Steps
Encyclopedia
Steps are a British pop group created by manager Tim Byrne and writers Steve Crosby and Barry Upton, consisting of members Lee Latchford-Evans
, Claire Richards
, Lisa Scott-Lee
, Faye Tozer
, and Ian "H" Watkins. Formed on 6 May 1997, Steps recorded a total of three studio albums, two compilation albums, released sixteen singles throughout their career. Hailed as the ABBA
of the 1990s, their musical approach throughout the course of their career had a strong 1990s pop sound, similar to many artists of their time. Their name was based around a simple marketing gimmick: each of their music videos was choreographed, and the dance steps were included with most of their single releases.
Over the five years they were together, Steps achieved a series of charting singles between 1997 and 2001 including 2 number one singles in the UK, 2 number one albums in the UK, 14 consecutive top 5 singles in the UK and a string of hits throughout Europe. The group have sold over 10 million records and 2 million concert tickets worldwide in addition to acquiring a BRIT Award
nomination in 1999 for Best Newcomer while supporting Britney Spears
on the UK leg of her tour the same year. However, when group members Claire Richards and Ian "H" Watkins departed the group, the group disbanded on 26 December 2001. Their penultimate single reached number-five in the UK charts while their final album of greatest hits, Gold (2001), scored the band their second number one album in the UK.
The group reformed in May 2011 for a four-part documentary series on Sky Living titled Steps: The Reunion. The series started airing on 28 September, following an announcement of a second Greatest Hits album The Ultimate Collection that was released on 10 October. The album entered the charts at #1, becoming the band's third UK #1 album.
newspaper. Byrne had previously been involved in the production of the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, the BBC collaboration with the pop magazine, Smash Hits. Byrne was looking to manufacture a band in order to release "5, 6, 7, 8" as a one-hit wonder
. After auditions, the original line-up of H, Lisa, Maddy, Derek and Mitch was finalised and the band started shooting promotional images and recording tracks. However, Maddy, Derek and Mitch left, as they wanted more than a one-hit wonder, and saw no long-term future with Steps. New auditions were held on 7 May 1997, this time with H and Lisa acting as the judging panel, and they selected Faye, Lee and Claire as the remaining members.
Their first single
"5, 6, 7, 8" was a techno
line dance
song. Though not typical of what would become their style, it became their first hit both in the UK and internationally. Despite only peaking at number 14, the single achieved considerable longevity in the fast-paced singles climate of 1998, racking up over four months on the UK chart. The track remains one of the highest selling singles never to reach the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart
. Its release in Australia gave the group their first number one in 1997.
Tim Byrne then founded a management & production company, Byrne Blood, with former BMG head of marketing & video, Victoria Blood, which took over sole management of Steps and was also instrumental in the creation and management of A1
.
The group were signed by Jive Records
and following the success of their debut single, songwriter Pete Waterman
became involved in the project. Waterman's stated intention was to try to recreate the sound of ABBA
and blend it with a more modern style. He would often refer to the group as "ABBA on speed". In April 1998, Steps launched their second single, a cover version
of Bananarama
's "Last Thing on My Mind
", which became their first UK top ten peaking at number 6.
By August 1998, Steps continued to build momentum with their third single "One for Sorrow" which peaked at number 2, and began an unbroken chain of 14 consecutive Top 5 hits on the UK singles chart. Unlike many other pop acts of the era, Steps' singles success translated into impressive album sales as their debut album Step One
entered the chart at number 2. It went on to become certified 5x Platinum following a run of 50 weeks in the Top 20 alone.
The next single release was a double A-side which provided Steps with their signature song and biggest career seller. The single was a cover version of the Bee Gees
"Tragedy
" and an original track "Heartbeat
". The single was released in November 1998 when it charted at number 2. However, following enduring popularity over the Christmas period, the single rebounded up the chart and became their first number one hit in January 1999, seven weeks after it initially charted, a feat almost unheard of during the pre- and post-millennium era. The single eventually sold over a million copies and occupied the chart for 30 weeks.
The final track to be released from Step One was "Better Best Forgotten
". Because of the continued success of the previous single, the CD release was delayed by nearly two months. Nonetheless, Better Best Forgotten could do no wrong and entered the chart at number 2 despite surrendering a midweek lead over the official Comic Relief
song by Boyzone
.
Steps were part of the ensemble that released "Thank ABBA for the Music" (a medley of ABBA
's "Take A Chance On Me", "Dancing Queen
", "Mamma Mia" and "Thank You for the Music") in March 1999, as performed at the BRIT Awards
. The other artists singing were Tina Cousins
, Cleopatra
, B*Witched, and Billie
, known collectively as the Supertroupers. The single later peaked at number four. The group was also nominated for Best Newcomer. Pete Waterman
claimed to have been told days before the ceremony that STEPS had won the award, as voted for by listeners of BBC Radio 1
. However, on the night the award was handed to the Scottish band Belle & Sebastian
, who were assumed to be rank outsiders. Despite the allegation that a significant number of votes for Belle & Sebastian were traced to one location (two computers sited in a particular UK university campus), the band held onto their award as foul-play was denied by organizers of the BRIT Awards.
A fan created Steps fanzine Count Me In started in 1998. This became known for its Steps Photostory, in which cut-out members of Steps went on a variety of fun adventures. It ran for 13 issues and later issues included interviews with Steps themselves, as well Dermot O'Leary, Pink
and other pop culture figures of the time. Count Me In can be viewed by visiting the British Library archive where all issues are held.
