5SPICES !NEWS!

7.7.1998 - Spice Girls in Toronto Virgin Music Canada, hopes to know by the end of today what exactly the four Spices will do for Toronto fans on Sunday. They play a sold-out show at the Molson Amphitheatre on Saturday night. A press conference previously scheduled for this morning at CHUM-FM studios was cancelled, with a CHUM spokesman saying on Friday: "This deal did not happen, it has fallen through after many hours of negotiation." But this was news to both Virgin and MuchMusic, and the situation -- as they say -- remains fluid and seems to be changing almost hourly. "The Spice Girls are committed to doing something for the city of Toronto," said Virgin Music Canada's Jeff Remedios. "What that event is is absolutely not confirmed. We are working it out. In terms of this entire event, it's all still up in the air because there are so many parties involved." The latest rumor has the Spices doing some kind of "special outdoor event" without performance and an Intimate & Interactive -- which would including a performance -- at MuchMusic. Meanwhile, just as Spice Girls fever builds in the city of T.O., MuchMusic has got its hands on Miami Spice, a half-hour special, which will air Wednesday night at 6:30 and 10. In the special, taped around the time of the Spice Girls' June 15 launch of their North American tour in Miami, the four members are interviewed by a British journalist about the departure of Ginger Spice, among other things. "When Geri left, it was a complete shock to all of us," says Posh Spice. "We had no idea. As far as we were all concerned, everything was fine. Obviously there are arguments that go on, but it had never run as smoothly as it had for the last six or seven months. "We were all very happy; there was no tension within the band." But the four Spices do admit that they were all exhausted after their "grueling" European tour. "Obviously we knew Geri was tired and Geri knew we were tired, but we never ever dreamed that she'd get up and go," says Baby Spice. Adds Sporty Spice: "Maybe it just wasn't for her." As for British tabloid reports that it was Scary Spice's taunting that drove Ginger out of the group, they all deny that was the case -- although Scary does admit they used to clash. "We did all the time, 'cause me and Geri were like quite close," Scary Spice says. "We used to have screaming arguments. But in the last two years, we didn't have any arguments." Adds Posh: "A lot was blamed on Melanie and at the end of the day we all argue -- it's natural. There's no one person to blame. "Everyone thinks she's scary, but she's a pussycat really." ©Spice Universe 7.7.1998 - Special edition of Spiceworld Polygram will release a special edition of the Spiceworld movie featuring a 50-minute Making Of... documentary and previously unseen footage including an extra song from the film's closing Albert Hall concert. The video will be released on November 2. ©Spice Universe 2.7.1998 - EXCLUSIVE The Spice Girls are transformed into metallic fairies in their new video - along with old pal Geri. Posh, Scary, Baby and Sporty appear as animated caricatures of themselves in the video for Viva Forever. The video is from award-winning Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace and Gromit. This great video will be included on their next single "Viva Forever". The first 30.000 singles will also include a fake tattoo of Melanie C's real tattoo (Celtic cross). New release date July 27 (Europe). US release date is not available. ©Spice Universe 18.6.1998 - Scary Spice 1st To Do Solo Album Spice Girl Mel Brown announced Tuesday she will make her first solo record. She added it would not cause the final split of the British pop group. Brown, alias Scary Spice, said she was teaming up with U.S. singer Missy Misdemeanour Elliott to record a song for a film soundtrack. "I will be doing it over the next couple of weeks," she told the BBC. The four remaining members of the all-girl group have all lined up solo projects since the departure of Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) last month. "There are things we want to do individually as well as collectively," explained Victoria Adams, otherwise known as Posh Spice. Mel Chisholm, alias Sporty Spice, has recorded individual vocals for the Spice Girls' next album while Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) sang a duet with British star Rod Stewart during a recent television show. Halliwell's departure from the band sparked predictions that the Spice Girls were doomed to split. However, the band has embarked on a string of 40 North American concerts. ©Nando.net 31.5.1998 - I'll