East 17 is an English boy band formed in Walthamstow, London, in 1991 by songwriter Tony Mortimer alongside vocalists Brian Harvey, John Hendy, and Terry Coldwell.[1] The group achieved significant commercial success in the 1990s, securing twelve top-ten singles on the UK Singles Chart between 1992 and 1998, including the Christmas number-one hit "Stay Another Day" in 1994.[2] Their debut album, Walthamstow, topped the UK Albums Chart in 1993, featuring edgy pop tracks with R&B and dance influences that contrasted the polished image of rivals like Take That.[2] Defining the band's "bad boy" persona through provocative lyrics and visuals, East 17's trajectory included lineup changes and disbandments, notably after lead singer Harvey's 1997 expulsion for publicly stating "it's cool to take ecstasy" during a radio interview amid national outrage over drug-related deaths.[3][4] Subsequent reunions without original members have sustained limited touring activity into the 2020s.[5]
History
Formation and debut album (1991–1993)
East 17 was formed in 1991 in Walthamstow, East London, by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tony Mortimer, who had secured a solo record deal with London Records after producing original demo material but negotiated to assemble a group instead.[6][7]Mortimer recruited his school friend John Hendy to provide backing vocals and recruited two younger locals, Terry Coldwell and Brian Harvey, to handle lead vocals and dance routines; the quartet practiced in derelict local flats using portable stereos for choreography.[7][8] The band adopted the name East 17 from their Walthamstow postcode (E17), distinguishing themselves from polished contemporaries like Take That by cultivating a streetwise, "bad boy" image with shaved heads and hip-hop influences.[9][5]The group's debut singles, including "House of Love" (released October 1992, peaking at UK No. 8) and "Deep" (November 1992, UK No. 5), established their sound blending pop, R&B, and dance elements, written and produced primarily by Mortimer.[10] Their self-titled debut album, Walthamstow—named after their hometown—was recorded between March and June 1992 at Mortimer's home studio and released on 15 February 1993 via London Records.[10] The album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart on 27 February 1993, selling over 366,000 copies in its first week and eventually certified platinum with four top-10 singles, marking East 17's breakthrough amid the early 1990s boy band surge.[10][11]
Rise to fame and commercial peak (1994–1996)
East 17's second studio album, Steam, was released on 17 October 1994 by London Records, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and spending 41 weeks in the Top 75.[12] The album's lead single, "Around the World", issued on 7 May 1994, reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart with 17 weeks in the Top 75, marking the band's fourth top-10 hit.[2] Follow-up single "Steam", released in September 1994, achieved a peak of number 7 with 10 weeks on the chart.[2] These releases built on the momentum from their debut album Walthamstow, establishing East 17 as a prominent act in the UK pop scene with a sound blending dance-pop elements and R&B influences.The band's commercial breakthrough came with "Stay Another Day", released on 21 November 1994 as the third single from Steam. It debuted at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart before ascending to number 1 on 4 December1994, holding the top position for five weeks through early 1995 and totaling 59 weeks in the Top 75.[13] As the 1994 Christmas number-one single, it sold over 1.3 million copies in the UK alone, becoming East 17's sole chart-topping release and their biggest hit to date.[13]In 1995, East 17 continued releasing singles from Steam, with "Let It Rain" entering the UK chart on 13 March and peaking at number 10 with eight weeks in the Top 75, followed by "Hold My Body Tight" in June, which reached number 12 over 12 weeks.[2] Their third album, Up All Night, arrived in November 1995, featuring contributions from all members in songwriting. Preceded by "Thunder" in October 1995, which peaked at number 4 with 17 weeks on the chart, the album sustained their visibility but did not match Steam's peaks.[2] Into 1996, "Do U Still?" reached number 7 with 11 weeks, rounding out a string of nine top-10 UK singles from 1994 to 1996 that underscored their peak popularity.[2]
Initial breakup and solo pursuits (1997–2005)
In January 1997, lead singer Brian Harvey sparked widespread controversy during a radio interview by claiming he had taken twelve ecstasy tablets in one night and describing the drug as harmless, comments made shortly after the death of teenager Leah Betts from ecstasy-related causes, prompting intense media backlash and questions in Parliament.[3] The band's record label, London Records, dismissed Harvey on January 17, 1997, citing damage to their image as a group targeted at young fans.[14]Primary songwriter Tony Mortimer then quit the band on February 4, 1997, stating he could no longer work under the prevailing circumstances and citing creative differences, which effectively ended East 17's original lineup and initial phase.[5] The remaining members—Harvey, Terry Coldwell, and John Hendy—reunited without Mortimer as E-17, releasing the single "Each Time" in June 1998, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, followed by "Betcha Can't Wait" reaching number 17.[15] Their album Resurrection, issued in November 1998, achieved minimal commercial success and failed to chart significantly, leading to the trio's disbandment by 1999.[15]Post-breakup, Mortimer withdrew from performing to concentrate on songwriting and family, producing no solo recordings during this period but contributing to other projects behind the scenes.[5]Harvey pursued a solo career, releasing the single "True Step Tonight" in 2001 and collaborating with Wyclef Jean on "Loving You," which reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart that year, though his efforts were hampered by ongoing personal and legal issues.[5] Coldwell and Hendy maintained low profiles with no notable solo releases or public musical ventures by 2005, later shifting away from entertainment entirely.
