100% UNOFFICIAL
ULTIMATE STEPS PRESENTS THE FANZINE | VOL 2| WINTER 18
WINTER
2018
WELCOME INDEX 4 - Fan Zone 6- 2018 Review 24- Dear Santa 26 - Light Up The World 28 - My Wildest Dreams Live 32 - We R Dancing 40 - Singles Review 44 - Style Icons 54 - The Great Richards Bake Off 38 - Gordon Pogoda
Merry Xmas Everybody The tail end of 2018 has given us Faye dancing her ass off for 13 weeks to reach the Strictly Come Dancing final & Claire delivering not one but three singles ahead of her debut solo album being released in February. Claire gave us 4 flawless solo shows, proving, once again, that she is an incredibly talented performer. What does 2019 have in store....? Thank you to all our lovely contributors to this issue - there's articles from some familiar names and also brand new ones too! We are continually on the look out for contributions for the fanzine - if you have an idea or contribution to make send it to us at ultimatesteps@outlook.com
Matt & Sean x
3
FAn ZoNe
Richard & Neil from the Cake'ole in Keighley & Skipton met with Claire as she prepared to take to the stage for her first solo live performance in York, where they presented her with this amazing cake to celebrate the launch of My Wildest Dreams.
Dafydd L. Brookes-Howells sent us this photo which his friend spotted on the motorway - we wonder if it belongs to one our favourite 5....?
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STOMP ALL NIGHT
NOVEMBER 2018 On 23rd November 2018, Steps fan Dylan Wood performed his very own Steps tribute concert in aid of Marie Curie! The show lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes, and included 5 main costume changes, over 20 songs, 2 dancers, props, visuals - it was everything you’d expect from a Steps concert! "The reason I decided to do this in aid of Marie Curie was because this was the charity that helped my great grandad and our family during his last days, after suffering from stage 4 cancer". Dylan managed to raise a whopping £1,029.76 for the charity! Aside from the show, we had a raffle, tombola, disco, support act and much more! "I am excited to be performing a summer show and a Christmas show all in 2019!"
Fans Joe & Gary have travelled back to 2000, to record Steps version of the 12 Days Of Christmas - as featured in the Steps Into Christmas tour book. Have a listen: http://bit.ly/2A8BR3d
5
REVIEW OF THE YEAR Dan Malloy & Dylan wood take a look back at all the big events of 2018
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2018 REVIEW
FEB
Between Friday 2nd and Monday 5th , Steps held their ‘Weekend On The Dancefloor’ at Butlins Minehead- performing their first full headline show as a 4 piece. They were joined by their previous tour support act - Vengaboys. Several different acts performed throughout the weekend, with Steps headlining on the Saturday. The set that Steps performed was similar to ‘Party On The Dancefloor’, however there were some changes with some costume changes and songs being removed. Sadly, Lee couldn’t perform with the others that night due to a family emergency. However, the weekend was still fantastic and it went down a storm!
8
MAR
Claire wowed fans in a stunning series ofphotographs to celebrate her partnership with Specsavers as an ambassador for their spectacle wearer of the year promotion. 'I think the Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards are a great thing for people who wear glasses. I've always wanted to wear glasses, even when I was a kid. These awards are a real focus on the positive side of wearing specs and a celebration!,' she told the Specsavers website 'One of the things I'm looking forward to at this year's awards is hearing some of the finalist's stories. It's so interesting to hear everybody's different reasons for entering or wanting to be recognised for wearing glasses. I think it's brilliant.'
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2018 REVIEW
APR
On the 27th April, Steps performed at the prestigious Dubai Opera! Again, the show was similar to ‘Party On The Dancefloor’, but this time they had new dancers. Lisa and her husband Johnny auditioned many talented local dancers, eventually picking the final few. This was an extra special performance for Lisa as Dubai is of course her home town! All of the students from her performing arts academy were at the show!
10
MAY
After some TV performances and radio appearances, Steps kicked off their ‘Summer Of Steps Tour’ in Cheltenham, on the 26th May. Some fans were slightly worried that we would be seeing the exact same show as we did back in 2017, however we were all proved wrong! We saw a brand new show for Summer 2018! The festival-sounding intro never failed to get everybody excited each and every night! The outfits, set list, choreography, atmosphere, the merchandise everything was amazing!
11
2018 REVIEW
JUN
On 8th June, Steps released their long-awaited ‘Party On The Dancefloor Live’ on 2CD/DVD, 2CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and Photobook - it was everything that the fans wanted! The whole show has been edited perfectly, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of most of us when I say I haven’t stopped watching it since. The ‘Touring The Dancefloor’ documentary is a particular highlight for me, it was great to see exactly how the tour was put together. A few days beforehand on the 4th June, Steps held their ‘Party At The Cinema’ event. It was a premiere for ‘Party On The Dancefloor Live’. The event took place in 5 different ‘Everyman Cinemas’, however the band were only present at the Screen 2 viewing at Kings Cross London. The event included the full length concert film, tour documentary, live Q&A (filmed in Screen 2), Steps themed cocktails, a DJ set and it was hosted by Rylan. Some who were at Kings Cross were lucky enough to meet the band! Steps continued to play venues throughout the rest of June. 12
JUL
Lee launches the One Million Steps Challenge for Diabetes UK: On July 1st, Lee teamed up with Diabetes UK to launch the One Million Steps Challenge. The campaign encouraged people to take an average of 10’000 steps everyday between July 1st and September 30th 2018 which would equal 1’000’000 overall. There is a large history of type 2 diabetes in Lee’s family including his father, grandfather and also family members of his wife Kerry. This unfortunately resulted in the deaths of both Lee’s father and Kerry’s mother in the space of a few weeks earlier this year. Lee used his profile to turn a heartbreaking time for the family into something positive by encouraging others to be healthier and help battle the condition.