be back Geri Halliwell has left the Spice Girls because of "differences" with the other four members of the group but is telling fans: "I'll be back." In a statement read by her lawyer Julian Turton, Geri - Ginger Spice - wished the remaining four girls success for the future. Her statement ended with the words: "I'll be back." Bookmakers have slashed the odds of Geri achieving a solo Christmas number one from 100-1 to 33-1. The four remaining Spice Girls were "upset and saddened" but will carry on and fulfil their commitments including the forthcoming American tour, their spokesman Alan Edwards said. Ms Halliwell, 25, has been in hiding since it was reported earlier this week that she is suffering from gastro-enteritis. On Saturday night the rest of the chart-topping millionaires also did a disappearing act. Earlier it had been thought that the other four group members - Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm and Victoria Adams - had flown back to Britain following two concerts in Oslo. But Mr Edwards insisted all five Girls were still abroad. He said: "I honestly don't know where they are, except that they are scattered around various parts of the world." He added that the band - whether quartet or quintet - were not due to fly to America, until just before the dates begin on June 14. Ms Halliwell is reported to have hired a team of lawyers to handle her split from the group. The Sun reported on Saturday that London lawyer Julian Turton was on his way to meet her in a secret European "bolthole". The newspaper's source "close to the group" said: "The situation looks terminal. She's had enough and wants out." Victoria Newton, co-editor of The Sun's Bizarre column, told the BBC that Geri never wants to sing another Spice Girls song again. "Geri has been flooded with offers. The other girls don't like her doing her own thing and the row started from there." According to newspaper reports, the group had a midweek row in Helsinki, complete with bawling in an airport lounge, sniping on a private jet and flouncing off on touchdown. A spokesman for the group's record company, Virgin, said: "There has been a falling out between the girls but this is not the first time. Geri is very strong-minded and they have had many, many such. Press speculation about a rift began when Ginger failed to appear with the rest of the group on the BBC's National Lottery show on Wednesday, apparently because of gastro-enteritis. It grew to a frenzy when she was missing again from concerts in Oslo on Thursday and Friday. ©Spice Universe 30.5.1998 - Geri has NOT confirmed that she will leave The media are having a field day over Ginger Spice's absence from the girl's appearance on the lottery show last Wednesday and her subsequent absence from their gig in Oslo. Ever anxious to hammer in foot-long nails, the tabloids are predicting 'the end' for The Spice Girls, although, officially, Geri is absent with a stomach bug. Tales of Geri's 'solo' career are, undoubtedly, exaggerated as the fab four/five stagger off for a well-earned rest before their, gruelling, 40-date tour of the USA. The Daily Mirror reports today (30th) that Geri (currently in hiding) has 'had enough' and is expected to announce her departure from the group, over the weekend, and that Virgin staff have been told the news. Whatever happens, it is unlikely that the rest of the girls will cancel their North American tour, although, they will, undoubtedly, not be very happy at going out as a foursome. ©Spice Universe 27.5.1998 - Ginger Spice's secret breast operation Buxom . . . but Geri feared she might lose one of her boobs. Geri Halliwell had an emergency op in a breast cancer scare, she revealed last night. Ginger Spice Geri, 25, needed surgery to cut out a small lump. She then had to wait three terrifying days to find out if the growth was malignant. If it had been, the breast might have been removed. Geri said: "It was an absolutely hideous time." Fortunately, the lump turned out to be be nign. Speaking for the first time about her ordeal, Geri - who wears a 36C bra - told The Sun: "I knew that if the lump was cancerous I would lose my breast. "I've always been known for having big boobs and to have that taken away was a horrifying thought. " The millionaire star was just 18 when she discovered the lump on her right breast. She said: "It was a really tough time. But it made me realize how precious life is." ©Spice Universe 15.5.1998 - Mel B engaged Melanie Brown has got engaged to her shadow dancer Jimmy Gulzar after a whirlwind 10-week romance. Jimmy popped the question over a candle-lit dinner in Paris on Wednesday