Multiple reunions and lineup instability (2006–2013)
In early 2006, East 17 announced a reunion featuring the original lineup of Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey, John Hendy, and Terry Coldwell.[16] The group performed a one-off concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on 30 May 2006, which sold out and included renditions of their hits alongside a guest appearance by Shola Ama.[17][18] The event drew a nostalgic crowd but highlighted lingering tensions, with reviews noting the band's energetic yet uneven delivery reflective of their hiatus.[19]Despite initial enthusiasm, the reunion did not lead to sustained activity, as internal conflicts resurfaced and no further tours or recordings materialized immediately. By 2010, Tony Mortimer rejoined Hendy and Coldwell for another attempt, while Brian Harvey exited amid concerns over his reliability.[5] This configuration aimed to capitalize on 1990s nostalgia but faced challenges, including Harvey's replacement by new vocalist Blair Dreelan in subsequent efforts.[20]Lineup instability persisted through 2011–2013, with plans for a Take That-style comeback excluding Harvey faltering due to estrangements among members. Mortimer departed again in 2013 after a three-year stint, underscoring the group's difficulty in maintaining cohesion amid shifting commitments and personal disputes.[21][22][5]
Ongoing activities and current configuration (2014–present)
Following the departure of Brian Harvey in early 2014, the band's lineup consisted of original members Terry Coldwell and John Hendy alongside new vocalist Robbie Craig, formerly of Artful Dodger.[23] This configuration toured and performed at nostalgia events, including supporting B*Witched's Australia and New Zealand tour in 2017 alongside Atomic Kitten, S Club 3, and Liberty X.[24] In June 2018, John Hendy exited the group citing personal issues with other members, leaving Coldwell as the sole original participant.[25]Hendy was temporarily replaced by Terry John in 2018, who was later succeeded by Joe Livermore, establishing the current trio of Coldwell, Craig, and Livermore.[24] The band, often stylized as East17 without a space in recent promotions, has continued live performances across Europe and at events like the 2023 Clapham LGBTQ+ club appearance at The Two Brewers.[4] In 2024, they featured in advertisements wearing white puffer jackets and performed at multiple venues throughout the year.[4][26]Musically, East 17 released the album 24/7 initially in Australia in 2017, followed by an international version on August 27, 2021.[24] Singles included "I Just Wanna" on May 27, 2022, and "Tell Me You’re the One" on December 6, 2024.[24][27] The group remains available for festival and private bookings, focusing on their pop-rock and dance-pop repertoire from the 1990s alongside newer material.[24] Terry Coldwell has expressed doubt about a full original lineup reunion occurring.[28]
Musical style and influences
Core sound and production elements
East 17's core sound integrated pop structures with hip-hop rhythms, R&B harmonies, and dance-oriented beats, yielding an urban-edged style that contrasted with the smoother aesthetics of rival boy bands.[29][30] This fusion often manifested in rap-infused verses juxtaposed against melodic choruses, as evident in tracks like "House of Love," where programmed drums and basslines underpinned group chants and lead vocals.[31] The band's versatility extended to ballads, such as "Stay Another Day," which employed simple chord progressions (I-V-vi-IV loops) to support emotional, repetitive lyrical motifs, diverging from their typical high-energy format.[29]Production was spearheaded by Phil Harding and Ian Curnow at P&E Music in London's Strongroom Studios, who adapted a "service model" prioritizing vocal-centric builds: initial demos from songwriter Tony Mortimer were refined with minimal backing tracks (drums, bass, keyboards), followed by layered lead and harmony vocals arranged for thickness via multi-tracking—often 4-6 unison passes per line.[31][32] Mixes emphasized clarity and impact, incorporating electronic elements like synthesized strings and tubular bells for dynamic crescendos in slower numbers, while uptempo songs leveraged hip-hop-derived beats and reverb-heavy effects to enhance a raw, streetwise texture.[33] Revisions were iterative, guided by manager Tom Watkins' feedback to align with commercial pop imperatives, resulting in a house style that reused proven sonic templates for chart efficiency.[31]
Image and departure from boy band norms