". Once again they narrowly missed the number one spot following a last minute surge by Ricky Martin
. After the single's release, Steps went to America
to support Britney Spears
on her 1999 ...Baby One More Time Tour
. A remixed version of "One for Sorrow" was included in the film Drive Me Crazy
and released as their debut American single. They were also successful in Europe
and Australasia
.
Steps returned home to release their second album, Steptacular
, which was accompanied by "After the Love Has Gone
". The album charted at number 1 and was eventually certified 4x Platinum, thus becoming their second UK million selling album. The group subsequently released an album in North America
which was titled Step One
and was an amalgamation of their first two albums. The group's next two singles "Say You'll Be Mine / Better the Devil You Know
" and "Deeper Shade of Blue
" (originally recorded by label mate Tina Cousins for her debut album) both continued their top five run.
In July 2000, Steps released another double-A-side, consisting of the Steptacular track "When I Said Goodbye
" and an entirely new song "Summer of Love". The latter was a Latino-flavoured pop song, which later appeared on their third album.
Steps were also awarded the BRIT Award for Best Selling Live Act of the year in 2000.
In October 2000, "Stomp" became their second and final number one single. The third album Buzz followed shortly and whilst it was less successful than their first two albums, went on to achieve double platinum status and contains five UK Top 5 singles. The group worked with many American and Swedish producers who had created hits for other Jive artists such as Britney Spears
, 'N Sync
, and the Backstreet Boys
.
The following single "It's the Way You Make Me Feel
" reached number 2 upon its January 2001 release. Steps promoted the Buzz album worldwide and did not return to the UK until May, when they released "Here and Now / You'll Be Sorry
".
album. The group continuously denied this in their interviews.
"Chain Reaction
", a cover of the popular Diana Ross
song, was released as the first single from Gold: Greatest Hits. The single became their biggest in almost two years. The second single, "Words Are Not Enough / I Know Him So Well", was another top five hit. It would become their final single as a group.
In 2001, following their Boxing Day
split, the group were heavily criticised by their own fans. Many UK tabloid papers published the fans' disgust on their front pages, displaying quotes taken from Steps message boards. After the group spent much of 2001 strongly dismissing claims of a split, fans were furious and accused the group of capitalizing off the success of a host of merchandise released in the lucrative pre-Christmas market. However, it has since come to light that both H and Claire left the group on the last night of the Steps "Gold: Greatest Hits" tour because of their ongoing unhappiness within the band, although Steps' official statement stated that the split was caused by their belief that they should end on a high, while they were at their best and could be remembered for being the best of their kind. H and Claire
went on to form a duo and signed to Warner Music for a reputed £5 million (over five albums). although they only released one album Another You Another Me
before being dropped due to poor album sales.
Jive released a remix and b-side compilation
in 2002. The Last Dance featured previously released remixes, b-sides and rarities. The album did not fare well in the charts but charted at a number 57 without any promotion. A planned release for the track Baby Don't Dance was scrapped in November 2002. However, promotional copies were pressed and a video based upon their live Gold tour briefly aired on MTV.
Claire Richards
performed "Tragedy
" on ITV1
special Everbody Dance Now in 2008. This was also Richards' first public appearence in seven years.
In Early 2011, rumours began circulating that Steps would reunite for a TV series and a one-off concert to mark the tenth anniversary of their 2001 split. Despite the claims being reported by various news stations and newspapers, the reunion was denied by bands members, including Claire Richards on her Twitter page. Richards also announced on 9 July 2011, that a Steps reunion would be "silly", but she would "never say never". However, contrary to these claims, just 12 days later, it was announced that Steps would be reuniting for a four-part Sky Living documentary, depicting their split and the interim years. The band would also release their 'Ultimate Collection', as well as potential new material.
In a new promo for the show each member reveals their true feelings, with ‘H’ sharing that he regrets the way it all ended but insisting, “If I were to revisit it and turn the clock back, I would probably have done it exactly the same way.” Evans has commented: “They took something away from three people that we loved and we didn't get a choice because certain people took that choice away from us and I think that is very unfair.” Steps Reunion begins on Sky Living at 9pm on Wednesday, 28 September.
Steps recently said in a recent interview with Digital Spy
that they believe there is a gap in the market for their brand of "happy pop". Scott Lee said "Times have changed, but we are in a recession and Steps' music was very light-hearted and fun, so there could be a place for that in today's society," "What else is interesting is that there aren't any boy/girl pop groups out there at the moment, so there's definitely a gap there."
In the first episode they opened up about the tension in the band, with Scott Lee saying "problems first arose when H started flying in Britney Spears
' private jet while the rest of them travelled by bus." Before, Richards stated "Further cracks appeared when Richards discovered that H had been secretly dating the band's manager Tim Byrne. The second episode will focus on the band talking about their reasons for the breakdown of communication and friendships in the group and will also be the first time they have all been together in one room for over a year. The girls will go to Marbella to bond whilst the boys will go to Wales."
Steps' newly recorded and produced version of "Dancing Queen
" (not to be confused with the 1999 version) has been added to the tracklist for the "Ultimate Collection".