night. Apparently Mel was totally overcome and for once lost for words. ©Spice Universe 8.4.1998 - Press conference in Manchester Pop queens The Spice Girls today gave their fans what they want - by announcing more live dates in the summer. The group also laughed off speculation that a split in their ranks was imminent. They told a news conference in Manchester that they wanted to thank their fans for sticking by them and said their next priority after this summer's shows was a well-earned holiday. The girls, who were giving their first open British news conference, also teased journalists over the coverage they had been given over the past two years. The band is to play Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium on September 12 followed by two nights at Wembley Stadium on September 19 and 20 which will give more than 200,000 fans a chance to see the show. The concerts are a response to the huge demand for tickets to the Spiceworld tour and the Sheffield show was also in response to a local radio campaign where 18,000 fans handed over a petition for the girls to play. The girls said that playing Wembley was one of their ultimate ambitions. And in response to speculation that Victoria Adams is pregnant, Mel B set the record straight to deny the rumours. However, Victoria did admit that a date had been set for her wedding to Manchester United star David Beckham. Mel B said that she and her fellow Spice Girls would be bridesmaids: "She doesn't want us to be but we're going to be." The girls also confirmed that they would be performing on the England World Cup squad's anthem for this summer's finals in France. The girls will join members of the groups Ocean Colour Scene and Cast and Echo and the Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch on the World Cup single. Geri said: "We're so behind Britain all the way, that's why we wanted to express how much we're behind you as a country." The three British dates follow a tour of America during the summer months and this leg of the tour will be called the Spice Girls Backin' Britain tour. Geri explained: "We've been away for so long we're so proud to be from Britain and it's a return from our world tour. We're a very patriotic band." Asked about how the British dates had been going, the girls said that fans in Glasgow were brilliant. Emma Bunton said: "Everywhere we've been it's a different vibe every night." Victoria Adams said: "We've been waiting a long time to do these shows." However Geri added: "The only thing we did notice with a Manchester audience, we really had to work at it." The girls said that false speculation that they were splitting up had upset some of their audience. Mel B said: "Our fans were crying outside our hotel last night." Emma added: "When the facts are wrong and our fans are reading it, it's upsetting for them. It's not fair for them." But Geri added that the speculation was very flattering at the end of the day because it showed people were interested. The girls were relaxed and were clearly enjoying talking to the press during their 25-minute chat at Manchester's Nynex Arena where they are playing four concerts. They joked with each other constantly and Mel B quipped that Geri, who has now lost her trademark blonde highlights, was "near retirement age now". "But there's life in the old girl yet," she added. Asked about rivalry with other female bands including All Saints, Geri said: "We really respect and admire All Saints and any female group out there." She said before the Spice Girls came along pop magazines were reluctant to put girl bands on their covers. "We had to break down a lot of barriers. We're really proud there are a lot of girl groups out there," she added. The group said that bad press tended to go over their heads. Mel C said: "I just look at the pictures." Asked about how the fans varied during their European tour, Emma said: "In England it does tend to be younger but in Europe it's much older. Men, women and teenagers. "With the young thing, we're proud to have young fans, they're not corrupted by anything like what's cool and what's not." Victoria also wanted to set the record straight on her attitude to life in the North. She said she was looking for a home with her partner Beckham and added: "I do like the shops and I do like the people." Although she is not pregnant, she joked to reporters that she had been practising. She said the girls were often being asked what they would do after the series of live shows was complete. "First thing, we're all going to have a holiday and we've got lots of ideas. It could be another film." Emma was asked if she was linked with Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio but refused to confirm any speculation By Anthony Barnes. Showbusiness Correspondent. PA News ©Press Association 23.3.1998 - New dolls? The makers of the Spice Girls dolls are thinking about designing new Spice Girls dolls. Also due to the high purchasing rate of the Spice Girls dolls a set of extra clothes will be marketed for each Spice Girls doll, along with sets of new accessories for each Spice Girls doll. ©Spice Universe 15.3.1998 - New #1? The Spice Girls have made an advert to boost the sales of their new single Stop. They are currently in race against Run D.M.C. for the #1 spot in the UK. This will be their seventh #1 if they succeed. ©Spice Universe 25.2.1998 - Concert at Point Theatre The Spice Girls are proving their critics wrong once again by performing 20 songs when they kicked off their world tour in Dublin last night. The show lasted 2 hours and 10 minutes and they changed costumes 8 times. 2 clips from their show can be seen in the video section. ©Spice Universe 24.2.1998 - World tour start The Spice Girls have been rehearsing for three weeks before tonight's start of their first live tour in The Point, Dublin. Tickets for the first dates at the 8,000 capacity Point have been changing hands for anything up to five times their face value. The live show will be a theatrical experience, with lots of drama, dancing and "characterization" to accompany the performances of the songs. Geri: "The media can't make or break us. Only our fans can do that". Mel B: "We know it will be great. We don't have to prove anything to anyone but ourselves and the fans". Geri: "It will be brilliant. We expect everyone from little kids to pensioners to have a great time. I'm so proud of us all because we've worked really hard and our voices are sounding good". The theme of the show is theatre and the girls have promised up to half a dozen outfit changes each, plus a ballet routine and dances from around the globe. The futuristic stainless steel set will feature an amazing lightshow as the Spice Girls stage their first major series of live concerts. Each of the Spice Girls will be shadowed on stage by their own Spice Boy dancer. The musicians backing the girls have an impressive pedigree - they have played with great bands like Simply Red and Massive Attack. Mel B: "We've had to cram everything into three weeks because we were in America to promote the movie. That's not much time to get everything done. We've just been so busy. We will make about six costume changes in the show because we want it to be really theatrical". Geri: "There's lots of different scenes too and all different types of music - reggae, pop, jungle, hard house and ballads. It really is a celebration of music. Even if you're not a Spice Girls fan, we've really tried to make it entertaining". ©Spice Universe 16.2.1998 - Spice Girls more popular than the Queen Children under 14 would rather meet the Spice Girls than the Queen. The survey of childrens' attitudes found that 42% wanted to meet the Spice Girls, compared with just 9% who wanted to meet the Queen. ©Spice Universe 10.2.1998 - No feud with All Saints Victoria Adams has denied tabloid newspaper allegations of a feud with All Saints. She praised the London foursome and said she was delighted there were so many good British girl groups around. ©Spice Universe 26.1.1998 - Victoria Adams engaged to David Beckham Victoria Adams and England's football star David Beckham officially announced their engagement on Sunday and she showed off a very large diamond ring as they left the Rookery Hall Hotel, in Nantwich, Cheshir. Victoria said she was over the moon when David, 22, popped the question. She said: "It's just what I wanted and a big surprise." And David said he was "very happy". A spokesperson from Virgin Records has said that the Spice Girls future plans will not be affected by their engagement. ©Spice Universe 24.1.1998 - Spice World premiere in the US More than 10.000 screaming fans greeted the Spice Girls as they arrived in a Union Jack-emblazoned London double decker bus for the US premiere of their movie Spice World. One delighted fan who had waited outside Mann's Chinese Theatre for hours said: "They look absolutely fantastic". Cops had to cordon off Hollywood Boulevard to keep back Spice Girl fans. One officer said: "I haven't seen a crowd this big in years". Victoria said: "We are getting such a positive attitude out here and it's so nice. We had a really nice welcoming". Emma said: "This is fantastic". ©Spice Universe 23.1.1998 - Mel B is not engaged Mel B has clearly denied that she is engaged to her