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2018 REVIEW
JUL
27th - Tears On The Dancefloor: The Singles Collection is released: In July 2017, fans who had been missing physical singles from Steps were in for a treat. Tears On The Dancefloor: The Singles Collection saw Steps’ first physical single release in sixteen years on a four disc, forty four track collection featuring radio mixes and remixes of Scared Of The Dark, Story Of A Heart, Neon Blue & Dancing With A Broken Heart as well as remixes of album tracks. The CDs were presented in a box set with the artwork combining Tears On The Dancefloor and its reissue Crying At The Disco. This was then hand signed by the group and released in limited quantity. 5th - Summer Of Steps (Old Royal Naval College) 10th - Summer Of Steps (Kew Gardens) 15th - Summer Of Steps (Glasgow Pride) 18th - Summer Of Steps (Lytham Festival) 20th - Summer Of Steps (Newcastle Pride) 14
AUG
Claire announces solo career On August 3rd, Claire announced her solo career including a new album My Wildest Dreams and debut single On My Own. The single and video were released on August 6th & 10th respectively with a tour then announced on August 13th. Promo single Deep Waters was released on September 7th, second single End Before We Start saw a single release on September 21st and video release on October 1st and Christmas single My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas) was released November 23rd. 6th - Claire releases On My Own 10th - Claire releases On My Own video 13th - Claire announces her tour 17th - Claire's Birthday
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2018 REVIEW
AUG
11th - Lee's first DJ set in London On August 11th, Lee played his first DJ set at WeLovePop Club in London. It was hugely successful and he followed this up with another set on September 29th. 31st - Lee announces Paintball Massacre On August 31st Lee announced his sixth acting role as Nathan Brown in Paintball Massacre. The film is currently in the early stages of filming and is scheduled for release in 2019. Another movie, Dead Ringer, where he plays ‘Jason the Venom Addict’ was released on September 17th this year. 18th - H on Impossible Celebrities 24th - H & Claire Sweeney host Pride Cymru
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SEP
On September 21st, Claire appeared on Chart Show TV to promote her album and tour. During the interview when asked about a future Steps album she responded ‘’Yeah definitely, we’ve already had the chat and decided. We’re kind of looking for material at the moment so hopefully we’ll start recording that next year, ready for the year after.’’ Faye would go on to also confirm that album 6 is scheduled for a 2020 release during a chat with Lorraine Kelly in December 7th - Claire releases Deep Waters 17th - Dead Ringer is released (Lee) 21st - Claire releases End Before We Start 29th - Lee's second DJ set in London 30th - #OneMillionStepChallenge for Diabetes UK ends 17
2018 REVIEW
SEP
Strictly Launch Show (Faye) On September 8th, Faye appeared on the Strictly Come Dancing Series 16 Launch Show where she was paired with Giovanni Pernice. Faye has done remarkably well on the competition which began officially on September 22nd. She made it to the Blackpool stage of the competition on November 17th and achieved a perfect score of 40/40 for her Charleston to ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ on December 1st. The next evening, she was confirmed as having made it to the semi finals. 22nd - Strictly Live Shows Begin (Faye)
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OCT
On October 17th, Lisa and her husband Johnny launched DPA Live. A continuation of her already successful academy, Dubai Performing Arts will showcase talented singers, dancers, musicians, bands and acts for events across Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Shows by the academy are scheduled to begin on December 31st. 24th - Kerry's birthday:. 24th - Spectacle Wearer Of The Year Awards - Claire was the face of the campaign. 26th - Claire appears on Strictly - It Takes Two 28th - H holidays in Hong Kong
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2018 REVIEW
NOV
13th Claire's first solo performance November 13th saw Claire’s first solo performance at the MinsterFM Listener Choice Awards. She performed 4 songs to great applause from the audience. 20th - Claire's album launch event On November 20th, Claire hosted an album launch event in London. Lucky fans were hand picked by Claire after submitting images of their baking creations. The chosen few got to attend the event and bake with Claire. 23rd - Claire releases My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas) - See August 3rd entry
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NOV
30th - Aladdin opens at Worthing Theatre starring Lee as the main role Aladdin On November 30th, Lee began his run as Aladdin in the Worthing Pavilion Theatre Pantomime. Lee will have the starring role until January 1st 2019. He is starring alongside legendary actor Brian Blessed who plays the genie. 5th - Lisa's birthday 10th - Lee and Kerry's 6 year anniversary 14th - Faye's birthday 17th - Faye makes it to Blackpool - See September 8th entry 19th - H appears on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip with Claire Sweeney
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2018 REVIEW
DEC
2nd - Claire opens her Wildest Dreams Tour December 2nd saw the opening night of Claire’s Wildest Dreams Tour in Glasgow. Claire played four dates across the UK before closing in London on December 6th. 2nd - Faye makes it to the semi finals - See September 8th entry 3rd - H begins Cinderella rehearsals On December 3rd, H began rehearsals for Cinderella. He will star as Dandini at the Swansea Grand Theatre from December 14th till January 13th. 14th - Cinderella opens at Swansea Grand Theatre starring H as Dandini 31st - DPA Live hosts their New Years Eve events. - See October 17th Entry 22
Dear Santa......
OPINION
24
Tears On The Dancefloor’s Deluxe Edition, Crying At The Disco, saw the addition of five new songs including vinyl exclusive Dear Santa (later released on streaming sites). The song is Steps’ second Christmas song following ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ recorded in 2000 for the compilation album Platinum Christmas. The track was penned by Julian Gingell, Barry Stone and Una Healy. Gingell and Stone also wrote September Sun, Space Between Us and Glitter & Gold. They are perhaps known better as Jewels & Stone who have provided remixes for Sophie Ellis-Bextor's "Murder on the Dancefloor", Boyzone's "No Matter What" and S Club 7's "Don't Stop Movin. They wrote and produced Adam Ricketts 1999 hit ‘I Breathe Again’, S Club Juniors ‘Automatic High’ and Rachel Stevens ‘I Said Never Again (But Here We Are). They have also worked with Hear’Say and 5ive but their most famous hit was the theme music to TVs Pop Idol which they composed alongside Cathy Dennis. The theme was used for various versions of the show around the world and earned them an honour at the 26th Annual Film & Television Music Awards by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Healy is a former member of platinum selling girl band The Saturdays. The group sold 10 million records. Following their split, Healy went on to release her first solo album The Waiting Game in February 2017. She toured the UK in 2018 with her Voice Inside Of Me Tour. Her second album was due out at the end of 2018 and it’s thought that Dear Santa was
originally intended for this record. The album was delayed till 2019 following Healy’s split from husband Ben Foden. Healy promoted Steps’ recording of Dear Santa on the release day of Crying At The Disco. She described their rendition as fantastic. Produced by The Alias, who produced most of the tracks on the album, Dear Santa receiving mostly positive reactions from fans. The song is sung as a letter to Santa asking him to bring the singers love home for Christmas. It features beautiful harmonies from the group, a humming section and crescendos at the end to a choir like chorus.