On 10 October 2011, the group appeared for the first time on This Morning
, performing "It's the Way You Make Me Feel
" and "Tragedy
" and announced their fourteen-date 2012 arena tour entitled 'The Ultimate Tour'. They also announced that they had reformed as a band full term. On 14 October 2011, Steps appeared on Lorraine
and sang "Deeper Shade of Blue
", to which they also sang during an appearance on Loose Women
on 24 October 2011. They have since added an additional 6 performances and removed 2 from the tour bringing the total number to 18 dates. On 16 October 2011, their new album The Ultimate Collection
went to number one in the UK Album charts
. The group performed a medley of their singles including Deeper Shade Of Blue
and One For Sorrow
on 19 November for Children In Need
. Due to the success of the bands reformation Lisa Scott Lee has re released her debut album that never managed to chart originally in 2007 due for release digitally on 5 December. The platinum Collection was released on 28 November which included all three of the groups three studio albums released between 1998 to 2000 in a special collectors box.
in 1999/2000. Two series were aired, presented by H and Claire, although the group performed one of its classics at the end of each show. The show featured a young Danny Jones
(McFly) in a band called Y2K in which he played guitar with his sister and their friend Joss Stone
who eventually won the show. Also featured were Gareth Gates
, before he found fame on Pop Idol
, and Sean Smith from pop duo Same Difference
before he found fame with his singing partner and sister, Sarah Smith, on The X Factor
. In one episode, Claire Richards
was sawn in half. A young boy performed the torn-card trick to amaze Claire and then performed the sawing on her using the jigsaw method.
|}
Supporting
Lee Latchford-Evans
Lee Latchford-Evans is an English pop singer, actor and dancer, most famous for being a member of the British pop group Steps.-Biography:...
, Claire Richards
Claire Richards
Claire Ann Richards is an English singer best known for being the lead singer of Steps from 1997 to 2001. She was a contestant on the second series of Popstar to Operastar before being voted off in the Semi Finals...
, Lisa Scott-Lee
Lisa Scott-Lee
Lisa Scott-Lee is a Welsh singer. She has worked as a songwriter and is a graduate of the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts stage school. Lisa is best known as one fifth of pop group Steps from 1997 until their split on Boxing Day 2001 and recently reformed in 2011. Scott Lee released her debut...
, Faye Tozer
Faye Tozer
Faye Louise Tozer is an English singer, songwriter and actress; famous for being a member of pop group Steps.-Music:Steps were a pop group that achieved a series of charted singles between 1997 and 2001...
, and Ian "H" Watkins. Formed on 6 May 1997, Steps recorded a total of three studio albums, two compilation albums, released sixteen singles throughout their career. Hailed as the ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
of the 1990s, their musical approach throughout the course of their career had a strong 1990s pop sound, similar to many artists of their time. Their name was based around a simple marketing gimmick: each of their music videos was choreographed, and the dance steps were included with most of their single releases.
Over the five years they were together, Steps achieved a series of charting singles between 1997 and 2001 including 2 number one singles in the UK, 2 number one albums in the UK, 14 consecutive top 5 singles in the UK and a string of hits throughout Europe. The group have sold over 10 million records and 2 million concert tickets worldwide in addition to acquiring a BRIT Award
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust...
nomination in 1999 for Best Newcomer while supporting Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
on the UK leg of her tour the same year. However, when group members Claire Richards and Ian "H" Watkins departed the group, the group disbanded on 26 December 2001. Their penultimate single reached number-five in the UK charts while their final album of greatest hits, Gold (2001), scored the band their second number one album in the UK.
The group reformed in May 2011 for a four-part documentary series on Sky Living titled Steps: The Reunion. The series started airing on 28 September, following an announcement of a second Greatest Hits album The Ultimate Collection that was released on 10 October. The album entered the charts at #1, becoming the band's third UK #1 album.
1997–99: Commercial success and Step One
Steps were formed by Steve Crosby & Barry Upton (writers of "5, 6, 7, 8") alongside Manager Tim Byrne after auditioning hopefuls who answered an ad in The StageThe Stage
The Stage is a weekly British newspaper founded in 1880, available nationally and published on Thursdays. Covering all areas of the entertainment industry but focused primarily on theatre, it contains news, reviews, opinion, features and other items of interest, mainly to those who work within the...
newspaper. Byrne had previously been involved in the production of the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, the BBC collaboration with the pop magazine, Smash Hits. Byrne was looking to manufacture a band in order to release "5, 6, 7, 8" as a one-hit wonder
One-hit wonder
A one-hit wonder is a person or act known mainly for only a single success. The term is most often used to describe music performers with only one hit single.-Characteristics:...
. After auditions, the original line-up of H, Lisa, Maddy, Derek and Mitch was finalised and the band started shooting promotional images and recording tracks. However, Maddy, Derek and Mitch left, as they wanted more than a one-hit wonder, and saw no long-term future with Steps. New auditions were held on 7 May 1997, this time with H and Lisa acting as the judging panel, and they selected Faye, Lee and Claire as the remaining members.
Their first single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"5, 6, 7, 8" was a techno
Techno
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid to late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno, in reference to a genre of music, was in 1988...
line dance
Line dance
A line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the individuals, all facing the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Line dancers are not in physical contact...
song. Though not typical of what would become their style, it became their first hit both in the UK and internationally. Despite only peaking at number 14, the single achieved considerable longevity in the fast-paced singles climate of 1998, racking up over four months on the UK chart. The track remains one of the highest selling singles never to reach the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. Its release in Australia gave the group their first number one in 1997.
Tim Byrne then founded a management & production company, Byrne Blood, with former BMG head of marketing & video, Victoria Blood, which took over sole management of Steps and was also instrumental in the creation and management of A1
A1 (band)
A1 are a British-Norwegian boyband. They were originally made up of Mark Read, Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigtsen and Paul Marazzi. Their first single, "Be the First to Believe", entered the UK singles chart at #6 in early 1999. They had a huge amount of success worldwide and charts with two number...
