of the girls have more to gain from a reunion than others — Mel B is the most desperate for it to happen because she hasn’t got much to do. “Emma never wanted the band to split in the first place and I think she would go with the flow and rejoin, whereas Mel C has a solo career to worry about — as does Victoria. “But a year from now ... we never know. There were a lot of hugs, kisses and laughs.” The source added: “Geri was there to exorcise her demons. She has obviously been in therapy and needed some closure on the Spice experience but she is not averse to the idea of a one-off date. “She came armed with memory cards and didn’t want the evening to pass without tackling certain issues head-on. “There are vague long-term plans. A bridge has been built and there is a realistic chance it could happen one day. “Mel C is the one who needs to be convinced. It’s a start and they all enjoyed it. “Victoria and Geri buried their differences and we’ll have to wait and see what happens. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if they all meet up again soon. They are all good businesswomen, don’t forget.” Last night Emma said: “It was great to see them all again. We talked over old times and there was a lot of laughing. We had a really good time and we caught up.” At 15 minutes to midnight, Mel C was driven from Posh’s pad in a black Mercedes, keeping her face hidden from waiting photographers. Geri left two hours later. Yesterday, a spokesman for Sporty told The Sun: “The band is not getting back together with her in it.” source: the sun 18/02 >Pictures of the girls arriving at Victoria's house, yesterday
>Articles about the Spice Girls meeting Spice Girls reunion talk is 'nonsense' Talk of a Spice Girls reunion has been branded as "nonsense". The revelation came after the five gathered at Victoria Beckham's house in Hertfordshire last night. But claims they were meeting to discuss a greatest hits album or a reunion tour have been dismissed by a spokeswoman for Beckham. "They did meet but it was a social occasion not about getting the band back together," she said. "That is nonsense - they are all working on different solo projects. "Victoria has signed a new deal, Emma has apparently signed a new deal. Geri is working on other things and it is just madness to say that they are getting back together." The band had nine number one hits together and their debut album sold 28 million. They are said to have earned up to £20 million each but have experienced mixed fortunes in their solo careers. source: ananova Sporty: I'll never sing with Spice Girls again MELANIE Chisholm has ruled herself out of a reformed Spice Girls. Sporty met the rest of the band last night — but said she would not rejoin them on a lucrative tour. A spokesman for Mel, 29, said: “She will not be part of any reunion. “She has made it clear that the band is not getting back together with her in it.” Scary Spice Mel B is desperate to get the girls back together — including ex-Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell. The five — Mels B and C, Geri, Victoria Beckham and Emma Bunton — met at Posh’s “Beckingham Palace” home in Hertfordshire. First to arrive at 8pm was Emma, who was closely followed by Scary. Sporty arrived at 8.30pm and Geri arrived soon after. It was the first time they had been together for five years. A greatest hits project and shared business interests were due to be discussed over dinner. Hard-up Mel B — once worth £20million — flew to America last September to talk to Mel C about reviving the band. But Mel C, a successful solo artist, has said: “It wouldn’t be healthy for my career. “I’m doing alright as a solo artist and it’s something I’m building on but I'm not, by any stretch of the imagination, there. I’m on my own little journey into solo-dom and I wouldn’t want to throw a spanner into the works. “Who wants to bring up the past? It’s best left where it is.” Emma, Victoria and Mel B tried solo careers but were dropped by their label Virgin. Victoria has re-signed with Telstar. Geri — who quit the band in 1998 has had more solo No1 hits than any other female artist, including Mi Chico Latino and It’s Raining Men. She also became a UN special ambassador and a judge on Popstars: The Rivals. An insider said: “Mel B is very keen for this reunion but she has the most to gain. “Sporty has the most to lose. She wants to be a female Robbie Williams and a reunion could scupper her long-term plans. A one-off charity date to support a greatest hits CD is not beyond the realms of possibility but that will be a long way off. “Mel C is tied up for the whole year on her solo projects.” source: the sun 17/02 >Geri with the Spice Girls again!!! Yes, you read well! Geri is about to see her former band mates tonight! Geri, Emma, Mel B., Mel C. and Victoria are going to see each other at Victoria's house! British tabloïds and TVs made their headlines with that piece of news but it simply remained as a rumor until the message published on Victoria's official website today: SPICE GIRLS REUNION - 17.02.03 It's been reported in the headlines of some of the UK papers today that the Spice Girls are to reform. The girls are meeting up but it is only for a social get together and not to discuss plans of a reunion or tour. The 5 girls haven't been together since Geri's departure, that is to say since the end of May 1998! But, don't get excited, they are not seeing each other to talk about future and common projects, they will only see each other as simple friends! "Friendship never ends" 13/02 >Geri grabs a Robbie reject Geri Halliwell has signed up the man sacked by Robbie Williams in a bid to kick-start her pop career. She has enlisted songwriter Guy Chambers, telling him: “Make me the female Robbie.” Geri is hoping the man behind mega-hits such as Angels, Let Me Entertain You and Millennium can work his magic on her comeback. But insiders have hinted that if this album is not a success, Geri may turn to TV for a full-time career. She and Guy have already recorded two songs. One, a dance track called Superstar was written in Los Angeles. The other is an untitled ballad they put together in London shortly after Robbie kicked his pal off the payroll last October. A friend of Geri’s said last night: “She is very excited to be working with Guy and regards him as a musical genius. “He created songs with Robbie that have gone down in modern music history as landmark recordings. “Geri wants to get some songs out there that people will still be belting out on karaoke nights ten years from now. But if this album doesn’t work, it may be that she’ll think about moving on from music and into telly full time.” Geri has had mixed success with her solo career since leaving the Spice Girls. Debut album Schizophonic got to No4 and spawned three No1 singles, Mi Chico Latino, Lift Me Up and Bag It Up. But second album Scream If You Wanna Go Faster was a disappointment. After reaching No5 it rapidly fell out of the charts despite Geri getting another No1 single with It’s Raining Men — a cover of The Weather Girls hit. In contrast, her TV career is flourishing. Her appearance as a judge on ITV1’s Popstars: The Rivals has led to a presenting job on Simon Fuller’s new project All American Girl. She has called in a number of other bigwigs to make her as-yet-untitled third album a success, including producers Pete Waterman and Steve Lipson. Chris Briggs, the man who introduced Robbie and Guy and is a legendary talent-spotter at EMI, is masterminding Geri’s career. Her spokesman told me: “She is working on her third album but there won’t be anything out until this summer at the earliest.” Robbie showed his old pal Guy the door after he refused to be tied down to an exclusive contract with the singer. Guy was fired weeks before Robbie’s fourth album, Escapology, hit the shops and shortly after Robbie signed his record-breaking £80million deal with EMI. Guy had penned half the new album and told me he was bitter about the split. He is regarded as the man behind Robbie’s success over the past five years. Even Robbie has admitted he was nothing without Guy at his side. The pair shared an Ivor Novello songwriting award for their Top Ten hit Strong in 1999. Guy is also working with Britney Spears, Enrique Iglesias and Mel C. Robbie writes his own material. >Geri ditches tape from new cover of her life story
source: the sun 08/02 >Latest pictures of Geri Geri is still in Los Angeles where she's both working on her album and on the american real T.V. show called "All American Girl" which should be broadcast on March on ABC.
Click on the pix to see them bigger. Source: www.rtl.de 04/02 >Just For The Record paperback edition Here is the new cover of Just For The Record, paperback edition. This edition will be released on the 5th of June 2003.
source: amazon
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