Faye, Lisa & Claire share the main vocals of the song. Faye and Claire share the first verse with H providing backing vocals. Faye sings the first chorus. Lisa sings the second verse with backing vocals from Lee before all five perform the humming section together. Faye and Claire then share the rest of the song with backing vocals from the others. I asked a few Steps fans for their thoughts on the song in the lead up to Christmas 2018! Craig Rogers-Bennett: “I think it's lovely, soft, gentle but has that warm festive feel” Anna Rose: “With the melodic tones of Steps’ raw vocals paired with the harmonious humming towards the end of the song, Dear Santa is a truly beautiful piece of Christmas music.”
symbolises regret but still hope remains.” Benjamin Willcock: “Christmas songs can be very hit or miss for me. They are either emotional, heartfelt classics that help usher in the festive magic, or cringe-inducing, nauseating ballads that are a painful reminder the writers are trying too hard. Thankfully, Steps' attempt firmly falls into the former category. Deft writing here sets the tone beautifully, with just enough tug at the heartstrings to bring a tear to your eye during the crescendo in the latter half of the song. The production is stellar, as you might expect, even making good use of a choir to send the emotion soaring. Vocals from all five members are equally polished, with particular praise once again going to Claire, who demonstrates a commanding control of her powerful range. In all, Dear Santa is a new Christmas classic. It's a reminder that quality songs in this tricky genre can still be produced, you just need great writing and a solid vision to get there. 10/10 from me.”
Sarah Taylor: “It's a simple melody arranged with Sharn Davies is one of the fans who didn't poignant lyrics that show how Christmas like the song: songs have evolved. Set as a person “It’s one of those songs that doesn’t stand regretting losing their love and out. I class it as a ‘B side’ song. In wishing that for Christmas, they my opinion it’s not one of their will come back to them. Seems a best.” strange topic to choose for a Christmas song which are usually up beat and So what are your cheerful but it comes thoughts on Dear across beautifully. Santa? Will you be The harmonies are streaming it or well arranged spinning those and I think it vinyls this highlights a Christmas? subject that many people Dan Molloy feel at this time of year. To me it 25
OPINION History (which is made at night) has taught us that while 2017 comeback opus, Tears On The Dancefloor, is the album that fans have long desired, it was their 2012 winter-themed collection, Light Up The World, that demonstrated Steps are a group with many strings to their bow. Not quite a regular studio album and not quite a Christmas album, the hybrid release was a departure from their mainstream sound - giving the listener more focus on their beautifully textured vocal harmonies in a pensive, melancholy setting. Their least successful studio album to date (it peaked at 32), I believe it deserves re-visiting with a slightly tweaked and revised tracklisting (sorry When She Loved Me) that allows a better flow for the seasonal and non-seasonal songs they perform...
Side One Light Up The World Light Up The World
There is no denying that more should have been made of the title track single release. There should have been a gloriously sumptuous video accompanying it & an intense tv promotional campaign - because make no mistake, as a song it is an elegant throwback to 90s pop yet tinged with a foreward thinking production sheen that reflects the band's growing maturity over the past 10 years. Their harmonies and vocals (all getting a chance in the spotlight) sound effortlessly delightful & that chorus just gets better with each listen. Heavenly.
Ross' rather bonza 1994 Christmas album, this was the perfect showcase for reminding people that the Steps sound went beyond perky pop. Their sweetly blended vocals are framed by a warming orchestral backdrop with a lovely flamenco guitar giving the song some charming personality.
One Less Bell To Answer
when I first heard this I remember thinking that it sounded positively theatrical, like the devastating denouement for tragic characters at the start of Act 2. Cheer up, gang - things will get better! It does place Steps as serious narrators of emotions however - rather than the observational bystanders they may have been in the History Is Made At Night past. H's "why did he leave me" plead is Sounding deliciously sixties in the same particularly poignant and a nice touch to way Kylie's Tears On My Pillow & Jason's this sincere rendition of a classic ballad Sealed With A Kiss did back in the late 80s/ early 90s. This was one of my favourite A House Is Not A Home songs from late, lamented TV show this lovely, languorous ballad continues Smash so I was pre-disposed to love a beautifully what One Less Bell started. A Steps version of it, but I genuinely think it's breathtaking lead vocal from Claire is the most seductive and charming track equally matched by the aching on the album - and would have made a harmonies that the rest of the group perfect Valentine's Day second single elegantly provide. These two songs from the album in early 2013. were performed in this order on the Christmas With Steps 2012 tour and were (are) a radiant testimony to what their Possibly included as winter themed on collective voices can achieve. the album due to it's inclusion on Diana
Overjoyed
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Side Two It May Be Winter Outside It May Be Winter Outside
Please Come Home For Christmas
If side one of a revamped tracklisting focused on the non-seasonal tracks, side two brings Christmas directly into your speakers. It May Be Winter Outside (the sparkling Love Unlimited song) is one of the more uptempo festive tracks on the album. Starting off with some Spector-group-esque harmonies, it saw the group return to a sound they were more well known for. They sounded (and looked - the album cover art was gorgeous) like they are having an amazing time, which is what Christmas should be all about. This would have made a brilliant last minute Christmas week single.