.
The group were signed by Jive Records
Jive Records
Jive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African...
and following the success of their debut single, songwriter Pete Waterman
Pete Waterman
Peter Alan Waterman OBE is an English record producer, occasional songwriter, radio and club DJ, television presenter, president of Coventry Bears rugby league club and a keen railway enthusiast. As a member of the Stock Aitken Waterman songwriting team he wrote and produced many hit singles...
became involved in the project. Waterman's stated intention was to try to recreate the sound of ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
and blend it with a more modern style. He would often refer to the group as "ABBA on speed". In April 1998, Steps launched their second single, a cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of Bananarama
Bananarama
Bananarama are an English female pop duo who have had success on the pop and dance charts since 1982. Rather than relying on a two part harmony, the duo generally sings in unison, as do their background vocalists. Although there have been line-up changes, the group enjoyed their most popular...
's "Last Thing on My Mind
Last Thing on My Mind
"Last Thing on My Mind" is a song written and recorded by English girl group Bananarama. The song is featured on their album Please Yourself and was released as the album's second single in the UK in 1992. It was produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman, two-thirds of the Stock Aitken Waterman ...
", which became their first UK top ten peaking at number 6.
By August 1998, Steps continued to build momentum with their third single "One for Sorrow" which peaked at number 2, and began an unbroken chain of 14 consecutive Top 5 hits on the UK singles chart. Unlike many other pop acts of the era, Steps' singles success translated into impressive album sales as their debut album Step One
Step One
Step One is the debut album by British pop group Steps. It was released in the UK and Europe on 14 September 1998. The album charted at number two on UK Albums Chart upon its release. In 2000, the album was re-released in the US, containing songs from both Step One and its successor, Steptacular...
entered the chart at number 2. It went on to become certified 5x Platinum following a run of 50 weeks in the Top 20 alone.
The next single release was a double A-side which provided Steps with their signature song and biggest career seller. The single was a cover version of the Bee Gees
Bee Gees
The Bee Gees are a musical group that originally comprised three brothers: Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The trio was successful for most of their 40-plus years of recording music, but they had two distinct periods of exceptional success: as a pop act in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and as a...
"Tragedy
Tragedy (song)
"Tragedy" is a song recorded by the Bee Gees, included on their 1979 album Spirits Having Flown. The single reached number one in the UK in February 1979 and repeated the feat the following month on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
" and an original track "Heartbeat
Heartbeat (Steps song)
"Heartbeat / Tragedy" was the fourth single released by British pop group Steps. "Heartbeat", written by Jackie James was the first ballad released as a single by the group...
". The single was released in November 1998 when it charted at number 2. However, following enduring popularity over the Christmas period, the single rebounded up the chart and became their first number one hit in January 1999, seven weeks after it initially charted, a feat almost unheard of during the pre- and post-millennium era. The single eventually sold over a million copies and occupied the chart for 30 weeks.
The final track to be released from Step One was "Better Best Forgotten
Better Best Forgotten
"Better Best Forgotten" is a song by Steps, released on 8 March 1999 - only a month before the ABBA tribute single "Thank ABBA for the Music" was released.-Music video:...
". Because of the continued success of the previous single, the CD release was delayed by nearly two months. Nonetheless, Better Best Forgotten could do no wrong and entered the chart at number 2 despite surrendering a midweek lead over the official Comic Relief
Comic Relief
Comic Relief is an operating British charity, founded in 1985 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Lenny Henry in response to famine in Ethiopia. The highlight of Comic Relief's appeal is Red Nose Day, a biennial telethon held in March, alternating with sister project Sport Relief...
song by Boyzone
Boyzone
Boyzone are an Irish boy band comprising Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating,Shane Lynch, and formerly Stephen Gately. Boyzone have 19 singles in the top 40 UK charts and 21 singles in the Ire charts. The group currently have 6 UK number one singles and 9 number one singles in Ireland with 12...
.
Steps were part of the ensemble that released "Thank ABBA for the Music" (a medley of ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
's "Take A Chance On Me", "Dancing Queen
Dancing Queen
"Dancing Queen" is a pop song recorded by Swedish pop group ABBA. It was released in August 1976, but was first performed two months earlier, on 18 June 1976, during a Royal Variety Show in Stockholm the evening before the Swedish royal wedding. It was the follow-up single to the hit "Fernando"...
", "Mamma Mia" and "Thank You for the Music") in March 1999, as performed at the BRIT Awards
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust...
. The other artists singing were Tina Cousins
Tina Cousins
Tina Cousins is an English singer-songwriter and former fashion model. She has had five singles in the Top 20 of the UK Singles Chart, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others. She has also achieved popularity in Australia. She started her career as a model...
, Cleopatra
Cleopatra (band)
Cleopatra are a platinum-selling, BRIT Awards and MOBO Awards nominated, R&B/pop girl group from the UK whose members are sisters Cleo, Yonah, and Zainam Higgins.The girls were signed to Madonna's Maverick record label...
, B*Witched, and Billie
Billie Piper
Billie Paul Piper is an English singer and actress.She began her career in the late 1990s as a pop singer and then switched to acting. She started in acting and dancing and was talent spotted at the Sylvia Young stage school by Smash Hits magazine who wanted a "face" for their magazine...