East 17 cultivated a distinctly edgier image as the "bad boys" of 1990s British pop, positioning themselves as a streetwise alternative to the polished, wholesome personas of contemporaries like Take That.[34] Originating from Walthamstow in East London, the group emphasized a working-class, rebellious aesthetic, often appearing in casual, hip-hop influenced attire such as baggy clothing and sportswear, which contrasted sharply with the tailored suits and synchronized choreography typical of boy bands aiming for broad family appeal.[19] This presentation projected authenticity and grit, appealing to fans seeking a rawer form of pop rather than manufactured perfection.[19]Unlike the high-production spectacles of rivals, East 17's live performances eschewed elaborate staging or dance routines in favor of straightforward energy, with members bobbing in a manner reminiscent of early hip-hop acts, underscoring their departure from boy band conventions centered on visual synchronization and glamour.[19] Their music blended light hip-hop rhythms with harder-edged pop, incorporating themes of urban life and emotional depth that veered into bolder territory than the romantic ballads dominating the genre, further reinforcing an image of unfiltered masculinity over sanitized teen idolatry.[34] This "bad boys with a heart" persona, as later reflected in media retrospectives, allowed them to carve a niche amid the boy band boom, though it occasionally invited scrutiny for courting controversy through perceived excesses.[34]
Personnel
Current members
Terry Coldwell remains the sole original member actively performing and recording with East 17, having joined at the band's formation in 1991 and continuing through multiple lineup changes.[27] Robbie Craig, a vocalist previously associated with Artful Dodger, became a core member in early 2014, contributing to subsequent releases and live shows.[24][27] The third current member is Joe Livermore, a multi-instrumentalist who joined more recently to support the group's ongoing activities, including their December 2024 single "Tell Me You're The One."[27]This configuration reflects the band's evolution into a performing entity centered on Coldwell's continuity, amid past disputes and competing claims over the East 17 name by former members like Brian Harvey and John Hendy, who are not part of the active lineup as of late 2024.[4][27] Some booking agencies list variations, such as Terry John in place of Livermore, indicating minor instability in touring personnel, but the recording and primary promotional lineup prioritizes Coldwell, Craig, and Livermore.[35][27]
Former members
Tony Mortimer was a founding member of East 17 in 1991, serving as the primary songwriter and contributing to the band's edgy image and hits like "Stay Another Day." He departed in 1997 amid creative differences following Brian Harvey's dismissal, leading to the group's initial breakup. Mortimer rejoined for a full original lineup reunion from 2006 until 2013, after which he focused on solo music and has not performed with the band since.[36][37]Brian Harvey joined as lead vocalist in 1991 after initially auditioning as a backing dancer. He was dismissed on January 20, 1997, after a Christmas Eve 1996 car accident involving ecstasy, followed by radio comments stating "ecstasy is a harmless drug" and "it's cool to take drugs," which drew widespread backlash. Harvey rejoined briefly for the 2006 reunion and subsequent tours but left permanently in 2010 amid ongoing personal and legal issues, including later convictions for driving offenses.[4][38][37]John Hendy, recruited as drummer in 1991, participated in the band's formation and early success, including breakdancing elements in performances. He remained through the 1997 lineup shifts as E-17 and multiple reunions but exited in 2014, citing fatigue from the band's instability; Hendy has since distanced himself from music, working in production and other ventures.[5][37]
Timeline of changes
East 17 was formed in 1991 in Walthamstow, London, by songwriter Tony Mortimer, who assembled the original lineup consisting of himself, lead vocalist Brian Harvey, John Hendy, and Terry Coldwell.[2][7]On January 17, 1997, Brian Harvey was dismissed from the group after making comments in a radio interview that appeared to endorse ecstasy use as harmless, prompting public backlash and the band's decision to remove him to protect their image.[14]The remaining members attempted to continue briefly without Harvey but disbanded later that year amid commercial decline and internal tensions.[7]A partial reunion featuring Mortimer, Hendy, and Coldwell took place around 2009–2010, focusing on live performances and nostalgia tours.[5]In 2013, Tony Mortimer left the band for the third time, citing creative differences and a desire to pursue solo projects.[5][24]Robbie Craig joined as lead vocalist in early 2014, creating a lineup with Coldwell and Hendy that emphasized touring and new material.[23][24]John Hendy departed in June 2018 following personal conflicts with other members, leaving Coldwell as the sole original member.[39][4]The band has since operated with Terry Coldwell, Robbie Craig, and additional recruits such as Joe Livermore, maintaining activity through live shows as of 2024.[40][4]