boyfriend Fjolnir Thorgeirsson. "I'm quite happy with my boyfriend, but I'm not engaging him at the moment", Mel B said. The rumor originated from an article in the British tabloid newspaper The Express. ©Spice Universe 19.1.1998 - New manager? After checking various managers the Spice Girls have decided to manage themselves to prove that they have real girl power. ©Spice Universe 22.1.1998 - IT'S A SPICE WORLD AFTER ALL Girl power is reaching a high - a high-rise building anyways. THE SPICE GIRLS have decided they do not need a manager and are capable of being their own bosses, after their bid to replace former manager SIMON FULLER was unsuccessful. Since they have people taking care of legal, promotional and financial business, all the Spices have to do is make decisions. So they are setting up their own London- based company called "Girl Power Towers." @Muchmusic 18.1.1998 - Spice Girls cancel Toronto visit Melanie Chisholm became sick this weekend, forcing the cancellation of an eagerly anticipated Toronto Spice Girls appearance scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19. Virgin Music Canada announced Saturday that Mel C had come down with a serious food bug. "We can't believe this is happening. We were really looking forward to meeting our Canadian fans and the mayor of Toronto," the Spice Girls said in a release. The Spice Girls were to appear on MuchMusic, sign autographs at HMV's flagship store on Yonge Street and meet Mayor Mel Lastman. The girls are looking forward to returning to Canada for their upcoming world tour. ©Spice Universe 17.1.1998 - Premiere of Spice World in the US The premiere of Spice World will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Mann's Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Attending from the film will be Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Victoria Adams and Alan Cumming. Along with director Bob Spiers, co-producer Peter McAleese, screenwriter Kim Fuller, producers Uri Fruchtmann and Barnaby Thompson. Other celebrities expected to attend are: Hank Azaria Piper Laurie Gwyneth Paltrow Cameron Bancroft Spike Lee Rhea Perlman Tony Danza Jonathan Lipnicki Denise Richards Sandra Dee Jason Marsden Jake Richardson Dana Delany Demi Moore Adam Sandler Johny Depp Tahj Mowry Gregory Smith Danny DeVito Tamara Mowry Jennifer Tilly Elisa Donavan Tia Mowry Scott Vickaryous Andy Garcia Mike Myers Bruce Willis Jennifer Love Hewitt Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen Bokeem Woodbine Andrew Keegan Kari Wuhrer Spice World will be in theatres everywhere on Friday, Jan. 23. ©Spice Universe 15.1.1998 - Spice Girls worst dressed The Spice Girls topped fashion designer Mr. Blackwell's annual worst-dressed women list. Blackwell said: "The Spice Girls are five candy-colored beauties trapped in fashion waste. Please take a look at the suit which the man who criticises other peoples clothes is wearing. ©Spice Universe 14.1.1998 - Spice Girls in Canada Yonge Street will become Spice Street for a day. The Spice Girls will make an hour-long appearance Monday afternoon at the downtown HMV Records store at 333 Yonge St., with as many as 4,000 fans expected to show up. The Spice Girls are also planning a concert tour in Canada sometime this year. Tickets are expected to go on sale in about three weeks. Monday's promotion starts at 4 p.m. Their movie SpiceWorld is set to open Jan. 23. After the autograph session at the record store, the group will be welcomed to the city by Mayor Mel Lastman. ©Spice Universe 13.1.1998 - Brit Awards The Spice Girls gained one nomination for their video to Spice Up Your Life. ©Spice Universe 13.1.1998 - David Letterman January 15: Late Show with David Letterman 11:35pm, CBS. Guest: Spice Girls. ©Spice Universe 12.1.1998 - Is Mel B engaged? According to reports in the press Mel B is engaged to her boyfriend Fjolnir Thorgeirsson. He asked her before they went on vacation to Tahiti and she said yes. Their engagement is unconfirmed. More news when it's available. ©Spice Universe 11.1.1998 - Spice Girls in the US January 12: Making of `Spice World' 9:45pm Cinemax. January 14: Oprah Winfrey. Guest Spice Girls. 4:00 PM -KSDK January 16: Making of `Spice World' 07:45pm Cinemax.