, known collectively as the Supertroupers. The single later peaked at number four. The group was also nominated for Best Newcomer. Pete Waterman
Pete Waterman
Peter Alan Waterman OBE is an English record producer, occasional songwriter, radio and club DJ, television presenter, president of Coventry Bears rugby league club and a keen railway enthusiast. As a member of the Stock Aitken Waterman songwriting team he wrote and produced many hit singles...
claimed to have been told days before the ceremony that STEPS had won the award, as voted for by listeners of BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
. However, on the night the award was handed to the Scottish band Belle & Sebastian
Belle & Sebastian
Belle and Sebastian are an indie pop band formed in Glasgow in January 1996. Belle and Sebastian are often compared with influential indie bands such as The Smiths, as well as classic acts such as Love, Bob Dylan and Nick Drake. The name Belle & Sebastian comes from Belle et Sébastien, a 1965...
, who were assumed to be rank outsiders. Despite the allegation that a significant number of votes for Belle & Sebastian were traced to one location (two computers sited in a particular UK university campus), the band held onto their award as foul-play was denied by organizers of the BRIT Awards.
A fan created Steps fanzine Count Me In started in 1998. This became known for its Steps Photostory, in which cut-out members of Steps went on a variety of fun adventures. It ran for 13 issues and later issues included interviews with Steps themselves, as well Dermot O'Leary, Pink
Pink (singer)
Alecia Beth Moore , better known by her stage name Pink , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress....
and other pop culture figures of the time. Count Me In can be viewed by visiting the British Library archive where all issues are held.
1999–01: Steptacular and Buzz
In July 1999, Steps released the first single from an all-new album, "Love's Got a Hold on My HeartLove's Got a Hold on My Heart
"Love's Got a Hold on My Heart" is a song by Steps, which became a hit in the United Kingdom. It was actually written in 1991 by Pete Waterman but never surfaced as a single until Steps released it eight years later in 1999.-Music video:...
". Once again they narrowly missed the number one spot following a last minute surge by Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin
Enrique "Ricky" Martín Morales , better known as Ricky Martin, is a Puerto Rican and Spanish pop singer and actor who achieved prominence, first as a member of the Latin boy band Menudo, then as a solo artist since 1991.During his career he has sold more than 60 million album copies worldwide...
. After the single's release, Steps went to America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to support Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
on her 1999 ...Baby One More Time Tour
...Baby One More Time Tour
The ...Baby One More Time Tour was the debut concert tour by American recording artist Britney Spears. It supported her debut studio album, ...Baby One More Time and visited United States and Canada. The tour was announced in March 1999, with dates released a month later. Tommy Hilfiger was chosen...
. A remixed version of "One for Sorrow" was included in the film Drive Me Crazy
Drive Me Crazy
-Tracklisting:# " Crazy " - Britney Spears# "Unforgetful You" - Jars of Clay# "I Want It That Way " - Backstreet Boys# "It's All Been Done" - Barenaked Ladies# "Stranded" - Plumb...
and released as their debut American single. They were also successful in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and Australasia
Australasia
Australasia is a region of Oceania comprising Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term was coined by Charles de Brosses in Histoire des navigations aux terres australes...
.
Steps returned home to release their second album, Steptacular
Steptacular
Steptacular is the second studio album by British pop group Steps, released in the United Kingdom on 25 October 1999. It entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, where it remained on the position for three weeks, selling 260,000 copies in the same time frame...
, which was accompanied by "After the Love Has Gone
After the Love Has Gone
"After the Love Has Gone" is a 1979 hit single for Earth, Wind & Fire, written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Bill Champlin for the album I Am. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.-Reception:...
". The album charted at number 1 and was eventually certified 4x Platinum, thus becoming their second UK million selling album. The group subsequently released an album in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
which was titled Step One
Step One
Step One is the debut album by British pop group Steps. It was released in the UK and Europe on 14 September 1998. The album charted at number two on UK Albums Chart upon its release. In 2000, the album was re-released in the US, containing songs from both Step One and its successor, Steptacular...
and was an amalgamation of their first two albums. The group's next two singles "Say You'll Be Mine / Better the Devil You Know
Better the Devil You Know
"Better the Devil You Know" is a dance-pop song written by Stock, Aitken & Waterman for Kylie Minogue's third studio album Rhythm of Love.-Background:...
" and "Deeper Shade of Blue
Deeper Shade of Blue
"Deeper Shade of Blue" is a song by British group Steps, released as the band's ninth single. The song is an uptempo pop song about the darker side of life and an attempt to break free. It was the fifth song to be released from the group's second album Steptacular...
" (originally recorded by label mate Tina Cousins for her debut album) both continued their top five run.
In July 2000, Steps released another double-A-side, consisting of the Steptacular track "When I Said Goodbye
When I Said Goodbye
"When I Said Goodbye"/"Summer of Love" is a double A-side single, the tenth single released by Steps. "When I Said Goodbye" is a ballad taken from the album Steptacular, while "Summer of Love" is a previously unavailable track. The latter is a Latino-flavoured uptempo pop song, which later appeared...
" and an entirely new song "Summer of Love". The latter was a Latino-flavoured pop song, which later appeared on their third album.
Steps were also awarded the BRIT Award for Best Selling Live Act of the year in 2000.
In October 2000, "Stomp" became their second and final number one single. The third album Buzz followed shortly and whilst it was less successful than their first two albums, went on to achieve double platinum status and contains five UK Top 5 singles. The group worked with many American and Swedish producers who had created hits for other Jive artists such as Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, 'N Sync
'N Sync
N Sync was an American boy band formed in Orlando, Florida, in 1995 and launched in Germany by BMG Ariola Munich, *NSYNC consisted of JC Chasez, Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick...