Discography
Studio albums
East 17's debut studio album, Walthamstow, was released on 15 February 1993 by London Records and topped the UK Albums Chart for one week.[41][42] The record, produced primarily by band member Tony Mortimer, featured urban-influenced pop tracks and spawned top-10 singles including "House of Love" and "Deep".[10]The band's second album, Steam, followed on 17 October 1994 and peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, achieving double platinum certification for over 600,000 units sold.[12] It included the Christmas number-one single "Stay Another Day" alongside other hits like "Around the World" and "Steam", emphasizing R&B-tinged production.[43]Up All Night, released on 13 November 1995, marked the final album with the original quartet and reached number 13 in the UK.[2] Certified platinum, it shifted toward more mature themes with tracks such as "Let It Rain" and collaborations, though commercial momentum waned compared to prior releases.[44]Following internal changes and a rebranding to E-17, Resurrection emerged on 16 November 1998 as the quartet's first post-Mortimer effort, but it failed to chart in the UK top 100.[15] The album attempted a grittier sound with hip-hop elements, led by Brian Harvey's vocals, yet sold modestly amid the band's declining popularity.[45]After reunions, Dark Light was independently released on 31 March 2012 with a pop-rock orientation, receiving minimal chart impact or sales data in major markets.[46]The sixth studio album, 24/7, debuted in Australia in 2017 before an international digital release on 30 July 2021, focusing on nostalgic pop without notable UK charting.[47][48] A physical edition followed in November 2021, but it garnered limited attention beyond fan circles.[48]
East 17 achieved eleven UK top-ten singles between 1992 and 1998, including their only number-one hit "Stay Another Day", which held the top position for five weeks and amassed 59 weeks on the chart overall.[2] The band's singles often blended pop and R&B elements, contributing to their chart dominance during the mid-1990s British music scene. Following lineup changes, a rebranded version as E-17 released "Each Time" in 1998, peaking at number two and marking their twelfth top-ten entry.[45]Key singles and their UK chart performance are detailed below:
All data sourced from Official Charts Company records. "Stay Another Day" stands as their signature release, certified platinum in the UK for sales exceeding 1.05 million copies by 2023 standards.[2] Later efforts like "Each Time" demonstrated resilience post-departure of member Brian Harvey, though the group disbanded shortly thereafter.[45]
Live performances
Major tours
East 17's most prominent tour during their height of popularity was the Letting Off Steam: The Around the World Tour, which ran from 1994 to 1995 and supported their early albums Walthamstow and Steam.[49] A key concert from this tour occurred at the Brighton Centre on 14 May 1994, captured for a live VHS release titled Letting Off Steam: The Around the World Tour on 10 October 1994, featuring performances of tracks like "House of Love," "Deep," and covers such as Pet Shop Boys' "West End Girls."[50][51] The tour extended into 1995, including a high-profile show at Wembley Arena where the band performed "Stay Another Day."[52]In parallel, East 17 conducted the Peace from the East Tour in Australia during 1994, targeting international expansion amid their UK success.[53] This included a concert at Perth Entertainment Centre on 27 March 1994, showcasing setlists heavy on hits from Walthamstow.Following lineup changes and a hiatus, reunion efforts in the 2010s featured smaller-scale tours rather than large arena outings comparable to the 1990s, such as select Australian dates in 2012.[54] By the mid-1990s, tours like elements of the Peace from the East extension in 1995 reflected ongoing global demand, with multiple documented shows across Europe.[55]
Notable live events and residencies