Two 'come back for Christmas' songs in a row? Although there were so many other songs they could've chosen, it's still a lovely number which, once again, is more theatrical, more narrative than previous Steps songs - and, in no small part to Lee's impassioned singles, still shines in it's own sad, muted way
Dear Santa Oh sure, this came out five years after the release but let's face it: this rather endearing seasonal plea fits in more perfectly with Light Up The World than it does with Crying At The Disco. It works well within the reflective nature of this album. Dear Santa swathes the yearning vocals in delicate chiming piano, shimmering strings and cascading wintry sound effects that conjure up images of elegant snowladen wonderlands gazed at out of an icy window. A musical Christmas card right in your stereo.
Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) A fine track, infused with horns, a percussive beat & swooning backing "whoos" that, all added together, make a wistful, pleasing number. H does a fine job of bringing range and agility to the song and, by the end, you have to admit it is a pretty hard request to say no to. Plus, it actually makes a nice change to hear Steps do something outside their musical comfort zone (and succeed so well) - an ongoing theme of this album.
this confirms my suspicion that LUTW is a musical just waiting to happen. This take on the Judy Garland number is very faithful to the original and transports you back to the simpler times of 40s & 50s Hollywood musicals. The piano work is positively mesmerising whilst the shuffling percussion gives the instrumental a jazz tinged feel. The collective vocals, particularly as they sing "through the years we all will be together", are one last final, uplifting hug before this revised tracklisting brings the album to a close.
Paul Reynolds
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my wildest dr 1. Intro/7 Billion 2. End Before We Start 3. My Wildest Dreams 4. One For Sorrow 5. These Wings 6. All Out Of Love 7. Ruins 8. Deep Waters
GaGa cover) y ad (L in ga A ve Lo er ev N 9. I'll 10. Brave 11. Liar ew Version) 12. Deeper Shade Of Blue (N ome 13. My Heart Is Heading H 14. In My Blood Love Alone 15. Don't Leave Me In This 16. Shame On You ENCORE s audition song) ep St er (H h ig H n ai nt ou M 17. River Deep, 18. On My Own 28
reams live
REVIEW On Thursday 6 th December I was beyond fortunate to witness the most incredible live performance ever! I am of course talking about Claire’s show at The Union Chapel in London.
personal favourite. A very clever mix of up-tempo tune paired with balladesque lyrics.
Upon an early arrival to the venue myself and one half of ultimate steps joined other eager and devoted fans by the stage door hoping to catch a pre-show glimpse and possible selfie with Ms Richards. Further people joined us and the love of Claire soon bonded us in such a unique way. After a nearly 4 hour wait we discovered that the lady in question had somehow managed to get in to the venue undetected and was having her sound check, so we quickly made our way to the front entrance to join an already vast que (luckily thanks to the other half of ultimate steps we had priority entrance!)
Some random H and Claire song ;) - Which was given a very refreshed and unique feel.
Once inside the venue you could not help but be struck by its beautiful and intimate features. The chapel soon filled with lots of familiar faces from previous shows and on the social media sites. Claire’s family were all present to show their love and support.
On My Own – This is a track that really does need to be seen live to be fully understand its significance.
The support act AJ Brown offered us an opening that could be described as well o.k. By this point the anticipation of what was to come was at fever pitch. Claire’s band and backing singers enter the stage and quickly strike up a building melody whipping the audience into even more of a frenzy….. Then it happens, our queen appears! Obviously Claire completely knocks it out of the park, offering raw superb vocal performances on each track. At times she became quite emotive showing the journey she has had and the feeling there for her lyrics and the love that was shown to her in the room (I lost count of the standing ovations she received)
One For Sorrow - Resulted in tears once again.
Deep Waters – Hearing this live has only strengthened my love for this song. Brave – A track which showcases that not only can this lady sing she can write too! Shame On You – BOP! River Deep Mountain High – Claire needs to get this released ASAP! This really does highlight her vocal ability and what a voice it is! It obvious why performing this as her audition she got to be the lead singer of STEPS ;)
Throughout Claire would discuss the tracks, her journey through the album alongside referencing her day job and the obvious differences that come with flying solo. It is during these discussions that you really got to see a vulnerability to Claire which only serves to endear you to her further. An artist with such talent and success still remains so humble and grateful to being able to perform and have it appreciated by others. It makes you feel as though you just want to hug her and tell her – “We like you very much, just the way you are”
I of course then proceeded to wait outside after the performance to try and grab that elusive selfie. My persistence paid off and I got to my special moment, made even better by being recognised byClaire herself! Despite not walking through my front door until nearly 3am I can honestly say it was one of the most Some of my personal highlights: singular greatest moments of my life that 7 Billion - Has instantly cemented itself as a I will cherish forever. Matt Lawrence 30
1 | 2 | 2019
includes the singles
Keep moving the way we move, can't take away this feeling.....
32
We R Dancing rumours circulated in the summer that a member of Steps would be appearing on series 16 of Strictly Come Dancing - all eyes immediately fell on Claire... However, it was Faye that went on to wow us for 13 weeks - Eloise Felstead takes us through Faye's journey.
33
10
34
39
Tango
Couples Choice: Theatre/Jazz
Foxtrot
29
Rumba
Quickstep
Viennese Waltz
30
Cha Cha Cha
40 38
36 33
31 29
20
TOTAL SCORE: 584 5th all time highest Strictly score
38
40
39
36
40 40 40
39 37
- Highest scoring Viennese Waltz of the series - 4th Ranked Viennese Waltz on Strictly - First Perfect Score for a Viennese Waltz on Strictly since Pamela Stephenson (S8) -10th perfect score for a showdance on Strictly - Highest scoring Couples Choice of the series - First perfect score for a Couples Choice in Strictly history
Couples Choice: Theatre/Jazz
Showdance
Viennese Waltz
Argentine Tango
Samba
Charleston
Lindy Hopa-thon
Waltz
Paso Doble
Jive
- 31 10 scores - the 2nd most in this years competition, 3rd most on the all-time list
35
REVIEW
E
arly in August 2018 rumours started circling around the Internet. "Faye Tozer signed up to do Strictly!" "Rumoured Strictly contestant Faye from Steps." The Steps fanbase was suddenly buzzing with the thought of Faye competing every Saturday in the incredibly popular dance show. No one knew if the sources were credible, but we were due to find out not long after. On Monday 13th August, contestants were starting to be announced. That night, The One Show were revealing the second and third contestants. One female, one male. Once the show started, the hosts started giving clues as to who the people were. The clues for the woman were ‘blue , ‘dreadlocks , and ‘tragedy but, by the time the second clue was revealed, we all had a pretty good idea who it would be. And sure enough, Faye pushed her way through the paper and was revealed as the second contestant! Steps fans on social media erupted and started speculating who she would be paired with and how far she would get.Everyone was over the moon and ready to support her.
photos were being taken. Faye was getting her first taste of what it was like to be a Strictly contestant! It was all very exciting seeing all of the photos coming out but we were still speculating who she would be paired with. A lot of people thought Pasha, a lot of people thought Aljaž. However, we wouldn t find out until the launch show was shown on the 8th of September. Or if you were impatient, like me, when the spoiler for the launch show was released on 1st September, the day after it was filmed!