, and the Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The band originally consisted of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys...
.
The following single "It's the Way You Make Me Feel
It's the Way You Make Me Feel
"It's The Way You Make Me Feel" is a song by Steps, released as their twelfth single. It is the fourth song to be released from their third album Buzz. The single's b-side, a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby", was taken from the Motown Mania compilation...
" reached number 2 upon its January 2001 release. Steps promoted the Buzz album worldwide and did not return to the UK until May, when they released "Here and Now / You'll Be Sorry
Here and Now / You'll Be Sorry
"Here and Now"/"You'll Be Sorry" was the 13th single released by Steps, a pop group from the UK. It was their fourth double A-side release. Both tracks are taken from their third album, Buzz. It was released 28 May 2001...
".
2001–02: Gold and Split
Split rumours started circulating after it was announced that Steps would be releasing a greatest hitsGreatest hits
A greatest hits album is a music compilation album of successful, previously released songs by a particular artist or band...
album. The group continuously denied this in their interviews.
"Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction (song)
"Chain Reaction" is a melodic Pop song, sung by Diana Ross, written by the Bee Gees, who also provided the backing vocals for the single. The track was released on the album Eaten Alive in 1985 and as a single twice - in 1985 and again in 1986....
", a cover of the popular Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
song, was released as the first single from Gold: Greatest Hits. The single became their biggest in almost two years. The second single, "Words Are Not Enough / I Know Him So Well", was another top five hit. It would become their final single as a group.
In 2001, following their Boxing Day
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as...
split, the group were heavily criticised by their own fans. Many UK tabloid papers published the fans' disgust on their front pages, displaying quotes taken from Steps message boards. After the group spent much of 2001 strongly dismissing claims of a split, fans were furious and accused the group of capitalizing off the success of a host of merchandise released in the lucrative pre-Christmas market. However, it has since come to light that both H and Claire left the group on the last night of the Steps "Gold: Greatest Hits" tour because of their ongoing unhappiness within the band, although Steps' official statement stated that the split was caused by their belief that they should end on a high, while they were at their best and could be remembered for being the best of their kind. H and Claire
H & Claire
H & Claire were a pop duo, consisting of former Steps members Claire Richards and Ian "H" Watkins. They released one low-charting album and three top ten singles in 2002 before disbanding.- History :...
went on to form a duo and signed to Warner Music for a reputed £5 million (over five albums). although they only released one album Another You Another Me
Another You Another Me
Another You Another Me is the only album to be released by former STEPS members H & Claire. The debut album was released after three top ten singles, however, the album limped in the UK charts at #53...
before being dropped due to poor album sales.
Jive released a remix and b-side compilation
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
in 2002. The Last Dance featured previously released remixes, b-sides and rarities. The album did not fare well in the charts but charted at a number 57 without any promotion. A planned release for the track Baby Don't Dance was scrapped in November 2002. However, promotional copies were pressed and a video based upon their live Gold tour briefly aired on MTV.
Claire Richards
Claire Richards
Claire Ann Richards is an English singer best known for being the lead singer of Steps from 1997 to 2001. She was a contestant on the second series of Popstar to Operastar before being voted off in the Semi Finals...
performed "Tragedy
Tragedy
Tragedy is a form of art based on human suffering that offers its audience pleasure. While most cultures have developed forms that provoke this paradoxical response, tragedy refers to a specific tradition of drama that has played a unique and important role historically in the self-definition of...
" on ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
special Everbody Dance Now in 2008. This was also Richards' first public appearence in seven years.
2011–12: Group reunion and The Ultimate Collection
Ever since the band's break-up, rumours had been circulating that they would reunite in one form or another. In 2009, Lee Latchford-Evans revealed that the band had been approached to perform a series of concerts. He hinted that a future reunion was possible, but that "it isn't the right time right now".In Early 2011, rumours began circulating that Steps would reunite for a TV series and a one-off concert to mark the tenth anniversary of their 2001 split. Despite the claims being reported by various news stations and newspapers, the reunion was denied by bands members, including Claire Richards on her Twitter page. Richards also announced on 9 July 2011, that a Steps reunion would be "silly", but she would "never say never". However, contrary to these claims, just 12 days later, it was announced that Steps would be reuniting for a four-part Sky Living documentary, depicting their split and the interim years. The band would also release their 'Ultimate Collection', as well as potential new material.
In a new promo for the show each member reveals their true feelings, with ‘H’ sharing that he regrets the way it all ended but insisting, “If I were to revisit it and turn the clock back, I would probably have done it exactly the same way.” Evans has commented: “They took something away from three people that we loved and we didn't get a choice because certain people took that choice away from us and I think that is very unfair.” Steps Reunion begins on Sky Living at 9pm on Wednesday, 28 September.
Steps recently said in a recent interview with Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
that they believe there is a gap in the market for their brand of "happy pop". Scott Lee said "Times have changed, but we are in a recession and Steps' music was very light-hearted and fun, so there could be a place for that in today's society," "What else is interesting is that there aren't any boy/girl pop groups out there at the moment, so there's definitely a gap there."
In the first episode they opened up about the tension in the band, with Scott Lee saying "problems first arose when H started flying in Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
' private jet while the rest of them travelled by bus." Before, Richards stated "Further cracks appeared when Richards discovered that H had been secretly dating the band's manager Tim Byrne. The second episode will focus on the band talking about their reasons for the breakdown of communication and friendships in the group and will also be the first time they have all been together in one room for over a year. The girls will go to Marbella to bond whilst the boys will go to Wales."