East 17 delivered a high-profile live performance at Wembley Arena in London on 28 May 1995 during their Letting Off Steam Tour, showcasing hits from their Steam album to a large audience.[56] The set included a rendition of "Stay Another Day," their 1994 Christmas number one single, captured in official footage that highlighted the band's energetic stage presence and synchronized choreography.[52]The band's appearance on the Top of the Pops Christmas Special in 1994 featured a live performance of "Stay Another Day," which aired amid the song's chart dominance and reinforced its seasonal cultural impact as the UK's festive hit.[57]In a significant reunion milestone, the original lineup of Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey, John Hendy, and Terry Coldwell reconvened for a one-off comeback concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on 30 May 2006, their first joint appearance since disbanding in 1997.[16] The event drew attention for reviving the group's 1990s hits and was attended by an audience eager for nostalgia, though it did not lead to an immediate full reformation.[58] Guest performer Shola Ama joined for select numbers, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.[17]East 17 has not undertaken extended theatrical or venue residencies comparable to those of some contemporary acts, with their live output centered on tours, festivals, and sporadic high-profile events rather than prolonged stationary engagements.[59]
Reception
Commercial achievements
East 17 achieved notable commercial success primarily in the UK during the 1990s, with their music topping charts and earning certifications for substantial sales. Their debut album Walthamstow debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart on 27 February 1993, remaining in the top 100 for 33 weeks and featuring hits like "Deep," which peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart.[2] The follow-up Steam reached number three in October 1994, charting for 41 weeks and certified 2× Platinum by the BPI for shipments exceeding 600,000 copies in the UK.[2][60]The band's singles dominated the UK Singles Chart, securing one number-one hit with "Stay Another Day," which topped the chart for five weeks starting 14 December 1994 and amassed 59 weeks overall.[2] Eleven of their singles entered the UK top ten between 1992 and 1998, including "It's Alright" (number three), "Around the World" (number three), and "If You Ever" featuring Gabrielle (number two), contributing to a total of 17 top-40 entries.[2] Albums like Up All Night (peaking at number seven) and the compilation Around the World: Hit Singles – The Journey So Far (number three) further extended their chart presence, with the latter certified Platinum by the BPI.[61]BPI certifications reflect minimum UK sales of 1.8 million albums and between 1.8 and 2.8 million singles for the group, underscoring their domestic dominance despite lineup changes.[35] Estimates from aggregated sales data indicate Steam alone sold over 1.16 million copies worldwide, with total group album sales exceeding 3.39 million globally.[62] Internationally, East 17 charted in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, though specific figures remain less documented than UK performance.[63]
Critical assessments and public perception
East 17's music received mixed assessments from critics, who frequently highlighted the band's energetic fusion of pop, R&B, and dance elements but critiqued their vocal execution and lyrical depth. Their 1994 album Steam, featuring hits like "Around the World" and "Steam", was praised for its polished production and catchy hooks, with retrospective reviews noting it as a "magnificent" showcase of songwriting and harmonies that propelled it to commercial peaks.[60] However, contemporaries often viewed their output as formulaic maximalism, as seen in descriptions of early singles like "House of Love" (1992) as fast-paced tracks laden with rousing but unsubtle messages.[64] Compilations such as The Very Best Of (2005) drew lukewarm responses, with reviewers concluding they offered nostalgic replay value without broader artistic innovation or appeal to new audiences.[65]Public perception positioned East 17 as the edgier counterpart to polished contemporaries like Take That, embodying a working-class, "bad boy" ethos from their Walthamstow origins that resonated with fans seeking authenticity over manufactured wholesomeness.[66] This image, marked by streetwise lyrics addressing sex, politics, and social issues, cultivated a dedicated following in the 1990s, contributing to global sales exceeding 18 million records despite limited mainstream media endorsement.[67] Live performances reinforced this view, with observers noting the band's gusto in delivering back-catalogue material, even if vocal polish was secondary to raw delivery.[58] Over time, their legacy has been reframed as uniquely uncontrived for the era, appealing to nostalgia-driven audiences who valued their hybrid rap-R&B style over PR-sanitized pop.[20]
Controversies
Brian Harvey's drug endorsement and fallout