Most people waited to find out who Faye was paired with and were over the moon to find out it was Giovanni Pernice, who has previously been partnered with celebrities such as Debbie McGee, who About a week later, training for the first made it all the way to the group dance started and promotional final last year. Both Faye and Giovanni were ecstatic at the 36
pairing and it was shown very clearly on TV when Giovanni picked Faye up and gave her a quick twirl! Team names were coming in fast. A poll was created by myself on a Strictly support account for Faye, and Team ‘GandT' came out front, a play on Gin and Tonic, with Faye endorsing it herself! Training started not long after and we were starting to get more pictures and information. Once the launch show was aired and the couples were revealed, that's when we started getting a lot more behind the scenes content. We were getting funny Instagram stories from Giovanni almost everyday. He even also taught Faye how to use Instagram stories! It was clear to see that these two were matched perfectly and were going to get far.
The first week rolled around and it was the Cha Cha Cha to ‘Lullaby by Sigala, featuring Paloma Faith. They scored 29/40, the same as Ashley, putting them joint first on the leaderboard! Claire even went to watch and cheer Faye on alongside her husband, Reece. Second week was a stunning Viennese Waltz to ‘Its A Man's Man's Man's World by Seal. Once again scoring very well with a 31/40, putting them into second, behind Ashley. Next, it was movies week. Everyone was speculating whether Team GandT would be Sandy and Danny from Grease and they were! Dancing the Quickstep to ‘You re The One That I Want" scored them 36 and shot them straight onto the top of the leaderboard! Faye and Giovanni had to tackle the Rumba for week 4. Faye had a morale boost when Claire visited during training and told her how amazing she was doing. They ended up scoring 29/40 this week, not their best, but still a beautiful dance. Then came the Foxtrot. The music accompanying this dance was ‘Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars. It was a beautiful dance that gave them a 33/40. Faye and Giovanni were put through, meaning they were competing in Halloween Week! A week where Steps had performed last year, very different to Where Faye was now . For Halloween, Faye and Giovanni performed their Theatre and Jazz Couples Choice dance, which everyone could agree was OUTSTANDING! They scored their highest so far, 39, and were at the top of the leaderboard! Many, however, disagreed with Craig s 9 and believed it should've been a 40. It was a Tango for Tozer the next week which gave them a high score of 38/40. This dance was fierce, fiery and deserving of the high marks. 37
REVIEW
Faye and Giovanni wer into the next week, get and sitting second leaderboard. This wee along to see them perfo seen cheering them on They were put through week, meaning they we Blackpool! One of prestigious places to da
Blackpool came around Team GandT were d Paso Doble. This brou dark side of Faye and g 38/40. The Paso also p to their first dance breathtaking fall to performance. Now, halfway through the s was the only judge t shown them the 10 padd
Safe and through to the they had to tackle alongside competing Hopathon. The
Waltz scored 39/40, onc missing out on the full they came second in Hopathon, behind A Pasha, but they still rem top of the leaderboard
Musicals Week was nex GandT were transfo characters from The So Their Charleston wa enough for Craig to get out! They got their first were ecstatic. It was we Once again, Faye an were voted through, m were in the semifinals!
The semi-finals came they had to perform t The Samba, and the Tango. The Samba putting them secon leaderboard. They the with their Argentine T 38
re Jive talking tting a 36/40 d on the ek, H popped orm and was in the crowd. h to the next re through to the most ance.
dances were incredible and made it clear how talented Faye is. Sunday came around and everyone was on edge, wondering if Faye would make it to the final. After what felt like forever, it was finally announced that she was through!
d quickly and dancing the ught out the gave them a paid homage e with the end their way over show, Craig to have not dle.
As this segment is being sent in before the final, I cannot comment on it. But I can say that they will definitely blow us away.
e next week, the Waltz, in the Lindy
ce again just marks, and n the Lindy Ashley and mained at the d!
Everyone was beaming, but I m sure not half as much as Faye and Giovanni.
Editor: Faye & Giovanni wowed viewers with 3 dances, as the judges picked their Viennese Waltz to be danced again, Faye & Giovanni chose their Couples Choice dance and also put together a showdance to Lullaby Of Broadway, which showed just how talented they both are, as Faye danced on top of a giant top hat. 3 perfect scores of 40 quickly followed placing them jointly at the top of the leader board.
Unfortunately, Faye & Giovanni missed out on taking the glitterball trophy home as Stacey & Kevin won the series. Although the BBC does not release voting figures, it has xt and Team been suggested that Faye & ormed into Giovanni came in 3rd. und of Music! This is a quick thank you to everyone as superb who has voted for Faye and his 10 paddle Giovanni over the past few weeks. 40 and they You ve all done brilliantly. ell deserved. nd Giovanni And finally, to Faye, congratulations. meaning they It has been incredible following your Strictly journey, and we are all so incredibly proud of you! You are a around and star. two dances. e Argentine scored 37, nd on the en scored 39 Eloise Felstead Tango! Both 39
REVIEW
This for me was a slow burner. You are instantly greeted with that unmistakable velvet tone of voice alongside soft opening melody bars, guiding us through some very personal sounding lyrics. As we reach the bridge of the song Claire's vocal shifts from a subtle softness to the richer stronger tones we’ve become accustomed to from the recent STEPS tracks. When we get to the chorus it is proven without a doubt the range that this very beautiful lady has alternating between strong and powerful to a high note holding momentum. We gracefully head back to the velvet tones although our melody has now progressed into an established tune. The bridge this time providing more of 40
a build to our chorus which is swiftly followed by a rhythmic spoken word break down which leads us to something that we know was inevitable in a solo Claire track KEYCHANGE! From this moment the track takes on almost gospel feel and we are very much treated to Claire in all her glory truly showcasing that voice which we all know and love. The reason I stated it was a slow burner for me is that it takes a moment for the song to pull you in and dare I say it I find this track a little too similar to Celine for my liking (VERY long story!) I do concur though that it is a good opener for what is to come and gets a solid 7/8 from me.
