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Mel C on Olympic Snub: '"We flew the flag for Britain" |
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Mel C on Olympic Snub: '"We flew the flag for Britain"
Mirror
When Olympic organisers released a playlist for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games, there was one notable omission. Some of Britain’s greatest chart-toppers appeared in the pick of 86 tracks, including David Bowie, Oasis, Sugababes, Arctic Monkeys, Duran Duran, Blur and Coldplay. But, unbelievably, there was no space for the Spice Girls. And band member Mel C reveals that she won’t be happy if the girls are snubbed by ceremony director Danny Boyle. Sporty Spice declares: “I don’t know exactly where this list has come from, and obviously sometimes things come out that aren’t quite right. “But I’d be really upset if the Spice Girls weren’t included in the Olympics, whether it be the opening or closing ceremonies or any other playlists, because I think we absolutely represented Britain in the 90s. “We literally flew the flag – and Geri even wore it – around the globe.” Mel, full name Melanie Chisholm, adds: “We were proud to be British and to be successful internationally, and we were the last band probably to do that. “So I think it would be a real shame if we weren’t acknowledged in some way at the Olympics.” It’s not the only showpiece event this year not to feature the record-breaking group, who formed in 1994 with members Mel C, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Adams (now Beckham). Fans had anticipated the five girls could reform earlier this year for the Diamond Jubilee concert, organised by Take That frontman Gary Barlow. And Mel reveals that the group were invited to play but turned down the opportunity. When some of the girls voiced their disappointment on Twitter, it sparked rumours that Victoria had been the one to turn down the chance to perform. Mel, 38, says: “There’s a lot of speculation around the Diamond Jubilee concert. Gary Barlow did approach us about performing and we were absolutely honoured – we would have loved to do it. “But there are five of us in the Spice Girls with five different careers. “It’s not just about turning up on the day, it’s about rehearsing and things, so we had to respect other people’s wishes. “I would have liked to do it. I was gutted I wasn’t there.” Even though huge No1s like Wannabe, Spice Up Your Life and 2 Become 1 may not feature at the Games, the band’s most athletic member is throwing herself into a new role supporting Team GB. Mel C, who competed in last year’s Virgin Active London Triathlon, credits a love of sport with helping her to overcome a battle against depression. “Luckily I’ve been well for over 10 years now,” Mel explains. “But at the time the key to my getting better was looking after myself. “That was basically eating well, not drinking too much alcohol, and being active. “Sport gave me my confidence back. You get those endorphins, it’s good for your self-esteem, and also just having contact with other people because it can be quite a lonely world. “There are community gyms, boot camps, something for everyone and I absolutely recommend it over any pharmaceutical help. “Different things work for different people – the key for me was keeping active and sleeping well, which helped keep my depression at bay.” Her love of sport meant the opportunity to become involved in the Olympic Games was too good to miss, and Mel says she was honoured to be asked. She says: “When I was growing up as a kid I had two ambitions, one of them was to be a pop star and the other was to be an Olympic gymnast – so I’ve managed one. “I went along to the Olympic Ball last year where I met the organisers, who asked me about getting involved with the Olympic Association. I’ve always had a love of sport and have enjoyed watching the Olympics ever since childhood, so I jumped at the chance. “I’ve been working on some fundraising for different events in the run-up to the Games. “We had a big show at the Royal Albert Hall with Gary Barlow, Will Young and Alfie Boe performing. "And, of course, we had William and Kate there which was massive. It was absolutely brilliant and we raised loads of money. “Then I was invited to be one of the ‘Great Britons’ to promote the Games. I’m hoping we can get the whole nation on board and excited. "It’s such a great opportunity and we need to grab it with both hands because there has to be a great legacy from hosting the Olympics.” And the mum-of-one hopes that legacy will have an impact on her own daughter, Scarlet, who she welcomed into the world with long-term partner Thomas Starr in 2009. She smiles: “I was lucky enough to carry the Olympic torch up in Birkenhead. “My little girl was there to watch, waving her Team GB scarf. It was such a proud moment – she tells everyone that Mummy carried the torch.” Mel adds: “Life has changed so much since I was growing up. We used to play outside in the park until it was dark. "But now lots of kids are playing computer games and some parents are scared to let them out in the evenings. “With Scarlet, I want her to have fresh air. I try to get her outside every day for a run around. She’s got so much energy, as all kids do. "It’s only natural for children to want to run and get themselves out of breath. We have to keep giving them the opportunity to do that and encourage it. “Sport in schools is so important because some families don’t have the chance to get their kids involved in those things. "One of the problems we face as a nation is that we’re not active enough – having the Games here means we’ll have all those fantastic facilities after its all finished. “It’s so important for kids to get into sport, whether it’s badminton, table tennis, swimming or diving. "The Olympics will bring new opportunities to try out new activities they may not have tried before. "It’s great for young people to have a hobby – it’s social, it’s good for self-esteem, it’s good for communities. “And you never know, we could end up finding Olympic medal-winning Team GB champions of the future.” Mel struck gold with property developer Thomas back in 2002, when they met during a holiday in Barbados. But she says that the couple have no plans to tie the knot any time soon, adding: “We’re happy the way we are. We’ve been together for 10 years and we have a beautiful daughter. “We share a home together and that’s good enough for us.” |
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#2 |
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She has a point i mean Emeli Sande of all people is on that leaked list as is Rizzle Kicks so in terms of cultural impact alone Spice Girls did pretty much own it 96-98 on an international level and are still remembered.