In January 1997, Brian Harvey, the lead vocalist of East 17, sparked widespread controversy during a radio interview by praising the recreational drug ecstasy (MDMA), claiming he had once taken 12 tablets in a single night without harm and asserting that the substance made users "nicer" and enhanced social experiences.[68] These remarks occurred amid heightened public sensitivity following the November 1995 death of 18-year-old Leah Betts from ecstasy-related complications after consuming a single tablet laced with other substances, an incident that prompted anti-drug campaigns and parliamentary questions in the UK.[3][69]Harvey's comments drew immediate backlash from ecstasy victims' families, anti-drug advocates, and politicians, with Labour MP Giles Radice raising the issue in the House of Commons, questioning the suitability of promoting such views to East 17's young fanbase.[70] The singer initially defended his stance, stating he could not "see the problem" with ecstasy compared to other substances like alcohol or cocaine, which faced less scrutiny despite their risks.[14]On January 16, 1997, Harvey issued a public apology, retracting his endorsement and warning, "Never take ecstasy - it can kill you," in response to pressure from affected families.[69] Despite this, East 17's management, citing irreparable damage to the band's image and the need to protect their audience of teenagers, sacked Harvey the following day, January 17, 1997, effectively ending his tenure with the group after six years and multiple hit albums.[14]The fallout marked a significant turning point for East 17, who rebranded as E-17 without Harvey and released a final album, Resurrection, in 1998, though it underperformed commercially compared to prior successes.[3] Harvey later reflected on the incident as a catalyst for his personal struggles, including depression and substance issues, though he maintained in subsequent interviews that his comments were taken out of context amid media sensationalism.[70][3]
Personal struggles and public incidents
Brian Harvey has faced ongoing mental health challenges, including severe depression, with reports indicating he contemplated suicide as recently as February 2015 amid financial desperation, homelessness risks, and inability to afford basic heating.[3] In March 2019, Harvey was arrested by police following threats of self-harm and subsequently hospitalized under the Mental Health Act; he had previously described himself in online videos as a "prisoner in [his] own home" due to prolonged isolation and paranoia.[71] These episodes built on earlier traumas, such as a December 2005 car accident in which Harvey was critically injured after becoming trapped under his vehicle, requiring extensive surgery and contributing to his psychological distress.[72]Public incidents tied to Harvey's struggles include erratic social media rants in the mid-2010s, where he accused celebrities of conspiracies against him while defending his reliance on benefits amid career decline.[73] A lighter but publicized 2016charitystunt saw Harvey confront a phobia of jacket potatoes—stemming from a delusional episode during his 2005 accident—by smashing one into a fan's face on camera, highlighting his recovery efforts but also underscoring persistent mental fragility.[74]Tony Mortimer, the band's primary songwriter, has also grappled with depression and anxiety attacks severe enough to nearly lead to suicide in the early 2010s, exacerbated by the pressures of fame and personal losses, including his brother's suicide in 1995.[75][76] Unlike Harvey, Mortimer's issues remained more private, with no major public incidents reported, though he has spoken openly about the music industry's toll on mental well-being. Terry Coldwell and John Hendy have largely avoided such publicized struggles, focusing on family and post-band careers without notable health or incident disclosures in available records.[77]
Recognition
Awards
East 17 won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Dance Group at the 1995 ceremony held in Paris.[78][79]Band member and primary songwriter Tony Mortimer received the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year in 1995 for penning "Stay Another Day", which topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks.[80][29]
For "Stay Another Day"; recognizes outstanding songwriting achievement.[80][29]
Nominations and certifications
East 17 was nominated for Best British Single at the 1995 Brit Awards for "Stay Another Day".[82][83]In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has certified East 17 for combined sales of 1.8 million albums and 2.8 million singles.[84] Specific certifications include platinum awards for the albums Walthamstow and Steam (the latter achieving 2× platinum status), as well as 2× platinum for the compilation Around the World Hit Singles: The Journey So Far.[85] For singles, "Stay Another Day" received 2× platinum certification, while "If You Ever" earned platinum; additional singles such as "Deep", "Around the World", "Steam", and "Let It Rain" were certified silver.[61]Outside the UK, "Stay Another Day" was certified gold in Austria.[86] The group has sold over 18 million records worldwide, though comprehensive international certifications beyond the UK remain limited in public records.[84]