On it's initial listen this track left me very confused. It has similar components to On My Own only a lot grander if you will, making a clear indication to it's writer and producer!
pushes their true love away. It has to be said how well our fabulous lady can convey the really depth of emotion with lyrics through her sultry and expressive sound.
The reason behind my confusion is that I must confess I kept waiting for the other members of STEPS to kick in with their vocals, demonstrating how strong and well crafted this song is.
I understand and appreciate why On My Own came first but dare I say for me i personally feel that this should have been the initial release from the album as it has real wow factor. Words The production of this track is so really are not enough, so there is majestic and magnificent you no more left to say! (puns feel instantly captivated, losing intended.) Easily a 10/10. yourself into this world of someone who is very deeply in love yet so scared of what that actually does or could mean thus 41
REVIEW
A real marmite track that has divided listeners. I unashamedly really love it. For me this is something so far removed from the pop sound of STEPS and the balladesque offerings we've had from Claire before that it's very very refreshing! A contemporary melody opens the song backed by drum beats enhancing the gentle voice which quickly moves into the powerhouse vocal that is so familiar to us all. This theme of building to a climax continues through the track leading us to an intense vocal crescendo and into – KEYCHANGE!
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After a robust duo chorus the song closes with a juxtaposition of almost spoken word lyrics. Deep Waters has many differing styles and layers giving a sense that the album isn't going to be afraid to take a risk which i feel does pay off. It's refreshing to hear something so comforting and familiar (Claire's voice) moulded into something so so current and fresh. Like with End Before We Start this offering has a real wow factor. To me it is another clear 10/10 however I';m very aware that possibly due to it's quirky nature that 10 will not be felt across the board!
A bonus track from the deluxe release of My Wildest Dreams was released as the 3rd single in late November after a few teasers. Unusually the track has 2 different vocal tracks. The original radio edit tells us of 'snow falling somewhere over Manhattan', whilst the pimped up super festive remix by 7th Heaven has 'snow may be falling on this cold christmas morning.' The radio edit has a haunting quality, it's certainly not your usual christmas uptempo cheery bop. Claire provides a soft, yet powerful vocal as she sings about breaking away.
The song itself offers a slightly christmassy melody with a few bells chiming. The 7th Heaven Remix, elevates the song to a christmas bop you can smell the tinsel as bells jingle and the 2nd vocal take is brighter and less maudlin than the original. (The last time vocals were rerecorded for a remix was I Know Him So Well) As always it has been an honour and a privilege to put words on paper for you all and I hope you have enjoyed reading through my personal humble opinion. Matt Lawrence 43
ST 44
TYLE ICONS From the iconic, often parodied, canary yellow outfits to dreadlocks and blue PVC, Steps became known for their colour cor-ordinated outfits and of course THE pop hair style of the decade. In the first instalment of our new feature taking a look at the bands style Gareth Jones & Dan Molloy take a look at 2 releases/eras which define our favourite fivesome.
45
OPINION
TRAGEDY
It was never cool to like Steps. Steps weren't cool, they were cheesy, cringy and (to some) c**p but they didn't care. They just wanted to be fun, they wanted to be a light in dark times. To Light Up The World. As Lee notably said during The Reunion „When people went into that arena, all their worries just melted away‰. This meant we ended up with some questionable bright yellow outfits, blue PVC suits and aviator sunglasses. But back in 1998, Steps announced something that was cringe even for them. They were covering the Bee Gees. Luckily for us they absolutely smashed it and along with Heartbeat on a double A-side, Tragedy became StepsÊ first number one single making it equal with the original Bee Gees version. But the music video would go down in history for a whole other reason. For Tragedy will forever be the most iconic video to feature⁄.wedding dresses?? The Tragedy video is set on the hypothetical wedding days of Faye, Claire & Lisa. Why all three chose to get married on the same day I do not know. But Lee & H are here to put a stop to all three weddings and kidnap the grooms in the process. I wonder what H did with 3 men tied up before him. The video opens with Lee & H getting dressed that morning to go and stop the weddings. The boys opt for purple shirts and ties with Lee in a black suit and H in a brown suit that features magic trousers. (If you look carefully, we see H putting on his trousers only to have them off again in the next shot). Not sure what gay man would choose to pair brown and purple but there you go. The girls were the main attraction of this video. From worst to best (in my opinion): Claire featuring her signature short hair of the time, rocks a medieval style, form fitted dress. It has a regular scoop neck, long sheer bell sleeves and detailed white roses across the shoulder straps that match her head piece.