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#3 |
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Quote:
She has a point i mean Emeli Sande of all people is on that leaked list as is Rizzle Kicks so in terms of cultural impact alone Spice Girls did pretty much own it 96-98 on an international level and are still remembered.
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#4 |
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The Spice Girls were the late 90s. Its really stupid to snub them.
Also while we are on this subject. Its a bit of a disgrace that Gary Barlow gets an OBE while Geri Halliwell who does some seriously good work for the UN!! hasn't even had talk of one yet. |
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#5 |
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I don't ever remember being a big SG fan but they deserve to be on the list over Rizzle Kicks & Emeli Sande in my opinion. Though I suppose they want current acts to be represented which is why these two have been chosen over the Spice Girls.
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#6 |
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I agree with Mel. In the late 90's the popularity of those girls was astronomical. I don't think any act has surpassed that level of fame in such a short time since. Not even Britney or Gaga. They are British icons and Geri's dress was as iconic as it gets. I can't believe they have been ignored.
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#7 |
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Never a huge fan, but they should have been on the list...along with Kate Bush
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#8 |
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Quote:
Never a huge fan, but they should have been on the list...along with Kate Bush
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#9 |
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Agree with the above. Whether you love, hate or don't care either way, nobody can deny the cultural impact of the spice girls. At the peak of their career i'd say they were the most famous women in the world.
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#10 |
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Spice Girls are just the same as One Direction... big brief impact because a bunch of kiddies bought their rubbish music.
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#11 |
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I agree with her. They are an iconic music act and are still loved by everyone to this day.
Spice up your life would be the perfect opening song! |
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#12 |
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Sugababes but not the Spice Girls? Spice Girls are the only UK girl group who made it WW, so i agree with Mel.
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#13 |
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Spice Girls are just the same as One Direction... big brief impact because a bunch of kiddies bought their rubbish music.
Interestingly you compare them to 1D, who are rumoured to be performing at the closing ceremony... |
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#14 |
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I love the Spice girls and Mel C is right. They were a huge part of the 90's and denying that is wrong. Comparing them to the Sugababes who were nothing short of stropy, moody teenagers with a lot of infighting. The Spice Girls were more than just a girls group, they had a message (as contrived as it was far fetched) of girl power but it came across as genuine and you could really feel their positivity through their music*.
* Please take into account I've had a few wines over lunch today.
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#15 |
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Disagree entirely. You may not like the Spice Girls but they were THE British girlband known worldwide. They have every right to be on the playlist. In fact THE British pop group - and it wasn't just 'kiddies' who liked them.
Interestingly you compare them to 1D, who are rumoured to be performing at the closing ceremony... |
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#16 |
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Now I like(d) the Sugababes but they've done sod-all for the past year or so (unless you count Dancing on Ice
).The Spice Girls had far more impact. Whether you liked them or not, they were global superstars in the late 90s & I think they should've been allowed to perform. But then again, if (as alleged) Victoria doesn't want to perform, would it have really happened? |
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#17 |
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Quote:
Disagree entirely. You may not like the Spice Girls but they were THE British girlband known worldwide. They have every right to be on the playlist. In fact THE British pop group - and it wasn't just 'kiddies' who liked them.
Interestingly you compare them to 1D, who are rumoured to be performing at the closing ceremony... Quote:
Unlikely, it will be a credible artist performing.
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#18 |
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Now I like(d) the Sugababes but they've done sod-all for the past year or so (unless you count Dancing on Ice
).The Spice Girls had far more impact. Whether you liked them or not, they were global superstars in the late 90s & I think they should've been allowed to perform. But then again, if (as alleged) Victoria doesn't want to perform, would it have really happened? If anyone should perform it's Pink Floyd, David Gilmour still sounds great, they wrote their own music, they've been around for years and they've shifted over 250 million records... so the Spice Girls with their rubbish little pop tunes which will require fancy outfits and a backing track played over the PA can do one. |
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#19 |
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"We flew the flag for Britain"?
Sorry Mel C, that was Scooch; *we're flying the flag all over the world..."
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#20 |
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Mel C is right. Love them or loathe them, the Spice Girls weren't just a girl group - they were a phenomenon. They were absolutely HUGE. They have every right to be on that Olympics playlist.
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#21 |
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I agree with Mel. If the leaked list is the real 'soundtrack' for the Olympics then it's not a true reflection of music from Great Britian. The Spice Girls are more superior girl band than Sugababes , and known internationally.
Why are Rizzle Kicks on the list? Is it because their label Universal own the music rights to London 2012? |
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#22 |
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This country has a hit a real low if they have Victoria Beckham performing... bloody hell
If anyone should perform it's Pink Floyd, David Gilmour still sounds great, they wrote their own music, they've been around for years and they've shifted over 250 million records... so the Spice Girls with their rubbish little pop tunes which will require fancy outfits and a backing track played over the PA can do one. |
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#23 |
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some true points.... I actually welcomed the list but there is no denying that the biggest girl group in the 00s was sugabaes or girls aloud.... so it only makes sense that one is represented and actually Sugabaes represent a British rnb sound ...however...Spice Girls should be represented as UKs biggest 90s music export!
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#24 |
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Absolutely agree with her and fair play to her coming out and saying it straight.
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#25 |
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Melanie C is right spice girls made it internationally Melanie C is successful in her own right she owns her own record label she's well known as a artist in her own right she's done musicals and she's had 5 solo albums www.melaniec.net she's about to do Jesus Christ superstar and she's doing the IOW fest this weekend she tours the uk on a regular basis her music in released in Europe mel is right the uk music scene is getting worse
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