Steps' newly recorded and produced version of "Dancing Queen
Dancing Queen
"Dancing Queen" is a pop song recorded by Swedish pop group ABBA. It was released in August 1976, but was first performed two months earlier, on 18 June 1976, during a Royal Variety Show in Stockholm the evening before the Swedish royal wedding. It was the follow-up single to the hit "Fernando"...
" (not to be confused with the 1999 version) has been added to the tracklist for the "Ultimate Collection".
On 10 October 2011, the group appeared for the first time on This Morning
This Morning (TV series)
This Morning is a British daytime television programme broadcast on ITV. As of September 2011, its main presenters are Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, with various other presenters standing in for illness or contributing to sections of the programme.The...
, performing "It's the Way You Make Me Feel
It's the Way You Make Me Feel
"It's The Way You Make Me Feel" is a song by Steps, released as their twelfth single. It is the fourth song to be released from their third album Buzz. The single's b-side, a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby", was taken from the Motown Mania compilation...
" and "Tragedy
Tragedy (song)
"Tragedy" is a song recorded by the Bee Gees, included on their 1979 album Spirits Having Flown. The single reached number one in the UK in February 1979 and repeated the feat the following month on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
" and announced their fourteen-date 2012 arena tour entitled 'The Ultimate Tour'. They also announced that they had reformed as a band full term. On 14 October 2011, Steps appeared on Lorraine
Lorraine (TV programme)
Lorraine is the early weekday morning, lifestyle and entertainment show for the British ITV network, presented by Lorraine Kelly. ITV Breakfast produces Lorraine, which airs every weekday from 08:30 until 09:25, following Daybreak...
and sang "Deeper Shade of Blue
Deeper Shade of Blue
"Deeper Shade of Blue" is a song by British group Steps, released as the band's ninth single. The song is an uptempo pop song about the darker side of life and an attempt to break free. It was the fifth song to be released from the group's second album Steptacular...
", to which they also sang during an appearance on Loose Women
Loose Women
Loose Women is a British lunchtime television programme, first broadcast in 1999 on ITV. It consists of a panel of four women who interview celebrities and discuss topical issues, ranging from daily politics and current affairs, to celebrity gossip...
on 24 October 2011. They have since added an additional 6 performances and removed 2 from the tour bringing the total number to 18 dates. On 16 October 2011, their new album The Ultimate Collection
The Ultimate Collection (Steps album)
The Ultimate Collection is the second greatest hits album released by pop group Steps. This is the first greatest hits album to be released since the band's split in 2001...
went to number one in the UK Album charts
UK Albums Chart
The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
. The group performed a medley of their singles including Deeper Shade Of Blue
Deeper Shade of Blue
"Deeper Shade of Blue" is a song by British group Steps, released as the band's ninth single. The song is an uptempo pop song about the darker side of life and an attempt to break free. It was the fifth song to be released from the group's second album Steptacular...
and One For Sorrow
One for Sorrow
"One for Sorrow" is a song by Steps, which became the group's first single to make it to the Top 5 on the UK charts. Debuting at #2 and spending 11 weeks on the British charts, this song firmly established Steps's intention to revive the ABBA sound; in fact its chord progression in the chorus is...
on 19 November for Children In Need
Children in Need
Children in Need is an annual British charity appeal organised by the BBC. Since 1980 it has raised over £500 million. The highlight of the Children in Need appeal is an annual telethon, held in November. A teddy bear named "Pudsey Bear" fronts the campaign, while Terry Wogan is a long...
. Due to the success of the bands reformation Lisa Scott Lee has re released her debut album that never managed to chart originally in 2007 due for release digitally on 5 December. The platinum Collection was released on 28 November which included all three of the groups three studio albums released between 1998 to 2000 in a special collectors box.
2012–present: The Ultimate Tour and Fourth Studio Album
The groups tour will start in April 2012. The setlist for the tour has not yet been announced but will most probably be similar to the "Ultimate Collection" album whilst the band stated they would all like to peform solo numbers. The group have hinted in several recent interviews that they are keen to start recording new material for a fourth studio album after the band have finished touring.Steps to the Stars
Steps also had their own talent show named Steps to the Stars, in which young people performed three acts to be judged by a public vote. It was revealed on the next show who would go through to the final. This was shown on CBBCCBBC
CBBC is one of two brand names used for the BBC's children's television strands. Between 1985 and 2002, CBBC was the name given to all the BBC's programmes on TV for children aged under 14...
in 1999/2000. Two series were aired, presented by H and Claire, although the group performed one of its classics at the end of each show. The show featured a young Danny Jones
Danny Jones
Daniel Alan David "Danny" Jones is an English musician who is one of the lead vocalists and guitarists for pop rock band McFly, alongside fellow members Tom Fletcher , Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd .-McFly:McFly rose to fame in 2004, in part due to their association with Busted who helped launch...
(McFly) in a band called Y2K in which he played guitar with his sister and their friend Joss Stone
Joss Stone
Jocelyn Eve Stoker , better known by her stage name Joss Stone, is an English soul singer-songwriter and actress. Stone rose to fame in late 2003 with her multi-platinum debut album, The Soul Sessions, which made the 2004 Mercury Prize shortlist...
who eventually won the show. Also featured were Gareth Gates
Gareth Gates
Gareth Paul Gates , is an English singer-songwriter. He was the runner-up in the first series of the ITV talent show Pop Idol. Gates has sold over 3.5 million records in the UK alone. He is also known for having a stutter, and has talked about his speech impediment publicly...