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Her Royal Highness Lisa Scott Lee is the epitome of a Princess bride in a beautiful but simple white dress with a classy but sexy plunging neckline. Lisa's dress is an A-line piece with a slight ball gown feel, that has thick shoulder straps and a scoop neck with corseted bodice. This is all accompanied by an up do hairstyle with falling side swept fringe, on which sits a majestic tiara. She would be my bride of choice. But the lovely Faye just pips her to the style post in this one. Faye's dress is figure hugging and modern. She is the only one to go strapless and accompanies her dress with elbow length, elegant white gloves. But the crowning point of Faye's look is...well...her crown. Giving off a Snow Queen vibe, half of Faye's blonde dreadlocks hang loosely from her head to frame her face, with the rest tied back to hold her crown in place, said crystal crown tops the outfit and rains down beading to form a veil. For me, Faye's look is elegant, beautiful, sexy and powerful all in one. And there it was. A wedding disco classic simply because of the outfits worn in a music video. Lyrically the song should not be at any wedding but we just couldn't resist and over twenty years after its initial release, brides and grooms are still recreating this iconic piece of Steps history. Of course, Steps have also performed the song many times in various outfits. But nothing had ever quite matched up to the wedding attire we'd all fallen in love with. That is. Until 2017! “We're going to pay homage to our old videos� said H on April 21st 2017. The band were appearing on This Morning to promote the album and tour. Immediately, fans went mad on social media with all their ideas. Past tours and performances had given us sunflower fields, nightclubs and hospitals live on stage. What could they possibly have up their sleeves on this occasion? The answer was the cheesiest, gayest, most Steptacular finale to a Steps tour so far and fans loved it! I remember like it was yesterday. November 12th 2017, Party On The Dancefloor opened in Belfast. My friends and I 47
gathered around and waited as Ultimate Steps live tweeted the setlist. We screamed and cheered as tweets were posted such as:
Because the next string of tweets both horrified me and delighted me all at the same time.
“Tragedy…giant wedding cake...can this get any more insane?! The girls are in WEDDING DRESSES!...Girls have got rid of “Chain Reaction. WITH HOSPITAL BEDS” the big puffy white wedding dress and “Better The Devil You Know (Samba they’re all in white silvery outfits. Lisa is influenced)” wearing a tiara, Faye a crown and Claire “Summer Of Love/Paradise Lost” oh god has..... nothing.” how we screamed when that was tweeted. I think I actually cried. Similar EXCUSE ME!?!?!? WHAT THE HECK DID YOU response with…. JUST TWEET?!?!? But it was so much more “This is NOT a drill. Love U More” which than even just that. Unfortunately I then later became “Love U More/You'll Be had to wait until December 2nd and 3rd to Sorry/After The Love Has Gone/Love's see if for myself. Both times with my friends Got A Hold On My Heart” Anna & Vicky and once with my partner Ben (Hi guys) Then came the tweet “Fake last song One For Sorrow” and we knew Tragedy had once again been selected to close the show. “Boring” I thought as I rolled my eyes. “It can only be done so many times, it's lost all appeal.” HA! How wrong was I?
The wedding march started up as an image appeared on screen of Steps in a stain glass window. Then Tragedy kicked in as lights pulsed everywhere. Dancers
But nothing had ever quite matched up to the wedding attire we'd all fallen in love with. That is. Until 2017!
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stormed the stage dressed bridesmaids and groomsmen.
as were ripped off to reveal Faye & Claire were wearing silvery white jumpsuits Then as the intro crescendoed. H & Lee underneath, Faye sporting Western were stood atop a giant wedding cake inspired tassels, and Claire with faux cut dressed to the nines in white suits. HRH out panelling, while Lisa sported a leotard Lisa wearing a tiara and Claire appeared with attached skirt. on the tier below in weddings dresses and dancers joined them all to play their partners. H got to stand with a male dancer which was a lovely touch. Then the bottom of the cake opened and, along with her “fiancĂŠâ€? Faye walked out in a beautiful long dress wearing a crown, the train of it flowing behind her. As she reached her place on stage, the train of her dress broke away and went back into the cake.
After the chorus, the members all came together on the stage and sang out the arenas as glitter and confetti rained down from above. It truly was magical and it truly cemented the wedding style of Tragedy as iconic. Dan Molloy
The stage was set for an incredible performance. The vocals were perfect, the dancing was perfect!! As the first chorus hit. The girls dresses
49
ULTIMATE
OPINION
50
There really was no more left to say as the heavy velvet curtain drew the Gold era to close, but ten years on, there was new light, and a new life in Steps. Spurred on by the record label's decision to release a 'best of' collection, the Ultimate collection, a burst of fresh faced (and hardly aged at all) thirty-somethings burst back onto the pop scene and back into the hearts of many who hadn't really let go of their favourite act. Running in parallel with the new album was a TV series, the 1st of two, 'Reunion' and 'On the road again', both hugely successful in their own rights, the four part first series following the group as they relived the hurt, pain and relief of the initial split, and even have the fans and viewers a like a chance to behind the scenes and into the studio with the tiresome as they recorded their bonus track for the album, which we all now know as Dancing Queen, a track described by H as a nice bridge between last and present.
manageme didn't get the
However, w performanc Morning, the seen in the T to sing live fo and 'Its the w black clothin colour to brig time', they lo and the pro period, use brought the both fashion
As they ma appearanc individual co style was a not as far honest opin the pre-tour During this series too we saw how wrong they could OK!TV (ok, m have had it style-wise, as their fashion advisor Vern, I think it was really did take the absolute p*as with some of the past and ap outfits they were expected to wear. Much like the
ent at the time,it was obvious that Vern during the initial 56y 78 period of the 1st era. e 'Steps' thing. Wowsers, did they look good, and happy!!!
when the made their first live TV ce, at the back end of 2011, on this e styling was far better than anything TV series up until then. As they prepared or the first time in a decade, to 'Tragedy' way you make me feel', they were seen in ng with each member sporting a vibrant ghten up our Tv screens. 'Just like the first ooked as much of a pop group as ever, omotional photos taken during the same ed for the release of the Tour Edition, e party vibe into their fashion that Steps, n and musical wise, were known for. lycra
Claire had been known throughout the lost decade as a yo-yo dieter, and justlike most of us, battled hardwired weight during this period and this wouldn't be a true or fair report on the fashion of the era of there was no mention of how she had put a bit of weight on! There was, as some would expect (not that that makes it right) a bit of body shaming, and many said that she appeared less confident on stage during the Ultimate era, but in keeping the majority of the dance routines pretty much as they were during the original Steps era, she certainly managed to put on a show. Faye and Lisa, are both stunningly beautiful and this era embedded them as the totty of the band. Lisa was not shy in wearing a very revealing one-piece costume for her tour solo medley (Heaven/Beautiful/Lately) and Faye showed off her legs.like never before as she took to the stage to perform 'One Night Only'.
ade some other television promotional ces, they decided to forget about the olours and black costumes, which in their almost spice-esque, although obviously out as the Spice's individuality was. My ion is that the fab five looked their best in r period of the Ultimate era in the TV show As a group, the Ultimate tour began with the group many of you might not have heard of it as emerging from their cryogenic chambers in black a flash in the pan!). They embraced their and white lycra style one-piece costumes. They ppeared in burgundy and reddish/black were figure hugging outfits, just like therefore
51
OPINION outfits that almost certainly made an impact, so much so that the stylists for SClub7's reunion tour must have taken note as there was clearly a connection between both acts' fashion as hypothyroidism shows opened.
reverting to the old faithful, black, with sequins and glitter aplenty! These costumes were used for the full summer tour shows which was the group play in holiday parks, castle grounds and probably the biggest summer date was at Osbourne House in the Isle Of Wight.