(repeat) January 16: Good Morning America: 7:00 AM - KDNL January 17: Spice Girls in Concert - Wild! 9:00pm Pay Per View January 18: Spice Girls in Concert - Wild! 12:30am & 9:00pm Pay Per View (repeat) January 19: Making of `Spice World' 09:30pm Cinemax. (repeat) January 22: MANN'S CHINESE THEATER 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood at 5:00pm. Premiere of SpiceWorld January 22: Spice Girls: Girl Power A-Z 08:30pm MTV January 23: US release of Spice World! January 24: Making of `Spice World' 9:30pm Cinemax. (repeat) January 26: The 25th annual American Music Awards 8:00pm ABC January 28: Spice Girls in Concert - Wild! 8:00pm Pay Per View (repeat) January 31: Spice Girls in Concert - Wild! 4:30pm Pay Per View (repeat) ©Spice Universe 10.1.1998 - Spice Girls in Sydney The Spice Girls received a rousing welcome today in Sydney, Australia, for the premiere of their movie Spiceworld. An estimated 7,000 fans - some of whom had waited more than seven hours to see their idols - cheered when the five singers arrived in an open double-decker bus. Inside, an audience of about 2,000 joined the Spice Girls for the movie. Many were lookalikes who dressed up in short dresses, platform shoes, feather boas and lots of make-up. ©Spice Universe 8.1.1998 - Not spicy enough Nelson Mandela said just meeting the Spice Girls was the happiest day of his life. Prince Charles allowed his royal, heir-to-the-throne cheek to be besmirched with Ginger Spice's lipsticked kiss. But the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, appears immune to Girl Power. The Spice Girls were not enticing enough to lure him away from his holiday at Hawk's Nest. The Spice Girls requested to meet Mr. Howard at the Sydney premiere of their film Spiceworld on Saturday night, but were politely told he had declined. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said that Mr. Howard was still holidaying at Hawk's Nest and that there was nothing to add to the report. When asked if Mr. Howard was passing up a golden photo opportunity in an atmosphere of fun and glamour, he simply said again that there was nothing to add. In stark contrast, the Victorian Premier, Mr. Jeff Kennett, will be making a special effort to meet Britain's most popular girl band when they descend on Melbourne on Sunday at Planet Hollywood. The Girls will make impressions of their hands in plaster for the venue's walls before heading off to the Hoyts cinema complex at Highpoint shopping centre in Maribyrnong to attend screenings of Spiceworld. Mr. Kennett appears to be tackling his Arts Minister portfolio with renewed vigor this year. Or maybe he was curious about Ginger Spice's advice to the blushing H.R.H: "We could spice up your life." ©Spice Universe 8.1.1998 - No Grammy nomination for the Spice Girls The Spice Girls did not receive any nominations for the 40th annual Grammy Awards. Michael Greene, the CEO and president of NARAS had this to say: I think they view Hanson - they write their own music and the kids play and sing - as kind of a very different phenomenon than the Spice Girls, which are pretty much a production band. And that is the only explanation I have for that. ©Spice Universe 6.1.1998 - Spice Girls in Australia The Spice Girls will be in Australia on Sunday night at Maribyrnong's Highpoint shopping centre in Melbourne for the premiere of Spiceworld - The movie. They will also open the centre's four new Cinemax cinemas. Fans started queuing for the $20 tickets - half the proceeds will go to the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children - on Sunday night. The tickets went on sale at 8.15am and were sold out in 30 minutes. More than 1100 people will attend the premiere in the four cinemas. Each screening will be addressed by a Spice Girl but Posh, Sporty, Scary, Ginger and Baby will not be staying for the show and will not be answering fans' questions. The Spice Girls arrive in Melbourne on Sunday morning. A spokesman from the Polygram film company said the group had made few special requests - just a selection of fruit and vegetables and mineral water, but no oils or butter. ©Spice Universe 5.1.1998 - Spice World - The movie breaks all records Spice World - the movie has enjoyed the biggest opening week in British film history. Taking 7.7 million dollars in the first week. So far the movie has grossed 11.2 million dollars. ©Spice Universe 5.1.1998 - Spice World - The movie breaks all records Spice World - the movie has enjoyed the biggest opening week in British film history. Taking 7.7 million dollars in the first week. So far the movie has grossed 11.2 million dollars. ©Spice Universe 5.1.1998 - Pavarotti and the Spice Girls Luciano Pavarotti plans to perform with the Spice Girls at a concert for charity in his hometown of Modena on June 9. The proceeds, estimated at 2.7 million dollars would go to the War Child charity to house youngsters affected by the civil war in Liberia. No contract has been signed at this point. ©Spice Universe !NEWS PAGE 2!

5SPICES !FOREVER! jherrera@idirect.com