, before he found fame on Pop Idol
Pop Idol
Pop Idol is a British television series which debuted on ITV on 6 October 2001. The show was a talent contest to decide the best new young pop singer in the United Kingdom, based on viewer voting and participation. Two series were broadcast - one in 2001-02 and a second in 2003...
, and Sean Smith from pop duo Same Difference
Same Difference
Same Difference can refer to:* Same Difference, a British singing duo* Same Difference , an album by Swedish death metal band Entombed* Same Difference , a show which aired on Channel 4...
before he found fame with his singing partner and sister, Sarah Smith, on The X Factor
The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. Created by Simon Cowell, it began in September 2004 and is contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. It is the originator of the international X Factor franchise. The seven series of the show to date...
. In one episode, Claire Richards
Claire Richards
Claire Ann Richards is an English singer best known for being the lead singer of Steps from 1997 to 2001. She was a contestant on the second series of Popstar to Operastar before being voted off in the Semi Finals...
was sawn in half. A young boy performed the torn-card trick to amaze Claire and then performed the sawing on her using the jigsaw method.
Members
- Claire RichardsClaire RichardsClaire Ann Richards is an English singer best known for being the lead singer of Steps from 1997 to 2001. She was a contestant on the second series of Popstar to Operastar before being voted off in the Semi Finals...
(1997-01, 2011-Present) - Faye TozerFaye TozerFaye Louise Tozer is an English singer, songwriter and actress; famous for being a member of pop group Steps.-Music:Steps were a pop group that achieved a series of charted singles between 1997 and 2001...
(1997-01, 2011-Present) - Lisa Scott Lee (1997-01, 2011-Present)
- Lee Latchford Evans (1997-01, 2011-Present)
- Ian "H" Watkins (1997-01, 2011-Present)
Studio albums
- Step OneStep OneStep One is the debut album by British pop group Steps. It was released in the UK and Europe on 14 September 1998. The album charted at number two on UK Albums Chart upon its release. In 2000, the album was re-released in the US, containing songs from both Step One and its successor, Steptacular...
(1998) - SteptacularSteptacularSteptacular is the second studio album by British pop group Steps, released in the United Kingdom on 25 October 1999. It entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, where it remained on the position for three weeks, selling 260,000 copies in the same time frame...
(1999) - Buzz (2000)
- TBA (2012)
Compilation albums
- Gold: Greatest Hits (2001)
- The Last Dance (2002)
- The Ultimate CollectionThe Ultimate Collection (Steps album)The Ultimate Collection is the second greatest hits album released by pop group Steps. This is the first greatest hits album to be released since the band's split in 2001...
(2011) - The Platinum Collection (2011)
|}
Tours
Main act- Step One TourStep One TourStep one was Steps' first tour.-Setlist:#Better Best Forgotten#Last Thing On My Mind#5, 6, 7, 8#This Heart Will Love Again#Stay With Me#Love U More...
(1999) - Next Step TourNext Step TourThe Next Step was Steps' Second tour which premiered some tracks of their 2nd album Steptacular.-Setlist:#Love's Got A Hold On My Heart#Last Thing On My Mind#When I Said Goodbye#After The Love Has Gone#Deeper Shade Of Blue#We're Gonna Have A Party...
(1999) - Steptacular TourSteptacular TourSteptacular was 'Steps' third tour. The tour complemented their 2000 album Steptacular.-Setlist:# Deeper Shade of Blue - Sleazesisters Anthem Mix# One For Sorrow - Tony Moran Remix# Say You'll Be Mine# I Know Him So Well# Come On Get Together...
(2000) - Open Air TourOpen Air Tour (Steps)Open Air Tour was 'Steps' Fourth tour. All of the dates were located outside.-Setlist:# Deeper Shade Of Blue - Sleazesisters Anthem Mix# One For Sorrow - Tony Moran Remix# Say You'll Be Mine# I Know Him So Well# Come On Get Together...
(2000) - Steps Into Christmas TourSteps Into ChristmasSteps Into Christmas is 'Steps' fifth tour.-Setlist:# Tragedy - W.I.P Reception Mix# Better The Devil You Know# Better Best Forgotten# Its The Way You Make Me Feel# One For Sorrow# Heartbeat# All I Want For Christmas Is You# If You Believe...
(2000) - Gold Tour (2001)
- The Ultimate TourThe Ultimate Tour (Steps concert tour)The Ultimate Tour, is an upcoming 2012 tour by Steps. This will be the band's sixth arena tour and will be the band's first tour after the group reformed after a 10 year split. The tour will complement the band's greatest hits album The Ultimate Collection. The band have released more dates due to...
(2012)
Supporting
- ...Baby One More Time Tour...Baby One More Time TourThe ...Baby One More Time Tour was the debut concert tour by American recording artist Britney Spears. It supported her debut studio album, ...Baby One More Time and visited United States and Canada. The tour was announced in March 1999, with dates released a month later. Tommy Hilfiger was chosen...
(1999) – Selected dates
See also
- Sony BMG Music EntertainmentSony BMG Music EntertainmentSony BMG Music Entertainment was a recorded music company, which was a 50–50 joint venture between the Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann AG...
- Jive RecordsJive RecordsJive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African...
- Zomba Label Group