The ballad section of The Ultimate tour was the group revert to a colour that has benevolent them, Blue. All wearing dresses and suits for 'Its the way you make me feel', 'Heartbeat', 'When I said Goodbye' and can favourite 'One for Sorrow' before turning up the party vibe, throwing a splash of colour (anything up the camp factor to maximum to close out the shows with some of their most uptempo classic hits, including Dancing Queen, for the first time ever there were joggers worn on stage during a Steps show, was it a good look? Well, who am I to criticise, but, no!
There was nothing sexy about these costumes as such, very plain and very basic, but as they promoted the Light Up the World album in Red and Black costumes (again) there was sultriness, there was sexiness and if only the album had been a baby of the current management, well it Would have almost certainly been more of a success than it was, but in sure someone else will fill you in on that one! Gareth Jones
The finale was of course, Tragedy,
Next Issue: Dangerous Liaisons & a 2017 reinvention 52
EVENTS
the great Richards bake off On a grey rainy November morning there was no better way than to brighten up a miserable start to a new week than Claire giving you a cooking masterclass proving she is not only a talented vocalist that we have all adored for over 21 years now but she knows how to bake a cake or two.
why. This track had an incredibly addictive hook with a beautiful lyrical story (something we know was important to Claire when choosing songs for this album).
The 3rd track Claire performed for us was a “Liar” described as the track that gave clarity in “the direction the album Today we were tasked to would take” is a cover of a bake a Genoise, it was a track by Swedish singerrace against time and a songwriter Lotta Lindgren, first for both Kelly and I but known by her stage name we didn’t let that faze us Léon. Claire really has put and we got straight down her own stamp on this track to following the step-by-step instructions at with her distinctive and sincere heartfelt vocal. our workstation which was beautifully set up Really proving that she can do it all alone was with some stickers with images of Claire with a the closing track of the day. Her lead single baking themed twist on her single and album “On My Own” a track that tells the story of titles.. finding the courage and succeeding to do On hand we had the brilliant Big London Bake something in life that you thought you couldn’t. team but we also had Claire come around A fitting end to Claire’s debut solo album and offer her support and guidance from preview party. When she finished the track how to fold the vanilla sponge mixture to Claire went shy at her incredible performance ensure no flour remained at the bottom of the and directed us back to our stations to mixture to saving our jam quite literally from a decorate the cake. sugar over load. Throughout the stages of After a 20 minute cool off period it was time to preparing our Genoise we had the pleasure return to cut, assemble and decorate the of Claire’s debut solo album playing in the cake. This time the heat was on as we had 15 background. One that sticks clearly in my mind minutes to complete these steps ahead of the as a memorable track was the Cutfather cojudging in true bake off style. produced track “Shame On You”. Whilst the sponge for our cake cooled down ahead of decorating and our Jam was cooling in the fridge, this gave Claire a perfect opportunity to perform. In her words “this is a first” performing in a Kitchen.
Claire followed her set by getting right back into offering Kelly & I her guidance and a demonstration of how to best apply the 'lemon' buttercream in a timely manner to us novice bakers. It was literally down to the wire and as the countdown rained down over us we literally placed the last pieces of our fruit on our on the spot inspired creation. Below you can see what Kelly and I baked with the support of course from Claire
Claire backed only by a live guitar and keyboard sang a superbly beautiful live vocal for four of her tracks lifted from her debut solo album “My Wildest Dreams” which is due for release 1st Feb 2019 Opening the set End Before We Start, Claire’s 2nd single, the next song introduced, whilst not a single was and the bake off team described as being a favourite song of her Lee Mellin album was “These Wings” and we can see
54
PLAYLIST
1. Merry Xmas Everybody
1. Lullaby
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 2. It's A Man's Man's Man's World 3. It May Be Winter Outside
3. You're The One That I Want
4. My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas)
4. Chandelier
5. Dear Santa
6. Fever
6. Heartbeat
7. Call Me
7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
8. Reet Petite
8. Please Come Home For Christmas
9. Unstoppable
9.Tragedy
10. See The Day
BONUS TRACKS
11. The Lonely Goatherd
10. Merry Xmas Everybody (W.I.P Mix)
12. I Go To Rio
11. My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas) [7th Heaven's Xmas Overload Radio Edit]
13. La cumparsita
https://spoti.fi/2UXZEvy
5. Just The Way You Are
14. Lullaby Of Broadway
https://spoti.fi/2ElYlR7 55
VINTAGE
FLASHBACK
MARCH 2000
Steps attend the 2000 Brit Awards showing off their new more grown up edgy styling as they pick up a special award for "Best Selling Live Act of 1999'
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58
THANK YOU
thanks to all this issue's contributors: Matt Ralph, Sean Kennedy, Matt Lawrence, Dan Molloy, Dylan Wood, Gareth Jones, Neil Senior, Richard Wilson, Paul Reynolds, Richard Orr, Lee Melling, Dafydd L. Brookes-Howells & Eloise Felstead
If you would like to be featured or have an idea for inclusion please email your submission to ultimatesteps@outlook.com
Next Issue My Wildest Dreams - full review Part 2 of the style evolution of steps Along with our regular features
59
DIRECTORY STEPS /officialsteps
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